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Why do digital cables sound different?

I have been talking to a few e-mail buddies and have a question that isn't being satisfactorily answered this far. So...I'm asking the experts on the forum to pitch in. This has probably been asked before but I can't find any references for it. Can someone explain why one DIGITAL cable (coaxial, BNC, etc.) can sound different than another? There are also similar claims for Toslink. In my mind, we're just trying to move bits from one place to another. Doesn't the digital stream get reconstituted and re-clocked on the receiving end anyway? Please enlighten me and maybe send along some URLs for my edification. Thanks, Dan
danielho

Showing 5 responses by bmpnyc

bmpnyc
713 posts
 
For some reason all of these explanations are never good enough for some people. This topic inevitably leads to a long debate. Science tries to explain an experience and often falls short. All I need to know is that I tried 5 different coax cables and they all sounded different. One was consistantly better than the others, and I bought it. Anyone who can't hear the difference needs work on their listening skill.
bmpnyc
713 posts
 
1439, I agree with you as well, but I think there are enough possible explanations available to accept that there are differences between cables, and get on with picking the best one for their system, instead of continuing to deny that reality.
bmpnyc
713 posts
 
1439, I was speaking generally and not personally. It seems to me that some high end companies like VAC and Mark Levinson are adressing a similar issue by manufacturing integrated amps, (no need for pre-amp to amp interconnects) I am sure that one day cables will be eliminated altogether. 1439, I'm with you on wanting to spend more on source gear, but even with well designed equipment the cabling still effects sound. To get the best almost always takes more money. .
bmpnyc
713 posts
 
I have a small confession.. I enjoyed choosing the cables in my system. This enabled me to "customize" an otherwise mediocre system, and approach the high end without spending too much money. I know "too much" is relative. My cabling is valued around 35% of the cost of hardware, but thanks to Audiogon I was able to spend around 20%.
bmpnyc
713 posts
 
Thank you Bluesman, 1439, Gmkowal, Redkiwi and all of the above. The technical data strained my patience, but was well worth following. I am sure that some mysteries will always remain, but with things being this complicated, I will have to continue using my ears as my guide. I wonder if the sound that I prefer would show a smaller amount of the problems pointed out here? Very interesting how small pitch shifts effect the soundstage, Bluesman.
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