2. digital
  3. 160759-10297

USB vs Coax Is one better than the other?

I am wanting to buy a cable to go from Auralic Aries to a RME adi2 dac with a Teddy Pardo psu. I am using the stock USB that came with RME and a JPS Labs Superconductor digital cable I had lying around since 1997 it's the first generation from JPS. I can pan between the USB and Coax with streamer remote and find there is a difference in sound, not sure if it is the signature of JPS or it being a coax wire vs USB. The USB sounds more detailed and clean. Coax more analog and full. Both are enjoyable but just different. Should I invest in USB or Coax, thank you for your advise as I'm a little lost here.
paulcreed
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
which sound do you like better?

how long are the two cables?
djones51
4,947 posts
 
Before you decide anything are you level checking with a SPL meter when you switch between coax and USB? We tend to favor the louder sound at least short term so even if you just download a SPL app and try to get the sound level close at your listening position you're not giving yourself an accurate assessment of the two. 
thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 
I agree with Dow Jones. Level matching is very important when doing comparisons. 

Also, from my experience only, take it for what's worth, USB cables tend to differ much more than the coaxial digital cables. In other words, upgrading a USB cable may give you more overall gains than upgrading a coaxial cable. 
More to discover