Originally Posted by
WAD62
I don't think there is any difference between USB cables with regard to data transfer, the data is either successfully transmitted or not. But I do believe there can be differences with regard to secondary effects introduced by the USB cable, galvanic isolation, RF interference etc...
I have an M-DAC which has the rather handy capability of a 'bit perfect' test, using pre defined sample files, both 16/44.1 and 24/96 are provided. I can achieve a bit perfect feed from my SBTouch into the M-DAC using a cheapo USB cable, and also with my £35 Kimber 1/2M USB cable.
However the Kimber sounds better, so I have to put this down to secondary effects, I've even bought a USB isolator, but I'd be hard pushed to say if that's given me any improvements...but as it's there, and it doesn't degrade the sound, I'll leave it in place for now
Mind you I don't think I'd spend much more than £35 on one...
Maybe the reason the over priced but pretty cable sounds better, is Expectation Bias.
I don't believe you would be able to tell the difference in a blind test. Between two well made cables one cheap, and the other expensive.
Having said that £10 to £35 is ok. Because at least you know you are getting a well made USB cable from a good manufacturer.
More on Expectation Bias
http://nwavguy.blogspot.it/2012/04/what-we-hear.html
Please read this, it could save you a lot of money.
Last edited by attilio7; 15-01-2013 at 18:02.
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