Just wanted to post few impressions of some testing that I've been doing. I am using Bryston BDP-1 to feed my DAC (Dangerous Source w/ Teradak 12V13A Linear Power Supply), which is also currently powering my headphones, Sennheiser HD 800. (Bryston BHA-1 is on the way). I figured I would order some interconnect cables for the BHA-1. Then I thought of ordering some AES cables as well to save money on shipping.
Currently I've been using a 75 ohm coaxial to AES cable between the BDP-1 and Dangerous Source. The cable is Mogami 2964 with Neutrik gold connectors. I have the same cable with same connectors in 3 different lengths: 2 feet, 6 feet, and 10 feet.
Until now, I have been stacking the components and using the 2 feet cable. Although now I came across articles talking about reflections and minimum 1.5 meters for digital cables. So before ordering an AES cable, I decided to experiment with the cables I already had and see if anything would even remotely translate in my system by changing the cable length. Volume was kept constant and the equipment was kept stacked in the exact same manner regardless of the length of the cable used as a control for possible sound degradation due to close proximity.
Results:
- I went back and forth between the 2 feet and 10 feet for 2 hours at varying temporal intervals. Sometimes comparing the same part of the track (20 seconds) a few dozen times. There's definitely a learning curve and time needed to put my finger on exactly describing the differences in sound I was hearing.
- I actually preferred the sound of the 2 feet during the first 20 minutes or so. Although after I decided to leave the 10 feet on for some time and then come back to the 2 feet. Take a break. Then repeat back and forth testing.
- The 10 feet sounds more relaxing and there is no ghosting. At first I thought the 2 feet was being strident and somewhat sibilant. Although after getting used to the 10 feet, the 2 feet had this weird blurring of sound
- The 10 feet is definitely the more pleasing one to listen to. Soundstage is also more fuller, while retaining the same size. Its hard to explain it fully.
- Also, the 2 feet was putting extra impact on vocals and air, which I initially liked (Perhaps because I was used to it for months). However, over the next few hours I got used to the 10 feet cable and it was very clear and less fatiguing. No ghosting whatsoever.
- Finally, I got around to trying the 6 feet cable which is 2.0 metres, and longer than the 1.5 metres minimum recommendation. Surprisingly, I did not like it. It sounded a bit different than the 2 feet cable, but it was still not close to what I was/am hearing with the 10 feet cable. Really confused with where the cutoff minimum length is. Just genuine observations. Also, I was worried about jitter with the longer cable but there is absolutely nothing to worry about. Nothing is sloppy.
I think I'm going to order a 20 feet 3173 Mogami AES cable and try to move the BDP-1 on a separate desk without any electronic components nearby. Hopefully, the 20 feet should not be a problem. This cable is designed to do 1000 feet.
Also, upon further reading, it seems the BNC connector is actually the best option. Unfortunately, my Dangerous Source cannot accept a BNC connector. If I consider a BDA-2/3 later on to finish my Bryston stack, I will definitely try RCA coaxial vs. AES vs. BNC head to head.
Anyways, would love to hear others experience. Definitely try this out if you have cables lying around.
For analog interconnects between DAC and BHA-1, I take it everyone prefers to keep it as short as possible?