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USB cable recommendations

I recently purchased the Bricasti M3 for my system & am looking to upgrade my A-B USB cable. I currently have 2 USB cables that I used with my prior DAC (Qutest), a Cardas Clear that I preferred with my Qutest & an XLO ultra plus that I far prefer with my M3. It is OCC copper & actually sounds very good, but wondering if I can do better. 
My target price is around $500 used, certainly willing to do less & willing to do more for the ’right’ cable. I am looking for a cable that is absolutely neutral.
I actually tried to buy an AQ diamond used yesterday, but was 2 hours late. Not sure if it was the right choice, but it was a great price & could resell if not right.

My virtual system is available, but my digital side is: Aurender N150 > XLO ultra+ > Bricasti M3 > Zavfino Arcadia > PSAudio BHK w/tele medical NOS tubes > Zavfino Fusion mk2 > SimAudio Moon 330A > Transparent + gen 5 > KEF Reference 3’s.

Please let me know your thoughts and/or recommendations. Thanks!

signaforce
glenmschneider
99 posts
 

In my system, I preferred the JCAT Signature USB to the AQ Diamond in a head to head comparison. 
 

 

Post removed 
zlone
1,355 posts
 

WireWorld Platinum was a significant upgrade for my system.

signaforce's avatar
signaforce OP
553 posts
 

Ok, here is the current strategy: 

1. Audiomica Pebble Consequence USB. A very high end cable company out of Poland. 7N OCC copper. Used at my target price. Seller is shipping to me for a try and & potentially buy. If I like it, purchase it, if not, ship it back. 
2. Final Touch Audio’s Callisto USB. Probably my 1st choice, but not available, except new. Used one online but 1M. Need 1.5M. Or I may wait for one. 
3. Audience StudioOne. Will buy used if I don’t keep the Audiomica & can’t find a FTA. 

4. AQ diamond. Would buy used if I knew was not counterfeit, but IMHO not competitive new. 
WW & others I am sure are great USB cables, but these are my 4. 
Thank you for your great recommendations. 

 

jrareform's avatar
jrareform
192 posts
 

OP, definitely try a Shunyata Theta or Alpha if you can find them in your price range.  My tastes are toward the "realism" end.  I don't want analytical or warm.  I want it to sound like it actually sounds.  Voices sound like they're in the room type sound.  Or where instruments sound like they're being played in the room.  And decay trails on notes are full and palpable but not etched or edgy like with some setups.  I'd suggest trying either of these cables and put them against any of these other cables you listed here.  Shunyata has lots of dealers maybe you have one locally?

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