High quality USB Cable for DAC connection? - Page 2

The difference is not large but it does exist if you have  expensive equipment, have a practised ear and listen carefully. For most of us, the cost of an audiophile USB cable will not be worthwhile and therefore we consider them to be "overpriced."

Read the second part of this article (about USB cables) for an example:

http://www.bisaudio.com/pdf/2009-12Expression_USB.pdf

Quote:

Originally Posted by HamilcarBarca 

 

While they don't provide any audible benefit, I prefer sturdy cables and am willing to pay a small premium for build quality. When a USB cable is marketed as "audiophile", the English translation is "overpriced."

That's the thing, however some 'audiophile' cables go far beyond 'sturdy' and are actually more of 'overbuilt.' I've seen some USB and HDMI cables that are heavier (and less flexible) than cheap power cables (ie, the ones that we're likely to use on our computers), but instead of plain black they come with really nice tech flex. They might be nice and inspire confidence, especially if you can get them cheap, but a problem with overbuilt cables is they can actually over power - physically - the equipment they're attached to, which is more likely to happen with small, desktop form factor equipment.

If using a non-USB-bus-powered set-up, a cable that disconnects the 5V lines is worth considering as it will remove interference caused by them.

Unless you get into measuring errors (like a Sony amp used to) I can't see the point.

Of course there is the possibility of errors, poor connections, etc, but there are more inherent issues with computer designs (i.e. what lies in the chassis) than what a cable can fix.

If you’re concerned about improving your audio by a minor percentage, why not ditch a comms standard and get a card with an optical output which will provide a non-earthed signal to your super DAC with its power conditioner and faraday cage.