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 2 responses by mceljo

mceljo
1,351 posts
 

I had excellent results from a Waudio power cable that was available for under $50 on Amazon.  It really improved things when connected to my Pathos Classic One Mkiii, but I didn't hear any difference on my other components.

I'll be surprised if a change in digital cables makes any difference for you, but I'll be shocked if it made a difference that was more significant than the difference you're hearing between your CD players DAC and your amps internal DAC.

mceljo
1,351 posts
 

My experience with digital cables is very limited, so I'll give you my specific situation:

Bluesound Node ($600) connected to Maverick Audio Tube Magic D2 DAC with Sparkos Labs op amps ($400) with a digital cable.

First cable was a Blue Jeans Cable Silver-Plated digital coax ($30).

Second cable was an Audioquest Cinnamon digital coax ($100).

I did not hear any difference with this change in my system.

For reference, I have heard a difference with some power cables in my systems and with changes from Blue Jeans Cable LC-1 interconnects to Audioquest Chicago interconnects to Audioquest Sydney interconnections.

The reason that I purchased the Cinnamon digital cable was a direct result of my positive experience with power cable and then analog interconnect upgrades.

I have a new-to-me Denafrips Ares ii DAC that I am currently the Cinnamon cable to connect to the Bluesound Node.  I have ordered a budget USB cable to see if I hear any difference with a different cable/interface.

I won't say that digital cables cannot make a difference, but the mechanism for a difference being expected is much more challenging to identify.  I'm actually fairly happy that the audiophile rabbit hole seems to have a bottom in at least one area with my system.

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