Has anyone used an optical usb cable from their computer to their dac?
It would be a great benefit to have a longer usb cable and be able to move my audio gear to a more convenient and closer location to where I sit. Cable length would be an estimated 30 feet or so, which eliminates a standard usb cable. I don't want to set things up wirelessly, as I prefer to find a cable option that doesn't require new wireless gear.
The other option is to move the pc, and get an optical hdmi cable to connect the pc to the TV. This would require running two cables, however, a longer ethernet & the hdmi. Also, the PC would be closer to where I listen so PC noise would potentially be audible with open backs, although minor.
Thoughts?
I love mine. They go on sale during Black Friday, but you might want to check 4th of July. Although, I don't need the distance. Not all go on sale, so you need to scroll through each feet length option.
I used it during COVID, but it didn't rock my world until I powered it with Pure Super Capacitors. Post-COVID when super capacitor supply chains improved I was finally able to procure Pure Super Capacitors. I never tried a Battery Pack during COVID. Because of the long distances, I'm guessing powering it from a Nuclear Power Plant (Super Capacitors) gives it continuous smooth power over long distances. Currently, supply chains have dried out for who knows how long. Maybe years, so I was lucky to procure.
The sound difference by giving it the best power supply in the world is during COVID without, it sounded like regular USB. I H8ed USB for Audio. Post-COVID, after giving it Pure Passive Power, it sounds like Toslink and now I can not only stand USB but quite enjoy that I'm considering downsizing off Toslink.
Here's some snippets from romaz (Chord Legend circa 2017) from another site when pairing with a $40,000 Source (Extreme):
That's right, Geoff. SlimRun optical + "any USB cable" I have tried sounds better than that USB cable alone with the Extreme.
Because it has decoupling abilities, it isolates the chain. I use a USB PCB not traditional USB cables which all contain RF unless isolated?
https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/taiko-audio-sgm-extreme-the-crème-de-la-crème.27433/post-631947
Cable at the bottom:
https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/taiko-audio-sgm-extreme-the-crème-de-la-crème.27433/post-631854
So in summary:
Great investment with a Passive Power Supply
Good investment if you just need distance.
Oh, before I forget I only use USB PCI-E for USB Audio:
https://www.startech.com/en-us/cards-adapters/pexusb311ac3
https://www.startech.com/en-us/search?search_term=usb pcie
But I only recommend PCI-E with the ASM3142 USB chipset (Dealbreaker).
For example, ASM3142 is used in high-end USB PCI-E:
https://jcat.eu/product/usb-card-xe/
Provantage always has good deals on Startech products:
https://www.provantage.com/service/searchsvcs?QUERY=startech+pcie&SUBMIT.x=0&SUBMIT.y=0
It's a dealbreaker. I wouldn't touch USB Audio without PCI-E.
Alternative Solution which I never tried:
https://www.adnaco.com/products/s3a/
I believe Monoprice has a 30 day return window so if it doesn't fit into your lifestyle, it may be an easy return but something I never attempted.
I don't touch anything HDMI for Audio because jitter. HDMI is such an unknown variable.
Good luck
