Looking for a SPDIF cable from Adiogon


Greetings! I have been using a Kimber DV30 digital cable for a few years and now looking for a definite upgrade. The cable connects my miniDSP SHD DIRAC (love this unit!) to my Gustard X20 DAC (modified by Ric Shultz). The DAC is connected to my Primaluna Dialogue HP Integrated (AWESOME!) via Avanti cables, then to my Martin Logan Summit X speakers via Clear Day cables (double shotgun). I’m very happy with the equipment, but thinking a system of this much investment might need a better digital cable. Am I wrong?

Currently, on Audigon are these cables that I’m considering:
  • Black Cat Digit (not Mk 2) $475
  • Kimber Kable AGDL $399
  • Kimber Kable D60 $260
  • Nordost Silver Shadow BNC/RCA $299
  • Audience AU24 $364
  • Cardas Audio Lightning $300

I can also order an Avanti for $180.

I’m totally new to this and have only had the DV30 in my system for about three years. Any advice or thoughts to help me decide will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Steve
smills59

Showing 1 response by soix

I'd recommend getting this $40 Apogee Wyde Eye digital cable from Audiogon that you can at least use as a good benchmark for comparison if nothing else.  I've used it for years and prefer it to my Stereovox (aka Black Cat) XV2, which sounds thin and hyper detailed by comparison, and John Atkinson from Stereophile also used it as his reference for a while.  It's a very solid and natural-sounding digital cable, so if you find another cable that significantly outperforms it in your system and for your ears you know you've probably got something.  (Just make sure to follow the directional arrows because it directionality makes a big difference with this cable).  And who knows, a $40 cable may end up working for you!  Just FYI, I've been told that you should always get a digital cable with balanced connectors and use a BNC-to-RCA adapter if necessary -- something about not being able to make an optimal connection between a digital cable and an RCA plug.  Best of luck in your search.