 
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
|
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
148.87.23.6
Well, I recently acquired these Audioquest Digital Cables:VDM-XR 2M $17 BestBuy
VDM-1 1M $16 Ebay
VDM-3 1M $40 EbayWell, after using first a video cable and then an old random Monster cable, I could detect no significant difference between optical and USB to my, then, newly acquired S.M.S.L. DAC, so I thought that was that.
First I got the VDM-XR and it was a clear improvement over USB and even a glass fiber optical cable that I was using.
Then I acquired the VDM-1 and it was actually more musical than the XR, removing that high-frequency edge that caused me to waver often in my listening satisfaction. Their construction seemed similar though, so maybe one is a newer generation than the other?
Finally, I just received the VDM-3 and I certainly paid the going used rate for this cable. It appears to have silver plating on the connectors, which appear to be what is upgraded from the VDM-1 as the cable itself looks similar. Now I get a LOT of nice high-frequency detail that I really enjoy.
The SMSL DAC is a $100 DAC, but has an upgraded power supply and a new opamp, and I always thought it had edgy highs, but no more. Now, the sound is dimensional, although I suspect the midrange is not as full as it should be because, afterall, it is a relatively inexpensive unit.
Note as source I mostly used a SONY CD player, but computer audio has optical and USB outputs and I give the edge to optical in that case as the DAC probably does not have an optimized/XMOS USB input.
Edits: 12/09/16 12/10/16 12/10/16Follow Ups:
The VDM-3 is a more advanced design than the entry-level models. While not a 100% pure silver center conductor, much of what makes the cable sound better is that it features a thicker silver plating of the solid core copper center conductor and a carbon loaded polymer layer to help dissipate dielectric energy storage, which may result in a cleaner and subjectively faster sounding signal. The silver plated rca connector vs. gold plated rca connector may also contribute to a more detailed and extended sounding treble characteristic, and it might be a better overall rca connector vs. the entry-level models.
Thanks for that bit of info. I am wondering where Audioquest's new line-up figures in this? I am hoping to get a carbon digital some day, but it is still pricey for me and there are alternatives at that level.
However, as a cheapo recommendation, I think that either:
VDM-1
VDM-3
are good at their respective (used) price points.
IN the Audioquest lineup, would this be Forest versus Cinnamon, for instance? I don't know.
Since you have a good impression of your digital cable upgrade path, the next step-up from the VDM-3 might be the VDM-5 featuring a 100% silver center conductor. However, a DIY version using bulk length VDM-5 cable and a high-performance rca connector is likely a better audiophile-value than what's available as a pre-built cable within the audiophile marketplace, at this time. Otherwise, I think the VDM-3 might be a perfectly fine choice to simply enjoy when placed within your particular digital front end, since it seems to be a very good match for your purpose.
Post a Followup:
| FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Top of Page ]
[ Contact Us ]
[ Support/Wish List ]
[ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
