digital cable differences


Hi all, as we all know there are differences in digital cables. I hear also a difference between cables in loudness of sound. When I insert an old Goldmund Lineal between my CD-transport and DAC not only the sound is less loud (with exact the same preamp volume level) in comparison with another cable (I'm using a very simple MITerminator IV line level interconnect as a digital link) but it also sounds less involving. Does this mean the Goldmund is not a good match for the CD-transport (CEC TL-0) and DAC (Bel Canto 1.1) or is the cable defective (conductor breach). I red once that when a digital cable is functioning properly we can hear an increase in "loudness" of sound in comparison with a cable that is not designed for digital transmission or a poorly designed one.

Regards,
Dazzdax
dazzdax

Showing 1 response by viggen

I reason that transferring digital signals between these two components is not unlike transferring digital information within a computer network. The signal conduit in computer networkds needs to be fast, high capacity and retains signal integrity through further distances. CAT cables are designed with these three factors in consideration. Since I don't think most audio/digital cables are designed with similar degree of scrutiny, I believe CAT 5 cables are better for digital audio applications than most mainstream 75ohm digital cables.

However, I can only comment on the variances in volume in terms of bits. I am guessing the lesser cable is dropping bits of resolution thus the volume sounds attenuated. This can result from the cable's inability to carry a higher capacity or doesn't have signal integrity (correct timing of bits transfer).