Quality of digital cable from from source to DAC?

mike_in_nc
>>But my desire to have understanding of most things is strong, particularly when they effect both my happiness and my wallet. <<

Such understanding is where you will find the most divergence of opinions about cables. Manufacturers -- and their customers -- have many hypotheses about what makes certain cables special. (I use "hypothesis" in the scientific sense, to mean an unproven yet plausible idea -- what non-scientists often call a "theory." A theory in science is something supported by overwhelming evidence.) Most hypotheses about cables are not supported by unbiased science. Given that, it becomes a matter of what sounds better to each individual. For various reasons, it’s easy to lose the distinction between slight differences and clear improvements.

>>>>I actually don’t agree with the major points of your paragraph. It all depends on who you talk to what theory is involved, what is fact, what is evidence and what breaks some sacred Law of Science. And to a large extent on whose ox is being gored. Yes, I know what you’re thinking - well, somebody must know. 🤗

ecolnago
Have had opportunity to acquire several credit hours of physics, thermodynamics, etc. in my earlier years. While I can’t necessarily hold an in-depth conversation on ALL the various aspects involved as electricity passes thru metal, I do have at least a little understanding of that physical process and many of the factors/elements that might affect it.

>>>>Don’t be shy. Please share. I’ve been trying to get just that, an answer to the dodgy question, “what is the audio signal,” for some time.

mike_in_nc
There is considerable divergence of opinion on the value of boutique cables when used for USB or Ethernet transmission. Some think they are vital, others find that the extra expense contributes little or nothing. So, I would expect the answers you receive to reflect that divergence.

>>>>You might be able to make the exact same argument for almost any debate regarding cables or power cords these days. But you have to ask yourself, why would someone like AudioQuest go through all the trouble of controlling directionality of their Ethernet cables and digital cables if the signal being transmitted was 1s and 0s? You have to ask yourself why would anyone do that? 😬 If it is some wild marketing ploy here must be easier marketing ploys.

Digital cables and Ethernet cables are no different from any other cables that transfer electromagnetic waves. It’s not as if those cables are passing packets of ones and zeros. That’s why consideration must be given to the same parameters as any speaker or power cord in terms of honoring the inherent directionality of wire and the dielectric material, purity of the metal, purity of connectors, etc.