Best Digital Cable around $100 used

Mikesiowa: What did the Mapleshade do better in your system? There are not a lot of customer reviews on these cables and I would be interested in hearing your take on the cable if you have the time. PS: I have one on order (the Double Helix). Thanks.

The H.Tech. Cyberlink Copper will beat most others in the under $100 price range, but only by a small but clear margin. The Cyberlink Platinum is another story, it is a high end cable at a relatively reasonable price. I compared it to 5 other cables and it was the handsdown winner. If you see one second hand, GRAB IT! I haven't heard the Mapleshade cables yet, but am happy that there is a new company that seems concerned with very good quality at reasonable prices.

The Mapleshade digital improved resolution, clarity, and dynamics without adding any brightness. This compared to the Cyperlink Copper. Bass improved. The noise floor appeared to have dropped abit. I now have a better understanding of what reviewers mean by attack of notes. On acoustic jazz it's like the guitar players took off a pair of gloves. I was shocked at the value...only $35. This may not be near the best digital but for under $100 I bet it is hard to beat. I've tried other budget cable specifically the Canare and DIY Belden which the HT had replaced. Good Luck

Thanks Mike: Funny, I am using a borrowed Canare cable today (the one that is kind of a faded purple/pink). I was told by the guy who loaned it to me that it is not very good, but I just wanted to hook up the DAC that has been setting on the shelf for the past week and a half staring back at me. I also have a pair of replacement speakers breaking in and no other reference for digital cable, so I am just listening to the music and ignoring the gear for now. PS: My moniker could have been DavidDesMoines, but I moved to LA 25 years ago.

Being a skeptic when it comes to digital cables, I buy the cheapest I can get. But I will stay out of that debate, since you asked. Were I not a skeptic, I suspect I would get the Apogee (Wyde Eye, or something like that?)...