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USB vs SPDIF, which sounds better?

I am currently using an Audience AU24 SE USB cable between my Aurender N10 music server and the Lampizator Big 7 dac. Since both components have the SPDIF connection, I am wondering if the SPDIF would sound better than the USB. If so, what are some good digital RCA cables available today?  Thanks for your input.
respected_ent

Showing 7 responses by respected_ent

respected_ent OP
189 posts
 
Thanks for your input.  Yes, I will definitely give the SPDIF cable a try.  From what I've read/heard so far, it is likely that the digital SPDIF setup will sound better than the USB setup.  The question now is what digital cable to get.  I've read that Snake River Boomslang and Purist Audio Neptune are really good cables.
respected_ent OP
189 posts
 
Thanks @celander. You are exactly right. My N10 has the BNC output, but it’s my DAC that’s limited to the RCA connection. So, I may end up using one BNC/RCA adapter on the DAC end. In Mike’s video, I don’t see what USB and digital cables he used in the demo. I know different cables would make a difference, so if he wasn’t using the same level of cables in the demo, then it would sort of skew the result. Anyhow, I do believe everything being equal, the SPDIF should sound better than the USB. Now the question is what digital cable I should get. Any suggestions?
respected_ent OP
189 posts
 

@mid40sguy Yes, you are right about the clock and the DSD.  So, if both USB and SPDIF cables are connected from the N10 to the DAC, then how does the PCM signal know to go through the SPDIF connection and not through the USB connection?  Does N10 have an internal mechanism to detect that the SPDIF is connected, so it will use it as opposed to the USB? 

@celander Thanks for the info again.  I've tried the Sablon data only USB cable, and to me the Audience Au24 SE USB still sounds better in my system.

respected_ent OP
189 posts
 
I just double-checked the back of my Big 7, and there is no toggle switch to switch between USB and SPDIF.  Does this mean I can only have 1 cable physically hooked up at a time?  I may need to check with Lampizator on this.
respected_ent OP
189 posts
 
My bad.  I forgot I have a remote control for the DAC.  I usually don't use the remote because I have an integrated amp, so I always use the volume control on the integrated amp, not the one on the DAC.  Using the remote, I was able to toggle the input selection.  Problem solved. 
respected_ent OP
189 posts
 

@lissnr I've had very good experience with TWL power cords and speaker cables.  Yes, Pete makes excellent cables.  I've not tried his interconnects.  May be I should give his SPDIF cable a try.

I am using the Takatsuki 300B's and KR 5U4G Lampizator Anniversary version right now.  I love this setup right now, but would love to give the Takatsuki 274B rectifier tube a try if I get a chance.

I had a Lite 7 before moving up to the Big 7.  Significant improvement.  I can imagine the same going up to GG.  May be one day...  :)

Happy New Year to you all!

respected_ent OP
189 posts
 
@medwardo, thanks for your info.  I recently got a Silnote Poseiden Signature SPDIF RCA cable, and so far I like what I am hearing.  The SPDIF RCA connection does sound fuller, bigger soundstage, and more detail than the USB connection.  I also feel more emotionally engaged to the music than the USB connection.  I may try some more digital cables later on to see how good this can get.
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