Optimal digital cable length -- science or voodoo?


I'm doing research toward purchase of a new 75-ohm digital cable to feed a DAC, and I am coming across claims that the "optimal" length for a digital cable is 1.5 meters. Some even claim that, given the exact same brand and model of cable, there's a significant audible difference between a 1-meter and 1.5 meter length. Can an extra half-meter make any improvement? Is there science behind this claim, or is it just voodoo?
jhold

Showing 2 responses by audioengr

Here is my white-paper on the subject:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue14/spdif.htm

My findings were independently verified in a double-blind test that was published in a past issue of UHF magazine from Canada.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Kijanki - I used to mod lots of transports, all kinds, to improve the rise-time of the output driver. It usually allowed the customers to use a 1m cable rather than the 1.5m, saving them some money. Of course the mods cost money too. I dont mod ttansports anymore since I am a firm believer that computer audio is not only the future, but can easily outperfrom the best transport on the market at a fraction of the cost.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio