USB and Coaxial at the same time?

@rvpiano if it sounds good just enjoy it

@audphile1 

I might try another USB.  The only problem is that with my setup it’s very hard to access the cables.

 

richardbrand

272 posts

02-09-2025 at 03:43pm 

@erik_squires

USB of course is the only choice for very high resolution formats and DSD

You are really ruling out HDMI?  Really?
 

You are trolling again. We’re taking about Aurender N200 streamer here. Coax and USB. No HDMI. Don’t derail the conversation. It’s rude. 

@rvpiano USB cut out the highs? That’s strange. I only had DH Labs coax and I actually got more vibrant sound from USB. Even stock USB cable sounded more open. Could be that Shunyata cable no bueno. 

@erik_squires

USB of course is the only choice for very high resolution formats and DSD

You are really ruling out HDMI?  Really?

@audphile1 

i thought so too until I compared it to the coaxial.  It cut out the highs.

@rvpiano interesting that you prefer coax. Thought you liked that shunyata usb cable

I used both coaxial and USB at the same time to test the sound of each on my Aurender N200. I called Aurender and they said it was not designed to use both cables in the unit at the same time. The difference was very slight. NowI only have coaxial connected.

I want to add a little.

Back in the pre-async USB days there seemed to be an argument that coax was a better option to optical because of lower jitter. I think this was due to the quality of the receviers and transmitters, not really a format problem. Coaxial was often preferred except when there were ground loop issues.

Coaxial could be galvanically isolated but wasn’t always, like USB today.

I don’t think there’s any credible argument that coax outperforms async-USB in terms of jitter today. USB of course is the only choice for very high resolution formats and DSD.

Cool. Yeah the 70s rock wasn’t recorded to be played thru an accurate hi fi system 

@audphile1   Yes it has NOS-OS soft and sharp filers. I like OS/Soft. I think the problem with some older 70's rock is it was engineered to play on boom boxes. Maybe that is a fallacy, I don't know.  NOS seems to shrink soundstage to me. Maybe the magic could be NOS+Coaxial. I will give it a try when I return home from our FL winter this spring.

@fthompson251 I don’t think there’s a problem having both cables connected and I agree with your assessment of coax sound vs USB. Not familiar with Denafrips but  is there a mode or a filter option  available that would result in a slightly warmer sound? Does OS vs NOS change anything sonically to help smooth out bad recordings?

@glenmschneider I really am not looking to find which is better per say. But I remember a while ago I compared and the coaxial was less detailed and transparent. Which for rock music recorded in the 70’s that may be fine in some cases..so all I wanted to know if it’s ok to have both connections at once. Both interconnects will be sending signal from the streamer to the Hermes, didn’t know if that was a problem or not. I read somewhere that I shouldn’t have both connected so I removed the coaxial.

@hickamore The current set up has the Hermes DDC connected via I2s. I have clock sync cable connected between the DDC and DAC and yes the USB will then take advantage of the dual OCXO clocks on the Terminator 15th. (Which are in sync with the Hermes)

It seems as though there isn’t a problem having both cables connected at once so I will do that again.

Thanks all.

@fthompson251 If you highly prefer USB I assume that is because Terminator clock is superior to Aurender clock?

My Auralic G2.1 streamer requires setup changes to swap from USB to Coax making it about a minute long process to switch and not so easy to A/B.

unless you have the same cable it also makes it really hard to compare which is better. But you can see which in your setup you prefer with what you have.

that all being said, I do have both cables plugged in simultaneously and I hope that there is no downside to that. 

Best I divine of all that is to pick your IC in mind of what it does where in your rig.

Digital v. analog v. vid v. ?....Tube sound 'midst the digital ?  There's a pro studio outboard that...in fact, lots of them....just like the stage pedal versions....

That's a bit snide, but it comes down to how one implements what's in hand that 'requires a tweak' to accomplish what's desired in the end product...

I'm in it for the music and the *G*rins....;)

Good variable factors, J

When comparing USB and coaxial audio connections for music, USB generally offers more flexibility and potential for higher quality sound due to its ability to handle higher bitrates and asynchronous data transfer, while coaxial may be preferred by some audiophiles for its perceived simplicity and lower jitter, depending on the quality of the implementation in both devices; ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific setup and personal preference. 

...the humble opinion of a Google AI when posted the query....

...at the risk of throwing some lighter fluid on the analog v. digital fray....

Whereas, in adding HDMI to the caldron:

AI Overview

Learn more

Optical and HDMI cables are both used to transmit digital audio from one device to another. HDMI cables can also transmit video signals. The main difference between the two is the number of audio formats they support. 

Audio formats 

• Optical: Supports 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS audio
• HDMI: Supports 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS audio, plus Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X

Video signals 

• Optical: Transmits audio only
• HDMI: Transmits both audio and video

Compatibility

• HDMI: Modern versions of HDMI, like 2.0 and 2.1, are compatible with modern technologies 
• Optical: Optical cables are a good choice for older devices 

Reliability 

• Optical: Optical cables are known for being reliable and resistant to interference

Ease of use 

• HDMI: HDMI can be a good choice if you want to use a single cable between two devices

Surround sound 

• HDMI ARC: HDMI ARC can support 5.1 surround sound channels with enhanced sound quality

• HDMI vs Optical - Klipsch Support

  Both HDMI and optical pass digital audio from one device to another. Both are better than analog (the red and white cables). Both ... 

'Generative AI is experimental' 

(...my hashmarks' )

....considering implementing all 3 since I can, just to see if my 20th century trash can deal with being dragged into the 21st.....

... I can hear their tinny little voices already.....

"...no....No...NO....NOOOOOO....We're not worthy!!!!"

*Shuddup,,,*

It might smooth it out. 

Well to be clear, I highly prefer USB. But I was wondering if on some of the older Rock recordings if switching to coaxial may smooth it out a bit. I just wanted to try it and see what happens.

When I compared USB to coax on my N200 I was running one interface at a time and was taking it slow evaluating sonic quantities of each listening to complete songs or even more than one song with each.
I don’t recommend switching back and forth to quickly A/B. That is a waste of time and effort - you won’t have enough to go on. 

No but it would be weird and not a direct comparison. As soon as you connect the USB it may tru to take over the streamers clock.

A better comparison will be to do each separately

If you have native dsd turned off in the aurender advanced settings I think you should be fine. What makes you think the coax could sound better just curious…

I looked at the manual and did not see any comments about not using both at the same time, 

https://ask.aurender.com/hc/en-us/articles/25261328425751-N200-Hardware-Guide