Cable question

I know this has been asked before and I've read though some threads, although they seemed to be fairly old. So here goes.

Is there an actual difference...and I mean an AUDIBLE difference...between toslink and coax from a CD player to DAC?

Thanks in advance.

PS...I really AM a robot, but I do what I have to do...

secretguy03-04-2022 8:30pm

soix Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 9,456 posts 03-04-2022 at 09:42pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Yes. Why would you convert from digital and optical on both ends and think that’d sound better than no conversion? Plus, optical is limited to 24/96. Is that enough for you?
jbmac75 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 193 posts 03-05-2022 at 02:32am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I have used toslink with very good results on a Bluesound streamer. Enough?
djones51 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,947 posts 03-05-2022 at 03:07am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete No.
carlsbad Details Discussions Posts This discussion 1,551 posts 03-05-2022 at 02:47pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I say no, so long as both cables are working correctly and not dropping bits. Digital is all 1s and 0s so there is no .98 vs .99 performance. Generally those who tout improved digital performance are trying to sell something and hope you'll convince yourself you can hear a difference. That said, there are people I respect who disagree with me so I continue to keep an open mind on this issue. Optical does require some data management on both ends so you can lose some bits there and I have had optical systems that I thought didn't sound as good. Maybe it's the conversion. I use USB. Jerry