AES3 and S/PDIF are workhorse protocols for digital audio, carrying high‑resolution PCM (exceeding  24‑bit/192 kHz stereo) over a single cable. They embed the clock within the data stream itself, so accurate timing and clean edge definition are critical to proper frame detection and decoding.

Each frame is checked by a CRC (cyclic redundancy check). If that check fails—because of noise, jitter, or signal integrity problems between the source and the DAC—the frame is considered invalid. At that point the DAC has only bad options: either mute that frame or attempt to reconstruct it by guessing from previous data.

Unlike networked protocols, AES3 and S/PDIF offer no retransmission. When errors occur, the system must resynchronize and move on, which can subtly disrupt timing, reduce precision, and degrade the overall listening experience.

XerXes Reference Digital AES/S/PDIF interconnects are engineered to address these timing and integrity challenges at their source.

By tightly controlling characteristic impedance, capacitance, and inductive reactance along the entire length of the cable, XerXes preserves edge sharpness and signal shape, making it easier for the receiver to lock onto the embedded clock and correctly identify each frame. Stable impedance and low reflection reduce the likelihood of CRC failures, so fewer frames are muted or reconstructed by guesswork.

Audibly, this translates into more precise timing, cleaner transients, and tighter, more authoritative bass, with greater coherence across the entire frequency range. The digital stream remains intact and stable, allowing your DAC to perform at its full potential and revealing a more immersive, natural presentation from your digital sources.