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Streamer vs. CD Transport

I have my Arcam R Play streamer and my Cyrus CD t transport both connected to a Schiit Gungnir Multibit DAC.  The streamer only has an output for a coax connector whereas the transport has provision for both coax and optical cable. Therefore, I have the coax hooking up the streamer and the optical connected to the transport.  I like the sound of both, but the SQ from the Arcam seems to be slightly superior to the SQ of the Cyrus.
My question is, is this due to the inherent superiority of coax technology over optical technology?
Or, is streaming better sounding than CDs?
128x128rvpiano
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,403 posts
 
The Black Cat may not be fully run-in. Some cable require about 200 hours.
You should run your source through the cable day and night. Then have a listen.

Lack of highs and transparency would mean it's not a high quality cable, or it's new and needs more hours of run-in.

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,516 posts
 
According to the Cable Company, the loaner Black Cat they sent me was already thoroughly broken in.
I also used it continually for two days before pulling the plug.
There was really a huge difference in enjoyment between my cable and the Black Cat.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,403 posts
 
Oh yeah, I forgot that it came from The Cable Company. You're right, that's how the Black Cat is going to sound. Disappointing.

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,516 posts
 
One thing that I’ve learned from this, is the immense difference cables make on the quality of the sound.  It’s a night and day difference between the two cables.
I was beginning to think something was wrong with my system until I went back to the original wire (which btw is a very nigh quality cable.)

pengun
79 posts
 
 A DAC that does asynchronous USB well, like my Music Fidelity V 90, sounds much better than Toslink with a decent cable.
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