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Using Digital Cables for Analog RCA's?

Stereofro

Stereofro

Member
Hi is it possible or advised to use digital coaxial audio cable for rca phono cables? I was thinking about making a set with a ground wire since I have a large lot of retail Audioquest digital sitting around.
 
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http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice102743-Digital-Coaxial-Audio-Video/dp/B003NMVG64

If you read the description says:
This Digital Coax Cable is made from premium quality RG-59/U with double copper braid shielding to prevent signal degradation caused by EMI and RFI interference. This cable is ideal for conducting S/PDIF digital audio signals and other high-bandwidth content, but it can also be used for composite video and other line level RCA signals.
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So I think shouldn't be any problem.
 
elira said:
http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice102743-Digital-Coaxial-Audio-Video/dp/B003NMVG64

If you read the description says:
This Digital Coax Cable is made from premium quality RG-59/U with double copper braid shielding to prevent signal degradation caused by EMI and RFI interference. This cable is ideal for conducting S/PDIF digital audio signals and other high-bandwidth content, but it can also be used for composite video and other line level RCA signals.
​
So I think shouldn't be any problem.
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Thank you! I wouldn't even dream of it but thought what the heck since I have a bunch in retail packaging that I have not touched in years:)
 
I bought up a bunch of AR Video cables and used them as interconnects, IMO they are better than the regular audio ones they make, just marked R or L on each end as they are all the same color, also got them cheap.

41FRE0WCRJL._AC_UL320_SR202,320_.jpg
 
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I just made up a bunch of interconnects using RG59/U cable (95% copper shielding) at $0.14/foot and using Amphenol RCA plugs. I customized my lengths. Worked out to be about $7 per pair. They sound great to me and the Amphenol RCA's were very easy to get soldered up. Give it a try.
 
As Yoda says "digital is do or do not, there is no try" so it's kind of odd that digital cables which just need to work are made better than analogue cables where quality really counts.
But they are and it's what I've been using.
 
Digital Cables and Analog Cables--What's the Difference?

"Can analog cables be used in digital applications? Yes, up to a point; but the looser tolerances of older analog cable designs will limit their run lengths, at least when used in high-bandwidth applications like SDI video. Can digital cables be used in analog applications? Yes, absolutely; the same tight tolerances which make digital cables appropriate for digital applications make them superb for analog applications." (Emphasis supplied)
 
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valvenator said:
As Yoda says "digital is do or do not, there is no try" so it's kind of odd that digital cables which just need to work are made better than analogue cables where quality really counts.
But they are and it's what I've been using.
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Yes and no.

Analog audio connections, generally speaking, are not impedanced-matched.

Digital, such as via coaxial S/PDIF, is intended to be conveyed on 75-ohm impedance matched system. Since the characteristic impedance of the cable depends on conductor and conductor relationship geometry, cables for such types of systems must be built using more exacting tolerances to maintain the characteristic impedance.

Does the proverbial coat hanger work? Yes it does, to a certain point. That simply demonstrates the relative robustness of S/PDIF data and physical links. But, that shouldn't really be construed as meaning coat hangers, so to speak, are the right tool for the job.
 
Thanks whoaru99, Interesting and good to know.
I must have gotten my info from the same guy that told us CD's were indestructible:rolleyes:
 
Bought a huge bagful of all kinds of rca cables, for next to nothing, have not found any that do not work fine.
 
whoaru99 said:
is intended to be conveyed on 75-ohm impedance
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I'm amusing from your answer that 75 ohm impedance would be superior regular audio IC impedance? I've also read that it's a challenge to get 75 ohm impedance from a RCA plug? Is there an optimal impedance for audio ICs? Just curious.

Michael
 
MudSlideSlim said:
I'm amusing from your answer that 75 ohm impedance would be superior regular audio IC impedance? I've also read that it's a challenge to get 75 ohm impedance from a RCA plug? Is there an optimal impedance for audio ICs? Just curious.

Michael
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No, there isn't an optimal impedance for typ. analog interconnects because it's not an impedanced-matched system.

In terms of superiority that will open a can of worms. Suffice to say that cables of that nature, e.g. 75 ohm coaxial cables, typically have low capacitance and very wide bandwith capabilities that far exceed audio requirements. As a general rule, they pass the signal with minimal alteration. Not everyone thinks that's best for their system.
 
Thanks whorau99. We are always looking for inexpensive improvements, even meaningless snake oil improvements in our systems.
 
MudSlideSlim said:
Thanks whorau99. We are always looking for inexpensive improvements, even meaningless snake oil improvements in our systems.
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I'm not sure I get the gist of your post. It comes across as a bit mixed-message with that snake oil thing. Is that your intent?

(cause it sure wasn't mine - I experiment will all sorts of DIY cables, latest project, although yet unfinished)

20160526_120640.jpg
 
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Sorry I wasn't clear I tend to fall for inexpensive improvements, some might be snake oil, some might have merit but don't make that much of a difference and are just a sideways move. I was being me critical of myself not anything you said. Your explanation was right on the mark. I should of said I fall for improvements that are the best thing since sliced bread. My apologies.
Michael
 
I've found that in my locality (Hong Kong) there is a tendency to follow trends, some being more dubious than others. The Furutech R168h 'power conditioner' seemed to be ubiquitous for hifi guys 10-20 years ago, and now you see them being sold for a few bucks. I also notice using digital coaxial RCA cables as analogue audio interconnects too. I bought a used tube amp and it came with some Saec 1707 pro pc occ digital cables for analogue interconnects (the amp doesn't have digital in or outs). Google shows that it was only really popular here. I only noticed that it was 'digital' a few months ago when 'tidying' up my system, I retired them because one of the end connections is missing the shield (probably doesn't make a difference). I was wondering/ googling using digital coax as interconnects, and this thread gave me the most definitive answers :-)
 
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