[audiobomber]

I'm not sure if this is the best thread for this, but recently I've been having occasional issues with popping and digital noise in my setup. My setup is PC (motherboard USB hub) > Forza AudioWorks Copper Series Twin USB 2m cable > Schiit Modi Multibit 2 > FAW Claire 0.5m interconnects > Schiit Magni Piety > FAW Noir Hybrid cable > ZMF Atticus. I've noticed that if I'm experiencing noise I can sometimes get it to go away by positioning the USB cable differently (but keeping it in the same USB port). Also, sometimes when there's no noise I can make the popping noises happen by moving the USB cable around. Is this likely a grounding issue with the cable?

In a few weeks I'll be able to try my Oyaide Class B cable with my setup, but unfortunately I don't have it or any other USB data cable with me right now to test. If it is a cable issue, are there any other USB A to USB C cables in the ~$100 range I should be looking at? Would I be best off going back to my ugly green Oyaide Class B?

The first thing I would do is replace the USB cable, because it sounds like it may be making poor contact. Or maybe the adapter is making poor contact. Did Schiit not provide a suitable USB cable with the Modi?

 

[dbull12]

The first thing I would do is replace the USB cable, because it sounds like it may be making poor contact. Did Schiit not provide a suitable USB cable with the Modi?

Nope, they don't include a USB cable. I'll test out my Oyaide cable though once I have it with me in a few weeks!

 

[audiobomber]

Nope, they don't include a USB cable. I'll test out my Oyaide cable though once I have it with me in a few weeks!

Sorry, I edited my post just as you were posting. The USB adapter may be causing the problem, do you have another to try?
You don't have a USB A to C cable for a phone, or know anyone who could lend you one? It doesn't have to sound great, just establish whether contact is the problem.

 

[dbull12]

Sorry, I edited my post just as you were posting. The USB adapter may be causing the problem, do you have another to try?
You don't have a USB A to C cable for a phone, or know anyone who could lend you one? It doesn't have to sound great, just establish whether contact is the problem.

I actually don't use an adapter. My Forza AudioWorks cable is a USB A to C cable, and so is the Oyaide Class B cable that I have. It's just too bad that they don't offer the Class A in USB A to C since that cable seems to get a lot of praise in this thread.

 

[TheR0v3r]

Some thoughts on USB
A short recap, yesterday I had the opportunity to audition two of my own cables, Neotech NEUB-1020 and Oyaide Neo d+ Class B, against a Shunyata Omega USB. The system used was a loudspeaker system with a digital front-end based on an Anitpodes K50 and MSB Reference running USB thru the Pro USB interface. So even if it’s not TOTL was a pretty, pretty good digital front-end

Despite the level of the electronics used the different USB cables had a substantial impact on the sound quality: Shunyata Omega sounded clearly better than my own cables. The USB cables had a much larger impact on SQ than for example the different XLR cables I’ve tried. Those tend to sound different rather than better. And this despite all the USB ”optimaztion” (reclocking, noise etc) done in that setup. My conclusion is that the USB interface is HIGHLY cable sensitive.

Any thoughts?

 

[Dankeschön]

Some thoughts on USB
A short recap, yesterday I had the opportunity to audition two of my own cables, Neotech NEUB-1020 and Oyaide Neo d+ Class B, against a Shunyata Omega USB. The system used was a loudspeaker system with a digital front-end based on an Anitpodes K50 and MSB Reference running USB thru the Pro USB interface. So even if it’s not TOTL was a pretty, pretty good digital front-end

Despite the level of the electronics used the different USB cables had a substantial impact on the sound quality: Shunyata Omega sounded clearly better than my own cables. The USB cables had a much larger impact on SQ than for example the different XLR cables I’ve tried. Those tend to sound different rather than better. And this despite all the USB ”optimaztion” (reclocking, noise etc) done in that setup. My conclusion is that the USB interface is HIGHLY cable sensitive.

Any thoughts?

All about rejecting from Noise and high speed is my theory. High speed is the capacity, induction etc.

Many HiFi usb is also shielding or separating the 5v cable....

 

[TheR0v3r]

All about rejecting from Noise and high speed is my theory. High speed is the capacity, induction etc.

Many HiFi usb is also shielding or separating the 5v cable....

Are you talking about the system as a whole, the USB cable specifically or both?

 

[37mil]

Another vote for the Neotech 1020. I had been using it for 5 years before switching to the original Shunyata Venom which was on sale due to discontinuation. I paid around $150 I think from cable co. It's an excellent cable if you can still get your hands on a pair but takes absolutely ages to burn in probably because it's massive gauge (20awg I think). It starts off as very dark and bass heavy but that gives way to a sound signature with a slight aura around the midrange - everything seems to glow if you know what I mean. The Neotech by comparison is very lean but just as quick and detailed - I would say slightly too lean compared to the venom.

I guess Shunyata discontinued it because of the very low entry price and high performance. It had vtx silver plated heavy gauge conductors with separated power in a thick cable. They are charging almost $2000 for a similar cable now with cheaper and more expensive price points in the range. You can tell how the original venom did not fit in any way with this product line up.

 

[Dankeschön]

Are you talking about the system as a whole, the USB cable specifically or both?

I'm talking about especially USB cables, they are special digital cables because USB don't have error correction I have heard...

Optical ToSlink is special also because it's less affected by Noice to a minimum, since it's light and so is galvanically isolatet.
The drawback is that it's only useful for Cd quality and Dolby digital 5.1 lossy.

 

[audiobomber]

Optical ToSlink is special also because it's less affected by Noice to a minimum, since it's light and so is galvanically isolatet.
The drawback is that it's only useful for Cd quality and Dolby digital 5.1 lossy.

Toslink has higher jitter values than any other transmission method.

 

[Tubewin]

Another vote for the Neotech 1020. I had been using it for 5 years before switching to the original Shunyata Venom which was on sale due to discontinuation. I paid around $150 I think from cable co. It's an excellent cable if you can still get your hands on a pair but takes absolutely ages to burn in probably because it's massive gauge (20awg I think). It starts off as very dark and bass heavy but that gives way to a sound signature with a slight aura around the midrange - everything seems to glow if you know what I mean. The Neotech by comparison is very lean but just as quick and detailed - I would say slightly too lean compared to the venom.

I guess Shunyata discontinued it because of the very low entry price and high performance. It had vtx silver plated heavy gauge conductors with separated power in a thick cable. They are charging almost $2000 for a similar cable now with cheaper and more expensive price points in the range. You can tell how the original venom did not fit in any way with this product line up.

It sounds like you might have preferred the cheaper 3020 copper cable over the 1020. It is very very similar to the 1020, but the 3020 edges out the silver cable in the mid range. I have both, and it's what I prefer currently.

 

[37mil]

The venom is significantly fuller, literally the volume is louder. With the Neotech you can try to turn up the volume to level match but it is still much thinner, like the density isn't there. Still a very enjoyable cable though and not expensive. I use neotech diy signal cables throughout except for speaker cables. I just kinda of fell in love with the venom because of the vocals which are like "there in the room with you" quality.

 

[Tubewin]

The venom is significantly fuller, literally the volume is louder. With the Neotech you can try to turn up the volume to level match but it is still much thinner, like the density isn't there. Still a very enjoyable cable though and not expensive. I use neotech diy signal cables throughout except for speaker cables. I just kinda of fell in love with the venom because of the vocals which are like "there in the room with you" quality.

I wouldn't call the 3020 thin but I haven't heard the venom either. But if you found the 1020 thin, you might be right and not like the 3020.

 

[37mil]

I wouldn't call the 3020 thin but I haven't heard the venom either. But if you found the 1020 thin, you might be right and not like the 3020.

I think it's a bit harsh to call them thin which is why I used 'lean' before but there's definitely a bit of weight that's missing when compared to the venom. For example, piano strokes sound like they've got more weight behind them, gives it a more dynamic feel and more range. Best thing about both cables is that you can listen for hours with no fatigue which I found was a problem with generic cables.

 

[Jake2]

I’ll take the liberty of linking here to @Roasty ‘s terrific 4 way comparison over on the high-end cables thread of the Network Acoustics Muon 2 to three other USB cables. The comparatively modestly priced Triode Wire Labs Passion is one of them and fares very well in some exotic company.

EDIT - meant USB not Ethernet. Corrected.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/hig...tal-analog-power.937916/page-50#post-17795656

I've had the Muon2 usb for several weeks now. Rob @ Network Acoustics sent out the cable and it took only 3 days to reach SG from the UK. As with all NA gear, it came in a well padded box and there is a soft suede pouch. the cable itself is built very well; really like the solid feel of the connectors on both ends, the split cable makes it seem quite pro, and the standard 1.5m length is generous.

I have a few other usb cables in my house right now, namely the Triode Wire Labs Passion, Mad Scientist Black Magic Ultra, and the Pink Faun Interlink. I also had the Tellurium Q Silver Diamond, but it went to a new owner not long ago. I think I've had my fair share of experience with usb cables. other cables I've owned are mentioned in the last ranking list at the bottom. the other cables I owned were not particularly bad, but the ones I have now seem the best all rounders and suit my listening preferences. unfortunately, I have not tried any JCAT or Intona cables, and also not tried the FTA Sinope or Sablon Evo.. but for the purposes of this post, I'll stick to just the ones that I currently have on hand. Will preface by saying these cables are all top notch. Comments and comparisons are made for the sake of ranking (and whoever cares to read this long post), but however, in reality, the differences in sound are small. and of course, i am also susceptible to all the assumptions and biases plaguing non blinded tests.




I let the Muon2 usb run in for 2 weeks before taking down any notes. I had it in one of two configs, ie between the Innuos Pulsar and Meitner MA3, and between the Innuos Phoenix reclocker and Meitner MA3 (Pulsar as streamer). On day 1 when I first had a listen and thereafter till now, I wasn't sure if there was any breaking in effect; tbh it seems like it sounded identical on day 1 as it does right now. so much so I actually msged Rob to ask if this was the case with his Muon2, to which he replied along the lines of I'd have been good to go from day 1.

I guess in that sense, if you end up trying the Muon2, there's a high likelihood your first impressions of the cable will determine whether it's to your liking or not. OTOH, Rob also mentioned some users reporting fluctuations up to 4-500 hrs, but I honestly don't have that patience, and I think I'd really rather just stop analysing the cable and enjoy the music after the first few days.




I'll move on to comparisons and I'll rank the 4 cables I have on a few parameters. as the usual disclaimer, I'm a cable believer, but also aware I'm subject to all the usual and known biases out there. the differences in sound are small but I feel enough to make a note of.

Details and Speed

1. Muon2
2. TWL Passion
3. Pink Faun Interlink
4. MS BM Ultra

The Muon2 is a detail monster. It's not bright or shrill, it doesn't create things that are not there, and it doesn't let u hear things u never heard before. but what it does do is it makes everything already there super easy to hear and pick out. The Muon2 seems like it has fine edge control to music. very sharp distinct leading edges, very fast transients. The TWL Passion seems the most neutral in terms of detail; nothing jumps out and nothing seems lost. Pink Faun takes a slightly laid back approach, and the BM Ultra another notch down; the finer softer details are still there but they're not as immediately apparent as the Muon2.

I grouped both Detail and Speed together as I feel they're both related and how one aspect is played out also determines the other. my rankings for the cable are the same for both. the Muon2 overall seems the "fastest".

Staging, Height and Width

1. Pink Faun Interlink
2. Muon2
3. BM MS Ultra
4. TWL Passion

The PF cable sounds the widest to me, with musical elements thrown the farthest out left and right. it was a toss up for perception of height but I think the PF edges out the Muon2. Of the 4, the Muon2 and BM Ultra seem the most natural in terms of staging width; I don't really like it when things seem thrown too far out to the point it seems unrealistic or artificial.

Imaging, 3d Placement, Front back depth

1. Muon2
2. TWL Passion
3. Pink Faun Interlink
4. BM MS Ultra

The Muon2 places stuff really well out front and both to the right and left. it is really very believable that you're there in the music, and can picture exactly where the musicians are on the stage in front of you. With the Utopia 22, the layering and depth is even more apparent. Love the 3d feel with the Muon2; it is much less left right blobs and more directional/diagonal and natural sounding.

The TWL Passion comes a close second; slightly less front back depth, but side/side and diagonal placement is on par. PF Interlink is good, and the BM MS Ultra is the most "flat" of the 4.

Airiness, Space

1. Muon2
2. TWL Passion
3. Pink Faun Interlink
4. BM MS Ultra

in tandem with the detail it offers, the Muon2 sounds the airiest and clearest up top, with the most space and black background in between the elements of the song. the clarity it offers is like an open window. Both PF Interlink and BM MS Ultra are slightly more analog/organic sounding, with a hint of blur at the edges.

Decay

1. BM MS Ultra
2. Pink Faun Interlink
3. TWL Passion
4. Muon2

probably related to speed, which is reflected in my ranking; the exact reverse. notes seem to linger on slightly longer with the BM MS Ultra. The PF Interlink and TWL Passion have the most natural decay imo, whereas the Muon2 sometimes seems like it wants to cut short the chase and move on.

Mids, Lush, Roundness

1. Pink Faun Interlink
2. TWL Passion/Muon2
3. BM MS Ultra

It's hard to beat the naturalness and luscious sound of the PF Interlink mids. it is my main cable between sotm and rockna wavelight and it's lovely mids also translate into the innuos/MA3 combo. Full bodied at all times without sounding overly thick/bloated. I couldn't decide between the TWL Passion and Muon2; both sound "correct". comparatively, the BM MS has a bit of thickness and indistinctness in the mids with some midbass bloat and bleed both up and down the FR.

Forwardness of the Mids/Aggressiveness

1. Muon2
2. TWL Passion
3. BM MS Ultra
4. Pink Faun Interlink

Muon2 has the most presence in this regard. Vocals take center stage and it is a strong central image. Very focused sounding, very clear, lip smacking sounds. The TWL Passion sounds just about right in the placement of the mids. PF Interlink mids are slightly drawn back and sounds the least aggressive.

Bass Amount

1. BM MS Ultra
2. Pink Faun Interlink
3. TWL Passion
4. Muon2

BM MS Ultra delivers the most bass of the 4. It is occasionally boomy, and does have some bass bleed into the lower mids. PF Interlink bass sounds like a very right amount, TWL could do with just a tad more, and Muon2 has the lightest bass of the 4.

Bass Punchiness

1. Muon2
2. BM MS Ultra
3. TWL Passion
4. Pink Faun Interlink

despite having the least amount of low end, the Muon2 has a heck of an eardrum kick. there is a generous amount of slam and immediacy to the low notes. On some songs, i had to dial back the knob a bit just to reduce the impact. BM MS Ultra also delivers a generous amount of punch. the focused pressure at the eardrums is comparatively less with the TWL Passion and PF Interlink.

Bass Detail/Textures

1. Muon2
2. TWL Passion
3. Pink Faun Interlink
4. BM MS Ultra

The low level detail on the Muon2 is very very good. I surmise due to its lesser amount of bass, and it's detailed nature, the breathiness of bass notes and the textures of drum sounds become more apparent. BM MS Ultra low end is generally enjoyable due to the amount it delivers, but it misses out on delivering some information/details. bass head listening comes to mind, and the most discerning of listeners may be left wanting.

Warmth

1. Pink Faun Interlink
2. BM MS Ultra
3. TWL Passion
4. Muon2

PF Interlink and BM MS Ultra are definitely warmer sounding than the other two. TWL Passion is probably the most neutral in terms of warmth. the Muon2 borders slightly on analytical due to its overall sound characteristics. thankfully, that does not translate to fatiguing. in fact I did not find any of these cables fatiguing (unlike the Atlas Audio Mavros, Phasure Lush^2 and WireWorld Platinum Starlight).

Build Quality

1. Muon2
2. Pink Faun Interlink
3. TWL Passion
4. MS BM Ultra

The Muon2 USB connectors are beautiful and solid with a nice heft/weight. The cable is extremely easy to route and twist/turn, however, not a big fan of the separated cabling (three separate cords running the length of the cable). I do prefer the look of the braided cord of the PF Interlink, but do note the chunks of housing at the ends of the cables can be cumbersome especially when the used ports on the devices are close to each other. Also, on one of my PF USB cables, on the A side, the metal portion is slightly bent in relation to the chunky housing. TWL Passion is a nice flexible cable but the sheathing/covering at both the USB A and B sides can get loose and slide both ways along the cable. Mad Scientist Black Magic is the stiffest of the 4 cables and can be a bit hard to bend and route in tight places, in part also due to the very stiff sheathed portion near the ends. It’s also hard to “flip” the cable the right side up to slot into the USB ports especially after routing the cable.



Note on Muon2 Usage with Innuos Phoenix USB

Half of my listening so far was done with USB cable in between Pulsar and MA3 dac, and the other half with the Innuos Phoenix USB reclocker in between. I did note some difference with the Muon2 usb placement. I much preferred the Muon2 cable between the streamer and reclocker, rather than from reclocker to dac. If the Muon2 was placed between reclocker and dac, i ended up with a rather thin and soft sound overall. I’m not sure why this is so. At present, my current configuration is Pulsar -> Muon 2 -> Phoenix -> TWL Passion -> MA3.

Music Preferences

For vocals, jazz, acoustics, I'd go with Muon2 and TWL Passion. Rock and metal, I'd choose TWL Passion. For pop, mainstream, Pink Faun Interlink.

Muon2 is great for vocals and jazz. female singers sound like they're next to me in the room. the transducers seem to disappear leaving just the empty background/room and the music. have had many long nights just listening to my favourite albums in these genres. TWL Passion has an uncanny knack for sounding really dynamic and I find it perfect for rock and metal. and lastly I find the Pink Faun suits pop, electronic, mainstream quite well, mainly for it's low end and pleasant top range.

Closing Comments

So where does this leave me? they're all very nice cables, each with their strengths and weaknesses. without a doubt, the most bang for buck in my opinion is the Triode Wire Labs Passion USB cable. Pete is a pleasure to deal with and his products are priced very competitively. the Passion USB isn't as highly priced as a lot of the other options out there, but delivers very well and is overall an enjoyable reference cable.

The Pink Faun Interlink USB is a very organic sounding cable, free of any digitus whatsoever, with a superb mid range, agreeable high frequencies and enjoyable bass. despite it's girth, the PF usb is very soft and easy to route. the only physical issue I have with it is the large white cylinder housing at the USB A side which may be tricky to squeeze into tight spots.

Mad Scientist Black Magic Ultra USB is a fun easy going cable with lots of low end. I'd take this if bass/low end was my main priority.

Muon2 delivers a whole lot of detail. I think of the 4 cables above, it is the most transparent and revealing. probably the least coloured too. seems like it just doesn't get in the way between the streamer and the dac. gun to head if I could only choose one, and if money was also not an issue, I'd go with the Muon2, even though I do think it could do with a bit more low end. in any case, if I did want to get a sound more in line with my preferences, i would find it easier to start with a detailed and transparent cable like the Muon2 and dial in a low end shelf to get more bass. I think it is much harder to adjust upper mid and high frequencies to get more details, for example if I wanted to with the MS BM Ultra, and I think I would end up doing more harm than good.

Overall Ranking

1. Muon2
2. TWL Passion
3. Pink Faun Interlink
4. FTA Callisto
5. Sablon 2020
6. Mad Scientist Black Magic Ultra
7. Tellurium Q Silver Diamond
8. Mad Scientist Black Magic non Ultra
9. Phasure Lush^3
10. Phasure Lush^2
11. WireWorld Platinum Starlight 7
12. Atlas Mavros
13. AQ Carbon

Take from this post what you will. Just my thoughts and 2 cents. Non cable believers feel free to ignore and carry on with your lives.