USB cable lengths?

[webby]

Hi,

Is there a limit to the length of USB cable used? I need a run of roughly 16ft.

Where can I get this length to connect from iMac to DAC?

Or is it best to use optical for this purpose?

Thanks

[sponge]

Hi,

Is there a limit to the length of USB cable used? I need a run of roughly 16ft.

Where can I get this length to connect from iMac to DAC?

Or is it best to use optical for this purpose?

Thanks

Rapid do a 5m A to B USB 2.0 (code 19-8664) for £3.36. Of course the inevitable Ebay list numerous 5m cables - Various combination of ends. The choice is yours...

Ken

[Clive]

For lengths greater than 5m you need an active repeater, you can buy cables with these attached, they are not expensive. However active repeaters may not be good for the sound. Also some say lengths over 3m (others say 1m) cause sonic degradation. Try to get a thick shielded cable. What length sounds best in you situation will depend on the RFI you have near your system.

[webby]

What length sounds best in you situation will depend on the RFI you have near your system.

The what?

[Clive]

Radio Frequency Interference, electrical noise and grunge emitted by power supplies, TVs, CD players, computers etc. Cables act as aerials picking this up. Don't worry about this too much, if you need 16ft / 5m then try it. If you can find a way to use a shorter cable then try that too.

[webby]

Ok, cheers Clive

[trailer]

I run a 5m USB to an external HDD with no problems.

[The Vinyl Adventure]

my 5m usb from pc - printer or scanner is intermitant at best but that might be because it was cheapo

[trailer]

http://www.lindy.co.uk/usb-firewire/...s/type-a-to-b/

That's the one I'm running.

(Not the premium one)

[webby]

So it may be better to connect via the Toslink optical then? I've seen these up to 10m in length.

Edit: It's difficult to keep topics together when I have questions regarding different gear, so I decided to update my Hello thread in the welcome area.

Basically, I found (and was shocked) that my cable run from iMac to Hifi rack was more like 6-7m, so now I'm thinking about optical. Or is coax better? Argh! So many options!

Thanks for helping me guys