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SPDIF Cable Length Critical?

I have decided to buy a Qsonix Music Server and want to place the unit in an adjacent room to my listening room. I will be using the SPDIF digital input to my Resolution Audio Opus 21 CD player for the DAC. The CD player is located next to the preamp and its output is connected using a 1 meter analog interconnect.

This arrangement would require a SPDIF digital cable with a length of about 25 feet to reach the DAC. I realize that it is important to keep analog interconnects and speaker wires reasonably short, but what about a digital connection? Is length critical in that application? Would I sacrifice performance by running a 25 foot long digital interconnect?

I suppose an option would be to buy a separate DAC with multiple types on digital inputs, such as a Benchmark. This would give me more connection and cabling options. Would using a different type of digital cable be better for a 25 foot run?
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Showing 1 response by sidssp

sidssp
1,077 posts
 
For Toslink optical cable, if it is made of quartz glass, you can go as long as
10M (33 feet); if it is made of plastic fiber, you will need a signal booster to
go longer than 5M.

For non-optical connection, I would suggest you use AES/EBU balanced
connection for long run because if its higher signal level (3 to 10V) and
superior noise cancellation ability.
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