Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2009/01/15
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Hi Len, The TosLink cables are the same regardless whether it is used to carry standard CD-audio or SACD data stream (if I believe in Wikipedia). The difference is the protocol used by the 2 ends. I am using a Blu-Ray player with digital out as my CD player because there aren't THAT much difference in the audio decoders to my aging ears (and it takes up 1/2 the space of a separate CD player and reduce the number of wires by 2 which pleases my other half tremendously :). Regards, Spencer On Jan 15, 2009, at 12:01, Leonard Taupier wrote: > Spencer, > > TosLink cables are fine for a conventional CD player but doesn't > work with SACD disks because of the proprietary digital format. If > this has changed in the last four years please let me know. Also > some CD players may not even have a digital output jack. I have > TosLinks of different lengths but don't use them. > > You are certainly right about the phono, preamp, power amp chain. I > use a low output Koetsu moving coil cartridge, a separate phono > preamp, a tube preamp and a tube power amp. The cables do sound > different. But I don't go all out. You reach a point where the > increase in cost can't be justified by a minute improvement, if any, > in sound quality. Fortunately my dealer allowed me to try and return > any cable I wanted. > > Len > > > On Jan 15, 2009, at 11:23 AM, Spencer Cheng wrote: > >> For digital source such as CD player or digital TV signals, use a >> TosLink cable which keeps it digital into the (pre-)amp. No >> interference issues. No shielding or ground issues are likely. >> >> Especially with TosLink cables, Monster Cable would be a waste of >> money. It's a hunk of passive fibre optic cable with a simple >> connector at both end. It would postpone the conversion to the >> analog domain as far as possible. Available at my local PC shop for >> $5-$10. >> >> For vinyl or pre-amp to power amp where it is analog, the sky is >> the limit as long as one can hear the difference in a double blind >> test.... :) >>