Digital Cables: Optical, Coax, BNC, or a simple RCA interconnect?


Until recently I've been using a WireWorld Optical cable (~$100) which I bought when I was using a Pioneer PD 65 CD player as a transport (until it died) and optical was the only out option. So, I've been using my Oppo 105 to play both SACDs direct via XLRs to my Audio Alchemy DDP-1 dac/pre and recently using the optical cable for redbook playback.

Last week I was reading up on Coax, and one thread suggested trying a regular RCA interconnect, although the connectors are not 75ohms. I had a pair of DHLabs BL-1 (older light blue jacket) laying around and decided to compare it to the optical. Easy Peasy as the DDP-1 has various input connections which can be accessed on the remote. Well, amazing doesn't come close to how much the music became alive/tactile/3D.
So, I looked on DHLabs site after reading that their D-750 was highly regarded. They will let me return it if Im not satisfied. That's the good news, but a 1.0m cable is $150, certainly not expensive, but Pangea makes one that seems extremely well thought out and it's on sale at Audio Advisor for $49.95 plus free shipping, so I ordered it. Depending on how much it blows me away I may go ahead and order the DHLabs too, just to compare
Anybody have anything to contribute?
tweak1
To whomever mentioned 1.5m will sound better: THANK YOU!!!
Right out of the box it is solidly grounded: the music is more organic without losing the timber and tone of the 1.0m. It definitely plays bigger, more robust

Now, this begs the question; has anyone compared the WireWorld Series 7/8 coax (1.5m MSRP $300), or the DHLabs 1.5m is $200. Hrrd to imagine they could be 3-5xs better than the Pangea
This was posted by Ricevs in another thread. I have long used Machina Dynamic Springs, but these look like a possible upgrade. Can't wait to find out!

https://www.smalley.com/wave-springs?creative=270098678569&keyword=springs&matchtype=e&n...
The 1.5 performed much better, but how many hours of break-in before it really comes on song? Last night was day 6 of connection, but maybe 10 hours of actual play time. I listened to Lyle Lovett and his Large Band, followed by Bonnie Raitt, Nick of Time (I have owned them both for ~10 years): they both sounded quantum levels better than they ever did, no matter whether I had an all tube system, or all SS with class AB amps.

Cutting to the chase, ones digital connection could be why some have negative comments about class D

OMG I see they also have a Premier XL $149 for 1.5m, so I’m ordering it now
https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PGDCPXL&variation=1.5

I haven't really used 1.5M cables, but the longer 2M cables are always superior to the short 1M cables (just search for "digital reflection on short cable").

Pangea makes decent stuff, but it's not the overall best.  The Pangea cables I have tested are pretty good, but can come across just a bit dull when compared to better cables.

I don't actually know how the "Pangea Premier XL" is going to compare with the DH Labs D-750.  They are both coax RG-6 type 18awg silver-plated solid-core copper with foamed PE insulation.  The DH Labs is $50 more expensive.  I've tested the DH Labs and it's quite a good cable for the money.  I actually really liked the D-750, but ultimately there are better cables (but obviously much more expensive).

The more expensive Nordost cables, such as Heimdall 2, are absolutely awsome, but your paying $800 for a 2M COAX.

The other cable that may be really good is Black Cat Cable, but I have never tested them.

I would not necessarily choose the Wire World digital cables because they are based on DLNA Helix design which uses multiple individual conductors for the cable.  Their Platinum COAX is advertised as 22awg, but uses 4 conductors that are essentially 28awg each.

Smaller conductors just don't have enough "oomph" for bass/midbass power, even if there are multiple conductors.  The Pangea and DH Labs are 18awg solid-core.  The Nordost Heimdall 2 is 20 awg solid-core.  I don't think I would go smaller than this and I would always choose solid-core designs.

I have tested 24awg solid-core digital COAX cables and they are okay, but just don't have the openness and "oomph" for bass/midbass.
@auxinput

Thanks for your input.


When I called Audio Advisor to order the XL I spoke with Joe, who was surprised that I preferred the 1.5m to the 1.0m. He believes the 1.0 is better. In terms of pinpoint imaging it was, but it lacked the grounded nature of the 1.5m


Wish I could buy more expensive versions just to hear how much better spending 2-5Xs as much will be. I read a 6moons review that compared the reviewers coax (forget whose) to both WireWorld Silver and Gold, the Gold being considerably more expensive, but he appreciated the improvement

Unfortunately, my Oppo 105 only as one coax out, so I can’t simply switch between 2