How different are clock cables from "normal" digital cables?

Damir

Well-Known Member
Dec 5, 2016
3
15
133
Germany
Dear forum members,

does anybody have some background on this question? My dealer told me that Shunyata clock cables were different from Shunyata's other digital cables and therefor warmly recommended them over any other "normal" digital cable for clock use applications (BNC/BNC termination). Is it true that Shunyata's clock cables are different from Shunyata's other digital cables in first place? And second, is it a general rule to prefer digital cables that were specifically designed for clock applications over other “normal” digital cables?
I want to upgrade the clock cables for my Vivaldi Stack and I am a bit confused now.
 

Kris

Well-Known Member
Mar 4, 2019
948
971
183
High-speed digital transmission is very different from audio frequency signal transmission and requires a different knowledge base and design criteria. Audio cable signal transmission is governed by the principles of inductance, capacitance, and resistance. By contrast, high-speed digital signals are governed by a principle known as ‘transmission line theory’.

The performance of a transmission line is governed by the characteristic impedance of the cable. Certain types of cable require a specific characteristic impedance to achieve optimal performance — for instance, cable TV coaxial cables are 75 ohms, while test equipment cables require 50 ohm cables. Modern audio and entertainment systems may have multiple digital connections, each with potentially different characteristic impedances.

While the characteristic impedance is a critical factor in the optimal performance of digital cables, our research also indicates that the precision with which a digital cable is constructed has a significant impact on its performance.

Shunyata Research digital cables are produced using a Precision Matched Z concept. This dictates that tolerances of the conductor surface, dielectric extrusion, and the precision of the braided shield are held to smaller variances. To achieve these tight tolerances, the extrusion and braiding machines must be run at one-quarter speed during the manufacturing process. The result is better performance through a reduction of cable-induced ‘signal jitter’.
 

crion

Well-Known Member
Oct 29, 2014
88
11
238
Apart from the slower extrusion process the Alpha clock V2 have a CMode filter as well. And the Sigma have two if I remember correctly. I really enjoy the Alpha V2 clock 75 to my 10MHz OCXO/EtherRegen.
 

jfrech

VIP/Donor
Sep 3, 2012
2,152
749
1,160
Austin
Dear forum members,

... And second, is it a general rule to prefer digital cables that were specifically designed for clock applications over other “normal” digital cables?
I want to upgrade the clock cables for my Vivaldi Stack and I am a bit confused now.

First, congrats on your Vivaldi stack. I have used 4 sets of clock cables over the years. Stock, Cardas Lightning 15, Purist Audio Designs Proteus, and Transparent Audio Reference XL. In order of preference and unfortunately also in order of price. In my listening, each step up was clearly better and very easy to ascertain the differences.

I can't comment on Shunyata, I haven't tried their digital cables (I was a long time power cable/conditioner customer). But these other manufacturers have quite a bit of experience to and their "clock" cables are their BNC-BNC 75 ohm "normal" digital cables.

My advice, since you are a Shunyata power try em. I am sure they are better than stock. But you should also try something else, since you're a Tara Labs user, that's another consideration. I thought the Cardas Digital were the best buy for the money, I think the current top of the line digital cable is Cardas Clear. My guess is you're going to need 5 clock cables (2 to DAC, 2 to UPS, and one from your master clock)

Expect a significant improvement over the dCS stock cables.

Good luck !
 

About us

  • What’s Best Forum is THE forum for high end audio, product reviews, advice and sharing experiences on the best of everything else. This is THE place where audiophiles and audio companies discuss vintage, contemporary and new audio products, music servers, music streamers, computer audio, digital-to-analog converters, turntables, phono stages, cartridges, reel-to-reel tape machines, speakers, headphones and tube and solid-state amplification. Founded in 2010 What’s Best Forum invites intelligent and courteous people of all interests and backgrounds to describe and discuss the best of everything. From beginners to life-long hobbyists to industry professionals, we enjoy learning about new things and meeting new people, and participating in spirited debates.

Quick Navigation

User Menu

Steve Williams
Site Founder | Site Owner | Administrator
Ron Resnick
Site Co-Owner | Administrator
Julian (The Fixer)
Website Build | Marketing Managersing