Mac Mini - Bel Canto DAC3 - best cabling option


So I posted this exact message over at computeraudiophile.com and got no responses yet so I figured I would try to get a discussion going on the topic here.

I have a Bel Canto DAC3 with a kimber usb cable 1m hooked to my Mac Mini which sits right next to it. As I am wanting to take advantage of the 24/96 capabilities of my dac I would like to look into the optical input. I have tried a cheap plastic toslink cable with the audioquest toslink -> mini adapter. Although I know that other options exist. So has anyone made comparisons with any of these cables such as:

1) van den Hul - The Optocoupler mk. II (mini -> toslink)
---- this option is very appealing to me because I will not have to use the mini to toslink adapter to connect to my mac mini
---- What is this cable made out of though, I have read that glass toslink is the way to go but I can not find out any information about this.

2) Wireworld Supernova 5+
---- I would have to use my adapter with this
---- I know this cable is a glass toslink cable though

Since I dont have any way to try both of these cables in my system without buying them, I am looking for those who have personally tried them.

What can I expect to hear? If I switch from the usb input to one of these toslink cables? Will this be better sound quality in addition to the fact that I can playback 24/96???

best regards,
tmesselt
tmesselt

Showing 1 response by ckorody

In straight 44.1 comparing a Belkin Gold USB and a Wireworld SuperNova 5+, I personally prefer the sound of the USB.

That said the Wireworld is a very, very good cable that bested all but one SPDIF cable I compared it with.

Have no idea what an adapter might do to the signal. I suggest you give Wireworld a call and ask them.