AES/EBU, Digital or Coaxial Between Transport-DAC

While there are a number of unpredictable variables that could conceivably tip the balance in either direction, AES/EBU has several theoretical advantages in comparison with S/PDIF, and more often than not I would expect AES/EBU to be the best choice.

Regards,
-- Al

Thanks for the prompt response. Much appreciated. It appears that the sturdy construction of AES/EBU is in some ways superior to both toslink and S/PDIF. Similarly I read that toslink is preferred over S/PDIF, though I agree that unknown variables can tip the balance to either direction.

Cheers.

I read that toslink is preferred over S/PDIF, though I agree that unknown variables can tip the balance to either direction.

While Toslink (optical S/PDIF) avoids the potential for ground loop issues and impedance matching issues that may arise with coaxial S/PDIF, it can have issues of its own, related to transducer quality and to slow risetimes and falltimes that can contribute to jitter.

My perception has been that more often than not member posts reporting on comparisons between those two interfaces have favored the coaxial (electrical) alternative.

Best of luck, however you decide to proceed! Regards,

-- Al

I agree with Liz and Al. I have owned MANY DACs and transports and almost always found the AES/EBU connection to be the best sounding.