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Digital Cable Choice; how critical is it?

I am a beleiver that analog cables play a big part in a system's sonic performance.

I am giving consideration to adding an external DAC to my system, for the first time. Always using a single box digital source, I have no experience with digital cables.

I really am a music guy & not a computer/techie guy. So, considering that the digital information that runs from the DAC to the Preamp is 1's & 0's or bits & bytes or whatever they are called; how critical is it to the sonic perfromance that I use an elaborate digital cable, as I have done with my analog interconnects?

Is the sound quality affected with the use of different cables, while still in the digital domain?

Your experience is appreciated
barrelchief
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Nsgarch, I'm only referring to 75-ohm metal cables, I have no experience with any other kind.
rja's avatar
rja
2,377 posts
 
My experiences have shown that there are dramatic sonic differences between digital cables. I cannot explain these differences in scientific terms but I am sure they exist, zeros and ones notwithstanding. One thing of which I'm sure, the differences are not "placebo" effect. Does everything that can't be explained by science fail to exist?
jeff_jones
418 posts
 
Nsgarch - Just work to date for a recording device. The one o these days plan is to get the meaningful measurables on my audio system recorded to hard disc for reference and troubleshooting, and then too start digging into things like does the dc buss on my pre amp wiggle when the fridge kicks on & does this create a measurable difference to a constant frequency wave output measured between amp & speakers.
tweakmenow
35 posts
 
VERY... I've owned the i2digital X-60 for the previous two years. (This cable is no slouch) http://www.i2digital.com/splash.html#

I just purchased a Harmonic Technology Cyberlight. Very obvious differences that even my girlfriend easily hears.

(1) Very faint sounds that were never heard before come thru easily.
(2) When the system volume is high, instead of the music sounding loud, it sounds like real instruments in your room, all very relaxed sounding.
(3) Lower noise floor
(4) Top to bottom improvement in reproduction.

I could go on and on, but will stop here.
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