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I've never believed much in cables, that said... (USB)

So, in 30+ years of being an audio geek of sorts I've never believed much in cables.  I've always felt once it's a decent gauge and quality (think basic Mogami XLR's and Canare 4s11 speaker) that they don't make much of a difference.  I do try occasionally and try to read the science to see if it makes sense.  

Over the years there have been a couple cables I thought MIGHT have been different (not better or worse, but different).

1.  Gregg Straley Reality cables - these are a solid core and I believe he cryo's them.  I felt the speaker cables MIGHT have brightened things up a bit.  60/40 on if they did, but I'm pretty sure they did.

2.  PS Audio AC3 power cables on my amp.  I inherited this cable with a used amp purchase so said what the hell, I'll try it.  Don't think it did a thing on the pre-amp.  But, with two different amps, I THINK it opened up the soundstage a bit.  Reading about it, I think that the whole highs/lows shapes of cables doesn't make a lot of sense.  But I did think it might make a big enough difference.  For what I essentially paid for it - I kept it and use it.  If anything it looks cool and does stay in the outlet with a vice like grip.  


That said.

Just got my first outboard DAC (oppo sonica) and started with a cheap USB cable then tried an audioquest cinnamon, clearly a difference to me.  I was shocked (and bummed in some ways). But it was obvious, so I tried an audioquest carbon - and yes, again I'm pretty darn sure I heard a difference and it was better.  Everything did have more separation and clarity without being brighter (which is what I thought speaker cables might have done).  This was clear.  It still makes little sense to me (0's and 1's).  I've tried to look at tests like at ASR... but man it's the first time I really felt I can hear a difference.  

Might try the PS audio power cord on the dac, but that means changing on the amp... so not sure if it would be fair or not!
dep14
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,875 posts
 
With all the talk on USB cables I've never read anything like this take on the hows and whys USB cables works:https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/audiocadabra/

It's a review of a USB cable that has a short, easy to read primer that'd take a minute to read.

These two staff writers, Marja & Henk, of 6moons, always breaks things down in terms that are easy to follow.

All the best,
Nonoise
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213runnin
914 posts
 
For Anyone reading this after the fact, I have now tried four different USB cables. Generic USB, audio quest cinnamon, Wireworld Starlight 7 USB and the Pangea Premier XL USB.

My system has upgraded cables at every location, though nothing cost me over 400, and most were under 200 used. I also have a pretty respectable dac, the Schiit Gungnir, and Vidar amp. Right now the Sys is the pre while I wait for the Saga.

With only the Pangea cable do I get a 3D soundstage.  I have decent speakers as well though nothing too expensive.  

My point is, the Pangea USB wipes the floor with the other cables. This is one seriously good cable, you can’t do better for $100. If you have or want to upgrade all your cables from stock(get ride of any stranded copper, even in your power cables), and if you have better than an AVR for amp, it’s really worth it to try the Pangea Premier stuff.

Don’t listen to the denying crowd, cables DO make a difference! I tried the Pangea because another poster said it bested his Audioquest Carbon USB. He was on to something.

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