PC to DAC Cabling

Posted by: mike k burke on 26 May 2010

Hi All,

I posted this on the hi fi corner forum, but was pointed over to this forum as more likely to be able to help - so here I am!


I've just ordered a DAC after comparing a CD5XS through it with a USB stick and prefering the USB stick. I've just bought an ESI Julia PCI card which is quite convincingly sounding better than my old CD3 even without the DAC through a relatively inexpensive cable into the back of my 32.5. Hence I am pursuing getting my PC system sorted out in readiness for the DAC.

Q. I need a cable of around 7metres in length. What are the best options. Optical or Coax. I am nervous of spending £80-£100+ on cable only too find I have dropouts etc because of the distance or the cable which will need to run under a doorway is a bit 'fragile'. Anybody done anything similar, I would be very interested to hear their stories.

PS no local dealers who I can nip to the shop and borrow some cables to try unfortunately

Thanks in advance

Mike Burke
Posted on: 26 May 2010 by rich46
quote:
Originally posted by mike k burke:
Hi All,

I posted this on the hi fi corner forum, but was pointed over to this forum as more likely to be able to help - so here I am!


I've just ordered a DAC after comparing a CD5XS through it with a USB stick and prefering the USB stick. I've just bought an ESI Julia PCI card which is quite convincingly sounding better than my old CD3 even without the DAC through a relatively inexpensive cable into the back of my 32.5. Hence I am pursuing getting my PC system sorted out in readiness for the DAC.

Q. I need a cable of around 7metres in length. What are the best options. Optical or Coax. I am nervous of spending £80-£100+ on cable only too find I have dropouts etc because of the distance or the cable which will need to run under a doorway is a bit 'fragile'. Anybody done anything similar, I would be very interested to hear their stories.

PS no local dealers who I can nip to the shop and borrow some cables to try unfortunately

Thanks in advance

Mike Burke
optical is prone to damage if under carpets etc. good for isolating pc noise.

i would go for cable. it shouldnt be expensive cat 6 type via router or 75ohm direct try mark grant cables
Posted on: 29 May 2010 by js
If Julia has an output transformer, you can most likely use COAX without problems and it's preferred in this case. As important is the player and how to gather files but it's all over the boards if you search.
Posted on: 29 May 2010 by garyi
FWIW I have in the past ran a 12 metre optical cable with no issues what so ever. I got it on ebay for 8 quid.