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Quality of digital cable from from source to DAC?

Hoping just to gain some understanding.

With respect to the transfer of digital data via metal cable in the audio spectrum, the seeming common thought I’ve managed to discern thus far is that while there is likely no apparent SQ differences to be gained in upgrading the quality of my Cat 6 ethernet cable that link my router (ATT Optical feeding an Apple Airport Extreme) to my streamer (50’ run of off the shelf Cat 6 feeding a Lumin D1), there seems to be considerable reviews claiming significant SQ improvements to be had in utilizing ‘higher quality’ digital cables linking the source (streamer or CD transport) to a DAC (Qutest). Why would this be? Is the digital data file going from the router to the streamer somehow different, or more suspect to error, than the digital data file going from the streamer to the DAC?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated, even if nothing more than passing a long a related link.

Thanks,
Todd
ecolnago
ecolnago OP
22 posts
 
Then perhaps this is central to my lack of understanding. Are not the electromagnetic waves by which the data is being transferred thru the cables between the router/streamer and streamer/DAC purely digital (packets of ones and zeros) in form?

Nothing should be analog until the Digital Analog Convertor converts it, right? Or am I not understanding this (or it's implications) correctly?
Todd



mike_in_nc
1,198 posts
 
There is considerable divergence of opinion on the value of boutique cables when used for USB or Ethernet transmission. Some think they are vital, others find that the extra expense contributes little or nothing. So, I would expect the answers you receive to reflect that divergence.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,327 posts
 
Just read through this thread to see the diversity of views.
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/difference-in-sound-between-copper-and-silver-digital-cables?highlight=silver%2Bcopper%2Bdigital
jond's avatar
jond
6,062 posts
 
I haven't dabbled in boutique ethernet cables but I will say you can get a nicer than standard cable with better shielding, metal connectors, and faster transmission for very little money. That's the route I went with a upgraded Cat8 cable. I won't claim it improved sound but I was chasing noise issues and wanted to better shielding.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 

mike_in_nc
There is considerable divergence of opinion on the value of boutique cables when used for USB or Ethernet transmission. Some think they are vital, others find that the extra expense contributes little or nothing. So, I would expect the answers you receive to reflect that divergence.

>>>>You might be able to make the exact same argument for almost any debate regarding cables or power cords these days. But you have to ask yourself, why would someone like AudioQuest go through all the trouble of controlling directionality of their Ethernet cables and digital cables if the signal being transmitted was 1s and 0s? You have to ask yourself why would anyone do that? 😬 If it is some wild marketing ploy here must be easier marketing ploys.
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