[Mediahound]

Are cables like this:

better than ones like this?:

It seems like most of the 'high end' LOD cables I see are flat (or twisted) like the first picture but to me, it seems like that would not be as good because it has less shielding. Am I wrong?

 

[krmathis]

Probably "better" in the sense that they are more flexible and hence should not stick out all that much from the DAP/amplifier.
Sound quality wise I doubt there is any major difference, as long as the materials (conductors, insulation, ..) are equal. Different material will impact the sound, regardless if the cable are braided, flat, or other.

 

[Gbjerke]

theres probably no audible difference. It comes down to looks, build quality and flexibility.

So, go flats

 

[Mediahound]

Thanks for the replies.

 

[Mediahound]

Is it better audio quality-wise to have a dock with a hardwired cable like in the pictures above or to use a doc with a mini jack and a high quality mini to mini cable like this?:

Or, will not make any difference? This method seems a bit more versatile.

 

[zacharace]

Shouldn't make much difference audio-wise; it's essentially just a different way to hook it up, for lack of a better phrase. If it's easier to use for you, then I'd do it.