usb cables

[sound_cycle]

I know a 3m cable can be taken as blasphemy but I stated my limitation.<snip>I would like to try it out first before I need to rob a bank to purchase these insanely priced USB cables.

I am not expressing any opinion or anything - lest a mere paster of information get shot or something.

At least one DAC manufacturer says not to use a cable longer than 2m (but that is I guess necessary if you have distorted Sound or Drop-Outs). They also go on to say that in their opinion audiophile USB cables can be problematic (but that is I guess that is also in the necessary if you have distorted Sound or Drop-Outs category) and recommend $1.02 Monoprice cables.

ciao
gr

 

[square_wave]

I got the USB split cable by Audiocadabra (indian company based in Mumbai) they have been good to deal with , the cable based on 15 mins of (unbroken) hearing is really good . Apparently made to USB specs.

Do you know how good their power cords are ? Generally what power cords work well with dacs ?

 

[arj]

I agree with sound_cycle above..the longer the cable the more the deterioration of sound. it might be better to have a longer interconnect and keep the dac near the computer


Regarding type of USB, DACs use different methods to pull data Bulk/isochronous etc.. which does affect the requirement . some of them dont need the power signal in which case cable impact could be lower.

from what i could understand 2 things are most important
1. interference with the power signal- if you remove that the quality of data improves..at least it did for me and hence my experiment with the y cable due to which i went and committed to a better one
2. USB is apparently not stringent on the 90 Ohm spec and can expect upto 15% variation but more than that could see a effect on the transmission if the specs are not right and if you increase the length too much the variation does go higher.

 

[arj]

Do you know how good their power cords are ? Generally what power cords work well with dacs ?

no clue..but looking at the quality of work/finish it must be good as it points to good engineering.For the DAC i prefer unshielded cables and these have a natural RFI rejection via braiding

 

[kartick]

Well, theoretically I understand that the length of the USB cable should not be that long, however, my concern is why did I not hear any differences when I used a .5m USB cable instead?

For me hearing is believing. Hence, I would appreciate if we can organize a listening session of some sorts where good quality USB cables can be tested. I anyway would like to try the new Chord DAC FM Panditji has acquired. Maybe these tests can be done together.

 

[arj]

if you do not hear any difference then thats actually good as you can safely go ahead with the longer one !