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Upgrade Digital Cable Review

I always try and focus in on the weakest link in my overall system. Sometimes an upgrade at that point doesn't take a ton of cash. Knowing the weakest link is however can be an elusive assignment. This time I determined the digital interconnect between my DAC and CD transport got the attention. I had the 75 ohm Analyses Plus Black digital acquired on the cheap. So after having success with several down line tweaks from Mad Scientist in New Zealand, I decided to purchase their Black Magic ULTRA Digital cable. SUCCESS!! Big improvements...let me count the ways....first my wife from the kitchen says, "Hey there's more bass!" True enough but it was like also a half octave lower and more defined. But, before I bore you with audiophile superlatives, the entire presentation is impressively better. Do you ever make a change in your system and say, "WOW, now that helped everything?" Not 'clearer" but beyond that. The system has more depth, detail, more cohesiveness. Highly recommended! (Mad Scientist- New Zealand)

allears4u
fastfreight
827 posts
 

++ on Network Acoustics and in my experience Rich.  I have two Muon Pro Ethernet Filters and they are great.  I also second their AES digital cables.  And top notch customer service to boot!

tony1954's avatar
tony1954
1,077 posts
 

@timkeough1964

"Wow! Those $700 cables really change those 1's and 0's! They add such color and clarity. With just a hint a timber to the mids  and an open and airy humongous sound stage."

If this previous comment by yourself is true, I am not sure you are the most credible person to comment on subtle changes in sound quality.

"After 30 years of playing in bands and going to 100 db concerts, my upper end frequencies were shot. It got to the point where conversations were muffled, and music sounded like I was listening under water. I finally broke down and begun using hearing aids."

Hilarious.

tony1954's avatar
tony1954
1,077 posts
 

@soix +1

"It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt." Mark Twain

markusthenaimnut's avatar
markusthenaimnut
373 posts
 

My .02 story - 

When I bought a standalone DAC I needed a digital cable to connect my CD player. I went to a local shop that sold Nordost and Shunyata. They sent me home with a cost-effective cable from Nordost and also a Nordost Blue Heaven. They said, "Just try them and see whether you like one better."

You already probably know the story. Of course the Blue Heaven was noticeably better. Why? I have no idea.

Two years later I swapped the Nordost for a Cardas Clear. The Cardas was better. Everything just sounded more coherent. No single aspect of the audio spectrum was "louder", but everything sounded clearer, tones were more fully fleshed out. Wonderful.

Then, of course, I was able to try another cable. Jena Labs Valkyrie. Dang! It's even better than the Cardas!

So, in my experience, in my system, upgrading the SPDIF cable made a difference that contributed to my enjoyment. I appreciate that not everyone shares my views; I'm not trying to start an argument. Just wanted to share my experience.

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