Recommendations for Cabling

Decided to test a NMVE .2  2230 (Satechi) SSD with a 1 TB Rocket (all USB 3.0) against a Samsung T7 SSD (USB 2.0). Almost all proprietary short stock cabling into Auralic Aries S1 USB 3.0. Satechi USB C wire required adapter USB A so used high speed Satechi C to A adapter.

While one might expect bits are bits and some minor differences the loss of low quiet detail was odd and rather striking. Ordered a recommended adapter (3.0) and power cable which separates power (3.1) for not much money but thought I would also solicit input here. (On the NMVE the fan had stopped for a half hour and unit cool to touch before comparison.)

Time to review and respond appreciated!