Caiman - Toslink or SPDIF + burn-in time

[Alex_UK]

I've been using the 5m version of this optical lead http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=35921 from Sky+ box to Beresford TC7510 for a while with very good results.

Chris

That's great, thanks Chris - I might be able to get away with a 5m with a bit of juggling anyway... ta again.

[Alex_UK]

i always find im much less aware in changes of sound quality when im using my eyes
the digi box into 7520 made a good bit of difference but i wouldnt worry to much about the quality of cable if i were you.... unless of course you intend to listen to the radio via sky.... in which case ignor me

Well, It's connected up now from the audio out (RCA's) with a 10m ebay extremely cheap cable, and been so for years, so inclined to agree with you there Hamish (I don't do Sky Radio) - so clearly any connection into the Caiman will be an improvement... Hmmmm... think I'll go for a cheapy and see how it goes...

[Labarum]

I hear no difference between Stan's Toslink, a longer Toslink he chose for me off ebay and a 1.5m coax.

The USB is a noticeably rougher, but its and old cheap USB lead.

If I buy a better on to try, what should I get?

[Alex_UK]

I hear no difference between Stan's Toslink, a longer Toslink he chose for me off ebay and a 1.5m coax.

The USB is a noticeably rougher, but its and old cheap USB lead.

If I buy a better on to try, what should I get?

Stan is working on his own. I got a Belkin "Signature Series" which has gold plated connectors, and a blue led in each end to indicate connection (I'm a sucker for blue led's - only reason I bought the Beresford ) Next to nothing (£6 posted) from fleabay.

I haven't bothered to go back and a/b compared to the cheapie I had, but overall I am very happy with the sound from USB.

[Gints]

If you use my own branded TOSLINK cable you'll be able to match the quality of any SPDIF cable out there.

Burn in time for the caps is specified at 200 hours or more by the caps manufacturer.

STan

Can we have a link to documentation or datasheet where it is written? Serious, I have coming up discussion about this subject in other place. Would be nice to have some evidence. And is it any difference in using terms burn-in and break-in?

[Chippy_boy]

HDMI or Optical only - back to the toslink option I fear, but thanks anyway Mike.

What make of Sky HD box have you got? The original Thomsons (with component video outputs) only have toslink. But the newer Pace and Samsung models have both coax and toslink.

I know because I really wish my Thomson only has optical and I would really like coax as well.

I am toying with the idea of modding my Thomson box to add a coax output - it seems it would be pretty easy to do. I have simple circuit diagram and just need to figure out where to pick up the digital signal from on the PCB (presumably just before it goes into the optical converter) and also a 5V line and a signal ground. It's probably a 1 hour job start to finish, including drilling the hole on the back and adding the extra phono.

[StanleyB]

Can we have a link to documentation or datasheet where it is written? Serious, I have coming up discussion about this subject in other place. Would be nice to have some evidence. And is it any difference in using terms burn-in and break-in?

I wrote a lengthy piece on: http://www.thecrossovernetwork.co.uk...highlight=burn some time ago.

Stan

[Alex_UK]

What make of Sky HD box have you got? The original Thomsons (with component video outputs) only have toslink. But the newer Pace and Samsung models have both coax and toslink.

I know because I really wish my Thomson only has optical and I would really like coax as well.

Hi Chippy - yep, mine's a Thompson (so apart from the £299 price tag, another reason not to be an "early adopter"!) - to be honest, not worried enough to do a conversion, as it''s usually only for the odd film, only stereo - but good luck with yours.

[Gints]

Thanks Stan, nice and simple.