[Music Alchemist]

  You expect them to be any better? If so, in what way, exactly?

 
Read the countless impressions from those who use them. Also, follow the posting guidelines:
 

please avoid trashing equipment you haven't used

 

[StanD]

   
Read the countless impressions from those who use them. Also, follow the posting guidelines:
 

In my case, I'm an EE and fully understand the topic and know the difference between engineering and myth,

 

[Joe Bloggs]

 
You expect them to be any better? If so, in what way, exactly?

Read the countless impressions from those who use them. Also, follow the posting guidelines:

please avoid trashing equipment you haven't used

I'll put this as politely as the situation would allow:

Since the poster is querying the utility of said expensive cables as part of the decision process for buying said cables, an answer that you must own said cables in order to question them is not a satisfactory answer...

Especially when the price tag escalates to the point that buying said product becomes an excercise in buyer "self-selection" in terms of buyers' product feedback (if you know what I mean--I dare not elaborate).

At this point it should be noted that the USB standard probably wasn't drafted with a mind to requiring cables costing hundreds of dollars per piece for compliance to signalling requirements. In this respect, bigger pricetag, fatter conductors, exotic materials, intimidating-looking sheathing--none of these things guarantee a better chance at standards compliance--whereas an officially certified USB cable is guaranteed to already be standard compliant.

The day when a >100USD fat silver USB cable passes official USB standard testing is the day when I might consider batting an eye at one.

What? Manufacturer spent millions researching this new cable structure and material? Surely they have at least a certificate to show for it?

 

[Music Alchemist]

My take on the issue is:
 

1. Only those who have heard a product should make claims about how it sounds.
    
2. Assumptions, speculation, theory, and demands for proof (via measurements, controlled listening tests, or otherwise) belong in Sound Science—not in the other sections, where people go to read impressions from actual users.
    
3. Claiming that all USB cables sound the same is tantamount to saying the countless audiophiles who have reported otherwise are witless hearing-impaired liars. Nice.
    
4. I make no claims either way. I just think everyone should avoid jumping to conclusions.

 

[Joe Bloggs]

Well then John2e posted his question in the wrong forum, is all I have to say.

 

[Music Alchemist]

Well then John2e posted his question in the wrong forum, is all I have to say.

 
He posted in the right section, as he was looking for impressions:
 

  Has anyone experience any sonic benefit from a better quality USB cable?

 

[John2e]

Well then John2e posted his question in the wrong forum, is all I have to say.

its also being discussed here
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/820803/long-time-member-need-some-help-getting-started-in-computer-audio
 

 

    

 
This topic has people who are convinced they are correct on each side. I am still keeping an open mind and will ultimately have to try and decide for myself rather than seek a clear consensus.
 
Respectfully
 
John 

 

[Joe Bloggs]

its also being discussed here

http://www.head-fi.org/t/820803/long-time-member-need-some-help-getting-started-in-computer-audio

:basshead:  :eek:     :atsmile:

This topic has people who are convinced they are correct on each side. I am still keeping an open mind.

Still the wrong forum according to the rules--

According to the rules, we can only speak freely if you post in this subforum
http://www.head-fi.org/f/133/sound-science

Otherwise, you know, science talk need not apply. There's no reverse rule against subjective impressions in this forum, so this forum is the freest forum of discussion in the strictest sense of the word.

 

[Music Alchemist]

@John2e
 
If you'd like to try various cables out for yourself, you can borrow them from thecableco.com for a small fee and have it put toward any future purchases.

 

[Joe Bloggs]

Rather than belaboring the point as to whether cables make a difference or not, let me just say that I believe other factors dominate over cable or even DAC/amp selection.

--so, impressions talk it is here?

I have a wealthy audiophile friend, so actually I do get to use fancy cables and DACs and amps should the fancy take over me. I suppose I have at some point borrowed some megabuck cable of his at his place to connect my setups. I can't say I've ever noticed a difference that such a cable made on my setups when I was tuning them. Turning on/off corrective EQ tuning and/or HRTF processing always makes a night and day difference.

...and I know that cables make "a night and day difference" for most folks here too--let's just say, you try my soundstage DSP mod and then come back and let's talk about what a night and day difference consists of?

 

[John2e]

  @John2e
 
If you'd like to try various cables out for yourself, you can borrow them from thecableco.com for a small fee and have it put toward any future purchases.

Thanks did not know they were still around about 20 years ago they sent me a bunch of interconnectors and I noticed some audible differences between them. Since then I have always purchased quality cables.  I just purchased a decent USB from amazon AudioQuest and they have a full return policy.  I will PM you with the results..
 
Thanks

 

[John2e]

Rather than belaboring the point as to whether cables make a difference or not, let me just say that I believe other factors dominate over cable or even DAC/amp selection.

--so, impressions talk it is here?

I have a wealthy audiophile friend, so actually I do get to use fancy cables and DACs and amps should the fancy take over me. I suppose I have at some point borrowed some megabuck cable of his at his place to connect my setups. I can't say I've ever noticed a difference that such a cable made on my setups when I was tuning them. Turning on/off corrective EQ tuning and/or HRTF processing always makes a night and day difference.

...and I know that cables make "a night and day difference" for most folks here too--let's just say, you try my soundstage DSP mod and then come back and let's talk about what a night and day difference consists of?

very interesting stuff Joe I will certainly read it thoroughly 
 
Thanks

 

[StanD]

  My take on the issue is:
 

1. Only those who have heard a product should make claims about how it sounds.
    
2. Assumptions, speculation, theory, and demands for proof (via measurements, controlled listening tests, or otherwise) belong in Sound Science—not in the other sections, where people go to read impressions from actual users.
    
3. Claiming that all USB cables sound the same is tantamount to saying the countless audiophiles who have reported otherwise are witless hearing-impaired liars. Nice.
    
4. I make no claims either way. I just think everyone should avoid jumping to conclusions.

All I say this is very basic engineering, the same engineering that makes it possible for everyone to buy the kit to enjoy listening to music. Basically I'll paraphrase Joe, if it's compliant, you're good to go.
I work on Wall Street, writing software. I have friends that more money than they need and buy the most expensive stuff without a second thought. Perhaps I should have become a Financials guy.
I've brought over Amazon Basics USB cables to some of my buddies to compare with their mega buck USB cables to attach t their megabuck DACs and they couldn't tell the difference, nor could I. I wish I could adequately describe the looks on their faces.  I'll leave other cable comparisons out of this discussion.

 

[Music Alchemist]

Rather than belaboring the point as to whether cables make a difference or not, let me just say that I believe other factors dominate over cable or even DAC/amp selection.

--so, impressions talk it is here?

I have a wealthy audiophile friend, so actually I do get to use fancy cables and DACs and amps should the fancy take over me. I suppose I have at some point borrowed some megabuck cable of his at his place to connect my setups. I can't say I've ever noticed a difference that such a cable made on my setups when I was tuning them. Turning on/off corrective EQ tuning and/or HRTF processing always makes a night and day difference.

...and I know that cables make "a night and day difference" for most folks here too--let's just say, you try my soundstage DSP mod and then come back and let's talk about what a night and day difference consists of?

  All I say this is very basic engineering, the same engineering that makes it possible for everyone to buy the kit to enjoy listening to music. Basically I'll paraphrase Joe, if it's compliant, you're good to go.
I work on Wall Street, writing software. I have friends that more money than they need and buy the most expensive stuff without a second thought. Perhaps I should have become a Financials guy.
I've brought over Amazon Basics USB cables to some of my buddies to compare with their mega buck USB cables to attach t their megabuck DACs and they couldn't tell the difference, nor could I. I wish I could adequately describe the looks on their faces.  I'll leave other cable comparisons out of this discussion.

 
See, I totally accept that: listening to it and not hearing a difference. My only issue is jumping to conclusions and applying that to everyone else.

 

[raxx]

   
See, I totally accept that: listening to it and not hearing a difference. My only issue is jumping to conclusions and applying that to everyone else.

I am 100% convinced that people who spend hundreds of dollars on usb and power cables *think* there is a difference in sound quality because you know the cables cost more, and therefore there has to be a difference in sound ( in your mind ) because otherwise you will have to accept the reality that you got ripped off.