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Why do digital cables sound different?

I have been talking to a few e-mail buddies and have a question that isn't being satisfactorily answered this far. So...I'm asking the experts on the forum to pitch in. This has probably been asked before but I can't find any references for it. Can someone explain why one DIGITAL cable (coaxial, BNC, etc.) can sound different than another? There are also similar claims for Toslink. In my mind, we're just trying to move bits from one place to another. Doesn't the digital stream get reconstituted and re-clocked on the receiving end anyway? Please enlighten me and maybe send along some URLs for my edification. Thanks, Dan
danielho
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
Mceljo, there are only 3 non-overlaping channels in 2.4GHz WiFi. My microwave operates on one of the channels interrupting my music while neighbors operate on two other channels with routers most likely set to max power. I switched to 5GHz. It gives me 23 non-overlaping channels, practically nobody uses it (not very popular), no sources of interference, and poor penetration thru the walls keeping offending signals (if any) away.
I bough 5GHz WiFi USB adaptor for my old MacMini and dual band Linksys router. Receiver (Airport Express) can receive both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. No more dropouts.
tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
I agree with you Kijanki. I have a dual band router as well but cannot use the 5ghz signal because it simply is too weak. My wireless router is upstairs and my listening room is downstairs in the corner of the house. That said, I believe you can still get a strong, reliable signal from 2.4ghz. Most people do not change the default channel on their wireless router. Just changing my channel greatly increased not only throughput but also reliability. For those who are having wireless issues on their 2.4ghz band I highly suggest playing around with the channels first to see if it solves the problem.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,317 posts
 
"Why is it so darn difficult for some people to accept the simple fact that some listeners have better hearing ability than others; wether because of physiological differences, experience, or training? "

ITs not hard to accept that, but knowing who those people are for sure can be a challenge.
mceljo
1,357 posts
 
Mapman - it doesn't help that the vast majority assume themselves to be immune to placebo and the power of expectations. It is alway blamed on inferior hearing and the number of audiophiles that believe they heard something and then later convinced themselves otherwise is approaching zero.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,317 posts
 
Mcel,

Most of the people here are pretty smart. Do you really think that they think that?

There are many other reasons as well why someone would choose to ignore those things.

But the bottom line is, if they do, then take everything said with an extra grain of salt or two. The reason why they do does no really matter much then.
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