Aes-ebu vs. balanced cable


I need to run a cable (male to female) between my dac and a reclocking device. The dac input is labeled aes-ebu. The plugs on both devices look the same as xlr. One cable distributor said to just use a balanced interconnect, which I already have. Others have said I need need a special aes-ebu 110 cable.  I don’t really understand such details. Can anyone offer advice on who is right and whether to buy an aes ebu cable? Would it do any harm to tryna balanced interconnect?
fast

Showing 1 response by auxinput

Most XLR analog interconnects are built differently than digital AES/EBU cables.  You can use an analog interconnect just fine for AES/EBU, but it is not going to give you as good as performance as a true digital AES/EBU cable.  Analog cables have a completely different design goal.  Digital cables need to be shielded in a certain way and built with a specific impedance in mind.  Solid core conductors in digital cables also help.