SPDIF Crystal Cable for D400

[kerkhoffd]

If you look back for this topic, you'll find that I had a lot of issues with the DBS not allowing over 96kHz playback. The moment I was playing 176.4 or 192kHz files, the companion would shut-down. Audioquest had 2 attempts to fix this problem with my WILD RCA-XLR and finally, they found a way to fix it and returned me my WILD digital with RCA-XLR build.

sad to hear that it takes so much trouble to fix something that should work from day one .... I was using Audioquest Coffee with a RCA-XLR Cardas adaptor, it works fine for every bitrate, even DSD, I was just wondering if a WEL Signature will be even better sounding ....

I am using an AQ Diamond RCA (1m) with old-style DBS pack, with the Cardas Clear RCA-XLR adapter on the 'receiving' end. I also have the newer DBS packs, and if I replace the old-style DBS pack with a new-style DBS pack on my AQ Diamond cable, it does not work for the link cable - the Companion doesn't even turn on - this is with either RCA-RCA or RCA-XLR.

By way of comparison with other cables - the AQ Diamond sounds way better than the AQ Carbon (RCA-RCA), which in turn sounds better than an older DHLabs D110 I had.

By way of comparison of RCA-XLR adapters, the Cardas Clear RCA-XLR did sound better than a custom made adapter I had before. So the connectors can make a difference.

I also considered using a RCA-XLR adapter on the 'sending' end, but no idea if it will sound better or worse than the RCA-XLR adapter on the receiving end. In theory the RCA cable is more susceptible to noise but may have less capacitance than an XLR cable. And I have not found any Cardas Clear quality premium adapters yet.

I think the best way would be as @audio_engr suggests, to have a custom made RCA-XLR cable from Audioquest, although that may be more difficult to do in Asia.

Interesting. I had the same issues with playing 24 bit, 192kHz files. Until AudioQuest researched the problem, and sent me a brand new RCA-XLR terminated pair. Seems the new cable has better shielding. It works fine with hires files now, features the new Carbon DBS unit, and as a bonus sounds better.