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Best budget USB

Apologies, I know this has been asked before, and perhaps this question should be on the Cables forum.  However, I thought I'd refresh the question, as some of the previous instances are quite old, and it has struck me that the digital thread generally has a better insight into USB cables.

I've bought a 2nd-hand Innuos Phoenix USB to fit between my Zenith Mk3 and Hegel H390.  I also have an FTA Sinope, which I intend to fit between Phoenix and Hegel.

Unfortunately, the Phoenix didn't turn up with the original USB.  And assuming the USB before the Phoenix is hugely less significant than the USB after, and given I'm now WAYYY over budget I'm looking for something less extravagant than the Sinope.

In the UK, the go-to outlet for choice is Futureshop, and if I limit myself to approx £100 ($120),the selection is:

  • Audioquest Pearl, Forest & Cinnamon
  • Wireworld Chroma 8, Starlight 8
  • Supra
  • Furutech Formula 2
  • Atlas Element SC
  • Chord C-USB

Any preferences?

Thanks,

Mark

128x128lollipopguild
ddd1
261 posts
 

I would recommend the Supra. I use a 5m (16.4 feet) run from computer-->DAC without any problems.  I got mine off EBay from Seattle vendor.

lollipopguild's avatar
lollipopguild OP
133 posts
 

Thanks @ddd1 

Just noticed they're also offering the new Supra Excalibur USB for £99

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,535 posts
 

@lollipopguild 

Go with Supra if you can’t afford another FTA before Phoenix USB. Also, use a high quality PCOCC power cable with Phoenix USB. 

audiom3
152 posts
 

I'm using a Oyaide NEO d+ Class A USB cable for my PC music editing station.  It was the first USB cable that opened my mind (and ears) to how much of a difference a USB cable can make with digital audio.  Excellent for the money and worlds better than the Pangea Audio cable it replaced.

soix
9,538 posts
 

I bought a 1m LavriCable Ultimate Silver Dual USB cable because the data and power runs are separated physically as two separate cables and it uses 5N silver conductors — design features normally found in much pricier USB cables — but at US$124 it’s only just a hair over your max budget. I’ve got several LavriCables and they’re all well made and punch well above their price sonically IMHO. Best of luck.

https://www.lavricables.com/cables/ultimate-silver-dual-usb-a-b-interconnect-cable/

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