BNC or Coax?

Here is more information on the SPDIF protocol, which as Ghostrider45 indicates can be transmitted over coaxial cable that can be terminated with either RCA or BNC connectors (and can also be transmitted over optical cable):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SPDIF

I wanted to add, in case it proves to be relevant, that RCA-to-BNC and BNC-to-RCA adapters are readily and cheaply available, although of course it is always good practice to avoid adapters where possible:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/408187-REG/Hosa_Technology_NBR_253_NBR253_BNC_to_RCA.html#features

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/517840-REG/Mace_F_BNC_M_RCA_F_BNC_M_RCA_BNC_to_RCA.html

Regards,
-- Al

So, is the concensus that RCA termination or BNC termination is equally reliable for transmission of digital audio (say between transport and DAC)??? Or are there quantifiable differences between the two type of connectors?

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So, is the concensus that RCA termination or BNC termination is equally reliable for transmission of digital audio (say between transport and DAC)??? Or are there quantifiable differences between the two type of connectors?

I don't think it's readily quantifiable. The degree of sensitivity to impedance mismatch would be dependent, among other things, on the risetimes and falltimes of the digital pulses, which are not specified and probably differ among different components; the length of the cable; the amount of mismatch at both ends; and other factors. And the differences that the connectors make (such as the effects that impedance mismatch might have on jitter, resulting from its effects on waveform quality) might be overshadowed by other differences between the components being compared.

The best guide is probably just reading about other people's experiences with the particular components, and if possible auditioning them yourself.

Regards,
-- Al

So, is the concensus that RCA termination or BNC termination is equally reliable

The simple answer, if there is one, is yes. However, when possible I'd always choose BNC over RCA. If I had to go with RCA I wouldn't worry too much about it...or optical (Toslink) for that matter.

Hey Musicman.

Why would you choose the BNC connector over RCA? Tighter connection? But, there are "locking" RCA connectors.

It seems that cables w/ BNC connectors are always more expensive than the same cable with RCA connectors. Also, with many components RCA connections come standard, but it costs extra for BNC connections.

Is it possible that BNC connections/connectors are a carry over from pro audio where a secure connection is vitally important.