.... really???
So, this is the "real life" test setup, very simple, however addressing common issues.
Class I analog audio generator is the signal source, yes class I so the signal ground is connected with mains PE. Then we have RCA to RCA cable and USB soundcard, that is connected to the PC notebook (with SMPS of course) that is also class I. So we have the usual ground loop as many users are experiencing every day. Small -40dBV generator signal is used. Now the results:
1) RG-59 cable 50cm
2) Monster Interlink 250 shielded twisted pair, shield connected at one end only, 35cm
3) "Generic" cable 1m (something supplied with DVD player)
4) Profigold with EMI suppressor, 1.5m
5) Pseudo-balanced RCA to XLR, big mismatch of 600ohm to 1.5kohm/1.5kohm, 50cm
Measuring system background noise
Conclusion
Monster Interlink 250 twisted pair is the worst, though shortest. It verifies that twisted pair or Kimber-like wire for single ended link cable is a nonsense. Even highly mismatched RCA to XLR pseudo-balanced is a winner.
So, this is the "real life" test setup, very simple, however addressing common issues.
Class I analog audio generator is the signal source, yes class I so the signal ground is connected with mains PE. Then we have RCA to RCA cable and USB soundcard, that is connected to the PC notebook (with SMPS of course) that is also class I. So we have the usual ground loop as many users are experiencing every day. Small -40dBV generator signal is used. Now the results:
1) RG-59 cable 50cm
2) Monster Interlink 250 shielded twisted pair, shield connected at one end only, 35cm
3) "Generic" cable 1m (something supplied with DVD player)
4) Profigold with EMI suppressor, 1.5m
5) Pseudo-balanced RCA to XLR, big mismatch of 600ohm to 1.5kohm/1.5kohm, 50cm
Measuring system background noise
Conclusion
Monster Interlink 250 twisted pair is the worst, though shortest. It verifies that twisted pair or Kimber-like wire for single ended link cable is a nonsense. Even highly mismatched RCA to XLR pseudo-balanced is a winner.
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