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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
guitarplayer
47 posts
 
Thanks guys! Glad you are enjoying the cables!

Peace,

Lee
CryoParts/Locus Design
satfrat
64 posts
 
Hey Mb9061, you stated earlier;
"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."

Just to let you know as of 5/15/09, Locus Design is now offering a 30 day trial on their cables with a 20% restocking fee on returns. I will repeat my earlier advise Mb9061, DON'T try these cables unless you are serious about spending the $$$ as returning them will hurt much more than that 20% retsocking fee . LOL

Robin
heymikey
80 posts
 
Just bit the bullet and ordered an Axis usb cable from Lee at Locus. Thanks to all who contributed an opinion, and thanks to the original poster, Mb9061, for initiating this thread.
mb9061 OP
137 posts
 
Satfrat's advice is about the best I could give to anyone thinking about trying higher end USB cables..."If you're not willing to spend, don't try these cables out". If you buy one of them, you'll likely keep it.

The Poiema is a great cable and the improvement is on par with changing a source component like a DAC (in comparison to the Cryoparts or Belkin cables). They definitely do take a long, long time to settle down though, and the frequency emphasis shifts around during break-in/settling. That's been the case with every USB cable I've tried.

I give Robert at RSAD a hearty reccomendation as he's a fair guy to deal with and customer service was well above average. Can't comment on Locus other than the Cryoparts cable, which was great in it's own right. I do like the Poiema for it's laid back attributes, it's definitely more polite while giving you plenty of detail and dimension.
heymikey
80 posts
 
Received my Axis usb cable from Locus Design today. Right out of the box, it's impressive. It reminds me of when I went from generic speaker cable to Cardas Golden Cross, a lot more detail & presence. The sound is substantial, if that makes any sense to anyone. It's been through Locus'"proprietary conditioning cycle" and is still supposed to settle in for another 100-150 hrs. So I'll put off any critical listening until then, but it's quite good now. My previous usb cable was just a generic from Best Buy, which is my only point of comparison.
Thanks Lee!
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