Thread: Shunyata Omega USB
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November 18, 2020, 09:40 PM #1
Shunyata Omega USB
We replaced a Wireworld Platinum 6 USB Cable today with the Shunyata Omega USB. Sooooo much more organic, smooth and relaxed. Perfectly balanced top to bottom.
I would like to know the materials used (any silver?). This cable is set to be THE reference USB cable. Holy crap it’s good.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy 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."
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November 18, 2020, 10:54 PM #2
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Re: Shunyata Omega USB
If the Omega Ethernet cable is anything to go by, I'm sure it's as amazing as you say.
With respect to materials used, e.g. silver, I'm sure that the materials used (e.g. for the conductors) play a role, but likely not the whole story. For example, there are other USB cables that utilize silver, but don't do what the Omega USB cable does. So, it's not as simple as using silver in a USB cable. My thought is that it is the entirety of the design: the materials, the individual conductor and overall cable geometries, construction methodology, connectors, and trick Shunyata proprietary technologies, e.g. dual TAP modules, CMode filter functionality, as well as other functionalities, e.g. capabilities that reduce or attenuate clock phase noise and detrimental noise factors e.g. high-source impedance leakage current, all play a role to allow this cable to deliver in the manner it does. This cable is designed as system of functionalities and quality attributes; its not any "one thing" that provides the performance it delivers.
You said it before, Mike, when referring to the all-Alpha v2 Shunyata loom, that 1+1+1=10, and I'm pretty sure a similar thing is going on here.
Cheers.
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November 19, 2020, 01:35 AM #3
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Re: Shunyata Omega USB
Nice. But I'm curious how many people here use USB cables. I've never used them.
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November 19, 2020, 04:39 AM #4
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Re: Shunyata Omega USB
I have my Aurender connected to my dCS Rossini with two digital cables, XLR and USB, normally I use XLR and with DSD files (>64) I use the USB connection.
Moon 700i V2, YG Acoustics Hailey, Aurender N10, dCS Rossini, Oppo BDP103D (audiopraise board), Ansuz Mainz 8 D2
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November 19, 2020, 06:21 AM #5
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Re: Shunyata Omega USB
@Mike - how does it compare to their Sigma USB cable?
Many thanks, GN
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November 19, 2020, 06:35 AM #6
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Re: Shunyata Omega USB
hi mike, why no informayion in the website?
how much is it?
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November 19, 2020, 07:53 AM #7
Re: Shunyata Omega USB
I don’t believe there is a whole lot of information about it the Omega USB out yet. I’m checking on the MSRP.
There is no doubt the Omega is a big step up over the Sigma, in every way. Now, the Alpha and Sigma are both used extensively throughout our store. In fact, they are the only USB cables we will use. No other comes close.
The Omega USB builds on the attributes of the Alpha and Sigma. It’s as close to perfection as I’ve ever heard from any USB cable.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy 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, Audio Research, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Avantgarde Acoustics, Avid HiFi, Ayre Acoustics, Berkeley Audio Design, Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Chord, EMM Labs, Esoteric, FirstWatt, Focal Headphones, Furutech, Fyne Audio Loudspeakers, GigaFoil, Gryphon Audio, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Naim Audio, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, SimAudio, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, Vivid Audio Loudspeakers, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
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November 19, 2020, 01:35 PM #8
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November 19, 2020, 09:27 PM #9
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Re: Shunyata Omega USB
I can answer that. Even though I was mighty impressed with the Sigma v2 USB cable, the Omega is clearly better. I use the MSB Reference DAC with the Pro USB which utilizes a Pro ISL input. I also have the AES/EBU input with word clock connected, so I can go back and forth between inputs. I use the Sigma v2 AES/EBU digital cable for my other input.
When I first heard the Omega USB I was shocked that there would be that big of a difference comparing with the Sigma v2. I heard more detail and information appear, when I felt none was missing. There were more noticeable micro dynamics that were visceral at low volume levels. Also, I was mesmerized by each song I played so much, that I lost track as to what I was doing. If this is what the Omega line is about, I want more.
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November 20, 2020, 01:34 AM #10
Re: Shunyata Omega USB
The Shunyata Omega Ethernet Cable (1.5 Meters) is $2,500 MSRP. I wouldn’t expect a USB cable of the same length to be much more.
Ken"No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
--------------------------------------------
Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases, Femto 33 Clock, Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus
Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA 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 20, 2020, 09:26 AM #11
Re: Shunyata Omega USB
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November 20, 2020, 09:46 AM #12
Re: Shunyata Omega USB
Well I have both the Sigma Ethernet and Sigma USB cables. Which should I replace first for the biggest improvement?
Gryphon Essence stereo amp and preamp/dac
Waiting on Fyne Audio F1-10
Lumin T2, Moon 260 Transport, Denali V2 Hurricane power cords
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November 20, 2020, 10:01 AM #13My 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, Audio Research, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Avantgarde Acoustics, Avid HiFi, Ayre Acoustics, Berkeley Audio Design, Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Chord, EMM Labs, Esoteric, FirstWatt, Focal Headphones, Furutech, Fyne Audio Loudspeakers, GigaFoil, Gryphon Audio, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Naim Audio, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, SimAudio, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, Vivid Audio Loudspeakers, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
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November 24, 2020, 12:45 PM #14
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Re: Shunyata Omega USB
The Omega USB looks impressive.
Regarding Omega Ethernet I would only add that if you are using an Ethernet cable as an AES/EBU carrier then you might want to prioritize that one.
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November 24, 2020, 11:01 PM #15
Re: Shunyata Omega USB
I added in the Sigma USB cable and was really impressed. I can't imagine what the Omega does.
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November 25, 2020, 02:03 AM #16
Re: Shunyata Omega USB
I’ve been working for years to get the USB cable out of my system because I honestly thought they didn’t sound very good. USB was never designed to be a high fidelity digital audio connection.
When I finally succeeded with the MSB Select DAC and Renderer V2 Digital Input Module (their top Digital Input Module at that time), MSB goes and designs the revolutionary new Pro USB Digital Input Module with Pro ISL optical connection to remove all electrical noise off the line.
This brings me back to square one again with USB. If I go full circle and purchase the Pro USB/Pro ISL, hopefully the Omega USB cable will not be the bottleneck in the sound that the Wireworld Platinum 7 USB Cable was in my last go around with the Esoteric Grandioso K1.
Ken"No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
--------------------------------------------
Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases, Femto 33 Clock, Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus
Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA 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 25, 2020, 02:15 AM #17
Re: Shunyata Omega USB
Out of curiosity, what gear requires a USB cable? I have a hard drive directly connected to my Lumin via a USB cable, but I suspect the Shunyata USB wouldn’t work for this.
Bud
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November 25, 2020, 06:30 AM #18
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November 25, 2020, 08:49 AM #19Small Green Computer; gigaFoil 4 Ethernet w/ Keces PS-3; Sonore ultraRendu; MBP (3) - stripped down for music only; Shunyata Alpha & Sigma USBs; AudioQuest Diamond USB 5M: ISO REGEN w/short Curious USB links; Berkeley Alpha USB; AQ Diamond AES - 3M; AQ Diamond Ethernet - 1.5M; Schiit Yggdrasil - fully updated; PecanPi USB dac; 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; Wyred 4 Sound STP-750E Mk II amp w/Kimber TCX wiring & WBT binding posts; Quicksilver Mid Mono amps w/Gold Lion KT77s, Joseph Audio Perspective 2 Graphenes; 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.
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November 25, 2020, 09:12 AM #20
Re: Shunyata Omega USB
my understanding of the MSB pro-ISL / pro-USB input is that it provides for both 100% electrical isolation AND data integrity where the USB signal is subjected to error detection and correction. so, this makes the pro-ISL / pro-USB interface functionally equivalent to optical fiber ethernet input.
in this case, i cannot see how the choice of USB cable connected to the input side of the pro-USB dongle matters in the least.
of course, the (subjective) proof of this would be blind A/B testing of a consumer grade USB cable and an audiophile USB cable.
more info on the MSB pro-ISL / pro-USB input at this link
as always, YMMVkanjiroba yak + roon rock > t+a dac8 dsd > almarro a318b > viking acoustics berlin r mk2 | alp-tone audio analog cables
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November 25, 2020, 10:17 AM #21
Re: Shunyata Omega USB
This is a very fair point. If the only difference between USB cables is the quantity and type of noise they let through, then you would be correct. However, I suspect there are other differences that impact the sound quality such as impedance or conductivity of the conductors of the USB cable.
Best,
Ken"No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
--------------------------------------------
Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases, Femto 33 Clock, Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus
Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA 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 25, 2020, 01:18 PM #22
Re: Shunyata Omega USB
an interesting consideration as well. my only question would then be: are any such differences which are electrical in nature material enough impact the error-corrected digital signal being converted to light?
i suspect not, but can't say that know this for a fact. i suppose it is possible that these differences are large enough to actually alter the digital signal (0s and 1s) after the pro-USB dongle error checks/corrects the incoming signal but before it is converted to light.
fwiw: i don't get why MSB does not offer an ethernet renderer module that accepts an SFP input transceiver. in this case, users could then use either a copper or fiber SFP transceiver as desired -- one size fits all.kanjiroba yak + roon rock > t+a dac8 dsd > almarro a318b > viking acoustics berlin r mk2 | alp-tone audio analog cables
core audio designs plyKraft 3L | hifi racks ltd podium t5-iii
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December 1, 2020, 01:27 AM #23
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Re: Shunyata Omega USB
Probably a question only His Mikeness can answer from experience: With the new Omegas on Shunyatas Website (USB, S/PDIF) which one is the one to go when planning to upgrade to a N20/N30 this year (currently N100H)? AES is not an Option with my DAC...
I remember our friend jdandy used an Sigma S/PDIF for his N10 (and a Sigma USB for the N100H). The specs from the N20 read as if the upgraded clocking are specific to the AES & S/PDIF. Then again you probably wouldn’t have gone for an Omega USB in the store if S/PDIF would be superior to the USB option I guess...
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December 1, 2020, 08:26 AM #24
Re: Shunyata Omega USB
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, Audio Research, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Avantgarde Acoustics, Avid HiFi, Ayre Acoustics, Berkeley Audio Design, Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Chord, EMM Labs, Esoteric, FirstWatt, Focal Headphones, Furutech, Fyne Audio Loudspeakers, GigaFoil, Gryphon Audio, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Naim Audio, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, SimAudio, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, Vivid Audio Loudspeakers, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
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December 3, 2020, 05:35 AM #25
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Re: Shunyata Omega USB
I have also avoided the USB connection for the last couple of years thinking it was inferior to AES/XLR, but recently I tried an old Phasure Lush USB cable (not USB specification compliant) that I had laying around and it sounded great. Can only imagine this has to do with my DAC, the Rossini becomes the "master" clock when using USB. (when using the AES connection, the Aurender uses a better clock, which it is not used with the USB output.)
So in the end a lot of variables, but through USB the sound is more detailed and open, with AES the sound is a bit smoother, music flows better. It is a nice option to have.Moon 700i V2, YG Acoustics Hailey, Aurender N10, dCS Rossini, Oppo BDP103D (audiopraise board), Ansuz Mainz 8 D2
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January 17, 2021, 12:23 AM #26
Re: Shunyata Omega USB
Not happy with you guys .. making me want to upgrade my WW Starlight 7 USB to the Omega USB. Tax refund season is coming soon ...
GeorgeWilson Audio Alexx|Pair of BalancedForce212's
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