That being said, if you are using an HDMI cable as an i2s digital connection between a streamer/player and a DAC using the i2s interface, then it is definitely recommended to use the shortest cable possible (like 1 meter or even 0.5 meter). This is because the i2s interface was not designed for long runs.
@auxinput Excellent point, and that is what I was referencing when I thought Mapleshade should offer shorter lengths. I’m currently using a cheap 1-foot HDMI cable from Monoprice (using it just to get started with i2S) from my DDC into my DAC and DANG it sounds really good. I’m sure it can get better, but I’ll be damned if I can criticize the sound I’m getting currently. I’ve heard others say they don’t hear big differences between HDMI cables in an i2S application so maybe that has something to do with it. Thinking I’ll try a DH Labs HDMI at some point, but given what I’m hearing now I’m in no rush.