Best connection, BNC, Balanced, toslink, ATT

Rule outToslink!!! And I think that ATT glass also falls behind the other non-optical choices, but if I'm wrong about ATT, better minds will surely let us know! The biggest problem is that very few DACs/sources have provisions for all types. Happy Tunes!

Choose a balanced or bnc unbalanced cable depending on which you have. Most companies (example: Levinson) recommend in this order: balanced, bnc, rca, att, toslink. The balanced cable is supposed to provide slightly less noise since its a differentially [balanced] cable. The rca terminated cable is not truly a 75ohm connection and therefore might have some distortion. The glass cables are subject to jitter and additional problems if they are bent or ends scratched. Also, for glass connections, the signal must be converted to optical and then converted back on the other end, so you have additional electronics on both ends. You should not use glass unless its the only connection you have.

Yet there are companies(DCS) that prefer the use of ATT.Let your ears be the judge.

Sattothestars-I agree its hard to say what's best, listen(I know you have it in ya Dave), the super high end companies use ATT(accuphase, dCS and I think burmester). I know more then a few members use several digital outs to there dac and switch back and fourth because they all have weakness and strength. I guess I didn't answer your question or even give my opinion, but I feel better for getting it off my shoulders :)

~Tim

From best to worst.

AT&T, BNC, TOSLINK, XLR, RCA.