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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
robhny
11 posts
 

I borrowed several USB cables from The Cable Company last year.  I needed to connect my Mac mini to a newly purchased PS Audio MKII DAC.

My clear favorite was the Kimber Cable KS CU, which I thought sounded the most natural and dynamic in my system.  I preferred it to the more costly KS HB & the KS AG models — all copper just worked better for me, despite my prior preference for silver in the coax connecting my cd transport.

I also listened to Shunyata Theta & Alpha-X, Cardas Clear, Synergistic Research Atmo. SX Ref, Wireworld Platinum Starlight 8 2.0 & Audience Studio Two.

Best of luck finding a good match for your system.

signaforce's avatar
signaforce OP
549 posts
 

My new (to me) Audiomica pebble consequence arrives today for trial.
I also just bought a used Kimber KS-1116 XLR. Based upon this and other threads, I have decided on Kimber select for my XLR’s. 
In the interim, the select will replace my Zavfino Arcadia running from M3 to BHK &  will continue to use the Zavfino Fusion mkII BHK to 330A, until another select comes available. 
I’m excited. With your help it’s coming together!

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,944 posts
 

Congrats @signaforce ! 
If Kimber cables are new, give them 160-200hrs of break in. I’ve heard my Carbons change every 24hrs during break in. I just left the dac playing. 
 

Also, after thr kimbers break in, I would recommend trying them between preamp and amp. With Zavfino being silver copper hybrid, the pure copper KS1116 might result in a more refined and better presentation when between preamp and amp. Worth giving it a shot. 
Also please keep me posted on your findings with 1116. I’m considering it as well. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,944 posts
 

Never mind I just read the 1116 are used. 

kennyc
2,926 posts
 

Some notable USB cables (prices not current):

  • 0.85 Final Touch Audio Callisto  (make sure to determine if DAC needs power or not version if USB cable).
  • 1.3 Network Acoustics Muon USB
  • 1.5 Final Touch Audio Sinope
  • 2.5 WestminsterLab USB 
  • 3.0 Tara Labs Master 
  • David Laboga: 
  •        -0.5 Expression EMERALD USB
  •         1.7 Expression Sapphire USB
  •       -2.3 Expression RUBY USB
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