Digital cable optimal length?


Last time I asked about optimal phono cable length, i got mostly answers like 1.5 m or less. I had experimented since then using 6 ft long RCA/RCA as phono cable and compared with same make 1.5 RCA/RCA cable as phono for along time with all my three TT set ups and result was same.

it does DETERIORATE the sound quality drastically as the cable gets longer (i had tried 4ft long also)

Now the question about digital cable.
Would having 3 m long BALANCED /BALANCED digital cable have similar results?
Have you tried?

Thanks,
nilthepill

Showing 3 responses by tobias

Too short means confusion and lack of coherence. Musical phrasing is smeared, timing seems subtly off, the image is out of focus. Instruments are harder to place and lack definition. Soundstage is vague. It's easy to spot the difference if you compare two lengths of the same cable.

I've never heard too long but I imagine the effect must be about the same, since the problem--timing of internal reflections--is the same.
Rodman, I have to admit to a little skepticism about that Canare RCA connector. In the page you link to, a special joining method is cited as part of the 75-ohm connection. The RCA plug itself is not claimed to be a 75-ohm device.

Elsewhere I believe I have seen a Canare RCA plug which the company identified as "true 75-ohm", but this claim is in conflict with statements from other sources concerning the impedance inherent to the RCA design.

I certainly would like there to be a 75-ohm RCA plug and would be happy to be shown one whose impedance figure could be trusted beyond the shadow of a doubt.
Bombaywalla, you caught me out. Steve Nugent of Empirical Audio with his paper in Positive Feedback is at the bottom of the whole affair and should get credit for it. I did refer to this paper in at least one of the posts to which Almarg has linked or referred, above.

I would like to add that IMVHO Almarg does the best job I have yet read of explaining the technology involved.