2. cables
  3. 180911-118590

How crucial is the quality of a digital cable?

I recently purchased a Cambridge Audio CX 81 integrated amp. The analog inputs sound great, but I find the internal DAC to be a disappointment. It uses the ESS Sabre ES9016K2M chip. I use a mid-level Rotel RCD 951 CD deck as a transport via the digital coax. I also hooked the deck via the analog out, just to compare. The analog interconnects are entry level AQ's. The digital coax is an Amazon purchase in the $15 range. I find the internal DAC of the 20 year old Rotel to be superior to the new AX 81, when doing an A/B.

What then confuses me is that the Blue Tooth streaming from the amp is quite good. It is HD aptX,  24-bit/84kHz capable. But, wouldn't that also go through the same internal DAC? Could it be the mediocre Amazon digital coax cable? I always assumed that digital cable quality was less significant than analog cables. Just bits and bites, right?

If someone knows of a decent digital coax for under $50, I would be very grateful. I would also appreciate any advice on an entry level power cord for the amp. Can a decent power cord be had for under $100? 

 

motown-l
daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1
518 posts
 

I tried to keep things under control when I started.  I found an ebay seller.  Pine Tree Audio.  He also has a web site.  Good quality low overhead company.  COAX digital cable $40.  Power cords are braided with very nice plugs.  Prices vary/  I think mine were $50.  Very nice people to deal with.  Good luck and enjoy your improvements.

 

jond's avatar
jond
5,680 posts
 

I think it makes a huge difference I picked up a Jorma Digital cable used and the difference was ear opening one of the best purchases I've made.

wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
894 posts
 

Can of worms and some great advice above. If you upgrade to not using your phone as a source (dedicated streamer) and upgrade the DAC and cables you will be rewarded. And how  

A used LumimT2 is one such all in one device. (It supports native Amazon HD) it’s a great price point for what you get. Separates also great but will have a higher entry cost.

Also try a free Qobuz trail. 
 

 

baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,226 posts
 

@motown-l 

I will give you two examples:

- On streamer to DAC I replaced a DH LABS SILVERSONIC  USB cable with a CURIOUS USB cable. Big difference, so much more musical, less harshness, smooth to the ears yet plenty detailed.

- latest switch, from CD Transport to Dac, I replaced a AQ Carbon 48 hdmi with the Tubulus Concentus I2s cable. OMG, unbelievable difference as soon as I connected it. So much better detailing with incredibly tight bass and a very airy sense of space, gorgeous.

You can see more details about the equipment on my house of stereo system.

Digital interconnects have had the biggest sound improvement in my system vs power cables as my listening house has a dedicated line with zero interference. So yes, digital cables upgrades make a huge difference but it is not cheap.

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,885 posts
 

It’s a catch 22 mits not just the usb, or digital cable ,

but you have at least 2 Ethernet cables that too effect the sound quality 

the Ethernet cable closet to the hub makes the most difference 

the Ethernet hum too ,such as uptone audio ether regen around $630 

makes a noticeable improvement , the synergistic research is the best I have hear 

by a large margin but around $2k I will get one ,maybe  I spent $5k just in hub and cables ,and don’t even have the top Ethernet hub , Top Digital sound quality cost over $10 k ,the dac alone is around $5k and up.

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