any degradation with 3.5mm to RCA?

I changed my preamp the new old classe lacks any 3.5 MD input. A converter is my one option for now.

Whats your take on source wire converters generally?

Is it possible to replicate the very same sound by the time it reaches the amp with a different coaxial source connector?

My new situation calls for something like this https://www.analogueseduction.net/mini-jack-interconnects/carilin.html

I prefer connecting to laptop this way, instead of the USB to DAC. Because I refuse to switch this DAC after it took what seemed like forever to find one I want to stay with lol.
 
I use the same method…for
similar reasons in one of my systems. My MacBook Pro is the source.

I have few DACs, but in my secondary/experimental system I can’t be bothered.

I use these cables for this and similar situations…bought a bunch when RadioShack went out of business…along with a ton of other stuff including the store component drawers.

https://www.radioshack.com/products/radioshack-6-foot-3-5mm-to-rca-cable-black

Unfortunately…it says out of stock…maybe you can find some on eBay or something very similar?

I think it does the job and is pretty…LOL.

The sticker on that Cardas cable made me look twice to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating…just me.

Good luck. 👍
 
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It's a wire and it won't make any functional difference... Just buy one of these, save your money, enjoy your music, and call it a day.
That Cardas cable is ridiculous!
1655991888362.png
 
Yes the price comes hefty for the Cardas I was just seeking another alternative. Besides cost a 3 or even 2.5 metre would suit needs better than the offered 2m.

Something as well made along with applying cost sensibility. That's always a good plan.
 
All you need is good, strong connections. A lot of that depends on the cables that you buy, but some of it depends on the connectors in your gear, over which you may not have any control.
Good connections are not difficult to make, but then neither are bad ones. 😛
 
I use the same method…for
similar reasons in one of my systems. My MacBook Pro is the source.

I have few DACs, but in my secondary/experimental system I can’t be bothered.

I use these cables for this and similar situations…bought a bunch when RadioShack went out of business…along with a ton of other stuff including the store component drawers.

https://www.radioshack.com/products/radioshack-6-foot-3-5mm-to-rca-cable-black

Unfortunately…it says out of stock…maybe you can find some on eBay or something very similar?

I think it does the job and is pretty…LOL.

The sticker on that Cardas cable made me look twice to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating…just me.

Good luck. 👍

I'm using a high end laptop that let you use or bypass the inboard DAC via one of two 3.5 ports, instead of a standard USB. Which my DAC is void of. I don't mind the resulting sounds, I rather like its natural smoothness.

Good to know the convertor will maintain what's there. thanks
 
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I don't recall seeing any DAC with a 3.5 input. But I'm sure one exists out there. Very few integrated amps offer them too.

These are a better value than Cardas.https://www.ebay.com/itm/294159276111 I wasn't in the know that Mogami made the exact specific part I need. I like the sound through both brands, often they were close enough to equal audibly. Not inc. the 3.5 mil. And not the super expensive Cardas, their NR cables.
 
I like the sound through both brands, often they were close enough to equal audibly.

I would be very surprised if they sound different.

I try to avoid certain manufacturing regions. Is that bad?
Not "bad" but almost "impossible"
Guess where connectors-wire-solder come from?
At last one of them coming from you-know-where taints results. (following your rules that is)
 
It's a wire and it won't make any functional difference... Just buy one of these, save your money, enjoy your music, and call it a day.
That Cardas cable is ridiculous!
View attachment 1066039
I was using one of these yesterday. No complaints. It makes solid connections at each end, seems quite robust and is cheap. Some of the budget cables are very poorly made and prone to mechanical failure. I don't think I've ever noticed a difference sound wise when they were working though!
 
Beyond the vegetable that is used and its conductivity.... 😊
If the volume is at maximum on the smart phone or the computer (3.5 mm) and is then regulated with the amplifier, I have always noticed distortion. this happens because the input of the preamplifier is saturated, exceeding the input sensitivity.
You just have to find the point where this doesn't happen, by playing around with both volume controls a bit. Just my experience.
Beware of the protection covers of smart phones, they generally prevent the connector from reaching the bottom, causing clicks due to false contacts that can cause damage to the speakers if the volume of the amplifier is at maximum.
 
Good conductive metals with good solder saturation (and quality of solder) joint joint/s connection seems like the more important points. Its no secret we also pay for good techs making the part.

I am sure wire connectors absolutely do sound different, more and less. But there are limits, and common sense at play. Which also whispers keep it to yourself otherwise another wire debate could flare up.

My only point is, wire material and experience costs so much. It reaches some kind of limit. If an RCA has for instance a 2500 dollar price tag on it I the customer is curious where it went in the connector to cost that much?

I don't need any exotic one of a kind material that came from outer space. Thats what I know for sure.