- Thread Author
- #1
http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2...-spdif-cable-heresy-from-mad-scientist-audio/
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S/PDIF 75ohm stability
- Thread starter Mike
- Start date
jdandy
New member
Mike.......Hmm! :skeptical:
There is so much mumbo jumbo in the marketing of audio cables.
There is so much mumbo jumbo in the marketing of audio cables.
- Thread Author
- #3
The claim DAR quoted ('because of its inherent resistance, HDC absorbs ANY reflections caused by impedance mismatches') is a marketing BS.
It cannot absorb all reflections within the cable, as otherwise the primary signal would not pass. It attenuates the primary signal to a degree - but probably just not enough to loose the connection. If the attenuation is say 3dB (just an example) then with each pass of the reflected signal, the reflection will be attenuated by another 3dB until it dies.
Increasing the resistance of the cable creates the effect similar to increasing return loss at both transmitting and receiving end, which may help some, although the very same effect may be achived by proper design of the the both sides (receiving and transmitting) of SPDIF interface, which is much more elegant - and most of all - reliable solution from the engineering point of view. Why most manufacturers do not care to implement high return loss SPDIF inputs (and outs) and such a cables may make a positive difference - is a topic for a separate discussion.
I believe van den Hul was first to introduce a carbon fibre cable (metal free) some 20 years ago. Since then other manufacturers followed. Their first cable - The First - even though it was designed as analog IC, was used by many as a digital IC with some success.
But you do not need to buy a CF cable to experiment with attenuation of the digital signal within the cable (and its reflections).
You can buy simple 75 Ohm fixed attenuator. They are widely available in various dB variants:
http://www.pasternack.com/bnc-75-ohm-fixed-attenuators-category.aspx
I remember John Kenny (the manufacturer of JK SPDIF converters and DACs) was offering those as an accessory in the past
It cannot absorb all reflections within the cable, as otherwise the primary signal would not pass. It attenuates the primary signal to a degree - but probably just not enough to loose the connection. If the attenuation is say 3dB (just an example) then with each pass of the reflected signal, the reflection will be attenuated by another 3dB until it dies.
Increasing the resistance of the cable creates the effect similar to increasing return loss at both transmitting and receiving end, which may help some, although the very same effect may be achived by proper design of the the both sides (receiving and transmitting) of SPDIF interface, which is much more elegant - and most of all - reliable solution from the engineering point of view. Why most manufacturers do not care to implement high return loss SPDIF inputs (and outs) and such a cables may make a positive difference - is a topic for a separate discussion.
I believe van den Hul was first to introduce a carbon fibre cable (metal free) some 20 years ago. Since then other manufacturers followed. Their first cable - The First - even though it was designed as analog IC, was used by many as a digital IC with some success.
But you do not need to buy a CF cable to experiment with attenuation of the digital signal within the cable (and its reflections).
You can buy simple 75 Ohm fixed attenuator. They are widely available in various dB variants:
http://www.pasternack.com/bnc-75-ohm-fixed-attenuators-category.aspx
I remember John Kenny (the manufacturer of JK SPDIF converters and DACs) was offering those as an accessory in the past
Mrppv
Member
Was tempted for a second to order the HDC when it was first announced, just to try it. Interesting that Darko did actually try it and didn't really notice any difference from his regular cable. I have some other Mad Scientist products… a couple of power cords and their Blackpod footers.
Ended up getting a deal on a used Tombo Tron digital cable which is Chris Sommovigo's statement piece (which he claims is the best out there).
Ended up getting a deal on a used Tombo Tron digital cable which is Chris Sommovigo's statement piece (which he claims is the best out there).