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.
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Showing 9 responses by reverendo

Thanks for the input. I had the chance to try a Locus Design Axis in my system, but unfortunately it was not my cup of tea. It bettered the stock cable that I got with my RA Cantata in most areas like wider soundstage, better depth and cleared up the mids very well. OTOH I lost height of soundstage, it took some snap out of the whole musical experience and took away my LFs. Now I'm no LF addict, but I checked back and forth and first I thought that I might have some LF bump and that the cable cleaned that up, but after some comparing I think that it did too much of a good thing. I'm sure it's a great cable, but unfortunately it didn't work well with my system.
I just ordered 3 USB cables the TheCableCo's library (Audioquest Coffee, Wireworld Silver Starlight and Synergistic Basik Aktiv) and will test them over the next two weeks. Will report back as to what suits my ears and my system best.
would like to reactivate this thread in order to find out where all of you are at regarding USB cables.
Thanks a lot in advance and RIP Lee
Have done some testing with Audioquest Coffee, Wireworld Silver Starlight, Locus Design Axis and Synergistic Research Basik Activ. I wrote a kind of detailed review in Portuguese here:http://www.htforum.com/vb/showthread.php/199786-minha-saga-montando-um-novo-sistema?p=4599395&viewfull=1#post4599395 and since I don't feel like translating everything I guess that google translate might help out. I would just like to point out that I had forgotten to give my system a proper warm-up before listening to the Axis. With a properly warmed-up system (aprox. 1h play time in my case) things looked different. It wasn't my favorite and, for the money, I prefer the SR Basik, but the delicacy and extension of the highs were, by far, the best of the pack. Best bang for buck: the Silver Starlight. Fantastic LF. Am very curious about the Platinum.
Hi Steve,
I used a SB Touch with USB out to do these tests (with Welborne Labs PSU). They were all on the same circuit.
I have to say that the additional PSU for the Basik is not very practical. Would be great if SR did sth like Audioquest does: with batteries.
For that kind of price I'm very, VERY interested in seeing what the Platinum has to offer. Also interested in Revelation Audio.
I'll be testing the Mapleshade USB Cable Plus in a few days and probably the Kimber B BUS and the Nordost Blue Heaven. Will report back once I have some opinions. The only reference that I'll still have will be the LD Axis, which is still here at home.
Mapleshade cable has arrived. looks very flimsy, but don't want to judge the book by the cover.
will report when I get around to comparing. will probably do a first impression and then let it burn-in in order to compare.
first impressions on the Mapleshade Clearlink USB Cable with Plus Ugrade here: http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/usb-cable-comparisons-14397/index3.html#post197158
Caeadura7,
I'll be updating the thread on Computer Audiophile, but I'll state that I haven't had the chance to listen to it yet and probably won't be able to do a direct comparison with all the others.
have been updating the thread on CA. Diamond and Platinum are visiting the system in a few days