Digital interconnect cables

Posted by: Patu on 04 May 2017

This has probably been discussed many times here but I couldn't find an open topic to continue conversation so here's a new one.

Why I'm posting is that I recently decided to compare few digital coaxial cables to my DC-1, which I've been using for many years already. I actually never gave this a thought before but after I found surprising differences between USB cables, I decided to give coaxial a try also. As much I would've liked to NOT hear any differences between these, I did. I ordered few very cheap but well regarded coaxial cables from BlueJeansCable. First Belden 4794R, which I described in another thread earlier: 

https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...62#69285854772165662 

This thread was the reason I decided to order one and try it out.

I was so surprised by Belden's performance that I decided to order two other cables from BJC. Their (probably) best known cable, Belden 1694A and Canare LV-61S. I also use their optical cable between my TV and Naim DAC, but I've never done any comparisons with optical cables. I'm quite skeptical that there could be audible differences since there's no electrical connection with optical. Anyway, when these cables arrived I first plugged in the Canare. It fell short in performance against 4794R and DC-1, it was clearly worse than either one of these. It sounded off in so many ways and had shrill highs. Not recommended. Then I plugged in the 1694A and there it was, perfect balance. This really is outstanding digital cable. Everything sounds just correct. While 4794R extracted probably even more details, it had weaker bass punch and overall balance was off compared to 1694A.

How does DC-1 sound compared to Belden? Well it's the typical Naim sound, very forward and in your face with great PRaT. Bass punch is surprisingly weaker than with both Belden's and doesn't go as low. Great example of this was when I switched between DC-1 and 4794R. While playing a certain bass heavy track little bit louder with 4794R, it made the dish resonate in my kitchen cupboard (I live in a single room apartment). No such effect with DC-1 and exactly same volume level. Every other aspect was identical except the digital cable.  With DC-1 the vocalist comes closer to you and soundstage is narrower but it makes your toes tap like Naim should. While 1694A is more neutral, it definitely packs punch and doesn't fall short in PRaT department either. It puts vocalist little bit further and expands the soundstage. In my setup, I prefer 1694A but I think I'll keep DC-1 as a backup for future changes. 

If someone wonders, I have absolutely zero connection to BJC. I live in Finland and they operate in US. Just wanted to give a shout to a very affordable and stunningly well performing cable. 

Interested to hear other people's experience with digital cables. Also, I'm very well aware of the science behind digital cables and "it's only ones and zeros" discussion. I would appreciate if this thread wouldn't go there. I have to trust my own ears in this hobby. In the end it's the only thing which matters. 

Posted on: 17 May 2017 by pete T15
analogmusic posted:

I think the Chord Sarum Tuned Array range was originally invented to reduce reflections on RCA to RCA SPDIF cables. some of the Tuned Aray has trickled down to lower ranges, does anyone have experience with Chord digital cables?

 

Yes , very successfully . When I added the Hugo to my ND5XS I tried out a few different digital cables including the Chord Anthem and Signature . I bought the Signature Tuned Array BNC-RCA specially modified to fit the Hugo , it was an easy decision slamming home the fact that bits aren't just bits to my ears .

Posted on: 17 May 2017 by Richard Choong

I am considering trying some alternatives to the Naim DC1 cable. Given the popularity of TQ, I was thinking of the TQ ultra silver (they don't seem to have any other alternative). Any other suggestions?

 

Posted on: 17 May 2017 by analogmusic
pete T15 posted:
analogmusic posted:

I think the Chord Sarum Tuned Array range was originally invented to reduce reflections on RCA to RCA SPDIF cables. some of the Tuned Aray has trickled down to lower ranges, does anyone have experience with Chord digital cables?

 

Yes , very successfully . When I added the Hugo to my ND5XS I tried out a few different digital cables including the Chord Anthem and Signature . I bought the Signature Tuned Array BNC-RCA specially modified to fit the Hugo , it was an easy decision slamming home the fact that bits aren't just bits to my ears .

That's very good feedback. Could you describe how the Signature was different to the other cables ?

Posted on: 17 May 2017 by Patu
Richard Choong posted:

Any other suggestions?

Well obviously the Belden cables discussed in this thread. If only you can get past the fact that performance doesn't always go hand in hand with the price. My DC1 hasn't seen much use after I got 1694A and 4794R from BJC. 

Posted on: 18 May 2017 by pete T15
analogmusic posted:
pete T15 posted:
analogmusic posted:

I think the Chord Sarum Tuned Array range was originally invented to reduce reflections on RCA to RCA SPDIF cables. some of the Tuned Aray has trickled down to lower ranges, does anyone have experience with Chord digital cables?

 

Yes , very successfully . When I added the Hugo to my ND5XS I tried out a few different digital cables including the Chord Anthem and Signature . I bought the Signature Tuned Array BNC-RCA specially modified to fit the Hugo , it was an easy decision slamming home the fact that bits aren't just bits to my ears .

That's very good feedback. Could you describe how the Signature was different to the other cables ?

It was over 2 years ago but I do recall the song that affirmed  the purchase , listening to Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' had a much more live / alive feel to it , particularly at the start where there's a lot of audience chitter chatter ,the rest of the track followed on in the same manner and felt like I'd taken the handbrake off the ND5/Hugo  . I borrowed a trusty pair of ears over that weekend to confirm I wasn't deluded and put in the order the following monday . Expensive yes but similarly to another cable thread I paid nowhere near RRP .