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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
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.
lewinskih01 OP
793 posts
 
Kr, thanks for the straight answer. I'm only hoping you answered the question I think you did!
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,424 posts
 
You asked 2 questions:
Would anyone please clarify?
Clearly, if I had answered this with "Yes," it would be ambiguous.

If I get a DAC with S/PDIF input and buy the appropriate cable, will the two work together?
Yes.
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