Will I lose sound quality using standard XLR cables in place of AES/EBU 110ohm cables

Projectman

Projectman

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Lakewood Ranch, FL
I want to connect an Aurender W20 to a DCS Debussy DAC using the dual AES/EBU connectors on both devices. I only own one AES/EBU cable so that can't be used, but have a couple of Acoustic Zen standard XLR cables and a pair of Transparent Audio XLR cables.

I know I can't physically harm anything, but what will I lose in resolution? Has anyone used a standard (65-70ohm) XLR cable in place of a 110ohm AES/EBU digital cable?

The cable lengths will be around 3ft. long
 
If the Acoustic Zen is a Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) there will be zero problems with a 3 foot long cable, but with a 30 foot long cable, there might be.
There is not a standard value for STP XLR cables.
 
When using XLR cables for a digital connection the source and load circuitry is designed to work optimally with an ideal load impedance of the 110 ohm AES/EBU standard. While standard XLRs will not usually meet that impedance spec they may work, however if they have a different impedance the mismatched cable will cause some signal reflection resulting in increased jitter. As Speedskater mentioned the problem will be worse with longer cable lengths. I'd suggest sticking with XLR cables designed to meet the 110 ohm impedance spec when used for digital signal transmission.
 
Reached out to Acoustic Zen this morning via email. Heard back within two hours! Great service

Their reply:

Hi Stephen,
How are you !!
Yes, the cable was design for XLR balanced 110 ohm that very good for digital AES/EBU application.
Call me if you have more question 858-487-1988
Regards
Robert
 
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