Digital XLR vs. Analog XLR - Balanced Cables

Renato13 - It is system thing. XLR protect from induced noise by using twisted pair and differential signal of much higher amplitude but at the same time might slow down transition if drivers have limited slew rate because they swing higher voltage. In addition shield is grounded on both ends - possible source of ground loops. Any jitter creation is always system dependent. It is usually wise to use 1.5m cable because signal travels forth and back (reflection) about 30ns (5ns/m propagation) just clearing original transition that lasts typical 25-30ns. Longer cable adds to noise pickup.

01-17-12: Renato13
Ok...So in a pistachio shell, say you have the option to use either an AES/EBU digital 110 ohm cable OUT from a USB to SPDIF converter to a WYRED4SOUND DAC2 AES/EBU input OR a 75 ohm digital SPDIF interconnect from same USB to SPDIF converter into same W4S Dac2. I keep hearing two tales: 1) that there's no difference since both are digital and 2) that there is a difference, claiming the EAE/EBU connection is superior. Any opinion or truth is truly appreciated.

There will often be a difference. If there is a difference, it can be expected that more often than not the AES/EBU connection will be superior, but in many cases the opposite will be true. The technical issues that are involved are system dependent, as Kijanki indicated, and largely unpredictable. See my post here and my two posts here.

Regards,
-- Al

Small correction to my previous post - signal will travel 2x1.5m=3m in 15ns (not 30ns) just clearing about half of typical 25-30ns transition (where threshold is).