Here is another prop for the Belkin Pro Series USB 2.0 (A Plug to 5-Pin Mini B Plug). Just sounds clearly better when used for my Dell laptop/AQ Dragonfly based system than either the thin cable that came with my external hard drive or the shielded Gigaware brand cable I purchased at RadioShack. The Belkin cable cost $6.99 at Frys, 13 bucks less than the one from RS. Someday I will get around to trying fancier USB cables since my ears tell me there is a difference.
Budget USB cable?
It pains me to have to try and find a "good sounding USB cable". The whole thought that USB cables can sound different just sticks in my craw. Oh, I know for sure that other cables make a difference (even coax digital and Toslink), but for some reason the whole USB thing makes me crabby.
Onward to the discussion. It seems the Audioquest Carbon is a well reviewed and regarded USB cable. If I try to stick to the $100 max price point, are there any others that can give the Carbon a run for its money? The use would be between my TT3.0'd and EDO'd Touch and my PWD DAC II. Looking for all the usual virtues - no "sound" of its own, neutral, extended and articulate in both directions without being dry or brittle, a natural acoustic sound without being warm or soft. You know, perfect. :-)
Onward to the discussion. It seems the Audioquest Carbon is a well reviewed and regarded USB cable. If I try to stick to the $100 max price point, are there any others that can give the Carbon a run for its money? The use would be between my TT3.0'd and EDO'd Touch and my PWD DAC II. Looking for all the usual virtues - no "sound" of its own, neutral, extended and articulate in both directions without being dry or brittle, a natural acoustic sound without being warm or soft. You know, perfect. :-)