[cloudbaseracer]

I am looking to setup my system using the s/pdif connections and just wondering what the difference is between digital co-ax cables and "regular" RCA interconnects? Is there a difference in the way they carry the signal? 

Thanks,

James

[ted_b]

Yes, considerable, at least theoretically.  Digital and video are equivalent carriers at 75 ohms (but usually many video cables are not as well made and not 75 ohm connectors all the time, so beware perfect interchangability), and rca analog cables are intended for lesser tolerances, say 300 ohm.  The best advice: don't swap.  The reality: digital cables can be used for analog, and the better analog cables these days are sometimes 75 ohm wire anyway.....but the connectors are likely not up to 75 ohm tolerances.  Good BNC on digital is my fave way to go, cuz good BNC is spot on 75 ohm.

[cloudbaseracer]

Ted,

Thanks, I have been using one of the interconnects from a pair of Tara Labs analog cables as the connection from my cd players digital out into the digital in on my Class D amp.  It seems to work properly but now I have gotten new speakers that require bi-amping and also require the signal to go into a Behringer Digital crossover prior to input into the amplification.  I will be getting a 3 x S/PDIF input connection installed on the crossover and wish to run something like a Squeezebox through digital out mode directly into the Behringer.

I have read about the inexpensive White Lightning speaker cables and interconnects and didn't know if I "rolled" my own IC's if they would work correctly?

Not sure I understand the BNC part of your post.

James

[art]

He means that BNC connectors can be 75 ohms (but frequently are 50 ohms), but RCA connectors never are 75 ohm.

I know............folks claim that they make them. It is not physically possible. If you are only interested in "making it work", then you can use most anything. If you want high-performance, you have to use the right type cable and connector.

Pat

[Wayner]

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/digitalanalog.htm