10 replies to this topic

[joms]

Is there any SQ improvement if I use the fiber optic cable (KWE-610A) on the Alpine head unit model W502 or W505 as against RCA ? If there is, is the SQ gain big enough to justify the cost of cable - $110? I will be connecting the Head unit to Alpine processor H701. Thanks

Alpine KWE-610A Fiber Optic Cable:


Amazon.com: Alpine KWE-610A: Electronics

Alpine W505 Head Unit:



Alpine PXA-H701 Processor:

Edited by joms, 28 January 2010 - 09:18 AM.

[HEKYEH]

Not sure if the back of your head unit is similar to mine (DVA-9861E), but I just used a normal fibre optic cable...

5m fibre optic cable that I used

5m digital fibre optic cable - cheaper option

Do u currently have ANY noise issues? U could always try one of those cables and see if u can hear/notice any difference...

[shiny_car]

are you wanting to push the envelope to build a competition SQ system? if so, it's a no-brainer, and use the fibre optic.

if not, then it's not worth it IMO. whilst i have not used your exact combo, i have used other Alpine processors and HUs. realise that you won't be using RCA cables between the W505 and the processor. analogue audio is sent via the Ai-NET cable, and is very, very good.

some enthusiasts complain of 'noise' with analogue, in the form of hiss. but only when it's meant to be silent (ie: between music tracks) and with the volume up pretty high. given that you don't 'listen silence', it doesn't matter; you won't hear any noise above the music!

your call. i don't think digital is worth it for a 'daily listener' system, and only for competition.

[Westy87]

I only just installed my 502 and 701 and I added the optical cable. Be aware it doesn't use the optical cable for all sources though I don't think. It does seem clearer though from using RCA's but only minimaly.

Also, to nidekcus, the optical output from the 502 is actually 4 pins, and it is then converted into optical in the actual connector on the cable. Be careful as the design is retarded. They made it so that it plugs in sideways, right into the heatsink part which sticks up, so you have to bend the cable almost 90% to avoid it

[joms]

am i right to assume that if i dont use the optical cable, i will be using the DAC of the W505? and if I use the optical cable, i will be using the DAC of the H701?
Does anyone know the sepcs of the DAC of the W505 and H701?

[shiny_car]

correct.

i don't know the specs. i would just 'listen' to the sound though.

[s4turn]

i just used a cheap 5m optical cable, and its done the trick, as there isnt much space behind the headunit
also.. very nice headunit, I want to upgrade to a 505 one day...

still on the old w200

[wazzab4]

s4turn, on Jan 29 2010, 03:38 PM, said:

i just used a cheap 5m optical cable, and its done the trick, as there isnt much space behind the headunit
also.. very nice headunit, I want to upgrade to a 505 one day...

still on the old w200

You have to use the Alpine optical cable with the 505/502 any normal optical cable wont work.

Wazza

[Pulse-R]

The cable for the 502/505 is a special one with the 4-pin connector.

As to worth it - as shiny said, only if you don't like the noise.

Also, only the CD/DVD audio is sent on the optical - all other sources are analogue (including DVD-A, iPod, Nav, radio... etc.)

without the optical cable, including 'other' analogue sources the signal goes analog from the 505 to the 701, then back to digital, then uses the DAC in the 701 as well - 3 conversions.
with the optical CD-Audio connection, there is only one conversion in the 701.

you can get 5.1 Dolby or DTS with the optical, but not with analogue.

[Westy87]

I recon I can hear a difference. The highs seem a bit more clear.

Just do it and be done with it!

[bobbyd]

I had optical through to 701 processor on my last set up. Also had a 6 disc stacker via Ai net.

There was a very noticeable difference in sound between a disc in the head unit (iva-d300) and the same disc playing in the stacker. Much more dynamic sound and for some reason a little more controlled bass ???? My best analogy would be the sound difference between dolby digital and DTS- even in stereo with good speakers there is a difference well worth the effort. Maybe something to do with a better D/A processor in the 701 versus the stacker ??? not sure.

But i didn't notice any huge difference in noise as the system had minimal noise with either hook up.