Interconnects question

[lynx]

This may seem a silly question but composition wise, how does an analoge cable differ from a digital cable,I'm refering to a co axial interconnect from dvd to processor in this instance.And is it possible to send a bitstream signal down an ordinary phono lead.
I look forward to mikek's input on this. :p :)

[Analog Kid]

It's apparently possible to send a bitstream signal down a wire coat hanger so a standard phono-to-phono lead should work fine. Infact it's been mentioned as a possibility once or twice on this very forum so it must work.

[Phill]

They aren't any different. Any old bit of tat will work just as well as the most expensive interconnect. Don't believe what they say in the Hi-Fi shops.

I use a piece of composite video lead that I got free with a VCR in the days when they had RCA sockets on the back. I've never suffered a single drop-out.

[lynx]

Where is MikeK when your looking for him? ;)

[MikeK]

A standard audio lead will certainly work, but it's ch. impedance is only 50ohms, whereas a digital coax should be 75ohms.
It can lead to signal reflections etc - whether this actually happens is another matter, as is whether it's actually audible.
The charactersitic impedance quoted is often only a nominal value in any case - and it's incredibly complex to actually try and measure it.

There is absolutely no difference between analogue coax and digital coax - coax is coax, these terms are simply marketing gimmicks, as people are more willing to part with their cash if a product says digital on it ( or even better "designed for digital" :) )
That said, there are loads of different types of coax available, but at the limited frequency of digital audio, and with the relative shortness of the cable, just about any 75ohm coax will do the job, even cheapie TV aeriel coax (although I personally prefer the double shielded stuff - a foil shield and a braided one).
As Phill pointed out, a composite video lead will be fine - correct ch.imp of 75ohms, with phono plugs on each end!

Sure, the expensive leads look nice (although why this is important to anybody escapes me), and are well made, but they won't give any better performance than a £3 cheapie lead, made to the correct specs.

[lynx]

Thanks for your comments guys. Mikek, we are not worthy :D ;)