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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)”

mapman
mitch2
4,750 posts
 

Ok, I hear you guys.

Pretend I substituted "properly functioning, certified, and compliant" for "well constructed", that I used in my original post.

logistics
64 posts
 

What is true is that a cable that is properly functioning should not influence the sound.  BUT this discounts everything else about the hardware it is connected to.  For instance, DAC IC's.  If you like datasheets, you'll notice that IC specs are of course measured in a lab setting, under the most ideal circumstances.   This is where a cable that is to spec should make no difference.  But when a product goes into production the lab setting disappears, and everything shifts to "good enough" mode.  Down to the component level, where capacitors and resistors have a tolerance range, and values can vary wildly, which affects how the circuit behaves, and ultimately, how it sounds.

 

Perhaps, a change in perspective.  The circuit in front of the cable may be affected heavily by a cable because said circuit may be coloring the sound under typical circumstances, and the cable may cause it to shift behavior in a way that you may or may not notice or appreciate. But how would you know outside of trying different cables?

 

From a materials standpoint, one could reason that a USB cable, so long as it is within specifications regarding impedance and solid connections, should not change the sound.  But outside of audio, I haven't seen anyone do testing of USB cables made with different conductor materials for any affect.  Would it matter that a data cable is made with a silver conductor vs. silver-plated copper conductor vs. OFC?  Would it matter if it has silver-soldered pins vs plain old rosin core?

 

I think if one has two cables that sound different I would sit down and measure things.  What is the impedance of each cable?  What is the capacitance?  What is the capacitive reactance?  After all, we are dealing with a 240MHz signal if USB 2.0!

 

Realistically, its true that a cable should not change the sound or not by function of its own.  Rather, the way it causes the circuit to behave may affect the sound.

westcoastaudiophile
819 posts
 

"What is true is that a cable that is properly functioning should not influence the sound” - not sure.. cables with close to spec CMRR/Shielding-ISO can radiate RF noise around, which may impact other signals. 

"For instance, DAC IC’s” - correct! not just ICs, but (mostly) design implementation on both RX/TX ends as well! 

seymour-krelborn
121 posts
 

@gdaddy1 

'Praising the Audioquest for making it sound "better" isn't the right way to look at it IMO.'

I agree, which is why I did not use the adjective "better", to describe the differences between the two USB cables.

In an effort to keep my comment less lengthy, I wrote about testing my stereo with the USB cable that came with my USB hub.  But I also tested my stereo with the USB cable that came with my multi-function printer.  Same results as with the USB hub's USB cable.

My conclusion is that the Audioquest USB cable is "better" than those other two USB cables.  The Audioquest USB cable does not make my stereo sound better.  Yet, the Audioquest USB cable is better.  Technically, my stereo sounds less worse with the Audioquest USB cable -- an ocean's worth less worse.

I also concluded that all of my USB cables are properly functioning, based on their design for their intended purpose.  If I had ever tried to get a warranty replacement for either of those two cheap-o USB cables, I am convinced that the manufacturer would deny my claim.  If they did send me a replacement USB cable, it would be the same cheap-o quality, and work no differently than the one that I returned.  And if this all led to me suing them over their eventual refusal to continually replace the USB cable, I would have no case.

Properly functioning USB cables are not all built the same, and that is intentionally built in to their design.

Note that for a few months, I put a $17.99 Sabrent USB hub (which has its own, external power supply) between my laptop and my DAC, and my stereo sounded better.

As good as my Audioquest cable is, some noise from my laptop was still getting through and reaching my DAC.  That Sabrent USB hub filtered out a bit more of the laptop's generated noise.

Supposedly, a Shunyata Research Omega-X USB cable is superior to my Audioquest Diamond USB cable.  I would love to compare the two.  But I am not going to spend a few thousand dollars on the Shunyata USB cable to find out.

Lastly, note that USB cables transfer 100% analog voltage.  Better designed USB cables will more accurately transfer that voltage, resulting in fewer incorrect polarity changes, which are used for communicating zeros and ones to the connected equipment.

mapman's avatar
mapman OP
23,613 posts
 

I agree proper shielding is beneficial.  
 

Also it’s only fair to ask if a USB wire “sounds better”, then why. 
 

I will gladly pay more for better build quality resulting in better shielding, for example, but only if justified.  Otherwise how to choose?  Someone saying it sounds better alone is not enough.  If I buy based on faith I will also compare and return if needed.   But there has to be a concrete value proposition up front before I swallow premium cost. 

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