2. digital
  3. 139944-1608

How much better is direct BNC vs adapter

Just got my new Chord CuTest and it uses BNC coax and my Bluesound Node2 uses RCA. So I am currently using a RCA to BNC adapter with. Kimber AGDL RCA/RCA cable. I am considering buying a new cable and have it terminated RCA/BNC, but wanted some opinions from fellow Audio-goners, is it worth any further concern  to eliminate the adapter. 
2nd part to this question, is what cable under 500.00 would you pick?

Thank you in advance
128x128theo
theo's avatar
theo OP
2,690 posts
 
I see now that there have been a couple posts favoring BNC to BNC and using a RCA to BNC adapter. So to echo facten’s question, why? I would like to learn the reason or logic as why this benefits the signal path more than a RCA to BNC terminated cable. Not arguing just learning.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Audioengr, if I understand you correctly, you are stating that BNC to BNC with an RCA to BNC adapter is better than a cable terminated as required? So the 75ohm properties of the signal are corrected by simply adding a second BNC connector?

I have explained this many times on this forum.  RCA connectors cannot be properly terminated to coax cable, I don't care what RCA you use.  Coax cables have BNC connectors specifically designed for each type, so that the impedance discontinuity is minimized.  Using RCA terminated to a coax will cause unwanted reflections, resulting in jitter at the receiving device.  Adding a BNC to RCA adapter is usually harmless and does not result in compromised SQ.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

theo's avatar
theo OP
2,690 posts
 
Thank you, Steve
That helps me understand it better. 
More to discover