SPDIF cable shootout - coaxial v. optical

[Frank Sol]

Ok , sorta joking

But we'll do a blind trial - my eldest son is the guinea pig

He is dropping by to see the new to me DVD/CD player I got this week and the brand new A1 amp from Audio-gd

The CDP has both ouputs and my NFB 17.2 DAC has both inputs. Also I can switch inputs with remote

AudioQuest Coffee coaxial v. Amazon branded optical

Bottom line I'm a lucky man he shares some of the same interests as me

 

[WaynerN]

What is your demo music going to be?

 

[Frank Sol]

What is your demo music going to be?

he will pick out a couple CDs he knows well from my stash

 

[rajoo]

Great idea and looking forward to your A/B testing.
What speakers will you be listening to?

 

[Frank Sol]

Great idea and looking forward to your A/B testing.

Should be done soon... ETA 7pm

What speakers will you be listening to?

B&W PM1

 

[mmickk]

 

[Frank Sol]

Long story short.. once we settled into the music my son could pick the AudioQuest 75% of the time depending on the music type and he preferred it overall

He liked it mainly for the top end, highs were smoother he said.

Younger ears I'm sure

 

[E-Stat]

The Toslink standard has far higher inherent jitter which could have played a part.

 

[Frank Sol]

The Toslink standard has far higher inherent jitter which could have played a part.

Yes you're right and it is clearly measurable

Can remember JA of Stereophile Mag writing about this

 

[Condorsat]

I started off with Amazon Basics Optical ..eventually picked up an AudioQuest Forest on eBay used.

 

[Frank Sol]

Condorsat

I bought the Amazon one new... cheap as dirt

The AudioQuest one I got 2nd hand locally. The guy had a receipt from Audio Advisor so I believe its not a black market one nonetheless paid good money for it

 

[Condorsat]

The Forest Optical I bought still had the original box .. guy needed a longer run.

Bought my Amazon Basics new as well .. it's been sitting in a drawer since the AQ.