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Hello,While in search for my next usb cable, I came across this usbcable and powersupply on musicdirect website. I think they are very interesting.Are they any good or just snake oil? I would like to hear your thoughts about them. Thanks,Austin
Hi Austin,I'm reviewing a bunch of iFi-audio devices right now, including the two you mentioned. I just inserted the mercury cable with the iDAC today, and will compare it to another USB cable I own. Cheers,Paul
The iFi stuff is not snake oil, but performance will be system dependent. USB cables definately make a difference, so I suggest trying as many as you can. But every USB DAC and computer/server combination is different in how it responds to cable changes, so be sure to try things with the ability to return them.I am very skeptical of adding additional connections to the USB path: this is a high speed data connection, and the most loss occurs where you have a plug in connection. I like to avoid multiple plug in connections for this reason, just running a single USB cable from my server to my DAC. But, my server and DAC are pretty well optimized, with a separately powered (battery supply to separately filtered and discretely regulated rail) SOtM card, and a fully isolated USB interface in my DAC.If you are you using a standard USB output from a mother board, things like the iFi USB power might be an advantage, you have to try and see.
Paul,Will you be reviewing the purifier also?
Yes, as part of an iFi chain.