Which HDMI cable for I2S?


I'm currently using an inexpensive 12 inch long Monoprice cable to connect my dac to a Gustard U18 interface. Honestly, it sounds quite good.

I don't want to buy a pricey cable, but maybe something by DH Labs, etc. 

There are some deals on older cables that meet HDMI 1.3, 1.4, or 2.0 standards. I know these standards are for video. Would all of them work for I2S digital audio? Would the higher standard HDMI 2.1 be better? 

sls883

@big_greg

I don't have my DH Labs cable, yet.  Apparently, it's direct shipping from DH Labs.  Upscale Audio sent a shipping notice, but they want me to download an app just to get a shipping date.  I'll just wait for it. 

@mswale  It is my understanding that I2s should be as short as possible and as close to 1 foot as possible. That will bring prices down. 

I recently did an A/B test with the Audioquest Firebird, Dragon, and Wireworld Platinum Starlight.  IMO, the Dragon was #1, Platinum Starlight was #2, and Firebird was #3.  I’m purchasing the Platinum Starlight because the cost difference between the two couldn’t justify how closely they sounded.  

I use an HDMI cable with the I2S connection between my DAC and CD transport. Except for speaker cables, I’ve found that no other cable changes the sound more than digital cables. (Same was true between my DAC and streamer as well, but the streamer does not offer an I2S connection.) I really did not expect digital cables to make as significant a difference as they actually do…

I must have tried about half a dozen various cables until I landed on the cheapest of the bunch - WireWorld Chroma. About $60 for a meter length. Other cables included more expensive WireWorld and AudioQuest models. Of course much depends upon individual system synergies, but the Chroma just has more moxie to my ears. More dynamic and engaging. Makes my ears perk up.

I have not tried DH Labs HDMI cables, but have used their interconnects elsewhere in my system. Definitely a company worth a try and curious about your observations.

Happy listening, all.

 

I use Wireworld Platinum Starlight 8 with great results. Better than any of the earlier generation AQ cabels I tried--Mocha/Coffee and Vodka...