Hi. I've read somewhere or another, and probably at multiple places, that digital coax cable length can affect the signal quality due to signal reflection, standing waves or some other explanation. From a long time ago I am familiar with but forgetful about signal reflection and/or ringing in RF (radio frequency) coax cables. The big difference is that RF is in a different frequency range where it may matter more. Then we've got the inherent mismatch in 75ohm S/PDIF coax due to the RCA connector, maybe that contributes to the problem but I don't know.
Now from what I recall it was recommended to either have very short (<9") or moderately long (3ft+) digital coax cables but nothing in between. So, while the theory might be sound like many other audio(phile) theories it may not matter in the real world or may be a misapplication of a theory that is true in other cases - I can see manufacturers wanting to upsell a certain length of cable to longer 3ft+ lengths than what's an impractical <9" length
In other words 'Don't get 1ft or 2ft cables.'
So, is this true in any way that would affect a S/PDIF signal, has anyone tried different lengths of the same cable, or what other solid information do people know about this topic?
Now from what I recall it was recommended to either have very short (<9") or moderately long (3ft+) digital coax cables but nothing in between. So, while the theory might be sound like many other audio(phile) theories it may not matter in the real world or may be a misapplication of a theory that is true in other cases - I can see manufacturers wanting to upsell a certain length of cable to longer 3ft+ lengths than what's an impractical <9" length
In other words 'Don't get 1ft or 2ft cables.'So, is this true in any way that would affect a S/PDIF signal, has anyone tried different lengths of the same cable, or what other solid information do people know about this topic?
Do you understand what's meant by signal reflections and ringing in circuits? (A digital cable is part of a circuit after all.) Since it's not thrown about very often, even by snake-oily cable makers, I'm going to figure there's not much to this but I'm still curious. No one else has ever read anything like this?
) we know there is going to be some degree of impedance mismatch, it can't be avoided with RCAs. That means there will be reflections so it's a matter of degree rather than if it happens. I've tried some searches but can't find anything concrete on whether reflections are significant enough to be a factor in S/PDIF transmission. I'm guessing not, or that no one talks about it any more because it can't be helped and people just set up equipment however they can, otherwise we'd hear all about the 'best length' of cable.
