Is this idea feasible/beneficial or just plain stupid

[LittleTone]

I’m currently using a usb powered DAC with my iMac computer and experiencing
a bit of static like distortion.

The A-B USB lead I’m using isn’t branded as Audio quality; in fact it’s an any old
USB cable I had lying around.

I realise that this could be the problem, but I’m thinking ……………

Can I utilise the LONGDOG AUDIO 5volt POWER SUPPLY that’s currently I’m using
with my Squeezebox Touch to provide the DAC with clean power

Both the USB/ A and USB/B Plugs are available from Maplins

I'm thinking .......................tap only the audio signal from the USB/A socket on the MAC
and at the DAC(USB/B plug) solder signal wires and wire in a 2.5mm socket to take the LDA PS plug.


Is Good quality USB Cable the same as good quality RCA interconnect cable ?

Advice and technical know how would be appreciated.

Regards Tony

[brian2957]

Me and the Scottishmafia have tested quite a few USB cables . Now I know that they say that they shouldn't make a difference but IMHO ( and others ) they can , and do , make a significant difference . If I were you I would try a decent USB cable first before trying anything else . I use these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FURUTECH-ADL-FORMULA-2-AUDIO-GRADE-USB-CABLE-USB-A-USB-B-1-2-METRES-/150888907238?pt=UK_Computing_Sound_Vision_Audio_Ca bles_Adapters&hash=item2321ae01e6 and they're excellent . I also use a little Hifimydiy Sabre DAC and now power it with a 12v car battery which also made an audible difference . I'm sure some of the computer experts here will be along shortly to offer their advice.

[keiths]

Hi Tony,

Unless the USB cable you are using is actually faulty (eg. loose fit in sockets, dodgy soldering etc), then I wouldn't think that it would be the cause of your 'static'. What you are suggesting regarding using your Longdog PSU is entirely feasible - indeed MartinT has just done a similar thing (though using a high-quality LiPo battery rather than a linear PSU - I'll look for his post and edit in the URL once I find it. EDITED TO ADD: MartinT's thread is here (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?29633-Battery-Power-for-Touch-and-BM2&highlight=touch+battery)) You can get a ready-made DC 'injection' cable (I have just bought one from Item audio, though I believe the same cable is available much cheaper elsewhere).

I think USB cables should meet a specific specification and am not sure that audio interconnect cable will meet that specification? It is somewhat controversial in some quarters to suggest that any data-transfer cable such as a USB lead will have any effect on sound quality, but there is no harm trying and if it sounds better to you then it is better full stop.

[Ali Tait]

Nick will comment I'm sure, but you'd need to be certain the PS can supply the required current to run both at the same time.

[keiths]

Nick will comment I'm sure, but you'd need to be certain the PS can supply the required current to run both at the same time.

Ah... didn't realise you intended to run both the touch and the DAC off the same PSU - as Ali says, check with Nick first...

[LittleTone]

Only intend runnning the DAC