Seems like we have many MDA1000 / MCD1000 threads lately. For those using the MDA with the MCD1000 the use of a real 110 ohm digital cable is optimum. This will bypass all of the SPIDIF stuff and give you studio sound. Canare makes a real 110 ohm cable in whatever length you need.
The other inputs should use a true 75 ohm co-ax cable. Canare makes these also that are 75 ohms including the RCA connector. Tos-link is also fine as we use a high quality Tos-Link transmitter and receiver.
Snake oil digital cables may or may not work depending where their real impedance lies. For cheap, a silver plated video cable will work well, RCA male to RCA..

Thanks,
Ron-C

Hi Ron,

I am using a Cardas Neutral Reference AES/EBU. Is this one of the "real 110 ohm" cables? Also using same Cardas Neutral Reference RCA type to connect the MVP841 digital out to the MDA1k. Hope I am using the right "real" cablings. Your advise will really put me at ease.

Thanks,

Jerry

The 110 ohm cables are balanced XLR types which is what all of the studio production gear uses. So you need a transport like the MCD1000 which has balanced digital out to take advantage of the AES/EBU pro digital connection.
Cardas makes many cables. It should say what it is on the side. When they claim 75 ohms, RCA -> RCA male it is 75 ohms.

thanks,
Ron-C

Blue Jeans offers the Canare L-4E6S star quad. Might this be a quality recommendation for a true 110? However, it seems to show on the Canare site that it's only 44 ohm, where the Canare DA 206 is 110.

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/balancedaudio/index.htm

Gotta a number for Canare? Their website doesn't have one.

The 110 ohm cables are balanced XLR types which is what all of the studio production gear uses. So you need a transport like the MCD1000 which has balanced digital out to take advantage of the AES/EBU pro digital connection.
Cardas makes many cables. It should say what it is on the side. When they claim 75 ohms, RCA -> RCA male it is 75 ohms.

thanks,
Ron-C

Hi Ron,

Thanks. Your answer put me at ease. Now to enjoy the music till the McIntosh speaker XRT 30 bug bites me over the Maxx 2. Till then, I suppose I will just enjoy the music and let my savings grow.

Oh, last but not least, would appreciate iof you could give me notice when the McIntosh Book is available. Would love to order 2 copies direct from you.

Best Regards,

Jerry Seh

Markertek.com for Canare cables. The books will be sold at dealers or through the normal distributors, Amazon, Barnes, etc.
110 ohm AES/EBU digital cables are three leg balanced XLR tipe. Most XLR cables are not 110 ohms you need the digital type.

Thanks again,
Ron

Ron,

My MDA1000 is on the way. Considering the noisy nature of DAC's, do I need to be concerned about where to place it? Where should it be? Where shouldn't it be?

Also, any plans to visit Gluskin's again in the near future? I'll buy lunch.

Thanks!

Considering the noisy nature of DAC's, do I need to be concerned about where to place it? Where should it be? Where shouldn't it be?

FWIW, I don't notice any electromagnetic noise from mine at all, so I don't think it matters where it goes.

Good news since I don't have a bunch of options other than running "another" set of low WAF cables across the fireplace hearth...

It'll sit right next to my MC207 and either just below or just above my MVP861.

The MDA1000 is a special case noise wise. Because it uses 4 DACs running at max speed of 384 KHZ in EACH channel these are encapsulated in a drawn metal shield. Without the shielding they will not work. Each DAC is handling one half the sine wave in a balanced mode with a second DAC. Two for the top and two for the bottom part of the wave of each channel equals eight of Burr Browns finest to yield a balanced out stereo signal. Added together the DAC output frequency is 768 KHz before the gentle analog filter at the output.
Even putting a probe into the chassis is tricky to make a measurement. The heavy case work of the MDA1000 is a further shield and it will not radiate any noise. It can be used next to turntables, MC preamps etc. without problems.
Most DVD players will not perform like this but they also do not cost as much.

thanks again,
Ron-C

Thanks Ron! Lunch is on me next time you're in Stockton.