1. Home
  2. digital
  3. 197229-40

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
fastfreight
1,288 posts
 

Profound:  It sounds better.  Why do you need more?

soix
11,249 posts
 

soix, please disclose why are you worried about companies’ you’ve listed sales? 

@westcoastaudiophile  What the hell are you talking about dude?  I’m just trying to help the guy here.  I don’t have, and nor have I ever had, sales listed for Veritas or Snake River products and have no affiliation with either company whatsoever.  Get a clue before you go off accusing someone of something.  
 

Seems two camps.  Those who have tried and do appreciate an improvement, and those that won't try and have a strong opinion (fact).  Tiresome.  The naysayers don't even want you to try one... interesting, and attack someone who suggests 'trying' one

@fastfreight  Big +1

 

mapman's avatar
mapman OP
23,616 posts
 

Excellent video relating to the topic 

https://youtu.be/k-nCEoRWHZ4?si=MOKB1P4J6IlS14tj

mapman's avatar
mapman OP
23,616 posts
 

Also important to consider:

”Asynchronous USB is a mode of data transfer where the receiving device, such as a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), regulates the timing of data flow from the host (e.g., a computer) [[1]](https://homestudiobasics.com/what-is-asynchronous-usb/)[[2]](https://www.audialonline.com/blog/asynchronous-usb/). Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

*   **Device as Master:** Unlike synchronous or adaptive USB modes where the computer controls the data flow, asynchronous USB makes the external device (DAC) the "master" and the computer the "slave" [[2]](https://www.audialonline.com/blog/asynchronous-usb/)[[3]](http://www.audiophilleo.com/home/definition/asynchronous%20USB). The DAC requests data from the computer as needed [[2]](https://www.audialonline.com/blog/asynchronous-usb/).
*   **Independent Clocking:** The DAC uses its own internal master clock to pull data from the computer [[1]](https://homestudiobasics.com/what-is-asynchronous-usb/). This clock operates independently of the computer’s clock, ensuring precise synchronization and reduced jitter [[1]](https://homestudiobasics.com/what-is-asynchronous-usb/)[[4]](https://hifimediy.com/2013/09/asynchronous-usb-audio-asynchronous-digital-to-analog-converters/).
*   **Jitter Reduction:** Jitter refers to timing errors in the digital signal, which can negatively impact audio quality. By using its own clock, the DAC avoids relying on the computer’s potentially noisy and unstable clock, thus minimizing jitter [[1]](https://homestudiobasics.com/what-is-asynchronous-usb/)[[4]](https://hifimediy.com/2013/09/asynchronous-usb-audio-asynchronous-digital-to-analog-converters/).
*   **High-Quality Audio:** Asynchronous USB is often used in high-resolution audio playback because it can provide higher audio quality due to the reduced jitter [[1]](https://homestudiobasics.com/what-is-asynchronous-usb/). It allows the use of fixed frequency clocks and avoids the need for phase-locked loops to sync with upstream clocks [[3]](http://www.audiophilleo.com/home/definition/asynchronous%20USB).
*   **Implementation:** Asynchronous USB utilizes a USB Class 2 output on converters, creating a buffer at the converter level to optimize data output and support various audio formats [[5]](https://en.homecinesolutions.fr/blog/posts/22-the-importance-of-asynchronous-usb).

**Advantages of Asynchronous USB:**

*   **Reduced Jitter:** The primary benefit is a significant reduction in jitter, leading to improved audio clarity [[1]](https://homestudiobasics.com/what-is-asynchronous-usb/)[[4]](https://hifimediy.com/2013/09/asynchronous-usb-audio-asynchronous-digital-to-analog-converters/).
*   **Independence from Computer Clock:** The audio quality becomes less dependent on the computer’s clock quality and stability [[3]](http://www.audiophilleo.com/home/definition/asynchronous%20USB)[[6]](https://www.hifi-advice.com/blog/audiophile-insights/digital-insights/usb-audio-synchronous-asynchronous/).
*   **Better Audio Quality:** Asynchronous USB can improve sonic performance, offering better imaging, sound staging, and resolution [[1]](https://homestudiobasics.com/what-is-asynchronous-usb/)[[7]](https://audiokarma.org/forums/threads/is-asynchronous-usb-really-all-that.740308/).
*   **Fixed Frequency Clocks:** Asynchronous USB allows the use of fixed frequency clocks, which are inherently less jittery than variable-frequency clocks [[3]](http://www.audiophilleo.com/home/definition/asynchronous%20USB).
*   **Insensitivity to USB Cables:** The type of USB cable used has less impact on sound quality [[3]](http://www.audiophilleo.com/home/definition/asynchronous%20USB).”

 

foggyus91's avatar
foggyus91
612 posts
 

@mapman Thanks for sharing the video.

 

More to discover