2. cables
  3. 180911-118590

How crucial is the quality of a digital cable?

I recently purchased a Cambridge Audio CX 81 integrated amp. The analog inputs sound great, but I find the internal DAC to be a disappointment. It uses the ESS Sabre ES9016K2M chip. I use a mid-level Rotel RCD 951 CD deck as a transport via the digital coax. I also hooked the deck via the analog out, just to compare. The analog interconnects are entry level AQ's. The digital coax is an Amazon purchase in the $15 range. I find the internal DAC of the 20 year old Rotel to be superior to the new AX 81, when doing an A/B.

What then confuses me is that the Blue Tooth streaming from the amp is quite good. It is HD aptX,  24-bit/84kHz capable. But, wouldn't that also go through the same internal DAC? Could it be the mediocre Amazon digital coax cable? I always assumed that digital cable quality was less significant than analog cables. Just bits and bites, right?

If someone knows of a decent digital coax for under $50, I would be very grateful. I would also appreciate any advice on an entry level power cord for the amp. Can a decent power cord be had for under $100? 

 

motown-l

Showing 1 response by bigkidz

bigkidz
3,324 posts
 

A cable favors the sound to your liking.  As an manufacturer of tube audio components, we are exposed to many companies and have tried many digital cables.  Your system most likely will respond to a cable differently that what other people's experience was in their system.  We partnered with a speaker manufacturer five years ago at CAF and won the best of show award.  Funny thing is that we forgot to bring a digital cable and used an old Adcom copper IC that we ripped in half and used that cable for the show.  It is actually a nice sounding cable.  My advise is to try a few different brands and construction maybe a silver, copper, just to get started with and learn how they impact the sound in your system.  Then find a good one and be done with the cable search.

Happy Listening.  

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