SPDIF cables may decrease the loss in quality experienced when playing CDs.
An SPDIF cable is a means of transmitting audio signals using the SPDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format) protocol. SPDIF cables offer features not associated with standard audio cables and are commonly supported by high-end audio products.
Background
The SPDIF format got its name because of the two major companies that helped design it, Sony and Philips. The design was intended to allow for the transfer of a digital audio signal from one device to another. SPDIF cables are capable of transferring signals to any compatible device that supports stereo digital audio, including CD and DVD players and PC audio cards.
Function
When a device such as a CD player uses standard audio cables to output its signal to other devices, it converts the signal to analog before ever leaving the original device. This method results in a loss of audio quality upon playback. With an SPDIF cable, the signal is transported from the original device in digital quality and is transferred to analog by the receiving device.
Additional Information
Many new digital audio components being manufactured in 2010 come equipped with special jacks to use SPDIF cables but not all devices support them. Converters are available that will allow you to use SPDIF cables with standard audio jacks.
Tags: SPDIF cables, digital audio, standard audio, with standard audio, audio cables