I2S Cables with RD 160

User Tips
#1

Guys …
for some of you it may be a snake oil discussion; but not for me. I did a blind test between two cables. Let’s say between two cable families connecting my SACD Transport, PS Audio, PerfectWave Series, with my Rose DAC RD 160:

Audioquest Dragon 48 HDMI
vs.
Tubulus Concentus V2,
both in 1m length and with HDMI Jacks.

Honestly it was a huge difference. We did 5 runs, changing the paths between those two cables. And 5 times I noted: Cable A is separating instruments with more structure. Trebles are more integrated not so bright but with more details of violin-bow stroke and with harpsichord attack. Instruments seemed more natural, less hectic in their presentation. With Cable A I could follow the musicians, with Cable B I listened to a little artificial, bright, but “fat” and uninviting muddy sound.

The Winner was Cable A. Behind A is Tubulus Concentus V2. Let’s call it: “Tubulus Concentus. The Dragon Slayer” …

Best Regards,
Frank

#2

Its not snake oil per se.

First, there is some subjective issues on what you hear.
So at a certain point, you won’t really hear much of a difference.

The issue is that while the digital signals will be the same… the cables themselves can also introduce EMI/RFI and have a high ESR.

There’s a guy on YT that did a really great demonstration of this in RCA audio and video connections.
He showed one set of cables where the audio cables generated a lot of noise while the better shielded cable for video did not generate noise. And then other cheap RCA cables that were better shielded didn’t generate any audible level of noise.

This doesn’t mean that you need to go out and buy uber expensive cables, just find cables that are made of quality materials.

One thing about Audioquest. They make a good product, however IMHO they tend to charge a huge premium for it.