USB Cables Opinions

[Randy Myers]

Looking for input please...

Recently through trades and purchases I have stepped up some of my cables. I added an AQ Earth XLRs to go between my DAC and Pre-Amp, and an AQ Anaconda XLRs from Pre-amp to amps.

I noticed a pretty decent improvement which got me thinking. Another area of cabling that might need an uptick is my USB cables. I think it is probably best to stick with same cable between server and Recovery unit and form the Recovery to the DAC. I am currently using two Wireworld cables, fairly basic level (maybe $100-$150 value for both).

Considering upgrading my USB, been looking at the AQ Carbon or Coffee cables. Since I need two it will be a little costlier.

So opinions; are these cables going to make a significant improvement over the WW? I am happy with the AQ XLR cables, are the AQ USB of similar quality? Are these a solid choice or are there other significantly better cables in the respective range as these AQ USB cables?

Thanks for opinions and input!

Randy

[Kuoppis]

Like the AQ Vodkas, they bring significant benefit to my ears.

Correction: my AQs are Ethernet cables, not USB. Sorry!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Alpinist]

Looking for input please...

Recently through trades and purchases I have stepped up some of my cables. I added an AQ Earth XLRs to go between my DAC and Pre-Amp, and an AQ Anaconda XLRs from Pre-amp to amps.

I noticed a pretty decent improvement which got me thinking. Another area of cabling that might need an uptick is my USB cables. I think it is probably best to stick with same cable between server and Recovery unit and form the Recovery to the DAC. I am currently using two Wireworld cables, fairly basic level (maybe $100-$150 value for both).

Considering upgrading my USB, been looking at the AQ Carbon or Coffee cables. Since I need two it will be a little costlier.

So opinions; are these cables going to make a significant improvement over the WW? I am happy with the AQ XLR cables, are the AQ USB of similar quality? Are these a solid choice or are there other significantly better cables in the respective range as these AQ USB cables?

Thanks for opinions and input!

Randy

Hi Randy,

I owned both the AudioQuest Diamond and WireWorld Platinum 7 USB cables. I preferred the WW Platinum 7 by a substantial margin due to its superior detail and transparency. I ended up selling the AQ Diamond and still have the WW Platinum 7. My Interconnects are AudioQuest too like yours.

Best,
Ken

[Randy Myers]

Hey Ken,

Thanks for the input. Yea, I can't go quite as high as the Platinum or Diamond ... I just got a call from an audio club friend. He is going to "loan" me a pair of AQ Coffee USB. Cool! So can at least use them for a bit before making any decisions.

Randy

[DSkip]

Hey Ken,

Thanks for the input. Yea, I can't go quite as high as the Platinum or Diamond ... I just got a call from an audio club friend. He is going to "loan" me a pair of AQ Coffee USB. Cool! So can at least use them for a bit before making any decisions.

Randy

Hey Randy,

Yes, I'm a Wireworld dealer. However, I felt that one of the biggest improvements to my system was going with a Platinum Starlight 7 USB cable. I was so impressed I bought two more for other systems I run. While it is a stretch, I think saving for one would be a good choice. I have sold several now and the clients all love them. The sonic difference between the Starlight and the Platinum is as stark as the price difference.

[mdp632]

Also consider the Shunyata Venom USB. I believe they are currently on a sale promotion via the manufacturer.

[nc42acc]

Another vote for the Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7. Was a huge improvement over the Kimber and Pangea I was using.

[Marslo]

I have had AQ Diamond, Entreq Konstantin with Eartha Silver and Jcat ref among others.
I you really want an usb cable with the best P/Q ratio I would recommend a boutique Apricity unpowered usb cable which I use in my system for nearly 2 years between W20 and Lampi
DAC( as good as very expensive Entreq Atlantis imho)

http://6moons.com/audioreviews2/stavessence/2.html

I heard also very good opinions about Sablon Audio unpowered usb cable.

[Randy Myers]

Hey Guys, Thank you for all the great suggestions. I think the Platinum Starlight 7 and the Apricity are probably a little bit out of my budget. When looking around I do not see a lot of USB cables being sold used ... Probably going to at least borrow my friends AQ Coffee cables to try out. These are probably at the top end of my current budget. If he gets the better cable he is looking for he will probably give me a very good deal on these...

Again, please don't stop posting suggestions and opinions. I love reading and research everything you guys post. Almost impossible to discover these type of cables other wise!

[Mrppv]

Have heard good things about Oyaide Neo d+ Class S and Class A cables, but don't have personal experience with them. Not expensive either.

[aKnyght]

randy,

i ran across this usb cable a few days ago which really got my interest: mg audio design, mg usb cable.

they have eliminated the 5 volt carrier wire which is supposed to help reduce the noise on the cable from the computer. very interesting idea / design. one note here is that it only works with DACs that have self powered usb chips. the t+a dac 8 is supposed to have this so it might work for you.

msrp is $350 and there is a 30-day return policy.

i have no experience with this cable but thought it was interesting enough to throw in the mix.

more can be read here: http://mgaudiodesign.com

also, very interesting to read that before this cable they were proponents of and using (at&t) glass optical cables instead of usb because of their added/associated computer noise.

[Randy Myers]

Interesting...

Not sure if something like this would work through the W4S Recovery either???

[aKnyght]

Interesting...

Not sure if something like this would work through the W4S Recovery either???

good question -- w4s website is not clear on the issue. definitely something to run down.

if motivated enough and if you have a cheap usb cable laying around, you can strip back the sheath and cut the 5 volt wire (typically the red or sometimes orange wire) and see if it works.

... or just email w4s support

[jadedavid]

Another very good cable is the Dana USB cable. Lampizator has used them in some of their show systems.
But like all things in this hobby they are now "yesterday's cables".
Which can be a good thing if you are looking to save some money as they are now being sold on the used market so that the newest and shiniest cable can be acquired.
After auditioning the Dana's and several other high end USB cables on several systems, the unanimous decision by myself and the others involved was the Dana was the standout.
As with anything YMMV

[Mrppv]

Just found out about this new one... seems interesting. No affiliation with the company.

http://www.madscientist-audio.com/bmusb.html

[Randy Myers]

That sounds like an interesting approach.

I got the AQ Coffee cables from my friend last night. A very brief listen... well not as much difference as I thought there would be... the WW was a bit brighter, and certain areas had more "snap", not that it should necessarily have more snap... such as the finger snaps in Patricia Barber's version of Obe to Billy Joe... but with the AQ it was smoother and more defined... everything feels a little smoother and less strained... more to my personal liking actually.... all in all I believe they are going to be a nice improvement, subtle, but nice. So this verifies to me that USB cables truly do affect the end sound that I get from my system (dammit, not sure I wanted that proven to me )....

[Mechnutt]

Randy, what WW cables were you using? I use a WW Starlight 7 Red and was wondering how the AQ Coffee sounds in comparison. I would love to have a WW Platinum 7 but I need about 5' and it gets pretty pricey.
The Platinum is an awesome usb cable. I got to use one for a few days. The WW Red is just ok but with my Regen it approaches the Platinum. I was thinking about trying another USB Cable however.

[Randy Myers]

Hey there... my WW USB was a lower model... but not their cheapest. I have several WW cables, XLR, USB, Coax, Power, etc. Good cables, but all tend to be on the bright side. Granted, not their top models....

The AQ cables seem to be more in line with my personal tastes... really like both sets of XLR that I recently got, and giving these Coffee's a good test in my system.

[Jack]

Randy

That is odd as the "bright" description is the opposite of what I have found with WW cables in general.

[Alrainbow]

Looking for input please...

Recently through trades and purchases I have stepped up some of my cables. I added an AQ Earth XLRs to go between my DAC and Pre-Amp, and an AQ Anaconda XLRs from Pre-amp to amps.

I noticed a pretty decent improvement which got me thinking. Another area of cabling that might need an uptick is my USB cables. I think it is probably best to stick with same cable between server and Recovery unit and form the Recovery to the DAC. I am currently using two Wireworld cables, fairly basic level (maybe $100-$150 value for both).

Considering upgrading my USB, been looking at the AQ Carbon or Coffee cables. Since I need two it will be a little costlier.

So opinions; are these cables going to make a significant improvement over the WW? I am happy with the AQ XLR cables, are the AQ USB of similar quality? Are these a solid choice or are there other significantly better cables in the respective range as these AQ USB cables?

Thanks for opinions and input!

Randy

randy does your dac need sub power ? Have you tried a power cutter adaptor ?
Also have you tried a sub isolater , the two devices I have mentioned make usb cables sound better and yield a better result in what you may like. If you need links let me know. .

[CPP]

randy does your dac need sub power ? Have you tried a power cutter adaptor ?
Also have you tried a sub isolater , the two devices I have mentioned make usb cables sound better and yield a better result in what you may like. If you need links let me know. .

What the hell is a sub isolator, you mean USB isolator ?

[Randy Myers]

Hey Jack,

I think it may be synergy in my system, or more inline with my personal preferences. As you know I have a preference towards European designs... MC speakers, KEF speakers, etc. And honestly I have only used lower end WW cables.... XLR, USB, Coax, and Power... I also assume their higher models might possible not exhibit the same... however I have noticed that brands usually have similar family sounds, in equipment, speakers, etc. I am probably incorrectly assuming this about cables as well.

But from what I have heard, I tend to prefer the AQ sound over the WW... but, as far as XLR and USB cables it is with much higher level models, therefore I also assume this is not a fair comparison. I also like the sound of the Wyred 4 Sound XLRs that I have better than the WW's and therefore are using these from the Oppo to the pre-amp... although I very rarely play a SACD disk any more (they actually sound much better ripped and playing from my music server).

I have to also go by what I have at my disposal. I simply cannot afford to purchase higher level models by various brands for comparison. I am grateful that my buddy offered to loan me his Coffee's to try them out. If he finds a deal on Diamonds for himself then he will give me a deal on these, if not I will have some decisions to make ...

Randy

That is odd as the "bright" description is the opposite of what I have found with WW cables in general.

[Randy Myers]

I was wondering this as well. I do use a USB re-clocker, the Wyred 4 Sound Recovery, which has been reviewed in many places as one of the best. And of course, the reason why I need TWO cables when I replace my USB cables ....

I am not sure what is meant by sub power on my DAC either. The T+A uses an internal power supply (supposedly very high quality), and I use a fairly decent power cord on it.

What the hell is a sub isolator, you mean USB isolator ?

[Alrainbow]

Hahahhaa yes a usb isolater auto correct strikes again
They do change the absolute sound of any usb cable as does a power cutter. You guys may be surprised how a great cable can get even better.
On a side note do I annoy some by posting cheap ways to improve audio ?
Not pointing to anyone just a general comment.

[Alrainbow]

I was wondering this as well. I do use a USB re-clocker, the Wyred 4 Sound Recovery, which has been reviewed in many places as one of the best. And of course, the reason why I need TWO cables when I replace my USB cables ....

I am not sure what is meant by sub power on my DAC either. The T+A uses an internal power supply (supposedly very high quality), and I use a fairly decent power cord on it.

I am sorry for my continued misspellings and yes usb power
the reason for cutting the usb power and isolation of the usb cAble including the shield
gives true galvanic isolation not part of the way as most do yet claim its complete.
Even my Msb claims such isolation and internal reclock
the fact it needs power is in itself a farce.
Steve Nugent made an usb isolater that is truly isolated not even the shield is connected
this is done right st the dac input.
Two coils are used for isolation.
Having voltage from more than one usb source is just adding noise in many forms
even the shield adds noise.
I am sorry if go into details of things like this. But know this I do test by measuring and listening extensively. While I love reading others reviews my own always matters most.

[CPP]

Hahahhaa yes a usb isolater auto correct strikes again
They do change the absolute sound of any usb cable as does a power cutter. You guys may be surprised how a great cable can get even better.
On a side note do I annoy some by posting cheap ways to improve audio ?
Not pointing to anyone just a general comment.

Thanks Al, I was wondering

[Mechnutt]

Jack, usb cables can sound remarkably different in different systems. We did a shoot out with 5 usb cables at my house with a $600 Lightspeed cable, the current WW Platinum, a WW Starlight 7 Red and a cheap silver pangea usb cable. The Platinum sounded the best. Just a hint of warmth, excellent spacing and detail. The Lightspeed sounded unbearably bright but hyper detailed, the Red was overly warm and almost veiled sounding. The Pangea was the worst of the lot sounding thin, tinny and bright.

Oddly enough, the guy that brought over the LS and Platinum prefers the LS in his system. I have heard it in his system and it is not bright at all. Go figure.

After the shoot out we added in my Regen. It had a great effect on the cables sound. The Red improved dramticaly and was no longer overly warm and veiled, it approached the sound of the Platinum. The LS was still bright but I would say the brightness was cut by 1/2. The Pangea still sounded like crap though.

The shoot out was eye opening.

[Jack]

Larry

Other than the Starlight Coax cable all of my experience with Wireworld has been with their OCC Copper cables and to my ears in two different systems I found them to be to the warmer side of neutral including the two USB models I tried. The Starlight which is Silver over Copper was slightly in the other direction again in two different systems and not a favorite. I have read from others that is you go much further up the Wireworld line with the Silver based cables they smooth back out but haven't tried them. But I agree everybody's system makeup effects how they hear different cables.

[phunge]

Another USB (also from down under) to consider: http://www.curiouscables.com/our-story.html

[Alrainbow]

I own an audio quest Damond it seems hard to me. I never liked it in any Msb dac but I should try it in the pacific

[kzhtoo]

I own an audio quest Damond it seems hard to me. I never liked it in any Msb dac but I should try it in the pacific

What does “it seems hard” mean?

[Alrainbow]

For me hard means clinical , not musical. Now the Pacific May be better and I’ll try it later when I am back.

[kzhtoo]

For me hard means clinical , not musical. Now the Pacific May be better and I’ll try it later when I am back.

What’s your reference in deciding AQ Diamond is hard? In other words, what cable is not hard to you, comparing with Diamond?

[Swisstrips]

Interesting...

Not sure if something like this would work through the W4S Recovery either???

FWIW, an inexpensive item that cuts the power is Sbooster Vbus , neat device

[Alrainbow]

Before I post what I use I would like to state a disclaimer as some comments by me seem to be either misunderstood or just annoy some outright.
A better sever needs less of a better usb cAble and in fact as I don’t use power and use a usb isolater as well my results are not as some others.
Having said this. I use a few
PAUL pang red and black are two.
Dana cable , wire world and an ifi dual usb one is for power alone
my reference are Paul’s and Dana
my advice is simple less is more so cut power if you can
aNd isolation is a must. Key to more transparency is less as posted above.
In no way do I say any of the exp usb Cables are bad but a better source or sever may yield better sound without exp cables. I have corrected my post .

[Alrainbow]

Deleted double post

[Randy Myers]

Hmmm... I didn't take anything from your posts as annoying at all... quite informative actually.

I start opinion threads because I value others thoughts, experiences, and opinions. There are few ways of learning about and experiencing this equipment and searching for that diamond in the roof. Therefore I say please don't hesitate to post your opinions and experiences. It really helps and means a lot to me since actually using all these various pieces is impossible for me... so thank you!

[Alrainbow]

Randy it’s not you in fact your like me you want to learn from others. We all can’t afford top level stuff and in my world it’s a must to be earned not just pay ��
min part maybe it’s be too
did you find out if your dac needs usb power ?

[Alrainbow]

Just to clarify what I mean by earn is that I don’t buy a product that is expensive or cheap and don’t listen or do some comparison testing
so much stuff we buy is expensive and for me it better sound expensive lol

[wisnon]

Randy it’s not you in fact your like me you want to learn from others. We all can’t afford top level stuff and in my world it’s a must to be earned not just pay ��
min part maybe it’s be too
did you find out if your dac needs usb power ?

T&A uses Amanero. No need for 5v power for anything. Best is an unpowered USB. iFi Gemini 2.0 is GREAT for the money cable for unpowered at $200 (very close to $1,600 Light Harmonic dual head cable). The Gemini 3.0 is double that price (~$400). All at 0.7m. More for 1.5m.

[Randy Myers]

I still have a Recovery in the USB chain also, so not sure that a non-powered cable will work. The iFi looks interesting. It appears as if the Audio signal and the Power are sent in separate cables and re-merged at the DAC end... therefore would take up 2 USB outputs from the music server (no worries on that one), but would definitely not be able to be used out of the Recovery.

But, it appears that this cable is still using power just sent on a separate line to the input connector. I assume then you can simply not hook up the "power" cable, correct?

[Alrainbow]

Yes but I think it’s better to buy a power cutter and use your own cables
so sound improves but will retain much of the sound you have now.
The danacable had only data inside
the pauL pangs have all wires. Dana better until I used the iso
it cuts power and isolates
see my point. Go cheap and post results some may not like it lol
but it’s better to keep your coins in your pocket and try what you have

[Randy Myers]

The small device, Sbooster Vbus, mentioned earlier specifically states it is not compatible with the Wyred 4 Sound Recovery.

[Alrainbow]

At input yes but if your dac is like NORMA says it’s fine after it into dac

[wisnon]

I still have a Recovery in the USB chain also, so not sure that a non-powered cable will work. The iFi looks interesting. It appears as if the Audio signal and the Power are sent in separate cables and re-merged at the DAC end... therefore would take up 2 USB outputs from the music server (no worries on that one), but would definitely not be able to be used out of the Recovery.

But, it appears that this cable is still using power just sent on a separate line to the input connector. I assume then you can simply not hook up the "power" cable, correct?

Yup

[wisnon]

At input yes but if your dac is like NORMA says it’s fine after it into dac

Yes indeed! Use it AFTER the reclock and before the Dac.

Sbooster v2 costs like $25.

Ifi Gemini 2.0, costs $200...benefit of the latter is no adapter degradation (if such exists). Bene for the former is $$$ in the Pocket.

[jmusica]

Randy, I posted with my experience swapping around USB cables a couple weeks ago, check that out for my experience with several of the more well regarded cables.

Also fwiw, I found the iFi Micro USB3.0 to provide a significant improvement all around.