Acoustic Research AP070 Performance Series Digital Coax Cable

Acoustic Research digital cable is a simple, inexpensive way to replace your no frills analog cables and add Dolby/DTS surround capability, and significantly enhance your overall sound.

I was looking for enhanced sound on a tight budget. As much as I would have loved to splurge on something more exotic like a giant amplifier or two or some bigger surrounds, I stuck to my plan—digital cable to replace the old red/white standbys that were currently connecting my CD player to my receiver. This would also give my system the capability of playing Dolby/DTS encoded DVD’s, giving me true surround sound. I had an optical cable at home, but unfortunately while my receiver was equipped with both optical and digital connections my CD player only had digital.

I found the Acoustic Research cable at a local Best Buy; I knew it was far from the top digital cable on the market, but I figured for around $15 it was worth a shot. I took it home connected, leaving the old analog cables plugged into the DVD player input so that I’d be able to test the two head to head.

I sat in my sweet spot and pushed play, first on the CD setting so I could try out my new cable. I didn’t notice much difference, but I didn’t really expect to. This is why I left the analog cables in. I switched over to DVD and immediately noticed a distinct fading in sound. I switched back and forth a couple of times, to eliminate the possibility I was hearing what I wanted to hear—definitely a tangible difference with this new cable. The sound was more vivid and crisp, instruments were more pronounced and overall the sound was better, plain and simple.

I have been using this Acoustic Research for the past couple of years and am very satisfied with it. I’m sure there are plenty of upgrades out there, but I am definitely happy with this cable and will focus my efforts elsewhere.

For the 15 bucks it’s hard to go wrong-- an inexpensive cable that undoubtedly offers a solid improvement over standard analog. If you’re looking to set up surround sound it’s also a necessary step. Adding an Acoustic Research cable is one of the cheapest upgrades that you can make and will markedly enhance your listening. Definitely worth a look.