Digital cables for McIntosh D1100, AES or Coaxial?

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Lockheed Martin

Thank you for the information.

To sum up, the AES and Coaxial sound identical and better than USB interface with D1100. That’s very clear now.

Thanks again.

Well if you believe the manual is incorrect that is. I'd double check on that. The USB implementation could have been ahead of the AES/EBU and S/PDIF in the D1100 in keeping up with the modern times.

[1KW]

How can they sound better than USB if you can’t listen to DSD 128 or DSD 256 or DXD on the other ports for comparison?

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by j3brow

Actually, it is EXACTLY what the thread title asked. In the McIntosh forum. I will let dCS owners handle the streamer, I can only speak to the D1100 capabilities.

What I was getting at was the dCS side and not the D1100 side as the OP asked specifically using a dCS network bridge. The dCS NBR outputs (AES & SPIDF) have different file capabilities. It doesn't have USB out. Dual AES is recommended to optimize full file play to include DXD (and 192kS/s and DSD/64 & DSD/128).

I didn't look at this as what's best for the D1100 overall and in every server situation with a consensus; regardless what forum it began (McIntosh or the catch all MBL, dCS, Goldmund, Gryphon, etc). Besides, I highly doubt any comment to his question would even matter which forum it was generated.

Originally Posted by Timobi

I concur with Jason...my thoughts exactly. AES/Coax a tad superior than USB but nothing to scream home about

yeah the Thread asked which Connection best serves the D1100.

Again, the thread asked using a dCS NBR. Since it doesn't have USB out, the OP is asking using which is better coax or AES into the D1100.

I took the OP's initial post as what is best into a D1100 using a dCS NBR.

Best Sirs,

Bob

[Lockheed Martin]

Your inputs are very helpful.

I would use my current Nordost Valhalla coaxial between dCS NBR and D1100.

Thanks again.

[audioguru]

I have had excellent results using the AES input of my D1100. I can get up to 96khz/24 bit when I stream MQA tracks through my Lumin U1 streamer.

[Lockheed Martin]

Originally Posted by audioguru

I have had excellent results using the AES input of my D1100. I can get up to 96khz/24 bit when I stream MQA tracks through my Lumin U1 streamer.

What brand/model of the AES cable is using?

Thanks.

[audioguru]

I'm using the Statement SE AES/EBU cable from Audio Sensibility. This is an OCC Silver cable designed for the 110 ohm transmission standard for the AES/EBU digital interface. Swapping this cable with my stock AES/EBU cable made for a very noticeable sonic improvement!

[xv21]

How big differences are between different USB, AES/EBU, optical and coaxial cables? I mean for example Kimber Kable Select KS-2416 USB cable vs Kimber Kable Select KS-2436 USB cable.

[Maks]

Originally Posted by xv21

How big differences are between different USB, AES/EBU, optical and coaxial cables? I mean for example Kimber Kable Select KS-2416 USB cable vs Kimber Kable Select KS-2436 USB cable.

Like any other cable discussion, this will open a can of worms. However, for those who feel a difference between a $20 USB cable and $2,000 I am glad they are happy with their purchase.