Muralman1,
There are 2 Audio Note companies, 1 Japanese and 1 English. Could you describe the Audio Note cable you were using? English or Japanese, model number and terminations? Thanks! |
Readster, I'm no expert on this subject but there are no ones or zeros. That's just a concept. In reality there are electrical or light signals. Those electrical and light signals can be affected by any number of things. Even some fiber optics sound different in my experience. |
Where does the Nordost Valhalla digital cable fit into this? |
Kmiller5,
I've had the Stealth Varidig Sextet in my system for 3 weeks now and am very impressed with its performance. I'm not prepared to say it is the "best" digital cable available since there are many I have not heard, although I have heard quite a few. It is, however, the "best" digital cable I have had in my system. As you are asking for recommendations of digital cables to audition I enthusiastically recommend you give one of these a try. The Varidig is a 1 meter balanced cable terminated with the new Stealth titanium, silver and teflon XLR connectors. I don't know whether these connectors are sonically superior to the less costly option as I have not compared the two but they are definitely a quality termination from a build and design standpoint.
System: The Varidig is connecting data links between Wadia 27i and 270SE both with GNSC Reference mods. Clocklink is Optimism V2 AT&T (best I've heard for this purpose).
Most recent digital cables used: 2 Optimism V2 AT&T, one each for clocklink and data link. Marigo Labs Apparition 5.7 balanced.
Let me know if you would like more information on these. |
Kana813,
First off, let me emphasize that this is my opinion in the context of my system. However there is no rule stating that AT&T optical cable is superior to any other type of digital interconnect. That being said, I did expect the Optimism V2 to perform better than it did simply because Wadias are optimised for AT&T (according to their literature). I found the AT&T datalink to be overly analytical, almost clinical and lifeless. To me these qualities added up to a un-natural presentation that was difficult to listen to. As I mentioned before though, the Optimism V2 is outstanding in the clocklink role.
The Marigo is a very fine cable but the Stealth improved on EVERY aspect of its performance. My discription of the Stealth is that its like a much better version of the Marigo. I think it's safe to say that if you like the Marigo you will like the Stealth even more.
There is the price difference to consider of course. I believe the Apparitions MSRP is $925 while the Varidig will list in the area of $3400(?). That's a significant price difference. Only an audition will determine if this is the right cable for you.
PS: The Marigo is extremely stiff and can be somewhat difficult to work with while the Stealth is much more flexible. |
Ertugrul,
I'm intrigued by the Kondo but they seem difficult to come by. What's the best channel for acquiring one for audition? Do they come in balanced configuration? |
Anyone heard the Virtual Dynamics Revelation 2 digital cables, either balanced or single ended? |
I don't want to open a can of worms here, it's been opened many times before. But I've tried many digital cables, all over the board as far as price, and they all sounded different. I'm not able to offer an explanation for these differences but I do know they exist. As far as which is better, it's purely a subjective opinion and dependent on a host of variables.
One thing for sure, if you own good quality separates you owe yourself some experimentation with digital cables to achieve optimum performance of your digital front end. I'm not neccessarily suggesting the most expensive cable is the best choice. But there are probably 2 or 3 cables that will work best with your set-up. I would also experiment with RCA, BNC and XLR terminations as well as ATT if you have them as some of these sound better depending on your equipment.
To dismiss this subject off-hand could waste some of the sonic potential (and investment) that you have made in your DAC and transport. BTW: Happy New Year to all you Gon'ers! |
Warjarret,
I'm in 100% agreement with your post.
Dazzdax,
There are better digital cables than the Stealth Varidig Sextet although IMO it is an excellent cable. I have tried the best Kharma and Siltech digital cables but settled on the Virtual Dynamics Revelation Signature. However, the Siltech was very close. Have not heard the VD Genesis. At some point I would also like to try the Acrolink Mexcel series. These opinions of course are in the context of my own system and may not hold true across the board.
Also, some Varidig Sextet owners probably went to one box CDPs.
|
Shadowshaman & Rx8man,
How are your KCI digital cables terminated, rca, bnc or xlr?
Thanks! |
Sorry Rx8man, I see in your post that you're using locking rca's. I'm currently using a balanced VD Revelation Signature which I believe is an excellent digital cable (replaced the Varidig Sextet) but it is very heavy (1.5m=8lbs) and unwieldy. I've got it bungied to my rack to relieve pressure on the terminations. |
