Higher End USB Cables


Anyone tried/compared the newer high-end USB Cables (i.e. Locus Design Polestar or Ridgestreet model)? Curious if they're worth the $300+ price tag, particularly since Locus doesn't offer demo or return policy (can't speak to Ridgestreet). I do know there's differences in the cheap throw-away ones, much like different USB ports on the same computer.
mb9061

Showing 2 responses by audioengr

Thanks for the shootout. Axis was one of my favorites.

Make sure that when you do these tests, that the USB DAC or USB converter is powered from the same AC circuit as the computer that is driving it. Otherwise the common-mode noise can get in the way of the performance. One way to reduce this noise is a USB cable filter, but even with this you should power them from the same circuit:

http://www.empiricalaudio.com/products/short-block

Steve N.
Empirical Audio