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best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100

154.47.131.77
Posted on November 2, 2016 at 14:24:07
paco
Audiophile

Posts: 1520
Joined: April 26, 2000
 it is to connect my USB/SPDIF converter to my DAC;
at present using Audioquest Forest, need advice for
CLEAR improvement without spending much; TIA!
best, paco

 

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RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 2, 2016 at 18:39:53
el34eh@yahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 1933
Location: Michigan
Joined: September 6, 2003
Hello Paco,

I can't say how much these might cost you in Spain?, but their appears to be two of them to chose from, and both get great ink ( press ):

http://www.monoandstereo.com/2016/03/madscientistaudio-hdc-digital-cable.html

I hope this helps?.
O_o scar

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 3, 2016 at 11:20:13
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 What length do you require?

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 3, 2016 at 13:38:52
paco
Audiophile

Posts: 1520
Joined: April 26, 2000
 thanks! this looks really nice on paper; yet a little expensive, especially from Europe...

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 3, 2016 at 13:39:41
paco
Audiophile

Posts: 1520
Joined: April 26, 2000
 0.7m or 1m

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 3, 2016 at 13:47:56
el34eh@yahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 1933
Location: Michigan
Joined: September 6, 2003
Paco,

You're more then welcome, but in all honesty there aren't to many under $100, from what I see listed here:

https://www.thecableco.com/category.aspx?cid=437

But don't forget that many can be found secondhand, on sites like Computer Audiophile | Head-Fi. Org as well as a few others.

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 3, 2016 at 16:25:02
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002



Hi paco,

The Oyaide DR-510 solid core pure silver digital coaxial cable is perhaps the best bang-for-the-buck factory-terminated digital cable at this time, and the FTVS-510 bulk coaxial cable is one of the most versatile coaxial cables for audiophile applications, IME. I use the FTVS-510 for a number of different applications, most notable for a high-performance 75 ohm internet streaming audio modem/router application, and a 75 ohm digital CATV application due to the large 18 AWG pure silver center conductor, equivalent to that of an RG6 coaxial cable, with high bandwidth capacity. IME, the FTVS-510 coaxial cable for any digital application helps to provide a large-scale soundstage presentation, with full-bodied vivid imaging, and a strong bottom end. I have also built a number of DIY Oyaide FTVS-510 S/PDIF cables, and all have been impressive within my digital cable collection. Buying a factory-terminated 0.7mm Oyaide DR-510 from sellers in Japan will meet your budget level (see links):

http://www.shoppinginjapan.net/oyaide-dr-510?gclid=CI_EpO3EjdACFZRffgod9xID_Q

www.ebay.com/itm/Official-Oyaide-digital-cable-RCA-RCA-0-7m-DR-510-0-7-High-quality-silver-wire-/122181111924

Cheers, Duster

 

What if I was ok with paying more?, posted on November 3, 2016 at 16:50:34
mitch2
Audiophile

Posts: 1521
Location: Great Lakes
Joined: August 28, 2001
 Thanks for the links Duster.
I have recently begun experimenting with S/PDIF connections but am going from BNC to BNC connections.
I am currently using a 1M Canare cable and it sounds pretty good.
The factory terminated cable you suggested is indeed available with BNC connectors which is great for me.
What if I was ok paying more, do you have another cable you would recommend?
The information on the Mad Scientist Heretical Digital Cable is interesting and the price isn't too steep.
Cerious Technologies offers a graphene digital cable for only $200 but I cannot find too much information on that.
Any others you would recommend?

 

RE: What if I was ok with paying more?, posted on November 3, 2016 at 17:52:16
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 I would still recommend an Oyaide DB-510 BNC connector digital cable. However, the VH Audio Pulsar Ag and Pulsar Cu II are also big favorites. What might you be seeking from sonic POV, mitch2?

 

RE: What if I was ok with paying more?, posted on November 3, 2016 at 18:23:57
mitch2
Audiophile

Posts: 1521
Location: Great Lakes
Joined: August 28, 2001
 Ok, good question.
All my gear is set and sounds great.
I have two choices from the Antipodes to my DAC - S/PDIF and USB
USB through Totaldac USB cable into W4S Recovery into Curious link to DAC sounds very good.
S/PDIF was a recent add to Antipodes as part of an upgrade and trying it I found an interestingly organic warm sound but a trade-off of sorts on resolution vs. the USB set-up described above.
So, maybe a silver cable like the Oyaide would improve resolution through S/PDIF but whatever cable is used I don't want to lose the midrange texture, clarity, tonal richness and full powerful bass I get from high powered Class A amplification.
I do like that the cable you recommended is a larger (18awg) gauge conductor.
What would be the trade-offs between the Oyaide and the VHA Pulser Ag, or Cu?
Thanks

 

RE: What if I was ok with paying more?, posted on November 3, 2016 at 18:46:12
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 I find both VH Audio cables present a more relaxed gestalt with different flavors, while the Oyaide 510 is more assertive in comparison. Midrange texture and presence is more upfront via the Oyaide cable.

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 4, 2016 at 00:41:10
paco
Audiophile

Posts: 1520
Joined: April 26, 2000
 thanks Duster, but i'm strongly allergic (in the sonic sense) to silver: blame my ears, not me!
so i avoid it in any form in my system: i don't really like how it sounds...

Oyaide makes a similar cable but it is made of their highest quality copper, like this:

http://www.solidstate-audio.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6853

and i can get this locally at a very low price... i may try it...

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 4, 2016 at 02:15:47
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 Which particular solid core pure silver S/PDIF digital cable have you not liked so far?

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 4, 2016 at 03:06:58
paco
Audiophile

Posts: 1520
Joined: April 26, 2000
 no, it is a matter of principles! after many frustratings expriments with pure silver
(and silver plated copper) in many forms and uses, one day i decided
not to insist by taking more risks, and always use high quality copper instead!... :)

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 4, 2016 at 03:36:51
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 A solid core silver conductor is especially good for digital applications. It's a very different animal than a silver plated copper wire. That said, if you still seek a copper digital cable, and since you have DIY experience, I suggest that you build a VH Audio Pulsar Cu II solid core OCC copper S/PDIF digital coaxial cable terminated with KLE Pure Harmony rca connectors.

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 4, 2016 at 05:04:56
paco
Audiophile

Posts: 1520
Joined: April 26, 2000
 not bad an idea, but at $79 per meter then $39 x 2 per the RCA plugs, this is not precisely cheap;
in addition, i should pay shipping cost to Spain... i much prefer to try the Oyaide SPDIF copper as i said,
very inexpensive bought locally...

thanks Duster anyway

best, paco

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 4, 2016 at 12:11:07
pc123v
Audiophile

Posts: 225
Joined: February 6, 2014
 Hi Duster,

I will be needing a digital coaxial SPDIF cable in the near future...1M or 1.5M. Would the Oyaide DR-510 solid core pure silver digital coaxial cable be considered warm and romantic/analogue sounding? I wouldn't mind a little darkish. I can't afford something that is extended and/or detailed at the top end. In my system...it could translate into an increase in sibilance and tizz. Any recomendations up to $150...DIY or factory terminated would be greatly appreciated too. Thanks again.

 

RE: What if I was ok with paying more?, posted on November 4, 2016 at 22:47:07
mitch2
Audiophile

Posts: 1521
Location: Great Lakes
Joined: August 28, 2001
 Thank you Duster

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 5, 2016 at 10:13:14
Chris K.
Audiophile

Posts: 400
Location: West Central Florida
Joined: August 15, 2001
 In general, I tend to agree with Duster regarding the Oyaide. Like you, I'm leery of silver, especially with cd playback. However, for this type of digital application it may offer some benefits. I gave serious consideration to this cable when I upgraded a few months ago, but wound up going with the QED Reference Digital Audio S/PDIF cable. Don't ask me why I chose that because I can't remember my exact reasoning, but it may have been what I was able to extrapolate from a multiplicity of reviews or comments on the two cables. Regardless, after break-in, it has proven to be a significant improvement over my prior cable.

 

RE: What if I was ok with paying more?, posted on November 5, 2016 at 11:22:01
fred76
Audiophile

Posts: 1586
Location: Manila
Joined: February 28, 2004
 Hi,

I second Duster's opinion on the Pulsar Cable (older version in my case)... I even used it as an internal SPDIF cable from the reclocker pcb to coax socket inside my old Theta cd transport with great results.. It replaced the plain stock cable inside the Theta.

For BNC connectors, be sure they are true 75 Ohms. Best bets are Vampire or Furutech for DIY.

Regards..

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 5, 2016 at 13:54:17
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 The Oyaide 510 cable is very neutral sounding, however the large gauge solid core conductor and foamed PE dielectric brings the sonic signature a bit more to the warmer side of neutral vs. a smaller gauge and FEP dielectric coaxial cable. So I would not say "warm and romantic/analogue sounding" but certainly not bright and analytical sounding. If you do seek a warmer presentation, a DIY VH Audio Pulsar Cu II OCC digital coaxial cable terminated with KLE Pure Harmony rca connectors would be advisable.

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 5, 2016 at 14:00:18
paco
Audiophile

Posts: 1520
Joined: April 26, 2000
 yep, i was considerimg that QED too, due to so good reviews,
but then i discovered it is made of silver plated stranded copper,
so i decided not even try; my rules after more than 20 years of
experimentation as a DIYer are very simple:

solid better than stranded,
copper better than silver,
silver plated copper the worst combination

i still stick to those rules

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 5, 2016 at 19:54:55
jedrider
Audiophile

Posts: 15166
Location: No. California
Joined: December 26, 2003
 I just realized that I use Morrow Audio interconnects which are ALL made from sliver coated copper wires, although solid core. I've been happy with them, although I, too, am now looking for about a $100 digital cable and I have no idea of the copper/silver trade-off in the context of DIGITAL cables.

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 5, 2016 at 23:58:57
paco
Audiophile

Posts: 1520
Joined: April 26, 2000
 i'm ordering the Oyaide DIGITAL CABLE DST-75R, solid copper, so i hope to post my results in about one week or so...

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 11, 2016 at 07:30:42
paco
Audiophile

Posts: 1520
Joined: April 26, 2000
 >>I have also built a number of DIY Oyaide FTVS-510 S/PDIF cables, and all have been impressive within my digital cable collection.>>

which RCA connectors did you put to those DIY SPDIF cables? were they 75ohms, or not necessarily? to what results, in any case? TIA!

 

best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 11, 2016 at 12:15:53
PingPing
Audiophile

Posts: 196
Joined: May 22, 2014
 Paco, have a look at these links, maybe they will be helpful, also ...

Willy Low SPDIF/Digital1

Willy Low SPDIF/Digital2

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 11, 2016 at 15:35:23
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 The notion of a "true 75 ohm" rca connector is often considered an oxymoron. What matters is how a 75 ohm characteristic impedance coaxial cable is terminated with an rca connector design and termination method that allows the round shape and diameter of the coaxial cable dielectric to be maintained from end to end, since a uniform relationship between the outer shield and center conductor along the entire length of the coaxial cable geometry is a vital aspect to keep cable reflections to a minimum. I prefer to use the term "75 ohm friendly" when it comes to rca connectors that are acceptable to use for an S/PDIF digital cable application when carefully terminated. Among those rca connectors I found to perform well with the Oyaide FTVS-510 are the WBT NextGen Ag, Jelco RCA PP-42, EIZZ EZ-201, and Xhadow Precision RCA. While the KLE Pure Harmony rca connector with a low eddy current design is better optimized for 75 ohm applications than many, I did not find it to provide good synergy when used with the Oyaide FTVS-510, to my ear. YMMV

A key example of an "unfriendly" rca connector for a 75 ohm application are typical 2-piece ground rca connectors such as the Canare F10 (not to be confused with the Canare RCAP-C3F crimp plug) with a strain relief mechanism that is intended to be crimped with torque around the end of the cable in order to secure the connector to the cable, which can deform the dielectric in a manner that may create substantial cable reflections as a result. Connectors that feature gentle strain relief designs or no built-in strain relief at all are better options for 75 ohm characteristic impedance applications. Another key factor is to choose a length of coaxial cable that better manages cable reflections rather than allowing strong signal reflections to degrade the signal transmission. While this particular issue can be cable dependent, 0.5 meter or 1.5 meter lengths tend to be a safer bet, at least from an anecdotal point of view vs. a 1 meter length digital coaxial cable.

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 11, 2016 at 18:07:33
PingPing
Audiophile

Posts: 196
Joined: May 22, 2014
 Paco, perhaps the KLE Copper Harmony rca will be good, as described in the link where it was used with the Furutech FC-63, and maybe it will give you what you are looking for ... "the best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100".

Willy Low SPDIF/Digital1

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 12, 2016 at 11:10:41
paco
Audiophile

Posts: 1520
Joined: April 26, 2000
 thanks! i read those reviews... i may try, but with Oyaide wire

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 12, 2016 at 11:14:05
paco
Audiophile

Posts: 1520
Joined: April 26, 2000
 thanks! i may try that Oyaide coaxial, but feel atracted to those KLE RCA connectors, after so much ink about them; only problem: how to solder that copper return to a V pin? did you add a small piece of wire joining them?

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 12, 2016 at 12:23:37
beautox
Manufacturer

Posts: 366
Location: New Plymouth
Joined: July 9, 2013
 I find the KLE connectors to be the easiest-to-solder RCA plugs around. The V makes it easy - the wire rests in the v and you solder it.

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 12, 2016 at 13:18:59
paco
Audiophile

Posts: 1520
Joined: April 26, 2000



i agree, yet you seem to talk about TWO wires, but what about a coaxial cable, like the Oyaide FTVS-510 in the pic? that's why my original question...

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 12, 2016 at 13:59:04
PingPing
Audiophile

Posts: 196
Joined: May 22, 2014
 I believe that the Oyaide DST-75R wire has a copper wire braid around the copper foil, which is not showing in your picture. If yes, and even though it is a different rca plug, perhaps this link will be helpful. Have a look at the following pictures.

Soldering Coax wire






 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 12, 2016 at 22:48:26
paco
Audiophile

Posts: 1520
Joined: April 26, 2000
 thanks! very useful indeed...

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 13, 2016 at 03:00:12
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 The bare copper shield that you are seeing in the image of the Oyaide FTVS-510 is a thin copper foil shield that does not need to be soldered to the return, since it makes intimate contact with the silver plated copper braided shield along the entire length of the cable, which acts as a drain wire for the copper foil shield. The braided shield simply needs to be flayed and twisted into a bundle, which is then soldered to the return.

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 13, 2016 at 05:29:49
paco
Audiophile

Posts: 1520
Joined: April 26, 2000
 thanks!

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 20, 2016 at 22:05:55
Tidycat1
 Paco
I am aware that you have had a bad experience with silver,but (as Duster said) they have a good synergy in a digital application.
That said:Today, a pair of Clear Day RCA ICs popped up on AudioGon.This 24ga silver IC with Eichman connectors has been my reference for a S/PDIF cable.
Since Paul/Clear Day will no longer build his cable with the Eichman (became too expensive),this is the only way to get your hands on this cable.
Originally,this IC was $185/meter pair.Just FYI.

 

RE: best digital coaxial SPDIF cable under $100, posted on November 20, 2016 at 22:56:16
paco
Audiophile

Posts: 1520
Joined: April 26, 2000
 thanks Tom, but i built an Oyaide silver with Kle connectors myself; i'll post a review rather soon...

 

A CLEAR improvement over what you have? , posted on November 25, 2016 at 18:34:31
ppopp
Audiophile

Posts: 2994
Location: OR
Joined: October 10, 2002
 It's unlikely no matter what you use as an 'upgrade'.
Unless the AQ cable is letting in a lot EM/RF interference (doubtful, it's a decent cable with useful shielding), the likelihood of you hearing something sounding better is very slim no matter what you pay. The cable length is short, so the job it has to do is an easy one.
Always worth an experiment though. You never know. Some systems needs more experimenting with than others.

 

RE: A CLEAR improvement over what you have? , posted on November 26, 2016 at 00:05:12
paco
Audiophile

Posts: 1520
Joined: April 26, 2000
 well, with my new Oyaide silver + KLE copper connectors i got a vast improvement!

 

RE: A CLEAR improvement over what you have? , posted on November 26, 2016 at 02:26:39
PingPing
Audiophile

Posts: 196
Joined: May 22, 2014
 That's great paco, really excellent! It will be interesting to read your description of the (vast) improvements over the Audioquest Forest. Can you detail the improvements and what you are now hearing?

 

RE: A CLEAR improvement over what you have? , posted on November 28, 2016 at 18:51:44
PingPing
Audiophile

Posts: 196
Joined: May 22, 2014
 Are you planning to keep the Oyaide silver + KLE copper connectors spdif in the system?

 

RE: A CLEAR improvement over what you have? , posted on November 28, 2016 at 22:39:08
paco
Audiophile

Posts: 1520
Joined: April 26, 2000
 be patient, i need more time... ;)

 

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