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Thread: Do USB cables make a difference?
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October 8, 2016, 09:54 PM #51
- Join Date
- Feb 2016
- Location
- west Michigan
- Posts
- 713
Re: Do USB cables make a difference?
I have not had the opportunity to compare with some of the higher dollar USB cables, but I have tried Supra, Ifi, and Belkin gold. Then after reading the reviews I went for the Curious cables with the Regen. For me in my system it was a very good choice. Very holographic with very good depth. Sonic balance is as Mike stated a little on the warm side, with a very smooth and clear mid, good bass and a very slight softness on top. Which can be a plus for some over bright speakers. (as you are aware of tuning with wires). For the price, I think they are an excellent deal. If you purchased them and didn't like them they would be an easy sell.
My System
Acoustic Revive RTP-4
Innuos Pulsar
Lampizator BALTIC4
Cary SLP-05
Pass XA30.5 or
Line Magnetic 845ia
Reference 3A Reflector's
Pr SVS SB3000 Subs
Cables & Tubes "subject to change without notification".
Complete system on battery power/solar
Core Audio Design Rack
DIY bass traps and custom curved diffusors.
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October 8, 2016, 10:26 PM #52
Re: Do USB cables make a difference?
Goodevening Jadedavid,
Youve made a very valid point........., and rethinking all of this, I'm inclined to try the Curiuos | TotalDac D1 | WW Platinum Starlight 7 USB cabling once again, and merely pursue the one which speaks to my senses in a manner in which I never question myself on what sounds | feels right, and buy accordingly.
Thanks to those of you whom were willing to add your insight on said matters, as it's the one area where I'm still learning........., but one in which I'm eager to learn and get behind me.
Have a great weekend ( or what's left of it ) to each of you........., as you've each opened my mind to the possibilities of " what if?".
_o scar
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October 9, 2016, 12:16 PM #53
Re: Do USB cables make a difference?
I have been on record recommending the Curious USB Cables.
I still use mine, but now with the PS Audio LanRover, which introduces an ethernet cable between two USB short connectors (I eventually replaced mine with an AQ ethernet cable) which can allow for longer runs than straight USB. But I like the LanRover because it just sounds better than USB alone, even if it is Curious....
http://www.psaudio.com/products/lanr...b-transporter/DPT4ME - Dynamics, Presence & Tone for Musical Engagement; MBP (3) - stripped down for music only; Shunyata Omega & Sigma USBs; ISO REGEN w/short Curious USB links; Berkeley Alpha USB; Aqua La Scala II Optologic DAC; Schiit Yggdrasil - fully updated; Ayre Codex dac - updated; Pass Labs INT-60 integrated amp; Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE-2 preamp, Quicksilver Mono 120 amps w/Tung-Sol KT150s; Quicksilver Mid Mono amps w/Gold Lion KT77s; Fyne Audio 703s; Symposium Svelte Plus & Ultra Platforms; REL S-812 subwoofers; Duelund DCA12GA speaker cables; AV Room Service EVPs, Stein Music Harmonizers, Duelund DCA16GA & 20GA ICs; Shunyata Denali 6000S/V2; Tripp Lite PCs; Wyred 4 Sound power cords; AudioDharma cable cooker; dedicated custom room; various GIK & ASC room treatments; etc.
www.getbettersound.com
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October 9, 2016, 01:10 PM #54
- Join Date
- Feb 2016
- Location
- west Michigan
- Posts
- 713
Re: Do USB cables make a difference?
Very interesting Jim. Thanks for the info and link. Are the two short USB connecting cables provided with the unit?
My System
Acoustic Revive RTP-4
Innuos Pulsar
Lampizator BALTIC4
Cary SLP-05
Pass XA30.5 or
Line Magnetic 845ia
Reference 3A Reflector's
Pr SVS SB3000 Subs
Cables & Tubes "subject to change without notification".
Complete system on battery power/solar
Core Audio Design Rack
DIY bass traps and custom curved diffusors.
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October 9, 2016, 01:37 PM #55
Re: Do USB cables make a difference?
DPT4ME - Dynamics, Presence & Tone for Musical Engagement; MBP (3) - stripped down for music only; Shunyata Omega & Sigma USBs; ISO REGEN w/short Curious USB links; Berkeley Alpha USB; Aqua La Scala II Optologic DAC; Schiit Yggdrasil - fully updated; Ayre Codex dac - updated; Pass Labs INT-60 integrated amp; Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE-2 preamp, Quicksilver Mono 120 amps w/Tung-Sol KT150s; Quicksilver Mid Mono amps w/Gold Lion KT77s; Fyne Audio 703s; Symposium Svelte Plus & Ultra Platforms; REL S-812 subwoofers; Duelund DCA12GA speaker cables; AV Room Service EVPs, Stein Music Harmonizers, Duelund DCA16GA & 20GA ICs; Shunyata Denali 6000S/V2; Tripp Lite PCs; Wyred 4 Sound power cords; AudioDharma cable cooker; dedicated custom room; various GIK & ASC room treatments; etc.
www.getbettersound.com
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October 9, 2016, 01:57 PM #56
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November 3, 2016, 08:38 PM #57
Re: Do USB cables make a difference?
Hi all,
After all my questions on the Curiuos | TotalDac | WireWorld Platinum Starlight 7 USB cables, I took order via the Cable Company one of their deals on an Audience AU24 SE ( Show Special ) Single USB cable, and have to say that out the box I'm very impressed with its overall sense of refinement | sound staging | seperation of the notes themselves | layers and layers of hidden nuances as if presented anew | it's sense of beauty as heard and felt, as well as a keener sense of textural integrity and tonality.
As I'm awaiting shipment of the just released Emerald Physics USB Power ( in essence a USB device like the Intona | iFi Micro 3.0 USB | UpTone Audio Regen | W4S Recovery devices ) next week, here I'm thinking if I'd be forced to buy another one?, or just use it in tandem with a Cabledyne Vanguard or Pi Audio Group USB cable coming from the Mac Mini, with said AU24 SE from the device into my DAC.
Either way.........., I'd like to thank those of you whom added to this thread, as it really allowed me to narrow my options down much quicker then I thought, and once again I'm most grateful.
_o scar
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November 3, 2016, 08:42 PM #58
Re: Do USB cables make a difference?
Nice! I bet that Audience is great.
I just added a Siltech Royal Signature USB to my system. Night and day better than my Curious, WW Platinum 7, etc.My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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November 4, 2016, 12:57 AM #59
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November 4, 2016, 05:42 AM #60
Re: Do USB cables make a difference?
Yes Mike.
It's a wonderfully musical cable, yet I'd dare say in the same league as your Siltech Royal Signature USB, yet if I close my eyes just some........, I can then dream it is such.
And then I wake up.........., either way it's just nice to be able to sample one that's over $500, as I'm not the type whom believes one stops at the $50 - $150 versions, and are content, in this hobby I've learned one very important lesson when it comes to cabling..........., higher priced ones if chosen correctly enhances ones sense of involvement, yet there are those rare occasions where a cheaper cable presents itself as more truthful to the source, so nothing is cast in stone, and it comes down to synergy above all else........, besides having a decent ear for tone and pitch as they relate to music that is.
_o scar
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November 4, 2016, 05:48 AM #61
Re: Do USB cables make a difference?
NORMAN
Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.
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November 4, 2016, 07:01 AM #62My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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November 4, 2016, 07:05 AM #63
Re: Do USB cables make a difference?
"No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
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Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords
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November 4, 2016, 07:09 AM #64
Re: Do USB cables make a difference?
Meat on the bones without loss of detail. That same Classic Siltech sound which lures you into the music with its richness. Bad 80's digital recordings have more weight and become quite listenable and even enjoyable. Siltech with its silver and gold (no copper) tames the upper frequency edge, that thin, tizzy top end on some recordings, without any loss of detail. I have two full looms, so yeah, I love the Siltech sound.
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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November 4, 2016, 08:50 AM #65
Re: Do USB cables make a difference?
http://lampizator.eu/Fikus/CABLES.html
http://sablonaudio.com/index.php/panatela
or an adapter for a normal cable (though Sablon claims an adater is never ideal)
https://www.sbooster.com/sbooster-tw...-vbus-isolator
You can also use the new iFi iDefender to cut the ground connection.
Finally, the dual cables like Light Harmonic or iFi Gemini cables can be used in the same way, just by connecting ONLY the signal section and not the power leg.
Lampi Amanero is self powered and does not need even a handshake.NORMAN
Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.
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November 4, 2016, 06:36 PM #66
Re: Do USB cables make a difference?
"No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
--------------------------------------------
Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords
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November 4, 2016, 06:37 PM #67
Re: Do USB cables make a difference?
Golden Universal II.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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November 5, 2016, 02:43 AM #68
Re: Do USB cables make a difference?
Unpowered as much is definitely the way to go after you've become accustomed to hearing changes in SQ with different cables.
Do ask your Manufacturer if they have any objections to this though: based on your DAC's design there could be some long-term implications.
For instance, I knew that for my DAC, I can disconnect GND and get much better SQ like this (no more glare/hash) as this removes noise on the GND plane coming from the computer.
However, I asked iFi and they recommend not doing it this way (I have a switch on the GND line on my DIY USB cable) because it puts the DAC in an unplanned state, so the results long-term are unpredictable, and if it's working at all, it's because there's a ground loop somewhere else.
And so, they recommended their iDefender 3.0 which does do the GND disconnection in a safe way, but also allow for a clever +5V disconnection.
Now, I have also read that the VBus (+5V) is where there is the most noise when the computer is directly connected to the DAC, but unfortunately if I just do a manual/switched disconnect of that line, my DAC goes unrecognised by the computer.
So, DACs will vary in terms of 'disconnection' abilities in various ways: some need the VBus, some need both.
But at least the iDefender 3.0 is quite interesting in that it also makes the VBus disconnection possible with my DAC and on top of that, allows me to inject clean VBus to it. I could do that with a DIY 5V Linear Regulated PSU for instance (I have a +12, -12 Linear Regulated power supply built on my electronics desk right now).
One way to test your DAC in these modes is to use a little piece of scotch tape on pins 1 or 4 of one side of the USB cable. This is easily reversible by removing the scotch tape afterwards.Dedicated Audio Line | Audirvana+ DSD256 | iFi iDSD Nano | DIY SET Tube Amp | Totem Mites | DIY Stands, USB cables, power cables, acoustic panels, bass traps
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November 5, 2016, 09:58 AM #69
- Join Date
- May 2015
- Location
- England
- Posts
- 22
Re: Do USB cables make a difference?
Has anyone ever made a DIY USB cable using pushback wire? There was an article on Jeff Days website showing how to make one, was curious if anyone had tried it
Amps - Audio Note Empress Silver
Speakers - AutoTech Mummys
Dac - Lampizator Atlantic
Pre - Hattor Passive Pre
Source - Mac Mini / Audirvana +
TT - Notts Analogue Hyperspace with OL arm and Rhondo Bronze cart
Phono - EAR 834p modded
Cables - Audio Note / Western Electric / Albedo
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November 6, 2016, 05:07 AM #70
Re: Do USB cables make a difference?
NORMAN
Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.
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November 13, 2016, 07:28 AM #71
Re: Do USB cables make a difference?
Technically there are two things to consider when speaking of 'power': the VBus and the GND line.
If you disconnect the GND, current can't flow, but the VBus is still connected physically.
Some DACs won't be recognised anymore by the server if you disconnect the VBus in a straightforward fashion: there is a need for an actual circuit to prevent that, so a normal cable with just the VBus disconnected won't work.Dedicated Audio Line | Audirvana+ DSD256 | iFi iDSD Nano | DIY SET Tube Amp | Totem Mites | DIY Stands, USB cables, power cables, acoustic panels, bass traps
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Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
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