Co-axial Digital Out Terminator
for CD Players with unused Digital Outs

By Jason

 

We audiophiles / audionuts have a tendency to spend loads of money on things that do not really work, or have a minimal effect on the sound in relation to the amount of money spent. Here is a tweak that has been around the internet community for some time, but I will tell it to you, just in case you live in the mountains and don't know about it. It costs little and effects may vary, but for a tweak this cheap, any effect at all is usually greatly appreciated.

The Basic Idea
Ok, we know that most hifi tweaks / equipment have some sort of theory behind why they should work, so I guess I have to explain the workings of this Digital Out Terminator to you. The theory is that RF interference can enter a CD player through the unused Digital Out. This, in turn, messes around with the sensitive digital circuits and could affect the analogue output of your CD player. That is to say, it would affect your music and therefore you will not be very happy about it ... : (

The Components
There are but only 2 parts used in this tweak and it is very easy for anyone to do. You will need a single RCA male connector and also a 75 Ohm resistor (Brand doesn't matter just make sure it's 75 Ohms, power rating can be low, for eg. 1/2 watt). You should be able to get these parts from electronic parts shops in Sim Lim Tower. Soldering is optional, though I strongly recommend it. The reason for 75 Ohms is to match the impedance of the Digital Out, in this way, the CD player's Digital Out signals are not reflected back into the player.

How To Do It
Really easy! Just take one end of the 75 Ohm resistor, connect / solder to the centre pin ("Hot") of the male RCA connector. Take the other end of the resistor and solder it to the outer pin (remaining pin) of the RCA connector. Yes! That's it! Now just connect it back into the CD player's Digital Out, sit back, and enjoy the fruits of your DIY labour. (Note: Do not connect this to your unused analogue outputs!!)

Improvements
Well, the effects range from system to system. But this tweak has a tendency to improve clarity of instruments and also tighten up the bass (slightly?)... Well, try it out and see for yourself.