2. digital
  3. 181412-7564

AES/EBU vs XLR cables for digital connection

I did look to see if this issue was addressed in earlier discussions but couldn't find any specific information, so here's the story: I've ordered a Sonnet Hermes streamer to complement my Sonnet Morpheus DAC, and since the DAC doesn't have the I2S port (it's USB instead, though I understand I can change this if I want to), the best available connection will be via AES/EBU. I already have a pretty good XLR cable (Clarus Aqua) which I previously used for analog connection but I'm wondering if there's any advantage to using a true 110-ohm AES/EBU cable or if the standard XLR (the impedance of which I don't actually know) will work just as well. Have any of you done an A/B comparison between these two types of cable? Opinions are welcome. Thanks.

cooper52

Showing 2 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
6,443 posts
 

There is a fundamental difference between using a AES vs USB connection. In general, the USB puts more functions on your DAC (like reclocking) and was developed for the PC when it started being used as a streamer… before that the majority of digital connections were SP/DIF and now AES.

So, typically you have to try them depending on the quality of your DAC and streamer. Given that you are going with the same brand I suspect AES will be your best bet. I tried them both on my Aurender W20SE and Audio Research Reference CD9se and found virtually no difference and stuck with the AES.

ghdprentice
6,443 posts
 

@steakster 

 

+1

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