Can a better power cable make a difference if NOT plugged directly into an outlet?

@thyname   It's interesting he mentions "galvanically isolated" for DAC's to "clean up  and isolate noise", since doing so introduces a transformer or capacitor in the USB chain, which can change the phase of the signal.  But it hardly matters because this is the analog side of the signal, which is not used directly by the DAC. 

Finally, all but the cheapest USB hubs are already "galvanically isolated" to ensure an accurate clock signal on the downstream USB ports, so I'm not sure where's he's going with the entire message.

@tomrk : If you want to question stuff, please feel free to do so directly with the manufacturer, or get an engineering degree. I have no horse on this race, as I don’t own any PS Audio pieces at this time, nor do I intend to buy one anytime soon. I brought it up simply to illustrate the concept of “noise” in the context of audible buzz, hum, etc.

It’s a bit of stretch to say all USB hubs are already galvanically isolated, but I will not entertain your questioning of this, simply because I don’t have time I can waste. Apologies in advance 

@thyname  "or get an engineering degree"

Already done.

"It’s a bit of stretch to say all USB hubs are already galvanically isolated"

I didn't say all,   But no doubt some manufacturers will put their name on an average USB hub, put a nicer case on it and sell it for a lot of money to convince you it has some advantage over the ones you can buy for $30.

Lak +1 agree 100%

Audphile1,

You are correct, some people will definitely prefer the Rhodium plating over the gold plating; and yes it will be system dependent and listener dependent. I am extremely sensitive to differences (notice I didn't say faults) in higher frequencies, which to me can be tiring in longer listening sessions. Either way, both were large improvements over the hospital grade that the electrician installed initially.

I have tested a bunch of receptacles in my system in the last few years, and some didn't work out: Pangea Premier XL, Furutech FPX, PS Audio PowerPort, Oyaide SWO XXX, etc.....but many of these might be improvements for some, and at a more affordable price

Some made really nice improvements, that I would happily recommended: Furutech GTX-D gold and rhodium, Oyaide R1, and Cardas 4181.....all of these are $150 to $250 each, not cheap.

Happy listening all!