RCA - XLR Digital Interconnect

[Fretless]

A question for the Doc and the other technically-minded folks:

There is an XLR digital input socket on my Musical Fidelity M1DAC. I had a cable with an RCA plug at one end and an XLR plug at the other that came from an old studio equaliser and decided to experiment. Replacing the Toslink connection between Sonos and DAC with this link. And it worked - and it even sounded clearer and more stable than the optical link.

But the cable itself is something called 'Connectronics Phonoflex' and is essentially a thin guitar lead, about 80cm long. Reading on the net I find conflicting opinions about whether or nor this is a good connection. Different ideas about impedance, resistance and cable length.

Do I need to worry about using this or would a purpose-built RCA-XLR cable (SSC or SSP for instance) be better?

[Dr Bunsen Honeydew]

I don't like optical with most connection interfaces. I find metal wire to be better, and some wire is better than others the same as with analogue cables.

Basic principle is that if it sounds better to you then bugger what anyone else says, it is better.

[Fretless]

Thanks - the sound quality is really good. You've put my mind at ease.

The DAC, I presume, recognises the SP/DIF input and adjusts itself accordingly.
I was worried that some sort of electrical difference might affect one or other device in an adverse way.

I did think of trying Beresford's Toslink cable - he claims it is as good as a coax link.

[Dr Bunsen Honeydew]

He claims lots of things but only to promote his own products.

[Fretless]

Doc - I see there is a pait of 40cm XLR-RCA SSC's in the Ebay shop. Would it be possible to take one of those for use as a digital interconnect (assuming that it is XLR male to RCA male) or could you assemble one of 50cm if you don't want to split the set (would SSP2 be even better?). And what would the price be?

I have just ordered a pair of 70cm SSC's, so they could all be sent to NL together.

[Dr Bunsen Honeydew]

None of those things listed at eBay actually exist, apart from as components parts. Everything is built to order, so order what you like. Tell me what you want and I will list it at eBay. Though take note build time has gone out because of my move.

[Fretless]

Understood Doc, Thought they were already made up. I'll have a think about it and let you know.

Sympathies with the house move - it took us about 15 years of hard work to convert the farmhouse. Blood, sweat and tears in fairly equal quantities.

[Dr Bunsen Honeydew]

Well in 15 years I will be 82 so I seriously hope not in my case

[Fretless]

Do not underestimate the power of Zen, Grasshopper.





Okay, I've thought, could you please make the following (when your time allows):

SSC 50cm single digital interconnect, XLR male to RCA male.

Many thanks. RC

[Dr Bunsen Honeydew]

I have put it up at ebay for you to buy, it makes my life easier.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NVA-50cm-set- ... 1651449714?

Ebay insist on pictures and there isn't one of this as I haven't built it yet so ignore the picture.