Hey Arafiq,
Even after 20 something years in this audio hobby and knowing that with analogue systems cables can make a big, big difference I never gave USB cables a thought (seems I'll never learn).
As a newbie in computer / digital sound I just didn't consider the USB link & used whatever generic cable came with the component.
After all, it's just a data stream.
In my "audiophilia nervosa" at one point I decided to upgrade the USB.
I too got an Audioquest Forest considering this was a decent quality replacement & I could rest assured my connection was adequate.
With the Forest I heard no difference in sound.
About 2 years later I had a few bucks and decide to try the the Audioquest Carbon knowing I could return it to Amazon if I didn't like it.
Wow! It opened everything up, to my amazement.
Apparently USB cables could make a difference in how your system sounded & I used that cable for around 2 years.
Then I began to read about the Curious cable.
I decided to give it a try, it also had a return policy.
Well it sounded much better than the Carbon, much more like music.
Not only did detail improve, but all of those qualities we have shared about the Audio Mirror held true.
It is expensive, but, as I said, I do consider it a component.
It made THAT MUCH difference to the SQ of my system.
If you can't spent the 500 or so for the original Curious, I understand.
I would love to try the new Curious Evolved, but have to wait.
The only piece of gear I would, consider selling to help the cost at this point is my Sennheiser HD700 phones.
And those wouldn't bring enough to offset my enjoyment of them.
Yes the Audioquest Carbon opened my eyes (ears) to the effect a USB cable could have.
In fact I have kept it.
I would offer to send it to you to try, but Amazon will do the same, more quickly, with painless return.
In addition; I have found that Audioquest has a "house sound" compared to the very best cables.
Their stuff sounds very detailed at first, but it can become really bright and etched too.
There are probably USB cables other than the Curious that will preserve the essence of the music, perhaps at less expense.
I'm sure others will have suggestions.
Here's the bottom line for me:
DON'T SELL YOUR SYSTEM SHORT BY IGNORING THE EFFECT OF THE USB CABLE ON S.Q.
Again, sorry for the ramble. Hope it contains some useful info.
Cheers,
P.B.
Even after 20 something years in this audio hobby and knowing that with analogue systems cables can make a big, big difference I never gave USB cables a thought (seems I'll never learn).
As a newbie in computer / digital sound I just didn't consider the USB link & used whatever generic cable came with the component.
After all, it's just a data stream.
In my "audiophilia nervosa" at one point I decided to upgrade the USB.
I too got an Audioquest Forest considering this was a decent quality replacement & I could rest assured my connection was adequate.
With the Forest I heard no difference in sound.
About 2 years later I had a few bucks and decide to try the the Audioquest Carbon knowing I could return it to Amazon if I didn't like it.
Wow! It opened everything up, to my amazement.
Apparently USB cables could make a difference in how your system sounded & I used that cable for around 2 years.
Then I began to read about the Curious cable.
I decided to give it a try, it also had a return policy.
Well it sounded much better than the Carbon, much more like music.
Not only did detail improve, but all of those qualities we have shared about the Audio Mirror held true.
It is expensive, but, as I said, I do consider it a component.
It made THAT MUCH difference to the SQ of my system.
If you can't spent the 500 or so for the original Curious, I understand.
I would love to try the new Curious Evolved, but have to wait.
The only piece of gear I would, consider selling to help the cost at this point is my Sennheiser HD700 phones.
And those wouldn't bring enough to offset my enjoyment of them.
Yes the Audioquest Carbon opened my eyes (ears) to the effect a USB cable could have.
In fact I have kept it.
I would offer to send it to you to try, but Amazon will do the same, more quickly, with painless return.
In addition; I have found that Audioquest has a "house sound" compared to the very best cables.
Their stuff sounds very detailed at first, but it can become really bright and etched too.
There are probably USB cables other than the Curious that will preserve the essence of the music, perhaps at less expense.
I'm sure others will have suggestions.
Here's the bottom line for me:
DON'T SELL YOUR SYSTEM SHORT BY IGNORING THE EFFECT OF THE USB CABLE ON S.Q.
Again, sorry for the ramble. Hope it contains some useful info.
Cheers,
P.B.