Digital Audio Cables
Four decades ago, we were led to believe that there could be no difference in the playback quality of CDs / CD-players because only zeros and ones were “transmitted”. Today we know better. The transmission of a digital (fast) signal alone is not as simple as with an analog signal in the audible range. One of the decisive factors for error-free transmission is compliance with the specified characteristic impedance. With all my digital cables, this is set manually with the help of an oscilloscope.
USB Audio Cabel
Dual Head akku
With the "normal" audio USB cables, there is only one conductor strand. This strand contains the two data lines D+ and D-, the +5V supply voltage and the ground (0V).
With the Dual Head akku, everything is different.
Symmetry
The USB signal (Universal Serial Bus) is differential. The data is transmitted via D+ and D-. Thus, no ground connection between transmitter and receiver is necessary in a "domestic environment".
Shielding
Is detrimental to the sound and simply superfluous with a balanced signal.
akku-Topology
The cable has two USB-A plugs. One plug transmits the data. A battery pack is connected to the other, which provides the 5V voltage for the DAC. The battery is designed for a long charge cycle and only needs to be recharged every few months. A branded charger is included in the price.
Characteristic Impedance 90 Ohm
Compliance with the specified characteristic impedance is i m p o r t a n t. Anyone who has seen a distorted digital signal due to incorrect characteristic impedance on an oscilloscope knows this.
LAN / Ethernet Cable
U/UTP 100 BASE-TX
Anyone else would try to hide it. With this cable, it's already in the name. The "u" stands for "unshielded". With the U/UTP 100 BASE-TX, only 2 twisted pairs are connected. This has the advantage that these 2 pairs can be spaced apart to improve crosstalk attenuation.
Symmetry
The Ethernet or LAN signal is differential, i.e. balanced, and therefore very immune to external interference.
Shielding
Is detrimental to the sound and simply superfluous with a balanced signal.
Characteristic Impedance 100 Ohm
Compliance with the specified characteristic impedance is i m p o r t a n t. Anyone who has seen a distorted digital signal due to incorrect characteristic impedance on an oscilloscope knows this.
AES/EBU Digital Audio Cable
Interestingly, sometimes not used, although the possibility would exist. AES/EBU is clearly better than S/PDIF ...
Symmetry
... because AES/EBU is symmetrical.
Shielding
Is detrimental to the sound and simply superfluous with a balanced signal.
Zero-Ground-Topology
With a balanced signal, a reference to ground is unnecessary under normal conditions. Therefore, this cable has no ground connection.
Characteristic Impedance 110 Ohm
Compliance with the specified characteristic impedance is i m p o r t a n t. Anyone who has seen a distorted digital signal due to incorrect characteristic impedance on an oscilloscope knows this.