Should I try premium USB cable instead of generic one to properly compare I2S thru DDC vs USB?
Holo Audio Cyan 2 DAC
- Thread starter JerseyD
- Start date
lauthoerer
100+ Head-Fier
This uses basically a HDMI cable right? Anyone have any recommendations? (I seem to remember that you don’t need to spend that much money on those as compared to RCA or XLR, but might be wrong)
Well, that is something you should try and decide for yourself. For some people certain premium USB cables bring some improvement, others will say don't bother. If you ask me personally the Excalibur improved clarity a little bit in my system when I bought it a few years ago, but I have no intention opening a debate with my post.
dericchan1
100+ Head-Fier
Agreed one should try it for themselves.
I have 2 Supra Excalibur usb cables going to the intona to the cyan 2 initially, then swapped out the Supra Excalibur cables with the $20 startech usb 3.0 certified cables (still with the intona), no difference.
Finally decided to take out the intona and ended up just using a single startech usb 3.0 cable, no difference.
Swapped again back to the Supra Excalibur with intona.
After a few months of trial, my conclusion was there’s zero differences in my system to my ears for the Cyan 2.
The intona, Supra usb setup did improve my ifi pro idsd dac that also has built in galvanic isolation. Zero impact on the Cyan 2
I got Blue Jeans Cable. Many people recommended it as reasonably priced solution. It somehow sounds better then HDMI 8k certified Direkt Kabel.
Thanks Jose!Great! I enjoy your way of doing video reviews! Congrats and thank you for sharing!
lauthoerer
100+ Head-Fier
Cheers. What I’m reading sounds pretty great, sadly they don’t seem to be easily available in Europe… will keep my eyes out…
Get the entry level Supra USB cable. That's a pretty popular choice amongst Head-Fiers and even if you don't care about potential sonic improvements, it is a good investment in a durable cable that will serve you for a long time. (IMO it is better value and quality than overpriced AudioQuest cables for example. I am not a salesman this is just my experience.)
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dericchan1
100+ Head-Fier
Yes +1 on the regular Supra usb cable, i have a couple of those aa well, its affordable and up to spec. Another alternative I just recently noticed available are the intona usb 3.0 industrial cables that seems to be very well made and affordable as well
https://intona.eu/en/products/4053-x
Nice find, it just looks a bit like a shower hose.
dericchan1
100+ Head-Fier
Even that plastic industrial version of the intona looks like a cheapass plastic box, as long as it works I guessNice find, it just looks a bit like a shower hose.
lauthoerer
100+ Head-Fier
That sheathing 
Gotta say that I’m not connecting a computer but only my CD-T and Linn Hub, so unlikely that USB would see any action…
Just curious to test that I2S, so looking for an adequate HDMI cable.
Gotta say that I’m not connecting a computer but only my CD-T and Linn Hub, so unlikely that USB would see any action…
Just curious to test that I2S, so looking for an adequate HDMI cable.
Here I'm using this USB cable:
https://www.audiophonics.fr/fr/cabl...0-argent-up-occ-plaque-or-24k-1m-p-13077.html
https://www.audiophonics.fr/fr/cabl...0-argent-up-occ-plaque-or-24k-1m-p-13077.html
The best USB cable I’ve tried is the Xangsane 4N sterling silver USB cable.
They also have the 6N, but never tried it. It’s currently 50% off on AliExpress and thus slightly cheaper than the 4N.
The 4N bested both Curious USB cables (original and evolved) in my system, for 1/5 the price.
They also have the 6N, but never tried it. It’s currently 50% off on AliExpress and thus slightly cheaper than the 4N.
The 4N bested both Curious USB cables (original and evolved) in my system, for 1/5 the price.
JjB067
100+ Head-Fier
I have used a standard Amazon 4K HDMI cable to connect a source into the Cyan2 I2S input, sounded just fine to my ears.That sheathing
Gotta say that I’m not connecting a computer but only my CD-T and Linn Hub, so unlikely that USB would see any action…
Just curious to test that I2S, so looking for an adequate HDMI cable.
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