[jcon]

On Dec 3, 4:09*am, Mal Thomas wrote:
Greetings,

I noted a brief quip in a recent Hi-Fi Choice mag that a metal digital cable
(coax) sounds better than an optical cable.

That's interesting. I once had a salesman in a high end
audio store once try to convince me that an optical
digital connection was better than a copper
digital connection (I'm not making this up) "because
the light gives the music a softer sound".
I was going to argue with him, but it would
have been like beating up a cripple.

Obviously, to first order any two *digital* connections
are going to sound absolutely identical (kinda sorta
a key feature of digital). At a higher order, there's some
chance that a copper connection will introduce
spurious analog noise into the system, so an
optical link will always sound as good or better.

I've found that there is large class of audiophiles
that can be convinced to suspend the laws of
physics if it allows them to rationalize spending
more. Probably true of golfers as well, but I know
less about golf.

-jc


*Obviously what sounds better to
someone is entirely subjective (assuming no major defects along the way).

However, is there some evidence to suggest that one type is better than the
other? Using the same kit and distance (80cm).

I've seen some stuff on the 'net, but mainly suggestions/opinions (varied).

In my particular instance I use an optical cable from my CD player to an
external DAC. *Quite happy with the sound - is there any compelling reason
for me to change to a coax ? * Yes I know I can buy one and listen for
myself, but I'd like to hear other peoples experiences too.

If it helps, my system comprises Accuphase main-, Ming Da pre-, NAD C542 and
Musiland MD10 DAC (plus some analogue kit which is irrelevant for this
post).

TIA
Cheers
Mal
Oz