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 bkeske

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,593 posts
 

Yes, a good digital cable matters, IMO. For quite a while I used a Blue Jeans from my CD player to my DAC, as I just couldn’t think it mattered too much, as it was….digital. I finally replaced it with a Silnote, purchased right here through AGone. Yes, more than $100, but it took all the glare out of my digital stream when installed, and much more ‘musical’. The Blue Jeans sounded ‘gritty’ in comparison. Much happier.

If you are going to do it, open up the wallet a a bit and get a good cable. I didn’t spend a fortune on the Silnote, but enough to make a significant difference. Just be aware, a digital cable, or any cable, can be too ‘soft’ or can be too ‘transparent’ depending on your rig, so understand which direction you want to go.

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