USB cables

I appreciate Elberoth2's comment... I have the Vlink feeding a PS Audio DLink III and don't find it provides the same high frequency " air" and deep bass from music server as I can get with digital from a Linn Genki CD player. Looks like time to find a better SPDIF converter.
I've also found that pure silver is king with digital cables... both coax and USB benefit. Even at the cheap end, immediate difference in stepping up from POCC copper to pure silver stranded cable.

Timlub, does bass punch improves when using your cinnamon? i know its not a fair comparison against cheap ones but..curious to know.

How does Audioquest Cinnamon or Kimber USB cables compare to Wireworld Startlight or Ultraviolet USB cables which are told to be ones with the greatest value?

How important for the sound quality is the USB cable when using a USB/SPDIF converter like Audiophileo or JK HiFace?

"Do converters like the offramp or hiface EVO use USB power (I guess not)? If not, can USB power be disengaged when using a SotM USB card."

No, the Off-Ramp and EVO do not use the 5V power. It can be disconnected. You still need the ground wire.

The dual shielded is still interesting because the signal lines are separated from the ground.

I have a common-mode filter that goes even further, as well as severing the 5V wire. Makes a big difference. I hope to productize this soon.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

I use the Acoustic Revive cable that has the separate power line and it sounds pretty damn good. I did not do much of a trial before deciding on it other than the Nordost Blue Heaven and a generic cord which it sounded much better than both. The Nordost is good, very detailed like all their stuff but also very thin. I am using it between a PC server and Berkeley Alpha USB converter. I did not expect much of a benefit from the AR cable but sure enough, there it was.