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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 2 responses by elberoth2

elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
IMO you will gain considerably more by going with a better USB/SPDIF converter first.

Halide Bridge, Audiophileo 2 or JKSPDIF 3 are all in $400-$600 range and are superior to V-Link (even to AQ Diamond USB cable equipped V-Link).
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
How important for the sound quality is the USB cable when using a USB/SPDIF converter like Audiophileo or JK HiFace?

I think you should go with the best USB/SPDIF converter you can afford (V-Link -> Audiophileo 2 / JK SPDIF mk 3 -> HiFace Evo + Evo Clock + PSU) and only after that try different USB cables. IMO this brings greater improvement that replacing the USB cable.
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