Recommended short-length USB cable?

[sburrell]

Hi,

i know there's a thread on USB cables currently in progress, but I didn't want to hijack it. This is just a simple query regarding a replacement USB cable for a Fiio E7 that I just bought second-hand (but still in warranty).

I only need a short length, Type A plug to Mini B plug, to replace the long cable that came with the Fiio. I think 10-15cm of actual cable length, not including the plugs, would be fine.

I'm willing to spend a fiver, maybe up to a tenner if consensus makes it clear it would be justified.

Suggestions welcome :)

Thanks.

[Stratmangler]

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.207-8236.aspx?utm_source=GoogleShopping&utm_medium=GSF_NormalFeed&utm_campaign=GSF_TescoDirect&utm_content=207-8236 , although I can't hear any difference, let alone improvement, using this over the cheap generic cable I was using before :eyebrows:

[sburrell]

Hey Chris,

Crikey, talk about a quick response. I'm going to decline on this one, just because for £10 I'd expect sonic fireworks over the original. Also, I know it's retractable, but I'd rather get a genuine short length.

Thanks tho :)

PS: the green colour of the lettering in your sig describing your system makes my eyes hurt - am I the only one? Maybe my displays crap :)

[Stratmangler]

for £10 I'd expect sonic fireworks over the original

Does this mean that you expect things to sound better than they actually are? :eyebrows:

[sburrell]

Does this mean that you expect things to sound better than they actually are?
It's _way_ too late for metaphysics :eek:

[Stratmangler]

It's _way_ too late for metaphysics :eek:

I was referring to Audiophoolery :D

[dave2010]

This is surprisingly difficult, given your requirement for a micro (actually you said mini) connector, plus a very short length. I'd recommend cables4less (UK) but they only seem to have 0.5 metre lengths for regular USB - see http://www.cabling4less.co.uk/category.php?cat_id=152

You could perhaps get one made up, or cannibalise a couple of other cables.

On the other hand you could go with the suggestion for retractable cables, and there's this one:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Amzer-Micro-Retractable-Charge-Cable/dp/B001P05K9K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329037130&sr=8-1 (this is a micro)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/USB-Mini-USB-5-Pin-Retractable-Cable/dp/B002WATQ0Q/ref=sr_1_13?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1329039872&sr=1-13 (mini)

I wouldn't expect any of these to sound better or worse - the length is so short, so that any cable which works should do the job.

[Mark Grant]

If it is type A to Mini B you need Lindy do 20cm / 0.2 metre short length USB cables:

Black:
http://www.lindy.co.uk/02m-usb-2-cable-type-a-to-mini-b-black/31882.html

Transparent:
http://www.lindy.co.uk/02m-usb-2-cable-type-a-to-mini-b-transparent/31688.html

Delivery is a little bit expensive at £2.99 for such a lightweight low value item.

[sburrell]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I'm getting the impression that, for the short length I want, cable quality isn't really much of an issue. Is that right? So long as it works, there's very little difference to be expected between cable A and cable B?

[dave2010]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I'm getting the impression that, for the short length I want, cable quality isn't really much of an issue. Is that right? So long as it works, there's very little difference to be expected between cable A and cable B?Correct!

Subject to the usual disclaimers .....!!!!

[wee tee cee]

The belkin pro stuff is fine. Amazon have numerous sellers with varying lengths.

[sburrell]

I'd be happier with a recognised name brand, like Belkin, but I can't find one at 10cm. So, unless anyone thinks there's a better option, I'm going to order this tomorrow:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mini-USB-cable-10cm-System-S/dp/B004A9JJ3G/ref=lh_ni_t

[dave2010]

I'd be happier with a recognised name brand, like Belkin, but I can't find one at 10cm. So, unless anyone thinks there's a better option, I'm going to order this tomorrow:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mini-USB-cable-10cm-System-S/dp/B004A9JJ3G/ref=lh_ni_tProbably made by the same Chinese or Korean workers as the better known brands. Anyway, if it doesn't work, Amazon should take it back. Why wait? It's only a wire for .....

[sburrell]

Why wait? It's only a wire for .....

I'm a control freak. I don't even spend £3.99 without considering the alternatives. And your comment is really the first time I've been encouraged to see that for what it is - a little bit ridiculous :)

Cable bought - and thank you :)

[dave2010]

I'm a control freak. I don't even spend £3.99 without considering the alternatives. And your comment is really the first time I've been encouraged to see that for what it is - a little bit ridiculous :)

Cable bought - and thank you :)I hope it works for you. Should be with you in a few days with luck. I've had quite a few items from Amazon or Amazon sellers recently which only cost a pound or two. Surprised that they manage to operate with such small cost items. Cables4less is usually quite good, though I discovered that they're not far off my way into work, so if I want to get cables I can take a detour. Not really necessary though, as I've boxes with arguably more cables than I really need - until someone produces a new variety.