Aldnorab,
So glad the Supra cable worked well for you. I'm certainly not a "cost no object" audiophile, and Supra cables have served me well
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
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- 49 posts total
@vthokie83 I'm very happy with the entry level Supra. There's no glaring weakness on my personal sonic wish list. Cable changes often involve trade offs. The Supra are very even handed and sound natural. I may regret asking, how does the Excalibur compare? Might have to order one from Zendada. Thanks, aldnorab |
Aldnorab, My sound comparison is from my previous configuration (Node 130 to Denafrips Pontuss II DAC), and prior to adding a Denafrips Iris DDC in between the two units.....and as you know I think highly of the 2.0 USB Slight improvements from Supra 2.0 USB to Excalibur USB: (1) Darker background/quieter (2) Improved vocal detail and quality especially on female vocals in general but more specifically when Auto-Tuned (3) More and better detail in highs, most noticeable on cimbles, harmonica, acoustic guitar....greater clarity, without being sibilant (4) Sounded just a touch "faster" if that's a correct term? Just sounded a little more purposeful in presentation (5) Didnt' do a lot for sound stage, where I thought the standard USB was really good |
@vthokie83 thanks for the comparison. Haven't had the 2.0 a week, should probably enjoy it a while. Not even sure how long USB cables need to settle in. I'll probably weaken and order an Excalibur in a few months. Thanks, aldnorab |
- 49 posts total