USB Audio Cable
It’s the future my friends!
USB interface with computers in going to be the most viable solution to Audiophile PC’s.
Windows in particular can stream data without using the dreaded Kmixer via USB to an i2C device. This is a very good solution to quality audio. From there on the sky’s the limit. You can convert to SPDIF (optical or coaxial) or directly to an onboard DA. The Scott Nixon usbtd is a prime example of one with exceptional quality for the price.
Right now there are basically no quality USB cables to choose from. Monster has a short line of premium and ultra premium USB cables that boast very high bandwidth (500mb/sec) and are nicely made.
I haven’t dissected a USB cable yet but I was planning on it and seeing what’s it’s made of and then substitute with longer length wire rated for very high bandwidth (RJ45, CAT5e or CAT6) or maybe some type of silver conductors.
USB cables appear to never be any longer then 16’. This is because the standard spec for length says this is as long as you can go without loosing attenuation. Most USB devices use the 5 volts carried by the wire. Audiophile devices (like the Nixon) only need the 5V (or less) to make a chip identification for Windows otherwise they are self powered. So longer runs with wire capable of high bandwidth wouldn’t be a problem.
I bought a nice quality USB Active Extension in a 16 foot length.
http://www.usbcable.com/cat24.htm. I also ordered a 15 foot USB cable AND a 10 foot extension (non-buffered).
I’ve been using the 16’ buffered cable and a 15’ cable together and it works fine. However, I’m also using the same 15’ cable and the 10’ extension and it too works fine! So some relatively cheap USB wires connected together at 25’ is obviously not an issue with the Nixon device I’m using (although 25’ is a little to short for me) . I also used it with an M-Audio USB Sonica device and it too was fine.
I haven’t done a serious A/B comparison but I will. Scott Nixon told me he made a custom UBS cable for his shop and said 25’ length worked for him too.
So, anyone make Audiophile USB cables?
