What AES/EBU cable are you using, and why?

asindc

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Jul 19, 2013
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I've ordered a Berkeley USB converter that will arrive within a week or so. I have been researching these cables to find something high quality at a [relatively] reasonable price, which means something $1K or less for me. I'm interested in hearing from others that have gone through the same process. What did you try and why did you choose what you did?

I will be auditioning Wireworld Gold and Platinum AES/EBU at 0.5 and 1.5 lengths (I would be particularly interested in hearing from those who compared either of these cables to others), and probably the Straightwire combo that Berkeley has tacitly recommended.
 
I have an Apogee AES/EBU and RCA digital cables. I know they may not be the best but were rated very highly when I bought them. Someday I will invest in better cables.

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Apogee Wyde Eye Cable - S/PDIF - RCA Coaxial


Product #501845
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I use the Apogee Wyde Eye and Kimber Orchid. Both are great at their respected price points. I know musicians and studios like the Apogee and have success with it.

Dave
 
For my two channel between the BDP1 and BDA2 I have a $750 Shunyata Ztron Python AES. In the surround sound system, I have a $100 Bryston AES. Bryston provides a pair of these so I guess it really is a $50 cable. One day I need to swap it with the Ztron cable for an A/B comparison.
 
I also use this on my modified Sonos.

StereoTimes -- A Tale of Three Cities

Kimber Illumination D-60
D60w.jpg
It features a unique pure silver conductor contained in an air-articulated Teflon dielectric with twin, helically wound shields to protect it from RF interference. The remaining layers and technology are proprietary. Termination options include BNC and RCA-type connectors. Composite, Component, RGB and RGB+HV formats are available. D-60 is sold in 0.5-meter increments and is only available factory terminated

Kimber Illumination D-60


Strong Points
This cable had the most natural tonality. The mids had just the right amount of body that suited acoustic instruments like violin and piano perfectly. The bass was extended and had weight and presence. The treble was of a silky nature, never becoming aggressive or bright. Cymbals sounded very natural. Overall it had an effortless, fluid, and involving sound. The key word to summarize its strength should be balance.


Conclusion
Which one to choose? I think the answer is very much case dependant, or I should say "synergy" dependent. If your system’s sonic character is on the rich side, then Kimber Select 2020 could be the right choice. If this is not the case and if you don’t mind the slight coloration (assuming that you are not a chamber music fan), then your choice could easily be XLO Limited Edition, which is a stunning cable otherwise. But if your first priority is natural tonality and therefore you do mind the slight coloration then you should go for Kimber Illumination D-60.
What would I choose for my own system regardless of price constraints? Well, it has been a tough decision but finally my vote went to the Kimber Illumination D-60. It sounded tonally correct in my system and still offered a very good sense of detail, effortlessly. And of course its price came as a bonus--I believe D-60 is the "best buy" of the lot. That said, I strongly recommend auditioning any of these fine cables in your own system.
 
I also have a Berkeley DAC 2 and its USB convertor. Audioquest has a new Diamond Aes/EBU cable coming out next month. I think it will retail for around $1k. I will probably get one. I am using the Diamond USB cable now.

Rich
 
I use the Shunyata Python Zitron digital AES cable. I haven't compared AES cables at all, bought the Shunyata only because my other cables were Shunyata.
 
For my two channel between the BDP1 and BDA2 I have a $750 Shunyata Ztron Python AES. In the surround sound system, I have a $100 Bryston AES. Bryston provides a pair of these so I guess it really is a $50 cable. One day I need to swap it with the Ztron cable for an A/B comparison.

Same as Bud - Z Python. Arriving tomorrow. Will listen to them when I fly back home later this week.

Mike
 
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