Cable question

Jhayman

AES/EBU cables are these better to use than USB connections..
I've never heard of this connection, my Bryston BDP-2 and I've just purchased a BDA-2 they both have this connection.

lightman1

Oh no! More cables debate! Run!
Don't know myself. But will listen closely.

mantis

These connections in the audio video home world are not commonly used for digital transfer.
The most common is Optical connection strongly followed by Digital coax then USB.
To say the AES/EBU connection is a better transfer I would disagree.
But if a company decides to use this style of connection, I see no reason not to use it. Companies like Bryston are IMO a high end company that builds fantastic products. I can't see it being a worse style connection for digital transfer if Bryston thinks it's a good idea. The only way I would think otherwise would be if Bryston had some kind of vested interest in this style of connection and that was the only reason they saw fit to put it on their equipment.
I've been in the industry for a very long time and have Installed some of the worlds highest end gear and never had to use this connection for digital transfers.

So the USB connection I find to be a fantastic connection. The real trick to any signal transfer is to use high quality cables that are built properly and pass spec.

mantis

lightman1 wrote: »

Oh no! More cables debate! Run!
Don't know myself. But will listen closely.

There is no need for comments like this sir.

SCompRacer

AES/EBU is a digital audio standard for carrying audio signals, balanced at 110 ohms. I installed an AES/EBU input on my diy DAC. When they say standard, you have to ask which one? When mixing different manufacturer AES/EBU, do some digging in the specs as there is a < or less than 5v and > or greater than 5 volt "standard." I had to choose one and install a resistor if over 5 volt. Typically US and European gear could have mismatch issues.

Some light reading...

http://en.wikiaudio.org/AES_EBU

As far as better, like Dan said it's all in the implementation and proper cabling used. Isolation and reclocking make USB and even SPDIF a superb way to get music to a DAC. They even make high quality USB cards for PCIe slots to get away from the typical and sometimes noisy computer sound outputs.

For example, the USB card output I use in my music server to DAC. Pricey though, but the end result makes it worth it.

Jhayman

Thank You Mantis and SCompRacer...
I'll pick one up, I'm sure if Bryston is using the connection on their units then I would assume a standard AES/EBU cable from Audioquest should be fine..
I'll check with Bryston just to be sure.