Hi all,
I'm currently using an optical cable to send music from my old Macbook Pro to my Quad Vena, which amplifies two custom-made speakers. Most of my music library is CD-quality FLACs but last week I signed up for a hi-res streaming service which means I now have access to hi-res files (24-bit/192kHz).
I read somewhere that optical cables are capped at 96 kHz while coax allows up to 192 kHz. I know not everyone agrees but I want to see for myself whether I can hear the difference. For my little experiment to succeed, I need to replace my mini Toslink cable with a coaxial equivalent, but that's easier said than done. Most coaxial cables have RCA connectors on either end, whereas I need a 3.5mm jack to plug into my laptop. These cables tend to be upwards of £100 https://www.futureshop.co.uk/digita...axial-audio?product_types=667&termination=390 and many are mono. I have also found some for less than £10 on ebay https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/155125421331?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28&var=455305436355
What explains the difference? Is the additional outlay worth it?
Also, does the fact that my Macbook Pro has a digital output mean that it can handle both Toslink and coaxial? (I think both use S/PDIF?)
As you can probably tell, I'm not very knowledgeable and appreciate any help I can get.
I'm currently using an optical cable to send music from my old Macbook Pro to my Quad Vena, which amplifies two custom-made speakers. Most of my music library is CD-quality FLACs but last week I signed up for a hi-res streaming service which means I now have access to hi-res files (24-bit/192kHz).
I read somewhere that optical cables are capped at 96 kHz while coax allows up to 192 kHz. I know not everyone agrees but I want to see for myself whether I can hear the difference. For my little experiment to succeed, I need to replace my mini Toslink cable with a coaxial equivalent, but that's easier said than done. Most coaxial cables have RCA connectors on either end, whereas I need a 3.5mm jack to plug into my laptop. These cables tend to be upwards of £100 https://www.futureshop.co.uk/digita...axial-audio?product_types=667&termination=390 and many are mono. I have also found some for less than £10 on ebay https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/155125421331?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28&var=455305436355
What explains the difference? Is the additional outlay worth it?
Also, does the fact that my Macbook Pro has a digital output mean that it can handle both Toslink and coaxial? (I think both use S/PDIF?)
As you can probably tell, I'm not very knowledgeable and appreciate any help I can get.