Why do digital cables sound different?

Hi Danielho,

The other type of digital audio cable is the optical cable. Optical digital cables are the premier choice for transferring digital audio signals between components. They do not use RCA style connectors; instead they use what are called Toslink (or EIA-J).

These cables use pulses of light to transmit data, instead of copper wire. Since they are immune to interference from electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference, the signals do not degrade and weaken over long distances. Distortion caused by resistance, inductance and capacitance is eliminated, with the result that the best reproductions of digital signals are made possible.

Even though optical digital cables are more expensive, for true audiophiles looking for a superior experience with audio, nothing beats optical digital cable technology.

Since these cables get damaged when bent, they fail to work optimally if installed incorrectly...

Good day...

hdmi cables

Marc258 - I wonder if you read anything on this thread before posting. Toslink is not superior. Toslink is not more expensive. All is system dependent.

I have never used Toslink but I have used glass cables and found sonic differences even in these.

Maybe the differences in sound can be attributed to thick, heavy cables damping analog resonances on the transport or DAC. There may be mass-loading thing going on here. Also, its possible that in a high rez system and an undamped, sparsely furnished room, the cable may change room acoustics and wall reflections slightly.

the differences between digital cables may have as much to do with the cables as the listeners.