Optical or Coax

[Bogart]

Yes this old cherry probably coming around again. I have an Audiolab 6000CDT feeding a Musical Fidelity MX-DAC.
I for the life of of me cannot hear any difference between using either optical or coax cable. Have used a couple of cables of each type. Read some people favour one over the other. Well I am in neither, or both, camps. Am I missing something?

 

[Linear]

I would say in your case, it matters not, use either.
With my equipment I can only get optical to run at 96k, so I use coax.

 

[JANDL100]

I've found a really good (meaning that I like it) optical cable.

I've an 8m run from my digital sources (sited next to me) to my DAC and amp (sited on the opposite side of the room to me).

Sorted.
If it works for you, job done.

 

[antonio66]

@JANDL100 Keeping it your hat though Jerry?

 

[JANDL100]

@JANDL100 Keeping it under your hat though Jerry?

8 metres?
No, I'd need a bigger hat.

 

[antonio66]

@JANDL100 We're still no the wiser Jerry, save yourself buying a bigger hat.

Was the optical cable purchased simply because a longer length was needed?

 

[JANDL100]

@JANDL100 We're still no the wiser Jerry, save yourself buying a bigger hat.

Was the optical cable purchased simply because a longer length was needed?

No, it's been my favourite optical cable for years.
I just bought a long one when my system placement needed it.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/39288743...qP1nGsBRcm&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[dari]

No difference on my dac between USB, Coax or Toslink.

 

[rabski]

There's a big difference here, mainly because my own-build DAC doesn't have optical or USB inputs

With the spare DACs that do, and with various borrowed/loan ones, I've rarely heard substantial differences. But then there shouldn't really be differences, providing (a big 'providing') all the send and receive circuits are decently made, designed and implemented.

In Jerry's case, and similar, I would imagine optical would have the advantage. Coax S/PDIF is likely to be marginal at 8 metres, though AES/EBU ought to be OK.

 

[It Cost How Much!?!]

The only optical I ever use is ST. Definitely AES/EBU over Co-ax. I find most USB inputs pretty poor on DACs.