Why do digital cables sound different?

Just because the current state of engineering science (which, in the digital audio sphere, is still relatively young)cannot adequately explain why digital cables might sound different from each other does not mean they do not. I have experimented with at least 7 or 8 digital cables, from the Illuminati D-6 all the way up to Kharma and PAD Dominus and they all have sounded distinctly different to me in A-B comparisons, with some audibly better than others to a significant degree. I did not imagine these differences; they are there and I hear them, as do others listening along with me. Rememember, it was not too many years ago that people were asking the same question about power cables: Why should they make a difference, they are just carrying electrons?

As Hamlet said: "There are more things on heaven and earth, dear Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosphies."

Bottom line: I think they make almost as much difference as interconnects. I wish they didn't (one less variable to deal with)but they do.

One man's humble opinion after over 30 years of dabbling in this mania.

Neal

When can this issue go to the scrap heap of history?

If all this is true, how come that the Purist balance digital cable between my cd and dac sounds different than the Nordost digital cable in a direct swap?

I still dont understand what is the point in having a 75ohm cable when the input and output impedences of the components are not really 75ohm. Unlike pro equipment which seem to be true 75ohm with a transform termination. I do not see any transformer termination in consumer and even some high end equipment. Is it possible to have 75ohm impedence without transformer ?
I do agree that digital cables make a difference and jitter is the culprit.

I think AES/EBU is a superior interface to co-ax. At least in my experience.