Digital Cable Questions
7 questions · Updated regularly by our specialist team
Coaxial S/PDIF uses RCA or BNC connectors with 75-ohm impedance, while AES/EBU is balanced and uses XLR connectors with 110-ohm impedance. AES/EBU typically offers better noise rejection for professional and high-end systems.
Optical TOSLINK cables are ideal for preventing ground loops and electrical interference since they use light transmission. Coaxial cables, however, often deliver a slightly more robust and detailed sound.
Yes, but not in the same way as analogue cables. High-quality digital cables minimise jitter and ensure stable signal transfer, preserving timing accuracy and reducing noise.
Yes. Both coaxial and AES/EBU cables can handle 24-bit/192kHz audio, while optical cables may be limited to 24-bit/96kHz depending on the device.
Using a true 75-ohm coaxial digital cable maintains impedance consistency and reduces signal reflections that can introduce jitter and distortion.
The USB specification allows up to five metres, and shorter is generally better. If your DAC sits further away than that, moving the DAC or using an active repeater or a network bridge is more reliable than a long cable.
It separates the power conductor from the data conductors, or disconnects power entirely, so noise on the computer's five volt line does not reach the DAC. It only suits a DAC with its own power supply, since a bus powered DAC needs that line to run at all.