Cables for Aurender N150

I use a Zavfino USB but my only comparison is the stock/cheap USB that came with my DAC, but, they make great cables at very competitive prices. Construction appears similar to DH Labs.

Having said that, I was recently challenged by an AG thread about ethernet cables -  I was convinced there would be no difference between my $20 blue jeans cable and something more expensive. I compared a Pangea SE premier and an AQ Cinnamon to my $20 cable. 

Much to my chagrin the AQ made a significant sonic improvement over the others so I kept it (for now).

Based on this thread, I just ordered a DH Labs Reunion ethernet - if it bests the AQ I may try their USB.

@macg19 Congrats on getting the Reunion. It’s quite a good Ethernet cable for the price. Given its silver plated conductors, ensure about 100-200 hours for it to settle. You should hear an immediate difference off the bat with it, and it will likely be more detailed than your Cinnamon. But it will smooth out and become a bit more effortless as it breaks in more. Let us know your findings. 

@txp1 ,

I am using a DH Labs Mirage USB As well.

@blisshifi Thx. Will do.

Thank you everyone!  I’ve gotten several ideas and am still researching.  I’ve been streaming for over 10 years but until a couple years ago it was all improving the computer doing the streaming, not a dedicated streamer or better cables.  So I’m still learning regarding how much each incremental cable upgrade can improve my sound.  I’ve been pleasantly surprised!

@vonhelmholtz My primary digital system is currently the Aurender N150>AQ Carbon USB>Chord Hugo M-Scaler>dual Nordost Silver Shadow BNC>Chord Qutest DAC>Cardas Golden Reference IC>Cary SLI-80HS with all possible upgrades>shotgunned Nordost SuperFlatline II cables>Meadowlark Osprey speakers. All components fed by Shunyata power cables fed from Denali v2 conditioner fed from Alpha XC cable fed from a dedicated home run 20 amp circuit with a FIM Gold outlet.

I cannot easily upgrade the speaker cables because it’s a long LR run under a rug on hardwood floor.

I was a longtime diehard vinyl enthusiast until streaming sources significantly improved.