AudioNervosa

Electro Stimulation Ward => Signals and Noise => Topic started by: James Edward on February 20, 2021, 03:14:41 PM

Title: SPIDF RCA Cable 100-150 Bucks?
Post by: James Edward on February 20, 2021, 03:14:41 PM
I know that smaller brands may offer more bang for the buck- little or no ads, dealer markup, etc..., but I’m hesitant at the same time- anyone can slap the ‘digital’ tag on an RCA cable. Certainly a few less obsessed folks do use any old cable and they work.
I’m currently using this- https://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/digital-audio/index.htm , the 1694A cable version.
I’m curious as to what others find to be contenders in the 100-150 dollar range. I had a Black Cat cable that I sold several years ago(you know who you are!), thinking I’d never use one again. Well, here I am.
Funny thing is, I don’t at all dislike the BJC piece. I’m just neurotic.
As I type this, I’m thinking that name brands are not out of the question either. I spent a couple of months auditioning speakers- only to stick with what I’ve got. So a good, no-hassle return policy is a must.
Thoughts appreciated. PM me if that’s better- I know cable threads can be contentious.

Title: Re: SPIDF RCA Cable 100-150 Bucks?
Post by: Nick B on February 20, 2021, 06:36:34 PM
PM sent
Title: Re: SPIDF RCA Cable 100-150 Bucks?
Post by: Jack on February 20, 2021, 06:55:02 PM
Audio Envy if new or used TWL Spirit 75.
Title: Re: SPIDF RCA Cable 100-150 Bucks?
Post by: James Edward on March 04, 2021, 01:19:58 PM
An AN member sent me an Illuminati D60 to try, and it’s a keeper. Funny thing, I had an easier time discerning a difference between the two digital cables than I have with stereo interconnects. I thought I’d really have to strain to imagine/hear any difference.
The D60 added air and detail, with a ‘sweetness’, for lack of a better word, and a more focused image relative to the BJC. And it should- the D60 retails for roughly 20 times as much $$$.
Title: Re: SPIDF RCA Cable 100-150 Bucks?
Post by: Nick B on March 05, 2021, 01:20:07 AM
An AN member sent me an Illuminati D60 to try, and it’s a keeper. Funny thing, I had an easier time discerning a difference between the two digital cables than I have with stereo interconnects. I thought I’d really have to strain to imagine/hear any difference.
The D60 added air and detail, with a ‘sweetness’, for lack of a better word, and a more focused image relative to the BJC. And it should- the D60 retails for roughly 20 times as much $$$.

That’s good news, Jim (except for the price :) Your description makes it sound like a wonderful cable and those are qualities I value as well. It would be interesting to compare it to my Audio Envy. I kinda regret selling my Audio Sensibility digital.
Nick
Title: Re: SPIDF RCA Cable 100-150 Bucks?
Post by: James Edward on March 05, 2021, 03:59:23 AM
An AN member sent me an Illuminati D60 to try, and it’s a keeper. Funny thing, I had an easier time discerning a difference between the two digital cables than I have with stereo interconnects. I thought I’d really have to strain to imagine/hear any difference.
The D60 added air and detail, with a ‘sweetness’, for lack of a better word, and a more focused image relative to the BJC. And it should- the D60 retails for roughly 20 times as much $$$.

That’s good news, Jim (except for the price :) Your description makes it sound like a wonderful cable and those are qualities I value as well. It would be interesting to compare it to my Audio Envy. I kinda regret selling my Audio Sensibility digital.
Nick
Yup- buying it used made all the difference. I’ve read it’s a bear to break in, so a lot of that is out of the way too. Many moons ago I had a system that I was always trying to tame the brightness of. I don’t know that the D60 would have fit in well there, but the synergy here is spot-on.
Title: Re: SPIDF RCA Cable 100-150 Bucks?
Post by: Emil on March 05, 2021, 11:37:44 AM
Audio Envy if new or used TWL Spirit 75.

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=175312.msg1848490#new
Title: Re: SPIDF RCA Cable 100-150 Bucks?
Post by: rollo on May 24, 2021, 10:44:46 AM
SPDIF can make a huge difference. Must be 75 Ohm to sound its best. I prefer BNC over RCa as RCA is not 75 Ohm. Moot now as I use an Ethernet from transport to DAC. Even better. Some prefer Optical over SPDIF. Gotta try them all.


charles
Title: Re: SPIDF RCA Cable 100-150 Bucks?
Post by: Nick B on May 24, 2021, 03:27:28 PM
I’m sure there can be significant differences, but I’ve always tried to keep things simple with RCAs only. Nowadays, though, the resolution is so good that I’d consider experimenting in the future.
Title: Re: SPIDF RCA Cable 100-150 Bucks?
Post by: rollo on May 26, 2021, 11:08:01 AM
I’m sure there can be significant differences, but I’ve always tried to keep things simple with RCAs only. Nowadays, though, the resolution is so good that I’d consider experimenting in the future.


 There are. IMHO one of the most critical cables used. Cannot explain why though.


charles
Title: Re: SPIDF RCA Cable 100-150 Bucks?
Post by: HAL on May 30, 2021, 05:54:52 AM
As a reference you might try some RG6 RF cable with type F connectors and the type F to 75ohm RCA connectors. 

Used up to 3GHz and 75 Ohm cable impedance.

Have fun experimenting!

Title: Re: SPIDF RCA Cable 100-150 Bucks?
Post by: rollo on May 30, 2021, 08:06:53 AM
i have an rca cable that's 75 ohms - i know because i measured it.  it's an oldie but goodie - a cheap ($25 when new) rat-shack digital cable that was highly rated by s'phile, who said it was as good as $250 cables. (this is ~25 years ago.)  so, what did i have to lose?  and, on a whim, i measured it, and yup - it's 75 ohms.

doug s.
SPDIF can make a huge difference. Must be 75 Ohm to sound its best. I prefer BNC over RCa as RCA is not 75 Ohm. Moot now as I use an Ethernet from transport to DAC. Even better. Some prefer Optical over SPDIF. Gotta try them all.


charles


  Yup. Another killer was Belkin.

charles
Title: Re: SPIDF RCA Cable 100-150 Bucks?
Post by: rollo on May 30, 2021, 05:33:41 PM
who knows, maybe it was belkin.  i doubt radio shack makes its own cables.  it's a tacky bright orange color, but it's a decent cable. i also have glass optical, and some fancy cable w/bnc connector, (i don't remember the brand), and they're all good.  or maybe i'm just deaf?  heh...

doug s.
i have an rca cable that's 75 ohms - i know because i measured it.  it's an oldie but goodie - a cheap ($25 when new) rat-shack digital cable that was highly rated by s'phile, who said it was as good as $250 cables. (this is ~25 years ago.)  so, what did i have to lose?  and, on a whim, i measured it, and yup - it's 75 ohms.

doug s.
SPDIF can make a huge difference. Must be 75 Ohm to sound its best. I prefer BNC over RCa as RCA is not 75 Ohm. Moot now as I use an Ethernet from transport to DAC. Even better. Some prefer Optical over SPDIF. Gotta try them all.


charles


  Yup. Another killer was Belkin.

charles

  You are not Deaf. You are the Frugal Audio Man.  :-P

charles