Optimal digital cable length -- science or voodoo?

J, what you are reading about translates to the many low end cable manufacturer's inability to maintain the 75 or 110 ohm impedance across the required frequencies for more than one length. Run don't walk from any brand in this category. Z.

This was one of those observations that was unexpected. As a result, people weren't really looking for it. Sort of like the observation that a copied CD sounds better than the original.

I remember at one time reading an interview with a cable designer. He provided a reasonable scientific explanation for why a slightly longer optical cable was better than a shorter one. Sorry but I don't recall the details. Now whether this was really what was happening or whether it was just a clever argument is not something I can judge. However, there has to be some reason as to why many people report hearing differences.

Here is my white-paper on the subject:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue14/spdif.htm

My findings were independently verified in a double-blind test that was published in a past issue of UHF magazine from Canada.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio