Welcome to digital audio, where everything makes a difference. To answer your question, yes it makes a difference. Take advantage of Amazon’s liberal return policy and try a cable in the $100 range , you’ll hear a difference. As a Mid Fi guy I’m far from the exotic systems most have on this site. But I’m between that and where you are. What I’ve learned being cost driven is that everything matters and I’ve had to do it piecemeal. Starting with source, Bluetooth is a big limiter in SQ. Generally the gains in order are Bluetooth, laptop, Raspberry Pi, dedicated streamer. Then within that hardwired over wireless and especially Bluetooth. And optical can take you to a higher level. So for now try an upgraded digital cable. As for a budget power cord, yes it will help but generally not as significant as interconnects. On my budget power cable search, I used Sillnote Poseidon 1 meter cables. At the time they were $100, now they’re $200. Look for some used power cables, or consider Pangea. Being further along than you , I run a Schiit Yiggy with a Project Stream Box Ultra II , with comparable prices interconnects and power cords. Where your at , I would consider a Bluesound Node, hardwired and a decent pair if IC’s. Although you’re looking for a $50 cable, and I’m suggesting a $600 item, it would jump you way up and give you a platform to build on. But for now, yes get a budget digital cable, a budget power cord and build a cheap Raspberry Pi. Then after you’ve had that experience, get a Bluesound from a vendor that has a liberal return policy. Also remember this a a hobby and the journey is as important as the destination. So enjoy the trip and happy listening, Mike B.
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?