Digital Cables

Discussion in 'Modifications and Tweaks' started by starence, Sep 22, 2018.

  1. elmoe

    elmoe Friend

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    No such attempts were made. In fact, I conceded more than once that analog cables making a difference was a possibility, though I am extremely skeptical, and have zero issue making my skepticism known. If you misinterpret that as my passing my experience as the One True Truth, so be it. The only thing I am really arguing here is that a $350 USB cable sounds better than a properly built $4 one, and that it will take a lot of convincing to get me to believe properly built cheap analog cables sound any different than much more expensive ones.
     
  2. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

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    Exit stage left....
    super. we might agree.
    summary: no one gives a shit. you are re-treading a tired topic.
     
  3. elmoe

    elmoe Friend

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    Maybe. Seems a few cared enough to discuss the topic before the cable gang lit torches and grabbed pitchforks.

    Sounds like this is a topic better left alone even on SBAF. Lesson learned.
     
  4. uelover

    uelover New

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    There just need to be two threads, one for the sharing of user experience on cables (which I believe many people would love to visit and share), and the other for the pure pursuit of science and reasons behind whether cables should (and/or could) sound different.
     
  5. aamefford

    aamefford Nothing like chamberpot coffee

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    I like nice cables. They make me happy. I only recall one instance of actually, probably, maybe hearing a noticeable difference. I recabled a pair of ultrasone somrthingsomething 700 or 750’s with Mogami wire that actually conducted electricity instead of the trashy stock wire. Otherwise, I just like nice cables. Almost all used, probably don’t have $300 in all my interconnects and power cables. Maybe another $300 or a touch more in a couple of headphone cables with multiple pigtails that go from mini xlr to various amp side connections - for convenience and because they are nicely made. My main usb is a wireworld starlight 7 or some such. 2 meters, $70 or so. My coax cable is a nice, flexible, yellow something or other, half a meter and maybe $35. Are either better than monoprice? I doubt it, but I like them....
     
  6. ufospls2

    ufospls2 Friend

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    You see, it is not the 0 and 1's that are transmitted that are the problem. It is the space around the 0 and 1's that matters. Only the finest USB cables do this properly. I prefer the Crystal Cable Absolute Dream for my USB use. This cable transmits the space around the digital notes beautifully, with texture, and nuance that no cable I have heard can match. The PRAT with this cable is outstanding. Never forget the empty space that needs transmitting, for it is the sound quality that matters.
     
  7. elmoe

    elmoe Friend

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    That's perfectly acceptable. I like pretty cables too, and a couple hundred to cable your entire system with cables that look good and have durable, high quality materials is reasonable to me.

    God damn I hope that's tongue in cheek...
     
  8. Baten

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    Is this satire? I was hoping the Crystal Cable Absolute Dream USB cable does not exist but it actually does..!
     
  9. elmoe

    elmoe Friend

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    And it's $9000!
     
  10. aamefford

    aamefford Nothing like chamberpot coffee

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    I just can’t conceive a $9000 usb cable being FU money. Even worse the $100k or more that the system that would “justify” such a cable. $100k is future changing money to me. Certainly not piss-away money. Then again, the maybe $5K I have in audio gear very likely fills the same sentiment for most out there in the world.
     
  11. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    Most people here have properly built USB cables; probably a guess but from Schiit which have measured very well in @atomicbob testing world. I went for a Wireworld Starlight because it was on-sale and I'm not spending $18 USD on shipping a cable to Canada lol.

    No one is arguing for spending ridiculous dollars on cables. So why are we talking about it.
     
  12. rlow

    rlow A happy woofer

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    Nobody really cares to get into a cable war or into objectivist vs subjectivist BS here. Do that on other forums. Most SBAF threads about cables are about relatively low cost cables, or DIY cables, that people have tried and recommend. No one is suggesting multi-kilobuck cables here, that would get shut down pretty quick by everyone, justifiably.

    The AQ Coffee USB cable I mentioned earlier in the thread I bought for ~$140 USD. Expensive, yes (for me at least) and definitely pushing the envelope for what I am willing to tolerate for a cable purchase. But I was curious because it was a good deal, and when I tried it, I heard a positive difference, so I recommended it.

    But only at used prices. Retail price for pretty much ALL of these audiophile cables is completely ridiculous. Cables are used by dealers as upsell cash cows. No one should pay retail prices for anything over $50 IMO. But that’s me. But I also don’t look down on others or invalidate the opinions of others that spent $150+ retail on cables and like them - especially of well established members who have proved they have ears. Also no one is suggesting you NEED these for good sound. You don’t. Cables should be pretty much last on your list of where to spend money on your system.

    But they do sound a little bit different, if you can perceive it. Be glad if you can’t. Ignorance is bliss and your wallet will thank you.

    Cable non-believers can simply ignore this thread (and the other cable threads). I suggest you do as well.
     
    Last edited: May 13, 2019
  13. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    This may be reiterating wise comments already posted above.

    IMHO it's a matter of finding a comfortable zone for own need, taste, budget, and belief in the end.

    For example, I've occasionally experienced a number of problems (noise introduced, glitches, signal failed to lock in) with cables like the picture below -- typically stock ones or the cheapest products in the market. It's definitely time- and space- variant issue. Product variations hell yes. So, my perception to go too low is higher chance of troubles.

    [​IMG]

    I'm seeking for more confidence, more inner peace, and near-zero probability of annoying issues. Willing to pay for them, too.

    On top of such essential benefits, different cables add subtly different colors -- as long as I believe and perceive -- that's something to enjoy. Don't get me wrong. I've never seen so huge sonic difference that can override inherent gear characters or inter-gear synergies. Also, regarding this coloration, all the changes I've witnessed were horizontal rather than vertical (i.e., 1$ cable isn't necessarily worse than $100 cable -- just preference and taste).

    To sum up
    • Too low = (relatively) more frequent problems
    • Moderately expensive (if spent to right products) = much lower chance to be screwed
    • Bonus = different coloration, aesthetics, mechanical robustness, etc.
    • Probably everyone has different threshold and mileage regarding this "moderately expensive" (or alternatively "willingness to pay")
    Anyway, that's why I have a strong preference on affordable or semi-affordable products from credible makers. Yeah, I am implicitly meaning 4$ is too low to expect "properly-built".
     
  14. yotacowboy

    yotacowboy McRibs Kind of Guy

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    Oyaide DR-510 is legit. I can't remember who suggested it, but it's f'ing silly good for $150 shipped from amazon, and it's the real deal - no fake shit. The gradient/spectrum from micro to macro dynamics this cable opens up is something I've never experienced before.
     
  15. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    Awhile ago I had a cart setup with a bunch of stuff, the 510 being one of those. The gauge of silver is the biggest I have seen at 18awg, even Wireworld's super stupidly priced TOTL is is 20awg. Kinda kicking myself for not just doing it, would have been a good deal.
     
  16. yotacowboy

    yotacowboy McRibs Kind of Guy

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    I picked up the copper version, so i've got that sitting around now if you want to borrow. I've only got a few hours on the silver DR-510, but it wipes the floor with my previous silver digi connect, DIY VHAudio with eichmann or whatever his company turned into.
     
  17. Thenewerguy009

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    Do they have a AES equivalent to the Oyaide DR-510? Can't seem to find any info on it?
     
  18. uelover

    uelover New

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  19. yotacowboy

    yotacowboy McRibs Kind of Guy

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    Things have settled out after running in. I'm wholeheartedly recommending the Oyaide DR-510 as a $100-200 digital coax. don't be a cheap ass if you're running gungnir MB or Yggdrasil A2. Although soundstage has moved forward a bit, the space around things and overall background has improved. haven't listened thru HD800 setup yet cause speakers are flat out moar betterer.
     
  20. zonto

    zonto Friend

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