I'm partial to the I2S format for digital, and XLR balanced lines for analog--even though XLR balanced lines should make no real difference for short distances. :-D


Consider the construction difference between a cheap steel RCA connector that eventually corrodes, and forms an improper connection that introduces noise to the line versus a gold locking connector that is on so tight it might as well be welded. Some differences in quality (such as via construction) result in changes to the sound over months or years. The truly anal clean the connectors every few months even on the gold contacts. Can a double blind test reveal such differences? You'd have to do one every few months for situations where the cable or the connection degrades.

Personally I think the point of diminishing returns is somewhere below $150. $8000 is just silly. :-Q

The peak to peak voltage for toslink coax is 500mV, so in order to disrupt the signal, all you need is something around half a volt of noise every once in a while.

Calvin