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I plan on using an ESI Juli@ sound card to output signal via I2S to my future Buffalo32S DAC. What kind of cable should I use to achieve optimal results? I did a bit of internet researching on my own, but there seem to be no consensus on the issue.
Can you please lend us your perspective?
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Rank: Administration
Groups: Administration, Customer Joined: 10/24/2006(UTC) Posts: 3,979 Location: Nashville, TN
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Well whatever it is keep it really short.
I have used CAT5 before with success. I used three pairs with one wire of each pair connected to GND. I connect the unused pair to GND.
I have had no problem with runs of a couple of feet.
Cheers! Russ
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Rank: Member
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Hi Russ,
Thank you for the prompt reply! I'll try to keep the cable as short as I can manage.
I heard that the CAT6 SSTP has better shielding and bandwidth compared to CAT5. Would CAT6 also work well for this application?
Best Regards, Alex
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Rank: Administration
Groups: Administration, Customer Joined: 10/24/2006(UTC) Posts: 3,979 Location: Nashville, TN
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I can't say since I have not tried it, but I also would not be afraid to give it a shot. :)
Cheers! Russ
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Thank you!
I'll let you know how it works out, though it probably won't happen before April 20th ;)
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I am currently using RG-174 coax for each signal at a length of 15 feet (yes feet). This is dictated by the existing layout of my office. I includes MCLK, which is needed for the Perpetual P-3A DAC but not used for Buffalo ( I am waiting for Buffalo 32S to go on sale). I had to add 33 ohm resistors in series at the Juli@ to help the ringing, and remove the termination resistors in the P-3A per Steve Nugent's suggestion. This works beautifully even at 96kHz. My next move may be to RG-179 or RG-180 coax which is also small but has silver plated conductor and shield, and uses Teflon dielectric. Or reorganize the office.
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Hi Russ, I followed your instructions and made an I2S cable out of CAT5e cable. The sound quality is alot better compared to SPDIF, and I experienced no glitches so far. However, when I opened my Buffalo today, I noticed that something is amiss. Instead of using three wires from each pair, I used the orange wire(D2) and the blue(D1)/blue white(DCK) pair by mistake! I must have been too tired while making the cable that day Should I be concerned that my D1 and DCK are a twisted pair? Would the signals from one wire create inteference on the other? If you think that it may lead to sonic degradation, please let me know. I will remake the cable if I have to. Thank you in advance! Alex
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Rank: Administration
Groups: Administration, Customer Joined: 10/24/2006(UTC) Posts: 3,979 Location: Nashville, TN
Thanks: 25 times Was thanked: 89 time(s) in 83 post(s)
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If it is working fine I would not worry much about it. :)
If you feel like it just make another. :)
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Rank: Member
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Joined: 4/6/2009(UTC) Posts: 9
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Thanks. I think I'll leave it alone for now.
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