2. pc-audio
  3. 1408304552

Asynchronous USB DAC and USB cable quality

I have converted to PC audio about 2 years ago and enjoying the hobby. I recently upgraded my DAC from a Benchmark DAC1 HDR to a DAC2 HGC mainly to download DSD files. I am now using a 'regular' Belden USB printer cable purchased at Office Depot which sounds great. I have performed A/B comparison between Toslink fiber input and USB input using well recorded Red Book files and could not hear any differences, which I kind of expected.

The reasoning behind this was that whatever jitter is generated by the PC/USB/Toslink cable is re-clocked by the Benchmark DAC which uses asynchronous clocking. However, would I gain anything sonically by purchasing an audio grade USB cable like a Furutech GT2-USB cable? I would need about 10 feet and do not want to pay a load of money (if any benefits). The Furutech would cost about $235 for that length.
128x128dasign
dasign's avatar
dasign OP
201 posts
 
I just ordered the Furutech GT2 Pro USB cable from PartsConnexion and should get it next week. I will keep you posted on my listening sessions.

My gut feeling is that there will be no changes in audio quality, but will have a better quality build than my printer cable. The Furutech should be immune to RFI and EMI which is all good to me. If I get better sound, it will be a bonus :-)
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
I bet you a dollar you will hear a very nice improvement.
mceljo
1,357 posts
 
What is the connection between EMI / RFI and the digital signal in the USB cable? You have already said that you couldn't hear a difference between Toslink and your printer USB cable. Can we all agree that EMI / RFI have no effect on the optical Toslink connection.
dasign's avatar
dasign OP
201 posts
 
Mceljo,

I was referring to potential EMI/RFI interference on the 12ft. USB cable. The printer USB cable construction quality is far behind the Furutech cable design.
dtc's avatar
dtc
1,047 posts
 
So, do you hear a difference?
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