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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
tweak1 OP
3,645 posts
 
@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
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,895 posts
 
The NOS Nordost Siler Shadow can sometimes be found for <$150 and is a fantastic  sounding SPDIF spec cable.

@buff a dealer on this site has them from time to time and is a great guy.

no affiliate, just happy customer 
tweak1 OP
3,645 posts
 
@tomic601 

Thanks. I checked, it's ~ a 12 YO design. I wouldn't think it would compare to newer designs/materials
tweak1 OP
3,645 posts
 
I replaced the 1.5m Pangea with the 1.5m Pangea XL a couple hours ago. Obviously 'some' break in is needed, but, in short, the presentation is much more intimate. I find my body grooving to the Paul Butterfield Blues Band "Better Days"
tweak1 OP
3,645 posts
 
As previously mentioned, I replaced the 1.5m Pangea Premier SE with the 1.5m Pangea XL, the presentation is much more intimate. I find my body grooving to the music: PRAT. Now, some 50 hours of play time later, I am blown away (especially for $150!). So far, every redbook CD I played I am much much closer to the actual recording: singers and instruments are extremely palpable and when recorded, bass, drums, and piano are very authoritative.

https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PGDCPXL&variation=1.5
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