2. cables
  3. 190701-188029

Which HDMI cable for I2S?

I'm currently using an inexpensive 12 inch long Monoprice cable to connect my dac to a Gustard U18 interface. Honestly, it sounds quite good.

I don't want to buy a pricey cable, but maybe something by DH Labs, etc. 

There are some deals on older cables that meet HDMI 1.3, 1.4, or 2.0 standards. I know these standards are for video. Would all of them work for I2S digital audio? Would the higher standard HDMI 2.1 be better? 

sls883
baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,404 posts
 

Try the purist audio hdmi cable at under $300. I use it and it replaced the over $700 tubulus concentus cable without missing a beat. It does require a couple hundred hours of break-in. A bit bright at first and nicely rounded after break-in.

 

sls883 OP
249 posts
 

@baylinor

Is that the Diamond Revision cable? 

baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,404 posts
 

@sls833

Yes, It connects the Gustard U18 to the Gustard X26 PRO. I placed it on my TV first which my wife runs 24/7 to do the break-in. Huge improvement after a couple weeks of that. Great value for I2s.

sls883 OP
249 posts
 

@baylinor

Interesting. I have a DH Labs cable ordered. I may give the Purist Audio cable a try. 

rajugsw
213 posts
 

I run Audioquest Cinnamon cause they are built well and look cool. Build quality is what counts WRT to HDMI cables. A $5 "Wal-Mart" cable will sound no different than $500 HDMI cable. But the $5 Dollar cable will fall apart over time. The $50 - $500 shouldn't !

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