Canare DigiFlex Gold model RCAPOO3F: $$$
Before you try any of the expensive coaxial links, CG advises trying this inexpensive, true 75 ohm cable with Canare crimp RCA connectors. He rates it as his first choice in a digital cable at any price, even preferring it to the Kimber AGDL. JA uses the 110-ohm version in various lengths for CD mastering. (Vol.16 No.7)

No longer available, but Blue Jean Cables will assemble one for you HERE . Recommend

I partially agree with RG. A run of true 75 ohm RG6Q terminated with compression fittings (not CRIMP fittings)is extremely good and beats every digital coaxial cable that I've heard under $450. The key is that the ends must be compression fittings and NOT crimp fittings. Crimp fittings will change the impedance of the cable. I've also heard some DIY guys say that keeping digital cables a bit longer (over 1 meter, some people say over 2 meters, and some go as far as 14 feet.) improves performance.

Impedance tuning of coaxial cables for digital signals does end up being critical. The companies that are best at this will go out of their way to tell you that point and explain how they have made sure that the SPECIFIC length and capacitance and complex LCR considerations are being taken into consideration and the length of the cable is 'the length' and it is specific and sorry, that's it. That's the size, end. They might tell you that and say they'll build to any other size but warn you that the performance will be degraded.

There is no specific point of the cable having to be expensive, to my knowledge. I know, I know. I know ..but there is a fundamental difference that changes that story, just the one time and way.

Excellent!

Quote:
Jeez - the V-DAC is great! That's a preliminary report, but 2-3 hours of listening has been a small revelation. Didn't know if it would be a significant difference from the cd player's own DAC, but it is. Listening over speakers, it struck me that it seemed closer to listening over headphones - I was hearing more details and subtleties from the music.
I also have optical plugged into it, so I can get pure bits out of my Airport Express, and it transforms the stream; it sounds considerably better than the analog-out that it was outputting before. Wow, I'm digging it.
Guess I'm not talking about the cables much now, consider this a quick, favorable DAC review.

Thanks for the info Bill. Much appreciated.

In my careful tests and other serious audiophile I know of, digital coaxial interconnects DO differ in how they deliver audio results between components. After testing Signature top level cables, I constantly notice repetitive difference even in Silver audiophile grade coaxial cables. My advice is to consider small brands for your auditioning as you may find a real gem that will make your music sound metter. If possible do audition some good quality coaxial cables to find the one that helps your source component to really open up to the extend that cables allow so no short cut here.

MykhailoM wrote:

In my careful tests and other serious audiophile I know of, digital coaxial interconnects DO differ in how they deliver audio results between components. After testing Signature top level cables, I constantly notice repetitive difference even in Silver audiophile grade coaxial cables. My advice is to consider small brands for your auditioning as you may find a real gem that will make your music sound metter. If possible do audition some good quality coaxial cables to find the one that helps your source component to really open up to the extend that cables allow so no short cut here.

The only way a digital coaxial cable can change the sound is if the impedance mismatch is so bad that the digital waveshape is being attenuated or rounded off to the point where bits are being lost in the transmission of the data. This should not happen, but it does happen.

The circuit transmitting the data is supposed to have a 75 ohm output impedance, and the cable and receiving circuit also are supposed to have a 75 ohm output impedance, and the cable connectors also should be 75 ohms.

Most cable used for this purpose IS 75 ohm cable, but one big problem is the use of RCA connectors, which should NEVER be used! They are NOT 75 ohm connectors, and really suck as digital connectors.

Any equipment using RCA connectors for a digital cable should be modified by installing 75 ohm connectors, such as the type F used for TV cable connections. TV cables normally use 75 ohm RG-6 cable, so these can be used as digital cables once the type F connector has replaced the RCA connectors on the equipment at both ends.

Another type that is excellent is the 75 ohm BNC connector. This must not be confused with the much more common 52 ohm BNC connector, however. Most BNC connectors are 52 ohms. You have to be very careful to specify the 75 ohm BNC when purchasing them or getting a cable.

Want to try some diy`ing? Put a rca in both end of this tv-coax and listen. This tv-coax has been my digital referense for many years

https://www.amazon.de/Vivanco-710-Antennenkabel-Coaxkabel-20m/dp/B00M9AQ0R6

RE:
" The only way a digital coax cable can change the sound is if the impedance mismatch is so bad that the digital waveshape is being attenuated or rounded off to the point where bits are being lost in the transmission of the data. This should not happen, but it does happen".

YOU'RE WRONG. B.S. in fact. It amazes me the number of folks that parade around as experts but likely have not spent more than ONE HOUR invested in investigation.

Rehashing 100-year old telephony R-C-L considerations (as it relates to SQ distinctions)is laughable as is the naivety of the black & white world some inhabit, and show no interest in leaving.

pj

I've always found it amusing that so many believe that everything that can be experienced can be measured by equipment and ideas that we have, and ignore the increased understanding of everything, from physics, science, engineering and manufacturing technologies.

This reminds me that the Head of the Patent Office recommended to President McKinley that it be closed, in the 1890s, because everything that could be invented had already been invented!

As a side note, I've never found anyone who knows everything about any one subject, and I seriously doubt that I will...