Master clock cables and SQ


Is there any difference in SQ between 50 ohm and 75 ohm cables when using a master clock that can be configured for either impedance? I am thinking specifically of the SOtM sCLK-OCX10 master clock. Good 50 ohm cables are very expensive and few are made. Good 75 ohm cables are made by every decent manufacturer and at a variety of price points. But is there a difference in SQ? Thanks!
Ag insider logo xs@2xkingbarbuda

Showing 1 response by teo_audio

50 ohm vs 75 ohm is a transmission line technology concept... improperly applied to these very, VERY short lengths of cable.

Which means they generally do not conform (in situ) to the theory that is applied to them.

in such scenarios as this, the transmission is one of a square wave, and thus the leading and lagging edges of the square wave IS the 'information' in the system.

And that... is going to be subjected to more or less distortion, mostly due to cable construction over that of characteristic impedance (in termination), in some important ways.

So a given 50 ohm cable might perform better as digital audio cable vs that of a 75 ohm cable, in a stated 75 ohm termination on both pieces of gear. might, being the operative word.

Eg, our liquid metal digital audio cables have no conformation to any transmission line standard, yet they perform in the top echelon of RCA terminated digital audio cables. Different technology, different result.