as this is my first DAC, I have no previous experience with digital cables
and it seems prudent to explore a little further.
DACs and bass response?
@charles1dad: I tried swapping out the digital cable, then the power cable. At first, I thought they were both contributing to the improved bass. After posting the above message, I listened further and and determined that the replacement power cord was actually rolling off highs, resulting in an overall "darker" tonality. It was also diminishing the overall sense of organization. The latter may not be an audiophile term. What I mean is that, with the replacement power cord, simultaneously overdubbed guitar parts, for example did not sound as if they were properly synced. Instead, there was a sense of chaos. Replacing the original power cord yield a sound I preferred. Nevertheless, I’m going to try still another digital cable. as this is my first DAC, I have no previous experience with digital cables and it seems prudent to explore a little further. |
Here is what I determined by designing and building many digital cables, and making measurements on those and others: 1) the 75 ohm impedance of the cable is critical and should be uniform over it's length 2) Termination of the 75 ohm cable to RCA plugs is a non-starter. Must be terminated to a proper 75 ohm connector, and a good one, like RF or BNC. 3) Use of pure silver in the 75 ohm cable is preferred, much better tonality. 4) 100% shield is beneficial 5) Conductor gauge is critical. Should be 26 Gauge or smaller to avoid skin-effect Here are a few measurements: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154425.0 Steve N.Empirical Audio |