2. cables
  3. 1355415472

Optimal length for digital cables: 1m or 1.5m?

I am debating the purchase of a 1m (RCA connector) NordOst Valhalla and the 1.5m version between the DAC and the preamp. Whilst it may be safer to acquire the longer version, the price difference alone can probably be better used for other improvements.

Some suggested 1.5m is the optimal length so I hope for those elaborating on their findings and if someone had the chance to A/B 1m vs 1.5m of the same digital cable (it doesn't have to be NordOst Valhalla) that would be utmost helpful.

(Sorry if this question has been posted before but I couldnt find entries with a direct comparison between 1m and 1.5m of a digital cable.)
polyglot
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
9,670 posts
 
First, I'm not sure why you would be using a digital cable between a DAC and a preamp. Usually the left and right channel analog outputs of a DAC would be connected to analog inputs of the preamp, and the cables would be conducting analog signals.

In any event, assuming that the cable is conducting a digital signal, yes 1.5 meters would be a safer choice. See this paper for an explanation. Your chances of getting comparably good results with a 1 meter length are dependent on many technical parameters of the specific components that are being connected, many of which are not usually specified by the manufacturers. The particular cable type is also a factor.

So I would suggest that you indicate the make and model of the particular components that you want to connect, and that you do not attach much significance to experiences with 1 meter lengths that may be reported unless those experiences were with the same components.

Regards,
-- Al
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
the length that 'supplies' sufficient rated impedance.
polyglot OP
77 posts
 
Mea culpa Al! I meant between my Cary 306 that I use as transporter and the Eastern Electric MiniMax DAC Plus (which fortunately has the BNC connector as well). Thanks for the link.

If I may ask you a similar question but for the analogue signal xfer: assuming that there is no impedance mismatch between the preamp and power amp, how short can a RCA interconnect be?
More to discover