Ed Morawski
Positive Feedback Online
Audio Musings
July 2002

Bits are not just bits. The bitstream from your transport contains
the music data plus embedded clocking information. The clocking
information is extracted at the recieving DAC. The clock that is
extracted from the data stream needs to be very stable in order
for the music to be reproduced with accuracy. Digital interconnects
can introduce jitter into the bitstream, which will result in a jittery
clock. There are no data-bit errors, but the clock in the DAC can
have jitter as a result, which causes frequency modulation of the
DAC output. This frequency modulation can be audible. Only DACs
that completely buffer the bitstream are immune from this modulation.
This is because these DACs discard completely the embedded clock
and use a separate, stable quartz-crystal clock to retrieve the data
from a large memory and apply it to the analog conversion circuitry.
Most DAC's are not like this. Therefore, it is important that the bit-
stream be as jitter-free as possible. The Bitmeister minimizes jitter
by providing an extremely low-loss, impedance-matched path for the
bit-stream. The low-loss of the Bitmeister prevents effects such as
dispersion from occurring. Dispersion can occur with high dielectric-
constant insulators, such as Teflon and PVC. Dispersion occurs when
the dielectric becomes charged to a varying voltage level, which
depends on the pattern in the bitstream, which of course is a function
of the music being played. Sometimes the pattern in the music puts a
large charge into the dielectric insulation. Other music maintains a low
charge in the dielectric insulation. When the bit stream transitions, the
latent charge in the dielectric can cause the signal edge to move or
transition slightly slower or faster, depending on the amount of latent
charge. This is what causes jitter. The Bitmeister stores extremely low
levels of latent charge, so the signal transitions do not shift depending
on the data pattern. Jitter is minimized with Bitmeister.

Bitmeister SP/DIF Specifications

The following nominal specifications are provided for comparison purposes. They
are not guaranteed and excursions in any parameter may take place due to
manufacturing and material variation, however every effort is made to prevent
any such excursions. Empirical Audio^® reserves the right to modify any of the
specified parameters without notice.

Differential interconnects have three conductors, two for carrying signal
currents and one for grounding the two chassis together. Current flows
in the two signal conductors, but not in the ground conductor. One
signal conductor carries a non-inverted signal and the other an inverted
signal. Both + and - signals are used at the component input to resolve
the signal by subtracting the two signals. The advantage of this
subtraction is that any noise that is common and the same polarity on
the + and - signals will be subtracted-out. This is know as "common-
mode" noise rejection. Most 60 Hz hum is common-mode noise as well
as some RF that might be picked-up. Because the signal is generated by
subtracting the + and - signals, the arrival times of these two signals is
also critical. If there is any time difference in their arrivals (skew), this
will cause distortion in the subtracted signal. Bitmeister AES/EBU
interconnects take special care to insure that the signals arrive at the
same time and are treated identically during their transit time in the
cable.

XLR connectors also have the advantage that there is a male
and a female connector, so they cannot be plugged in wrong and the
connectors themselves are mate-able allowing longer lengths to be built
from shorter lengths. Bitmeister AES/EBU is not directional, but can only
be used in one direction due to the male and female connectors.

Bitmeister AES/EBU Specifications

The following nominal specifications are provided for comparison purposes.
They are not guaranteed and excursions in any parameter may take place due
to manufacturing and material variation, however every effort is made to prevent
any such excursions. Empirical Audio^® reserves the right to modify any of the
specified parameters without notice.

Pricing for all Bitmeister Interconnects

XLR versions can be connected together to form longer interconnects.
Custom lengths and configurations are available through special order.
Empirical Audio reserves the right to adjust prices as costs increase or decrease.

Warranty

Bitmeister interconnects are offered with a 30-day unconditional return policy.
If the interconnects are not cosmetically damaged, electrically altered or
abused, they can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of date of original
shipment. Customer pays return shipping. Refunds will be mailed within 5 working
days of product return.

Bitmeister interconnects are further warranted to be free of defects in materials
and workmanship for a period of 3 years from the shipment date. If a failure is
found in the product, the customer must first notify Empirical Audio by Email.
The customer will be responsible for shipping the product back to Empirical Audio.
Empirical Audio will replace or repair any defective product within the 3 year
warranty period and reimburse reasonable shipping charges that the customer
incurs. After evaluation of the returned product, if Empirical Audio determines
that misuse, alteration or abuse did not cause the failure, the customer will receive
a working cable (which may be the repaired unit). If misuse, alteration or abuse is
indicated, the customer will have the option of a repair fee determined by Empirical
Audio depending on the extent of the damage. Empirical Audio will not be
responsible for failure of related equipment as a result of a cable shorting due to
excessive stress, crushing or sharp bending. This warranty applies only to the
original purchaser and is not transferrable.

S.F.N.
Copyright © 1998-2002 Empirical Audio^®. All rights reserved.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.