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USB cable hype

Can someone explain the need for expensive USB cables for short runs? The only parameter of concern is impedance. I personally have verified error-free transmission in the Gbps range regardless of cable make/model as long as the cable length is short. There is no magic. It is just about impedance control to minimize loss and jitter. This is inexpensive in the MHz range. I will pay more for a cable that it is well built. I will not pay more for hocus pocus.
axle
lse
83 posts
 
I have two extra pair of Wireworld Starlight and one Pangea AG USB cable. I cannot tell the difference between these and the basic monoprice cables except that the more expensive ones seem more sturdy. Sound-wise, not a whit of difference. I wish I were able to so I didn't feel dumb spending money for what is basically a give away item.
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
Lse thanks for the info tho sorry for your situation having spent the extra money with no difference in sound, you have helped me as I will not spend the extra because I have the Monoprice usb already. Also fwiw I think it sounds terrific and I know there is a difference between cables as I have a cable (unmarked) that is far better than a generic usb that I used to use (more body, fuller bass). The Monoprice has terrific bass and smooth detailed highs.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,433 posts
 
Axle, cable bad enough to corrupt bits would be disaster
since each frame contains checksum and would be dropped. As
I understand it each frame is delivered every millisecond
and starts with unique bit sequence signifying start of the
frame (SOF) followed by music samples (about 2x44
for redbook playback) and then followed by the checksum.
When even one bit is wrong checksum won't match and DAC will
drop whole frame (2x44 music samples) since it does not
resend frames. On the other hand I see possibility of
vendor specific design that resends frames eliminating bit
errors completely.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Axle,

Have a look at this new thread. "Dual Headed USB hookup?"

You may find it interesting. I've never seen a USB cable set up like this before.
axle OP
49 posts
 
Kijanki, Your point about checksums is interesting. Let's say that a packet is dropped. What would take the place of the dropped packet? Would it be that the contents of previous packet are duplicated? Dropped packets are problematic regarless of how they are manged. The only good solution is o resend the packet.

With a buffer large enough for several minutes of audio, there would be ample time to resend packets. Does USB audio comply fully to USB standard specifications? The answer to that question would go a long way. Thanks.
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