Digital Cable Music Choice

AvG,

I didn't say it was a waste of time, just a waste of money for a big dollar digital cable. I have my cable converter/DVR connected to the DAC in my Resolution Audio Opus 21. It sounds much better than using the analog outputs from the cable box. However, I didn't notice any difference between a bargain basement digital cable and my Stereovox.

It is certainly worth the effort to connect the cable box into your system using a quality DAC. I just don't think you will get much additional value from a big-bucks digital cable.

Enjoy,

TIC

I have Direct TV, which at least in my area is far superior to cable. I run the Direct TV receiver into my preamp via “cheap” RCA’s (the kind that come in the box with CDP’s DVD’s, etc.) to listen to music. I recently took my CD player in for service and temporarily switched my Analysis Plus Solo Crystal RCA’s that I use for the CDP to my Direct TV receiver to get an idea if I could improve the sound of music. The AP cables go for around $300 on the used market. I can’t comment on what improvement a digital cable might make but the AP cables were a HUGE improvement over what I had been using and IMO well worth the money you would have to spend for good used RCA’s. Needless to say, when I get my CDP back I’ll be in the market for another pair of AP cables.

>> Ok thanks , what would be the best choice using the analog outputs on the cable box ot Digital coax OR toslink fiber ? <<

Whatever. The difference is going to be using the better DACs found in your pre-pro rather than the ones in the cable box.

Try this, take a simple RCA connector cable and use it to connect the coax out (SPDIF) from your cable box to your pre-pro. Sounds better, doesn't it? Mine is connected right now using a Music Boy/Petra cable from StarLink-DSS, cost me all of $8.95 + shipping, sounds GREAT.

Check this link:
http://www.starlink-dss.com/Component.htm

Honest, these are GREAT sounding interconnects, a rich audiophile friend turned me on to them, his entire system is wired with them (and he can afford whatever he wants)...

-RW-

RW – I’m not sure if your post was directed to me but just my additional 2-cents worth anyway. I have run my Direct TV receiver to my pre/pro via toslink (coax is not offered on the new HDTV boxes) and then to my preamp via the HT bypass. I find that the sound is better direct to the preamp via RCA’s. As a matter of fact, I find that the sound is better even through the “cheap” RCA’s. The point I was attempting to make above was that the sound is greatly enhanced through the better RCA’s.