Digital Cable Music Choice

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.

>> 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-

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.

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

Well I must be a salmon swimming upstream. If you can get a hold of an older (non-DD) box with the coax out the PCM 88.1 into a great dac and within a great system is better than most "think".(As most haven't heard what I describe.)

Yes! I do Agreed as well, It is a waste of money. I have a Motorola DCT6412 PHaseIII DVR High Definition cable Box and I use an Acoustic Zen Silver Bytes Digital Cable Connected from the cable box to my Parasound Halo C1 Processor(Just for Audio) and for video I use an HDMI cable from the cable Box to my 50" Panasonic Plasma Display. The best thing you can do is use the Digital SPDIF output of your cable box as well for music and it will be an inprovement in sound.
Good Luck!
Carlos

I prefer to use the digital output so that it can be converted by a decent DAC. Cannot comment on choice of cable.

Kal

Ok thanks , what would be the best choice using the analog outputs on the cable box ot Digital coax OR toslink fiber ?
IF the digital cable is best would a beter cable here help or just something like Audioquest VDM1 Or the Audioquest optilink 1 would be good enough and again a waste of $$ getting something like Hawk Eye with DBS or Optlink-5

Agreed! Waste of money....

TIC

Waste of $$$.

Kal

Background music? Cable box? Waste of money, don't bother with a new cable...

-RW-