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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
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.
mmarvin19
157 posts
 
Yeah, the Havana is a mighty nice DAC and the Off-Ramp Turbo3 is something I'm saving up for. Did you get Superclock 4 w/ it? And the mega battery?

I was gonna get the Kimber USB, but switched to Belkin after reading one of Stve's posts.

Mike
ckorody
643 posts
 
Hi -

looks like Opticis has formed a new company:
http://www.opticis.com/english/02_product/product03.htm

and that prices have gone up:
http://industrialcomponent.com/opticis/optusbext.html

MMarvin - the source side plugs directly into my Mac - at the other end after the converter I have a USB A to B cable - haven't tried to see how much I can spend on that yet...

No concern about maintaining an unbroken fiber chain - once the DAC is isolated from the computer that's the end of any possible electrical interaction between the two
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