Digital cable optimal length?

1.42 meters..Tom

what sonic differences can one expect to hear when using a cable too short or too long?

Too short means confusion and lack of coherence. Musical phrasing is smeared, timing seems subtly off, the image is out of focus. Instruments are harder to place and lack definition. Soundstage is vague. It's easy to spot the difference if you compare two lengths of the same cable.

I've never heard too long but I imagine the effect must be about the same, since the problem--timing of internal reflections--is the same.

Thanks Tobias, Almarg. I did search under 'length' and found more results. I quite don't understand the technical rationale other than maintaining certain impedance, I do believe that it would be unwise for me to buy longer cable to just try out, chances are it would be a waste of money.

I am not sure buying a 'cheap' 1.5 m and 3m digital cable form Radioshack would give me some conclusive result or not. But if does not cost too much, I might try this.

Theaudiotweak's answer 1.42 m is rather curious. Could you care to explain, Tom?

I owned both .5 and 1m Kimber Orchids for use between my CAL Delta and either Sigma or Alpha DAC(back when). The .5m was consistantly terrible(in a number of audible ways), compared to the 1m(which was wonderful). Rat Shack cables(like everything else from them) would be a total waste of money. These are inexpensive, but highly regarded, by everyone that has auditioned them: (http://www.cs1.net/products/canare/LV-77S_digital_audio.htm) They won't break the bank, at any length you choose, either. NO- I've no "connection" with the company. =8^)