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USB vs SPDIF, which sounds better?

I am currently using an Audience AU24 SE USB cable between my Aurender N10 music server and the Lampizator Big 7 dac. Since both components have the SPDIF connection, I am wondering if the SPDIF would sound better than the USB. If so, what are some good digital RCA cables available today?  Thanks for your input.
respected_ent
respected_ent OP
190 posts
 

@mid40sguy Yes, you are right about the clock and the DSD.  So, if both USB and SPDIF cables are connected from the N10 to the DAC, then how does the PCM signal know to go through the SPDIF connection and not through the USB connection?  Does N10 have an internal mechanism to detect that the SPDIF is connected, so it will use it as opposed to the USB? 

@celander Thanks for the info again.  I've tried the Sablon data only USB cable, and to me the Audience Au24 SE USB still sounds better in my system.

celander's avatar
celander
1,503 posts
 
@respected_ent Your DAC should be used to select the digital input. 
respected_ent OP
190 posts
 
I just double-checked the back of my Big 7, and there is no toggle switch to switch between USB and SPDIF.  Does this mean I can only have 1 cable physically hooked up at a time?  I may need to check with Lampizator on this.
celander's avatar
celander
1,503 posts
 
It’s odd that such a high-end DAC wouldn’t enable user-selected options between digital inputs. I’m sure the company can assist you with this.
respected_ent OP
190 posts
 
My bad.  I forgot I have a remote control for the DAC.  I usually don't use the remote because I have an integrated amp, so I always use the volume control on the integrated amp, not the one on the DAC.  Using the remote, I was able to toggle the input selection.  Problem solved. 
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