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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
rixthetrick's avatar
rixthetrick
1,060 posts
 
I used to build Curious Cables on the Gold Coast in sunny Queensland Australia (as an employee). If you use annealed silver off the reel the correct direction as the data signal wire and use (hope nobody gets offended) wire that was unused for USAF for fighter aircraft wiring (how it made it's way to Australia is mind boggling). And a guy designing it, with well over three decades hi-fi experience.. you can make a pretty decent USB cable.
That you can request to have the power with a disconnect plug inline on the external power supply lead if you so choose.

Yes USB cables as do other cables can make a substantial difference.
I use Lenehan Audio Ribbonflex interconnects and speaker cables, and they make a difference!
Soon I will try Wegrzyn cables from Arizona, I've been reading good things about them.

inna
7,141 posts
 
I just put $400 WyWires Silver Series USB cable between computer and Burson dac and think no more of this.
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,901 posts
 
Even USB need proper breakin I use roughly 300 hours and I. Have used several 
cables well over $500.  The top  cables use better materials ,better shielding, 
and power legg is totally isolated. That being said there are many other factors 
like myself I have a completely isolated usb board and all SS drives , filtering to the power supplies , which make a Huge improvement 
Jplay sell thevery good  usb boards, as well as Ethernet dedicated boards , that are 1000 times more quiet and isolated then stock computer boards , your music sounds much more pure and natural sounding , it is equal to or better then a more expensive dac upgrade.
then with a standard board from your graphics card . I also added Noktua 
best heat pipe for the computer processor . I have just one big very quiet 
Noktua side fan. All these things add up to a very good sounding digital setup.
and yes power cords and a dedicated line, copper outlets , and line conditioning 
all count .make your own server and saves a Lot of $$.
andy2
1,534 posts
 
If you have a well designed DAC, it should be less sensitive to cable.  I have a Ayre QB9 DSD which has its own power supply, and the data inputs are optically isolated so it will not be as susceptible to noise coming from the USB cable.
melvinjames
416 posts
 
In the under $300 category I've tried a few USB cables in the various iterations of my system:

AudioQuest Carbon
Belkin Gold
Black Cat Silverstar
Blue Jeans
dB Audio Labs Essential
iFi Gemini (dual-headed)
UpTone USPCB A>B Adapter

The newest addition is the UpTone Adapter. I purchased it because the form-factor is a perfect compliment for the microRendu and user reviews were quite positive. Best $35 I've spent on audio gear.

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