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USB vs SPDIF, which sounds better?

I am currently using an Audience AU24 SE USB cable between my Aurender N10 music server and the Lampizator Big 7 dac. Since both components have the SPDIF connection, I am wondering if the SPDIF would sound better than the USB. If so, what are some good digital RCA cables available today?  Thanks for your input.
respected_ent
celander's avatar
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celander
1,036 posts
 
It’s odd that such a high-end DAC wouldn’t enable user-selected options between digital inputs. I’m sure the company can assist you with this.
respected_ent OP
178 posts
 
My bad.  I forgot I have a remote control for the DAC.  I usually don't use the remote because I have an integrated amp, so I always use the volume control on the integrated amp, not the one on the DAC.  Using the remote, I was able to toggle the input selection.  Problem solved. 
lissnr
351 posts
 
I am a former Big 7 owner ( previously a Big 6 and an original model 4 as well... ) currently running a Golden Gate. Loved each one for their own best virtues and kept climbing the Lampi ladder... so far, so good. Big 7 is a fantastic dac with outstanding value for the money. I ran a few different S/PDIF’s from my cd transport and USB’s from my Lampi Komputer.. 
Top 3 favorites in no particular order are Mad Scientist, Triode Wire Labs, and WyWires. 
My recommendation for excellence and best bang for the buck is Triode Wire Labs... Pete makes outstanding cables at very reasonable prices... he’ll build anything you need the way you want it... has a 30 day return trial policy and is a real pleasure to deal with. 
If you’re looking for a remarkably natural presentation, I can’t speak highly enough about his products. 
PS: which DHT’s and what rectifier are you running? Just curious...
Good luck and happy lissn’n! Lissnr
respected_ent OP
178 posts
 

@lissnr I've had very good experience with TWL power cords and speaker cables.  Yes, Pete makes excellent cables.  I've not tried his interconnects.  May be I should give his SPDIF cable a try.

I am using the Takatsuki 300B's and KR 5U4G Lampizator Anniversary version right now.  I love this setup right now, but would love to give the Takatsuki 274B rectifier tube a try if I get a chance.

I had a Lite 7 before moving up to the Big 7.  Significant improvement.  I can imagine the same going up to GG.  May be one day...  :)

Happy New Year to you all!

medwardo's avatar
medwardo
24 posts
 
I've had an Aurender N10 for a year or two and have tried all of its digital outputs.With that player, they're all pretty good. To my ear, here is the stack rank from best to not-so-best:

XLR: quietest with the biggest soundstage, great midrange & bass,  and most organic sounding (what I use all the time)
SPDIF RCA: very, very close to the above
Optical: not a very deep soundstage, kinda "thin" sounding, but surprisingly good for optical
USB: not as good as any of the others, but OK

I have limited experience with brands of cables and currently run all Shunyata Sigma cables in my primary system save for the speaker cables. I'm sure that there are many good cables out there, but I worked up the Shunyata product line, so haven't tried others. 

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