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USB cables

In the March 2012 issue of Absolute Sound, Robert Harley raves about a $550/m USB cable that replaced his "excellent" $80 cable, but doesn't tell us what the $80 cable is. For those of us who are less absolute, that would have been an interesting disclosure.

As a new owner of a MacMini loaded with Pure Music, I'd like to know what USB cables are recommended. The MacMini will output USB to a Musical Fidelity V-Link that will in turn output SP/DIF to a Cary 11a.

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Showing 3 responses by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Like most digItal cables, the high-end is where the significant improvement comes. $400 is a good starting point IME.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
First, I would recommend a 1.5m cable, no shorter. There are technical reasons for this.

Second, I have found that not all manufacturers understand how to make a good USB cable. Some of the good ones are the $150 Kimber silver, the $250 Locus-Design Polestar and the more expensive Revelation Audio Labs, probably the best available. Mr. Harley has not heard many of the better cables out there IMO.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"Do converters like the offramp or hiface EVO use USB power (I guess not)? If not, can USB power be disengaged when using a SotM USB card."

No, the Off-Ramp and EVO do not use the 5V power. It can be disconnected. You still need the ground wire.

The dual shielded is still interesting because the signal lines are separated from the ground.

I have a common-mode filter that goes even further, as well as severing the 5V wire. Makes a big difference. I hope to productize this soon.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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