1s are 1s, 0s are 0s, right?

Eldatford, I didn't mean to suggest relative value and how you should spend your money.

A digital signal is still a signal, that is, a time-variable voltage/current presence on the wires. I think here is an important distinction: If the device interpreting the signal treats it as just a sequence of data-bits, buffers it, and then creates an analog signal based on its own internal clock, then sure, 1s will be 1s and 0s will be 0s. But if the time variation of the original signal has an effect on how the device responds, the that signal is essentially sending extra analog information to it as well.

[email protected].

Well it seems we agree for the most part that changes in transport, cabling, etc, can/do have an effect on sound.

Just recently I purchased a Jolida JD-100. A fine sounding unit BTW. I had been using a Rotel RCD-971. Also a fine unit. Comparing the two, as transports only via a Theta DAC, clearly the Jolida had more firm and powerful bass.

I surmise that such variables as RF and other introduced "noise" could travel along with the data, thus "muddying" or confusing the DAC. Among many other plausible explanations.

I also surmise that there is a bit of "magic" involved as well. The end product(Stereophonic sound) truly is more than a sum of its parts(data). This occurs quite frequently in the world of Quantum physics, when the variables of time and space enter the equation. Clearly Stereophonic Music has these variables. Hmmmm.

It would be interesting to compile results from a Monophonic listening. e.g. Comparing qualitative differences of different cables and transports while listening to mono recorded sources played back in mono. I am curious just how profound or obscure differences would be in comparison to Sterephonic observations. A proof of the "magic" so to speak. Double Hmmmmm.

Just something to ponder.

Thanks to all the posters for a very enlightening read.