USB interconnects: Cardas Clear USB vs. Kimber Kale USB cables

Hi Syan25 , Just be aware that you're gonna get the "ones and zero's don't impact sound quality" crowd--I'm a bit surprised that they're not here already. 

 

I was surprised by the differences in USB cables. I have the Kimber and it's "Ok." I'd call it clinical. Haven't tried the Cardas. 

I don't understand how a usb cable is meant to colour sound, id go with the kimber as it's the cheapest and probley sounds no different to the more expensive cardas. I myself use a lindy premium gold usb cable and it doesn't do anything to the sound its therefore completely netrual and alot cheaper at only £16 for 0.5m.

I'm dealing with same problem, which usb cable buy, My favorit at the moment is Wireworld starlight. I read something about it on computeraudiophile, anybody have experience here?

Bina, browse Audiogon for better deals - I got this at an auction for $30+shipping (nrp was $149). very pleased with the cable, recommended - a steal!

Can't say from experience with the usbs, but I have yet to be disappointed by the high-end Cardas cable lines. (Both in terms of construction and sound).

 

That said, I just picked up a 1m Clear USB that should be here soon (though I wont have a system to test it with until I track down my amp/dac  ).

 

Dave

"What?" indeed. When it comes to digital cables I guess people hear what they want to hear.

 

I've just bought an Optical cable from Hong Kong costing one dollar. And I am going to use it whether my new DAC will cost 200 dollars or 2000 dollars.

As long a USB cables are well made there is no significant difference in sound quality between them.

 

It is just the same as with interconnect cables. The "perceived" difference is auto-suggestion.

 

You will waste a lot of money on nonsense with expensive USB cables.

 

I would definitely suggest the Blue Jeans ones. I haven't tried them but others seem to be happy with them and the cost is reasonable.

If you tried different usb cables and here no difference, that is ok, but dont force your opinion to others.

I'm not forcing my opinion on anyone.

 

I'm giving very good advice to anyone that wishes to take it.

 

The reported differences in these expensive interconnects and USB cables etc is auto-suggestion.

 

Auto-suggestion is massively powerful in hearing and of course people want to flatter themselves that they are amongst a privileged few who can hear some difference in some silly cable.

 

Well, they've been conned plain and simple.

 

If you take apart one of these expensive cables you will see that the manufacturing costs were a fraction of the asking price.

 

Remember that the manufacturers have absolutely no research and development costs.

 

The people who claim to be able to hear differences with this cables have not demonstrated this in good blind ABX tests.

 

I recommend that people spend money on honest manufacturers of sensible well made cables. Not voodoo rubbish.

 

BTW I have listened to music with a great many types of interconnect in my time. Unlike you (I suspect) I remember well before these ridiculous cables arrived, I was even taken in by them myself when they arrived (about 30 years ago).

 

It's just auto-suggestion.

 

Don't waste money on this nonsense.

I'd personally put my money on an ADUM4160 USB Isolator, this will provide your DAC w/ a cleaner signal than any "premium" cable ever will o/

 

Glass toslink sounds way better that POF, IME(and others). POF has terrible optical properties(constringence, OTF/MTF sharpness)...this distorts the signal even further, and your S/PDIF receiver will have a hard time recovering the embedded clock.

Edited by leeperry - 11/30/10 at 4:55am

I don't advise stuff I haven't heard myself...you can look up the Firestone Bravo and Tera X2 threads for more testimonials. This is a great sounding chip.