Low cost good USB cable for async USB DAC

[loonytunes]

Can anyone recommend a seriously good USB cable that will (may) work wonders with an async USB DAC?

I don't want to spend a lot of money on the cable - because I believe that async DACs don't need them so much - but at the same time I want to play safe just in case there is some weird science promoting a good USB cable async DAC or not.

My first thought was the AudioQuest Forest.

Then I thought this one looked more interesting on eBay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260913388693?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_2200wt_821

[realysm42]

If you're looking at spending that much, why not pay just a tiny bit more and get a recognised quality brand like this:

http://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/hifi-cables/129-furutech-formula-2-usb-cable-4582237533910.html

[tannoydmt]

Lacie flat usb cable (blue colour) approx. £9 on ebay excellent sounding cable I use one already

[Stratmangler]

You wanna spend how much?
You need yer bumps feeling mate.
Try one of these (http://www.tesco.com/direct/belkin-30m-usb-type-a-to-type-b-data-cable/207-9975.prd?skuId=207-9975&pageLevel=) - it'll do the job royally :eyebrows:

[realysm42]

That's the very cable I use as it goes, just not 3 meters.

[sq225917]

The Belkin wire will be more than perfect. If you do find cables make a difference then you need as in line isolator to remove electrical noise and galvanic ally isolate the dac- not some bullshit cable that isn't even actually USB certified.

[Canetoad]

You wanna spend how much?
You need yer bumps feeling mate.
Try one of these (http://www.tesco.com/direct/belkin-30m-usb-type-a-to-type-b-data-cable/207-9975.prd?skuId=207-9975&pageLevel=) - it'll do the job royally :eyebrows:

I use one of these too! Connected to an HRT Streamer II. :)

[loonytunes]

Talking about expensive.. I thought the ones I referenced on eBay were a cheap alternative to these which seem to have the same design concept: http://www.thecableco.com/Product/USB-SP

Now that's what I call expensive!!!

[sq225917]

That's utter toss. USB 2 spec cables have a separate shield between signal and power anyway. It's 5volts for christ sake, not 1,000,000 volts at 1,000 amps and capable of creating it's own black hole. Makes you wonder what companies who offer interconnects with charge shields think they are doing- that's the diametric opposite of what some of the USb cable makers are claiming works.

Can they both be right? ;-)

[loonytunes]

Thanks for that clarification sq225917 - I can see you have some amazing gear there! One assumes you do not use a USB cable to your Weiss, and if you did, you would never consider spending a fortune on one despite how hi-end your sound machine is!

[Maximum]

If your USB DAC uses the USB power then you might be better off using a linear PSU to supply the 5V rail and using a cheaper cable. It certainly seems to help with the Hiface anyway.

[loonytunes]

If your USB DAC uses the USB power then you might be better off using a linear PSU to supply the 5V rail and using a cheaper cable. It certainly seems to help with the Hiface anyway.

No, my DAC uses the mains - it's an Italian make, a Goldenote DAC-7 - I am really pleased with it and for my ears it was more musical than the Arcam rDAC, Burson Audio HA-160D and Wyred 4 Sound (however I have no experience of the Rega DAC and Audiolab MDAC which seems well reviewed).

I was using an AudioQuest Forest USB cable when evaluating these DACs - but that cable belongs to my son. I was either going to get another one for myself or something better (if possible - or if it really makes a difference).

[roob]

That looks an interesting DAC at a nice price, reading the manual I suspect the usb interface is based on the XMOS chip, if it is then just get the Belkin cable.
I have the XMOS interface on my dac and have tried a Wireworld cable against Maplins finest and could not hear any diffrence.

[loonytunes]

That looks an interesting DAC at a nice price, reading the manual I suspect the usb interface is based on the XMOS chip, if it is then just get the Belkin cable.
I have the XMOS interface on my dac and have tried a Wireworld cable against Maplins finest and could not hear any diffrence.

The DAC is a bit utilitarian looking - certainly has not got the bling of the others - but for me, its not the looks but the sound.

Heck why would I have the inconvenience of a Music First pre-amp unless it sounded stunning - or even the ugly and disturbing looking Consonance Cyber 10 Signature valve amp (I really wish there was a SS amp that sounded as good).

[pumpkineater23]

Last year I bought a Kimber USB (£43).

http://www.russandrews.com/product-NEW-Kimber-USB-cable-2800.htm

My system may not be good enough or I haven't the ear for it but I couldn't notice any difference from the previous one (my old telephone USB I think) before or after burn in. I decided to keep it though because I like the black plastic cylinder things on the cable, feels more specialist.

[Stratmangler]

Last year I bought a Kimber USB (£43).

http://www.russandrews.com/product-NEW-Kimber-USB-cable-2800.htm

My system may not be good enough or I haven't the ear for it but I couldn't notice any difference from the previous one (my old telephone USB I think) before or after burn in. I decided to keep it though because I like the black plastic cylinder things on the cable, feels more specialist.

Maybe there's no difference using the "Audiophile" version :eek:

Maybe it's all smoke & mirrors :eyebrows:

£43 on a half metre of wire :doh:

[wee tee cee]

I run a belkin pro 5m. My son has another 5m belkin with a blue sleeve I will eventually get round to comparing the two. If I detect any difference I will post. My son initially ran a 1m belkin pro and thought the 5m was slightly brighter but he is still of an age when the mosquito noise emmiters outside the chippy annoy him. Might give it a listen when next off.

[sq225917]

Thanks for that clarification sq225917 - I can see you have some amazing gear there! One assumes you do not use a USB cable to your Weiss, and if you did, you would never consider spending a fortune on one despite how hi-end your sound machine is!

Would you believe that I actually 'downgraded' from the Weiss recommended, not too unreasonable £80 Oyaide Neo Firewire cable, to a £10 Lindy one. The Oyaide cable was too stiff and risked pulling out due to the curvature I needed from it so I bought a more flexible one. I couldn't detect any difference between them.

[Rambaud]

I am currently using an Audioquest Carbon USB cable to connect my Teac UD-H01 DAC.

[Stratmangler]

I am currently using an Audioquest Carbon USB cable to connect my Teac UD-H01 DAC.

See my above post (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showpost.php?p=314742&postcount=16)

Adjust monetary values to fit :eyebrows: