Digital Interconnects - Which one is the BEST ??!!

@audiotroy

@itsjustme 

Yup …. your posts are  the best responses I’ve read on this oft-repeating query.

well, thank you.

Just trying to disambiguate.  The problem is separating bad formats from bad implementations - either can create bad sound and then the speculation begins :-)

The bottom line is that some learning and work can substitute for a LOT of money.

I have to get the ins and outs right since i design similar stuff.

and yes digital cables have different Sonic characters ,how much are you willing to spend is the ?

cable makers love people like this.. they are laughing all the way to the bank

typically audiophool nonsense.. which stated another way is  "the most expensive cables sound the best"

which is nonsense... utter nonsense

Over the last few years I tried various combinations.

2 sources : Project RS2T CD  and Mac mini going to Devialet 250.

Using :

- USB cable by itself, then with various decrapifiers then with Intona Galvanic Isolator.

- Digital coax

- XLR AES/EBU

- Optical

All high quality cables (200 to 300 euros each used, mostly Kimber and Crystal cables).

Tried with instant switching, and over long periods.

It was mostly hair splitting differences.

Devialet inputs are very good.

Ended up plugging the Mac mini to a Matrix D to D converter (stock $5 USB cable), then Matrix to DAC via XLR. This has given me the most consistently perfect sound out of my Devialet.

I have only used RCA and went from a 30 year old Audioquest RCA to the Audioquest Carbon and was a very significant and instant improvement across the board.  I later got a good deal on a Cardas Clear RCA and really didn't notice much difference so that proved the great value of the AQ Carbon.