USB cable does length matter

[oqvist]

Is there any recommended max length for usb cables to DAC? Is there any point in getting some hifi usb cables or is it just like with coaxial or optical?

Ask since I need to get some interference on my Valab when to close to my monitor I do suspect is the main villain.

 

[iriverdude]

Quote:

Is there any recommended max length for usb cables to DAC?

I'd use no more than 10M length.

Quote:

Is there any point in getting some hifi usb cables

Only if you want to be conned.

 

[gadgetman]

I think the max within spec is 5m. If you want to fight the spec, make sure you get a premium cable. You can also use hubs as 'boosters' to reach longer spots (ugly, yeah, and you need power midway too).

 

[moogoob]

Only time I ever had a problem with USB wasn't an audio application, but a huge run to a vinyl plotter- eventually we just stuck a computer closer to it and put it on the network as a network printer.

 

[TheMarchingMule]

Yes, length does matter, because after awhile the subpar 0's and 1's will get tired and pull off to the side of the data stream to let the faster, more superior 0's and 1's reach their destination on time.

 

[krmathis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oqvist /img/forum/go_quote.gif Is there any recommended max length for usb cables to DAC?

The specifications seems to imply 5 meters for full speed devices, and 3 meters for low speed devices.
USB.org - FAQ: Cables, Connectors, and Networking
Quote:

Is there any point in getting some hifi usb cables or is it just like with coaxial or optical?

Just like with coaxial and optical I think. Where the cable make an audible difference to some, while not to others.

 

[boomy3555]

I think that across the street and down the block at Gary's house may be too far but other than that probably negligible to the common audiophile.

 

[Alpha 1 Omega]

i was told 25 feet was the limit with out a booster ??

 

[Brighten]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpha 1 Omega /img/forum/go_quote.gif i was told 25 was the limit with out a booster ??

Meters?

 

[gadgetman]

Goodness, please don't spew out your OPINIONS about some well defined spec.

 

[Myren]

You can get "Actively boosted" usb cables that have a bus powered one-port hub built in to re-transmit the signal (no mid-run power needed). For long runs, I alternate between 16' passive and 16' actively boosted cables. USB spec's a maximum of 5 hubs in any system; I've never tried more than two boosters, and remember that you may need a hub at the end.

Particularly with USB sound cards, something at the end needs a good power source. Either the sound card needs to have its own power supply, or you need to use a powered usb hub to give the sound card decently regulated sound. A bus powered usb sound card is going to sound awful after its power has just traveled 50'; the powered hub will give it a decently regulated supply to work with.

 

[emelius]

obviously, other lengths will work...

but i think G. Rankin covered this over at the Asylum...

iirc, he said 2m or under is optimal...