@mapman Agree - it is just digital data. DAC clock is often synchronized with incoming data to avoid dropping samples. That way in S/Pdif transmission DAC's clock follows incoming data rate. Asynchronous USB synchronization is different. DAC clock is constant and number of incoming samples is adjusted. DAC receives samples at certain rate (for instance 1kHz) in frames. Each frame contains number of samples (for instance 45). DAC places incoming samples in the buffer and signals back if buffer has too many or not enough samples (under/overflow flag). Computer, upon status of this signal/flag adds or subtracts sample in next frame.
There is no data jitter in asynchronous USB since DAC clock operates at fixed frequency, but there is always possibility of indirect jitter caused by injected noise thru the cable. Anything connected to DAC can inject noise and this noise can affect DAC clock. Reclocking USB doesn't make any sense IMO, since incoming data is asynchronous, but noise suppression (optical barriers, etc) can bring improvements.
USB wires
I asked AI why some USB wires “sound better” than others and got what I would judge to be a pretty good answer.
Check out the conclusion!
Thoughts?
”
The question of whether some USB 2.0 cables sound better than others in audio streaming is a complex one, with opinions varying from "it makes no difference" to "better cables noticeably improve audio quality". Here’s a breakdown of the arguments:
**Arguments for potential differences:**
* **Cable Quality and Construction:** Some argue that the quality of materials, cable geometry, shielding, and construction can affect audio quality [[1]](https://www.intelligentliving.co/usb-audio-cables-sound-quality/)[[2]](https://www.moon-audio.com/blogs/expert-advice/usb-cables-why-theyre-important). Better materials (e.g., pure conductors, gold-plated connectors) and superior shielding may improve conductivity and reduce interference [[1]](https://www.intelligentliving.co/usb-audio-cables-sound-quality/)[[2]](https://www.moon-audio.com/blogs/expert-advice/usb-cables-why-theyre-important).
* **Noise and Interference:** Proper shielding is essential to keep external noise and interference out of the audio signal [[2]](https://www.moon-audio.com/blogs/expert-advice/usb-cables-why-theyre-important)[[3]](https://community.roonlabs.com/t/usb-cables-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/106139). Some believe that electrical noise can affect the sound, and different USB cables alter this noise based on their characteristics [[3]](https://community.roonlabs.com/t/usb-cables-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/106139).
* **Jitter:** High-quality USB audio cables may protect against jitter, which refers to timing fluctuations during signal transmission that can degrade quality [[1]](https://www.intelligentliving.co/usb-audio-cables-sound-quality/).
* **Packet Loss:** Poorly made cables can lead to packet loss, audio artifacts, and cutouts [[2]](https://www.moon-audio.com/blogs/expert-advice/usb-cables-why-theyre-important).
* **Ground and Power Line Handling:** Differences in how ground and power lines are handled can make a difference [[4]](https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/usb-cables-can-sound-different.9816/).
* **Subjective Perception:** Some individuals report perceiving more distinct details and a broader soundstage with high-end USB audio cables [[1]](https://www.intelligentliving.co/usb-audio-cables-sound-quality/).
**Arguments against potential differences:**
* **Digital Data Transfer:** USB cables transmit digital data (1s and 0s), and as long as the data arrives intact at the destination (DAC), the cable quality shouldn’t matter [[1]](https://www.intelligentliving.co/usb-audio-cables-sound-quality/)[[5]](https://www.head-fi.org/threads/does-a-better-quality-usb-cable-influence-sound.820977/).
* **Error Correction:** If data is corrupted, error correction mechanisms will either retransmit the data or result in audible glitches like pops or skipping [[6]](https://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/comments/fx03a2/impact_of_usb_cables_in_your_audio_experience/). A digital signal either gets there or it doesn’t [[7]](https://sound.stackexchange.com/questions/23438/sound-quality-difference-between-usb-cables).
* **Bandwidth:** USB 2.0 has plenty of bandwidth for audio streaming [[8]](https://www.avsforum.com/threads/usb-2-0-audio-vs-optical-toslink-for-two-channel-audio.3274365/)[[9]](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIGaiCoi_Oc). A 24-bit/192 kHz stereo audio track only uses a small percentage of USB 2.0’s total bandwidth [[9]](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIGaiCoi_Oc).
* **DAC Quality:** The quality of the DAC, analog signal processing, amplifier, and speakers/headphones are the most important factors in audio quality [[4]](https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/usb-cables-can-sound-different.9816/).
* **Placebo Effect:** Some critics suggest that perceived improvements might be due to psychological factors like the placebo effect [[1]](https://www.intelligentliving.co/usb-audio-cables-sound-quality/).
* **Measurements:** Numerous tests have shown minimal to no differences in audio quality when comparing different USB cables [[1]](https://www.intelligentliving.co/usb-audio-cables-sound-quality/).
**Important Considerations:**
* **Cable Length:** Shorter cables produce less resistance [[2]](https://www.moon-audio.com/blogs/expert-advice/usb-cables-why-theyre-important). USB 2.0 has a maximum length limitation of 16.5 feet [[8]](https://www.avsforum.com/threads/usb-2-0-audio-vs-optical-toslink-for-two-channel-audio.3274365/).
* **USB Version Compatibility:** USB versions are backward compatible, but the transfer speed is limited by the port/source USB generation [[2]](https://www.moon-audio.com/blogs/expert-advice/usb-cables-why-theyre-important).
* **DAC Design:** Some DACs are more sensitive to noise and USB conditions than others [[4]](https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/usb-cables-can-sound-different.9816/)[[10]](https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/do-usb-audio-cables-make-a-difference.1887/).
* **"Audiophile" Cables:** Some "audiophile" USB cables may be more about marketing than actual performance benefits [[6]](https://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/comments/fx03a2/impact_of_usb_cables_in_your_audio_experience/)[[11]](https://www.quora.com/What-distinguishes-a-standard-USB-cable-from-those-used-in-high-end-sound-equipment-such-as-a-DAC-AMP).
**Conclusion:**
While some audiophiles swear by the benefits of high-end USB cables, the scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited [[1]](https://www.intelligentliving.co/usb-audio-cables-sound-quality/). The key factor is ensuring the reliable, error-free transmission of data [[1]](https://www.intelligentliving.co/usb-audio-cables-sound-quality/). It’s more likely that differences in perceived sound quality are related to other factors in the audio chain or even psychological biases [[4]](https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/usb-cables-can-sound-different.9816/)[[6]](https://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/comments/fx03a2/impact_of_usb_cables_in_your_audio_experience/).
---
Learn more:
1. [USB Audio Cables: Do They Really Improve Sound Quality? - Intelligent Living](https://www.intelligentliving.co/usb-audio-cables-sound-quality/)
2. [USB Cables – and Why They’re Important - Moon Audio](https://www.moon-audio.com/blogs/expert-advice/usb-cables-why-theyre-important)
3. [USB cables - the good, the bad and the ugly - Audio Gear Talk - Roon Labs Community](https://community.roonlabs.com/t/usb-cables-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/106139)
4. [USB cables can sound different? | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum](https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/usb-cables-can-sound-different.9816/)
5. [Does a better quality USB cable influence sound? - Head-Fi](https://www.head-fi.org/threads/does-a-better-quality-usb-cable-influence-sound.820977/)
6. [Impact of USB Cables in your audio experience : r/audiophile - Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/comments/fx03a2/impact_of_usb_cables_in_your_audio_experience/)
7. [sound quality difference between USB cables - Sound Design Stack Exchange](https://sound.stackexchange.com/questions/23438/sound-quality-difference-between-usb-cables)
8. [USB 2.0 Audio Vs Optical/Toslink for two channel audio? - AVS Forum](https://www.avsforum.com/threads/usb-2-0-audio-vs-optical-toslink-for-two-channel-audio.3274365/)
9. [USB Audio Cables: Why They’re Important | Moon Audio - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIGaiCoi_Oc)
10. [Do USB Audio Cables Make A Difference? | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum](https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/do-usb-audio-cables-make-a-difference.1887/)
11. [What distinguishes a standard USB cable from those used in high-end sound equipment such as a DAC/AMP? - Quora](https://www.quora.com/What-distinguishes-a-standard-USB-cable-from-those-used-in-high-end-sound-equipment-such-as-a-DAC-AMP)”
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- 45 posts total
@kijanki always good to hear from you. Appreciate you sharing your technical acumen here. |
I have a current post asking for USB cable recommendations. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/usb-cable-recommendations/post?postid=2876521#2876521 Interesting, I don’t remember a single cable doubter on the thread. I had 2 good USB cables, one warm, one incisive. My new purchased cable sounds amazing good. This is what I stated at the end of my post. Doubters will write this off as ‘expectation bias’, as I might have. It wasn’t & isn’t. |
@mapman what are your feelings about the sources AI used for this answer? Specifically:
Not trying to throw shade on this exercise of using AI, but dang, I'd be hesitant with the sources it's using.
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- 45 posts total