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Higher End USB Cables

Anyone tried/compared the newer high-end USB Cables (i.e. Locus Design Polestar or Ridgestreet model)? Curious if they're worth the $300+ price tag, particularly since Locus doesn't offer demo or return policy (can't speak to Ridgestreet). I do know there's differences in the cheap throw-away ones, much like different USB ports on the same computer.
mb9061
mmarvin19
157 posts
 
Hi all.

Keith - The WireWorld Site shows the Utraviolet as a 75ohm coax SPDIF w/ RCA connectors. I could not find a USB cable on the Site.

Robert - thanks for the info on the Ridge Street Poiema. This is a new product and the last time I visited this Site the Poiema was not there.

Ckorody - The Opticis optical USB looks interesting. Problem is, the ones I saw were connectors w/ Type A connectors at both ends. http://usbstuff.com/fiberext.html

That means one would have to connect a standard USB A to B cable to connect to the sink, thereby breaking the optical connection. How do you set yours up?

Mike
tok20000's avatar
tok20000
608 posts
 
Mike,

I had that same problem when a friend told me about Wire World's USB cable. They do not list it at their site. Go figure...
Goto thecablecompany.com
They have it listed for sale.
Look for the USB cable called Ultraviolet.

Keith
mb9061 OP
137 posts
 
Thanks all for the replies and links you've provided.

I was mulling over the Locus Design Polestar, but he doesn't offer demo periods. Ridge Street indicated a 45 day demo period. Not sure I'll cough up $450 for a USB cable just yet, but maybe eventually.
mmarvin19
157 posts
 
Hey Mb - you wouldn't happen to be one of those AIG executives that just got a $7 mil bonus, would you?

JUST KIDDING.

Suggestion. I assume you are going to use the USB cable to coneect a computer to a USB DAC. Why not contact the people who made/sell the DAC and see what they suggest for a cable?
Mike
mb9061 OP
137 posts
 
I'm not sure I want to be one of those b#stards, even if it meant a nice $6.5mil bonus for nothing more than negligence. Names will be named, then we'll see if the politicians and the tax system can provide some justice for a change.

It's an MHDT Havana tube DAC, but I'm using an Empirical Audio Turbo-3 USB interface. Steve Nugent of Empirical suggested the Belkin Gold that I'd already owned before buying his product. He also indicated that other USB cables do make a difference (i.e. Locus Design). I guess it's just financially morbid curiosity that has me interested in these other cables, I've already spent enough on power cords, etc. (all of which make a big difference as well). I feel pretty stupid even posing the question though...when you think about how much a single high-end USB cable costs, especially given state of things.
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