1. Home
  2. cables
  3. 193157-14143

USB Cables: beginning the rabbit hole

Time to audition USB cables. I have always used the same cable a 2004 beauty that came with my Mac G4 in 2004, so this should be fun.

A few questions from the team here:

1. Best way to audition so that I can return what I don't like? I'm in the U.S.

2. What brands would you suggest. Budget is <$500 for 1m. I will audition 2-3 to start with. Curious Cables is one.

3. Is there break-in required? If so, what method and for how long?

I promise to report back my impressions here.

 

dvvilkins
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,833 posts
 

@dvvilkins can you list your digital components that you would be connecting with this new USB cable?

jeffreyw's avatar
jeffreyw
309 posts
 

@dvvilkins 

I will save you a lot of time. The Inakustik Reference and Wireworld Platinum Starlight 8 will fit your bill. You need to spend $3k to better them, and that will only be by a little bit. Been there and done that.

Best of luck!

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
2,036 posts
 

If you're streaming from your Mac, I'd upgrade the streamer before I upgraded the cable.  My one rule for digital cables of any kind-silver or silver plating.  don't confuse this with advice you've gotten about silver analog cables.

Jerry

sls883
1,054 posts
 

@jeffreyw That's good to know.  I bought an Inakustic Reference USB with my Innuos streamer.  I've not owned any other higher quality USB cables to compare. 

jaybe
863 posts
 

A $100 coax cable can beat a $1000 USB cable. I jumped off the USB wagon after spending thousands on cables. I strongly advise to find another way to get the signal into the DAC. Maybe a DDC.

More to discover