2. cables
  3. 1238608938

Amphenol glass toslinks - First impressions

I just got my Amphenol glass toslink cables. I have done a quick a/b between it and a basic $5.00 fiber toslink .
The detail is very noticable right off the bat. There seems to be greater hang time on the steel guitars, the brush on the snare is more defined and the texture of the electronocs is more distinct. The soundstage seems to be deeper also. The vocals and instruments that are far back also are not muddy, but very clear and crisp.
In my opinion they do make a definite difference over the standard fiber cables that I have been buying elsewhere.

Anyone else notice that difference when changing to glass?
128x128mattzack2
vleena2
28 posts
 
Mattzack2
Do you think Audio alchemy DTI will help in reduce Jitter in your set up ? I have heard that it can even make the connection worse. Have you ever tried ?

I just purchased TEAC VRDS10 to be used as transport for Valab. What is the best coonection you recommend ?
thanks
Vichai
mattzack2's avatar
mattzack2 OP
175 posts
 
I prefer the coax with a good cable. I am using a Virtual Dynamics Master digital cable and it give the most musical sound.

The Virtual Dynamics seems to bring out some of the background instruments into their own space a lot more than the optical glass does. And not only does the does bring it out more, it also makes that instrument livelier and very easy for me to shift my focus to in order to enjoy that musician's emotion or personality.

I am not familiar with the Audio Alchemy device, but I can tell you that if it truly eliminates or reduces jitter, it will help. I am just learning about jitter, but it you direct your jitter reduction at the source, it will reduce the amount of jitter being amplified.

I also have a Mac Mini with a RSA Poiema USB cable that I run into the Valab. I just received it the other day, so I will be comparing that to the other inputs to see where the differences lie.

What type of amp are you using? I am using tubes. I would be interested in hearing how you are enjoying your Teac with your Valab.
vleena2
28 posts
 

I know nothing about Jitter, It sounds too technical for me.
However, I found one article in Stereophile " A transport of delight:CD transport jitter", published in 1993. You can find in the website. It compared a few Transports with various results.

I am using tubes as well, ASL Hurricane Poweramp, Hovland pre. Nordost SPM ICs between DAC and Pre, and Zen Silver Ref between Pre and Power, and Nordost Tyr apeaker cable.

For Digical coax cable, I purchased Korea made Audioplus from the dealer who sold me Valab. It costs $80. It claims to be popular and Hiend cable in Korea. This is my first digital cable. So I have nothing to compare.

The overall sound of VRDS10 + Valab is warm, sweet, liquid, tends to be a bit creamy at midrange. Good bass. I also have Rega Saturn CDP which sounds leaner, more dynamic. I wonder whether the VRDS10 and Valab combo may work better with solidstate amp. However, I will need more time to let Valib burnt in.

I can notice the sonic different right away when compare between VRDS10 and Rega as transport, again as transport, Rega sounds thiner, flat, less musical bloom when compared with VRDS10. Again need more time to the switching gears and experiment to confirm the results.

Valab may require a good transport matching, but it does not mean an expensive one. I guess.

By the way, 80% of my listening was femal vocal.
More to discover