Why do digital cables sound different?


I have been talking to a few e-mail buddies and have a question that isn't being satisfactorily answered this far. So...I'm asking the experts on the forum to pitch in. This has probably been asked before but I can't find any references for it. Can someone explain why one DIGITAL cable (coaxial, BNC, etc.) can sound different than another? There are also similar claims for Toslink. In my mind, we're just trying to move bits from one place to another. Doesn't the digital stream get reconstituted and re-clocked on the receiving end anyway? Please enlighten me and maybe send along some URLs for my edification. Thanks, Dan
danielho

Showing 5 responses by dekay

Pops or anybody: Is the Illuminati D60 the same as the currently advertised Illumination D60? I have been watching this thread, but have nothing to add as I will be purchasing my "first" coaxial cable shortly to add a Bel Canto DAC to my system. I have been in contact with the Cable Co. in regard to 1.0 meter IC's, but now am consisering a 12.0 feet IC, which will allow me to shorten my speaker cable runs (I could then place the DAC and amp very close to my speakers). If anyone has tried 12.0 feet (4.0 meter) coaxial 75 ohm cables, I would also appreciate comments on your experience. Does the added length degrade the sound?
I just ordered the Mapleshade Double Helix Digital Cable. It is not a coaxial design. Since I have never used a digital cable before I thought that I would start with the unknown. I also enjoy talking with Pierre at Mapleshade who has freely shared some good basic advice on my setup. When my system settles down again I will try some other options from The Cable Company, but for right now there are too many changes going on (in my system) to perform sound auditions. When the time comes I will post to this or a new thread as there is not a lot on this subject at the site right now.
Redkiwi: I get it. It is not only that you say yes and no, but "how" you say it as well. As far as I know nothing is perfect and there are always variences to be had. The sub atomic clock in Denver is pretty accurate, but I would assume that DAC's and digital transmission lines are not even in the same ballpark. Perhaps when we get organic based DAC's all cables will sound the same?