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Is 75 ohm coax the same as S/PDIF?

I'm new to digital connections and I'd like to get a DAC to take the digital out of my CD player and eventually from a computer thru USB. So I need to make sure whichever DAC I get can accept the 75 ohm coax out of my CD player. It looks like an RCA, and so does an S/PDIF connector, I believe. Yet I undestand S/PDIF is a protocol...so I'm confused.

Would anyone please clarify?
lewinskih01
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
S/PDIF is indeed a protocol. The S/PDIF output is called that to distinguish it from other formats like AES/EBU, and non two channel tpes of digital output
And yes a 75 ohm cable is used for S/PDIF connections. but is itself just a 75 ohm cable that can be use for that connection. It is not the S/PDIF.
A 75 ohm cable could also be used for a video connection.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
It means Sony/Phillips digital interface. It is not always necessary to use 75 ohm; I have used many dedicated digital cables up to ones costing $1500 but right now I am using a standard IC between my transport and DAC.
lewinskih01 OP
793 posts
 
Thanks for the feedback, but I'm thinking I probably didn't make myself clear: my CD player has a digital out (RCA) that the manual says it's a 75 ohm coax connection. If I get a DAC with S/PDIF input and buy the appropriate cable, will the two work together?

Thanks!
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,424 posts
 
Yes.
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