Need advice: S/PDIF vs AES/EBU digital inputs

[PhilR]

I poked around but didn't see this discussed here recently..

 

I currently run a Mac Mini with LPS into an iFi iUSB 3.0 and iFi USB-S/PDIF converter. This feeds a Lyngdorf TDAI 2200 room correction system/amp with its own built-in DAC. The TDAI has both S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital input options but the iFi converter only sends out S/PDIF. The converter and Lyngdorf are next to each other, so no long run needed.

 

Would it be a worthwhile upgrade to get a USB-S/PDIF converter that has the AES/EBU output to feed the DAC in the Lyngdorf instead of the coaxial cable?

 

Not sure if it makes any difference, but the Mac will soon be replaced with an Aurender N100H which only has a USB output, again necessitating the use of a converter.

[tubesound]

If you have the funds, sell your iFi combo and buy this instead: MUTEC - Professional A/V and High-End Equipment - MC-3+ USB

[PhilR]

Looks like a nice unit. But my original question applies to this one too. Would the DAC be better served with the S/PDIF or AES/EBU connection?

 

[tubesound]

Looks like a nice unit. But my original question applies to this one too. Would the DAC be better served with the S/PDIF or AES/EBU connection?

 

Many people will tell you AES is better. My view is that if implemented properly, they should be close. AES is more for long distance. Some perceived difference is probably due to different cables used.

[tranz]

For short runs in a low EMI environment (i.e. no unshielded power cords, big toroidals etc. near the spdif cables) you should be fine. Now if you are still interested in AES I will give you a great deal on the Berkeley ?

[esldude]

Coax uses an unbalanced .5 volt peak to peak signal. AES used a 5 volt ptp balanced signal. It has some ability to reject common mode noise over longer runs. For your use the short coax SPDIF will be fine.

[Evo1668]

Well in my instance I use a Zodiac Platinum DAC, and have tried both AES and SPdif, to send the digital signal to a Trinnov Amethyst. In my opinion with my system, the Spdif sounds better - marginally....I use both connections AES for the clock signal (The Trinnov is slaved to the Zodiac Clock), and use SPDIF for the data.

[esldude]

Well in my instance I use a Zodiac Platinum DAC, and have tried both AES and SPdif, to send the digital signal to a Trinnov Amethyst. In my opinion with my system, the Spdif sounds better - marginally....I use both connections AES for the clock signal (The Trinnov is slaved to the Zodiac Clock), and use SPDIF for the data.

 

And what would you attribute that too?