[jk@home]

First of all, my new VDA-2 is pretty much broken in now, and I am flat out amazed in the improvement over the stock SB3 and Behringer DEQ dacs I was using before. And I still haven't upgraded the PS yet! Pretty much from mid-fi to Hi-Fi.

Saw the posts 4 pages back on digital cables for the VDA-2 (over a year ago), was wondering if you had any new recommendations.

Right now I am using two Apogee toslink cables between my SB3 > Behringer DEQ > Monarchy DIP, then converting to coaxial with an old high-end Madrigal Audio Labs to the VDA-2.

I plan on picking up a couple of Neutrik digital transformers, then I can try 75 ohm coaxial on the Behringer I/Os (AES/EBU and S/PDIF formats are switchable in the unit's menu), and maybe eliminate the DIP and Madrigal cable.

So I would need coaxial cables that are RCA x BNC. Around the $100 range.

[frankg]

I have close to the same setup, Airtunes -> DEQ -> VDA-2. All my cables come from Blue Jeans. I'm very happy with them. http://www.bluejeanscable.com

[biz97]

Agreed.  I use all Blue Jeans and have yet to be let down.  I also run a bunch of CI Audio gear.  Excellent stuff and Dusty's support is second to none! 

[nshawks]

I use a Zu Audio cable (the Ash), and it has been an improvement over my old Kimber cable.

[jmc207]

Belden 1695A Coax from Blue Jeans is working well for me right now. Seems a bit clearer to me than the 1694A.

[jk@home]

I have close to the same setup, Airtunes -> DEQ -> VDA-2. All my cables come from Blue Jeans. I'm very happy with them. http://www.bluejeanscable.com

Hey Frank, how are you getting the digital though the DEQ, analog, optically or coaxial? I know some folk make up rca to XLR digital cables, I want to go with the transformers for extra isolation.

I actually have  some cables from Blue Jeans, including Belden 1695a digitals with Canare RCAs. Excellant company with FAST service. This time looking for something a step above.

[erimille]

I have close to the same setup, Airtunes -> DEQ -> VDA-2. All my cables come from Blue Jeans. I'm very happy with them. http://www.bluejeanscable.com

I'm curious why you're not going straight from Airtunes (Aiport express) to VDA-2 via optical?

--e (who is currently doing this with a VDA-1 and wondering if he might be missing something )

[jk@home]

I have close to the same setup, Airtunes -> DEQ -> VDA-2. All my cables come from Blue Jeans. I'm very happy with them. http://www.bluejeanscable.com

I'm curious why you're not going straight from Airtunes (Aiport express) to VDA-2 via optical?

--e (who is currently doing this with a VDA-1 and wondering if he might be missing something )

The Behringer DEQ2496 is used as a digital EQ, a lot of folks feel using it’s digital inputs and outputs, it is fairly transparent.

In my case, I am using old Thiel CS3.0 speakers, which originally came with a manufacturer’s supplied analog bass EQ. The DEQ does a much better job. Plus I can tone down the top end frequencies, which are overemphasized.

[frankg]

I have close to the same setup, Airtunes -> DEQ -> VDA-2. All my cables come from Blue Jeans. I'm very happy with them. http://www.bluejeanscable.com

Hey Frank, how are you getting the digital though the DEQ, analog, optically or coaxial? I know some folk make up rca to XLR digital cables, I want to go with the transformers for extra isolation.

I actually have  some cables from Blue Jeans, including Belden 1695a digitals with Canare RCAs. Excellant company with FAST service. This time looking for something a step above.

Optical in and out. I want to isolate the DEQ as much as possible.
If I could get XLR from VDA-2 -> VPC-3 -> D-100 I would, but it's not something I worry about.

[frankg]

I have close to the same setup, Airtunes -> DEQ -> VDA-2. All my cables come from Blue Jeans. I'm very happy with them. http://www.bluejeanscable.com

I'm curious why you're not going straight from Airtunes (Aiport express) to VDA-2 via optical?

--e (who is currently doing this with a VDA-1 and wondering if he might be missing something )

Like JK said,
 In my case I have Klipsch Heresy speakers in a very challenging room. I had the DEQ before getting into CI. The DEQ is the only item from my old setup left. Listening with it in/out the difference is huge. I use the recommended microphone and autoeq the pink noise to a flat line. No other processes.

Think of it this way. The Amps have a built-in feedback loop (dynamic) to measure and correct the amplification. The DEQ gives me a feedback loop (static) to correct problems with speaker reproduction, and room acoustics.

I should correct my diagram and add the VPC-3, Airtunes -> DEQ -> VDA-2 -> VPC-3 ->D-100 -> Heresy. I have read if you use iTunes for volume control you can lose accuracy.

You should make note I don't address using the DEQ to correct problems with CI equipment. I don't think it's needed.

[jk@home]

Well, I went ahead and ordered some more Blue Jeans 1695a cables, this time with one end terminated with BNCs, to fit the Neutrik adapters. This will allow me to compare with my toslinks.

These will hold me over until I can spring for maybe some of those Stereovox HDXV2 cables that are all the rage...

Thanks for the help