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Showing 1 of 127 conversations about:
Armaegis
127
Jun 11, 2016
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j-tech
93
Jun 13, 2016
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ArmaegisThe only thing I'd like to add about digital cables is this:
Although the signal being conveyed over the cable is digital, the actual signal being transported is of course analog. Well, unless we're talking optical. I'll keep optical out of this.
So what does this mean, well, the analog wave coming across the cable to the, presumably, external DAC, has to be interpreted by the DAC as a digital signal. If the signal doesn't have a perfect timing on the switches from low to high, or high to low, or the those changes does not happen quickly and cleanly enough there is room for the DAC to misinterpret the signal. And this certainly happens. Can a cable make a difference in this equation, to me logic seems to dictate yes. However, chances are that for a typical short run the difference between a quality $20 cable and a $300 cable is negligible. I don't have any serious research to reference where measurements have been done on this though.
Anyways, long story short, personally I prefer to spend a few dollars extra for a solid well built cable that is properly terminated, than just grab the cheapest thing I see at best buy....
Although the signal being conveyed over the cable is digital, the actual signal being transported is of course analog. Well, unless we're talking optical. I'll keep optical out of this.
So what does this mean, well, the analog wave coming across the cable to the, presumably, external DAC, has to be interpreted by the DAC as a digital signal. If the signal doesn't have a perfect timing on the switches from low to high, or high to low, or the those changes does not happen quickly and cleanly enough there is room for the DAC to misinterpret the signal. And this certainly happens. Can a cable make a difference in this equation, to me logic seems to dictate yes. However, chances are that for a typical short run the difference between a quality $20 cable and a $300 cable is negligible. I don't have any serious research to reference where measurements have been done on this though.
Anyways, long story short, personally I prefer to spend a few dollars extra for a solid well built cable that is properly terminated, than just grab the cheapest thing I see at best buy....
Armaegis
127
Jun 13, 2016
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j-techThe more pressing matter is characteristic impedance, which is not something an average DIY person (nor even highly skilled one for that matter) is able to handle properly.
But as you said, in a typical home situation with short runs, it's rather moot. $20 is certainly reasonable for a well built & spec'd cable. A cheapie $2 one might work, but if you're at thep point where you're even talking cables in the first place, then $20 shouldn't break the bank. Now if you're looking at $300 cables for a $200 system, then you've got your priorities mixed up.
But as you said, in a typical home situation with short runs, it's rather moot. $20 is certainly reasonable for a well built & spec'd cable. A cheapie $2 one might work, but if you're at thep point where you're even talking cables in the first place, then $20 shouldn't break the bank. Now if you're looking at $300 cables for a $200 system, then you've got your priorities mixed up.
Stevangelist
54
Sep 4, 2017
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j-techYes, the world could do with less coax RCA, that's for damn sure. As for the cabling iteself, use a heavy enough guage based on noise profile. All these 6 inch long 12 guage RCA patch cables that are popular right now are absolute overkill, and way overpriced. You can build one for.. lets say $3 including the length of cable and terminals. The cables I use are shielded, at 12awg, and are ballpark 10 cents USD per foot. Four decent terminals, $2. OFC cabling might be more expensive, but again, for a short length is it worth it?
edit: whoa I realized I would love to quantify the differences between a $3 cable home made, and a moderately priced pro cable. I think people would like that info! Next time I have some down time at work I may have to do some soldering, and dust off the ol' oscilloscope.
j-tech
93
Sep 4, 2017
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StevangelistYes, I think the signal loss over such a short cable would be very small indeed. I too would be interested in seeing some actual measurements comparing such cables though. I'm thinking the quality of the termination of the cables might be the most crucial part.
LuckyLuke575
561
Mar 27, 2019
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ArmaegisAgree with the premise of the argument, and would add that there's a minimum threshold that needs to be crossed before getting to the realm of equivalent outcomes. Buying a cable from a gas station is not the same as buying a custom cable with a Mogami core, but at the same time paying crazy prices running into hundreds of dollars on a cable is probably a waste of money.
(Edited)
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Almost all cables want low resistance/inductance/capacitance. For all connections, keep the contact surfaces clean. Typically, a larger contacting surface is better than a point contact. Avoid lateral stresses where possible as well simply to ease mechanical wear and tear. Digital cables is where things can get a little wobbly, and where elements of shielding and characteristic impedance are more important (the latter being flatly out of the realm of DIY and boutique manufacturers unless someone happens to have some *very* expensive equipment at home). Sadly, many digital cables don't even meet proper spec, although this may be moot for audio applications but that's another bucket of worms.