I2S Recommendation

@sns  I agree. I bought the 0.5m DH Labs HDMI 2.1, and if I decide on the Veritas, I’d also consider the 0.5m version. The only drawback is that the DH Labs 0.5m HDMI often needs to be twisted with some force to align properly with the I²S port.  But sound quality outweighs convenience factor.
 

Yep, the short I2S cables can be problematic if they need a twist. My Ximius is thick, stiff and requires a twist, somewhat scary in that one could easily damage one of the very fine gauge conductors in these cables. Nice thing is haven't touched the cable since initial installation.

I can't say for sure that both Optimus cable versions sound identical. Seems like Veritas went out of their way to control for that, and they are open about the situation at least. Most other models I've tried don't say a word about it either way . Which feels weird if their shorter cables really do sound better than their more expensive long cables.  

@v-fi  Do you mind commenting about how rigid / stiff is the Optimus 100 compared with the DH Labs when twisted / bent (slightly)?  Also, I know assigning a percentage on the sound improvement is really subjective but what percentage would you say on the Veritas over DH Labs. 

Also, in what way?  For example, when I switch from Audioquest economical hdmi cable to DH Labs, immediately effect I found is more bass and full body sounding. Would you articulate what improvements you have perceived from DHL to Veritas?

@lanx0003 The Optimus 100 is quite flexible and easy to manage. I can rotate both ends a full 180 degrees without any problem, it doesn't feel like it strains or is close to the limit at all. The DH Labs is pretty flexible too, easy to loop around but a little more stiff when it comes to the twisting of the ends to fit a plug orientation. Both are much more flexible than the Voodoo or most of the Audioquests.

On a scale of 0-100, if I made the Veritas a 100 just for the sake of simplicity (I'm not saying it is perfect, no cable is) the DH Labs is more like a 90 or high 80s. Not far behind, still really good, I can notice the difference if I listen carefully though.

For me the DH Labs sounds nice and full like you said, and the Voodoo Silverstream is more detailed and fast. The Optimus 100 sort of combines them both into one signature, all strengths with no downsides. So in comparison it makes the DH Labs feel slightly dull, and the Voodoo slightly thin. I don't hear them that way by themselves, only when compared directly.