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  3. 153756-131340

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
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Digital cables and Ethernet cables are no different from any other cables that transfer electromagnetic waves. It’s not as if those cables are passing packets of ones and zeros. That’s why consideration must be given to the same parameters as any speaker or power cord in terms of honoring the inherent directionality of wire and the dielectric material, purity of the metal, purity of connectors, etc. 
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
1,163 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.
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