Audio Systems: Audio wiring, rca plug, digital audio output

Question
QUESTION: My CD player has a digital audio RCA plug output (not optical).  I used a standard RCA plug interconnect and I was able to get the music to play.  Is this interconnect OK to use in order to obtain the benefits of the digital audio output or is there a special cable required in order to get the benefits?
ANSWER: Depends on how long the cable is.  Short cable length you are okey. For long runs you should get low capacity cable. Most audio shops and electronics stores carry them. The video cable with yellow ends will work good also.

Hope this helps.
C

PS: My experience is that the audio output channels provide indistinguishable sound - unless you have very, very high end components.  The digital out on low cost players is mostly marketing hype.  BUT, if you can hear the difference, by all means get the good sound.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am using a 3 foot cable and the CD player is playing.  So as long as it plays at all, am I getting the full benefit of the digital audio output?  Could it be playing but not giving me the full benefits of the digital audio sound?  Please advise.

Answer
Digital is digital.  If you are getting performance, you are getting all that there is.  If the data is insufficient to the amps, it will cause error override and go into mute or breakup; if the sound sounds good, you have, by definition, all there is to got.   

That is the simple answer.  There is a lot of minutia about the details of D to A conversion, etc., but with the equipment you have, you are getting all there is to get!

C