A digital signal is still a signal, that is, a time-variable voltage/current presence on the wires. I think here is an important distinction: If the device interpreting the signal treats it as just a sequence of data-bits, buffers it, and then creates an analog signal based on its own internal clock, then sure, 1s will be 1s and 0s will be 0s. But if the time variation of the original signal has an effect on how the device responds, the that signal is essentially sending extra analog information to it as well.
1s are 1s, 0s are 0s, right?
I have been in somewhat of a debate over on the "PC Audio" forum here at A'gon. In a thread titled "Sound card with external DAC."
I would like a few opinions on whether Redbook data is just data, meaning that it really makes no difference what cable is used to transmit the digital signal or which transport is used to obtain it.
It seems logical that so long as the signal is in the digital realm, that 1s and 0s are well, just that. But I digress, personally I feel that everything makes a difference. Transports and cables both can effect the sound.
Am I just hearing things? Or maybe is the end product(sound) more than the sum of its parts (data)? Your thoughts are appreciated.
I would like a few opinions on whether Redbook data is just data, meaning that it really makes no difference what cable is used to transmit the digital signal or which transport is used to obtain it.
It seems logical that so long as the signal is in the digital realm, that 1s and 0s are well, just that. But I digress, personally I feel that everything makes a difference. Transports and cables both can effect the sound.
Am I just hearing things? Or maybe is the end product(sound) more than the sum of its parts (data)? Your thoughts are appreciated.