Don't mean to complicate your shootout process but I've been using Acoustic Revive USB cables for several months now and cannot say enough good things about them. They have 2 models both of which go to pretty extensive lengths to separate power and signal, the SP version has 2 USB connectors at the output side. Anyway, if you can add them to your shootout it would be interesting. I also think very highly of the Nordost Blue Heaven USB which sounds dramatically different than the Acoustic Revive but still very very good. Thanks for posting the thread, look forward to your findings.
The data is digital. But the DAC which converts them to analog needs one more thing: timing. Without it doesn't know at what rate it should send out the samples. The timing unfortunately is conveyed using the waveform shape which is analog in nature and hence subject to variability. Here is an article I wrote for Widescreen Review which explains this in more detail: http://www.madronadigital.com/Library/DigitalAudioJitter.html
When used for computer data the final target is just the bits and so timing variations do not matter (up to the failure point).
It is digital all the way to your computer so its timing matters not. It only matters at the point you try to convert it to analog. And that does not happen in the rest of the chain upstream.
Amir's point is a generalised point about digital audio & jitter but it doesn't set out to explain:
- how a USB cable causes jitter
- how a USB cable that connects a USB to SPDIF converter (signal still digital) might effect the final audio signal
I have the same questions.
If you're using a USB cable between components, the signal is STILL digital in the USB cable. The signal doesn't get converted to analog until it is well inside the circuitry of the component.
I have the same questions.
If you're using a USB cable between components, the signal is STILL digital in the USB cable. The signal doesn't get converted to analog until it is well inside the circuitry of the component.
I have the same questions.
If you're using a USB cable between components, the signal is STILL digital in the USB cable. The signal doesn't get converted to analog until it is well inside the circuitry of the component.
Exact same conditions exist for S/PDIF. You do believe in jitter existing there. Yes?I have the same questions.
If you're using a USB cable between components, the signal is STILL digital in the USB cable. The signal doesn't get converted to analog until it is well inside the circuitry of the component.
Don't mean to complicate your shootout process but I've been using Acoustic Revive USB cables for several months now and cannot say enough good things about them. They have 2 models both of which go to pretty extensive lengths to separate power and signal, the SP version has 2 USB connectors at the output side. Anyway, if you can add them to your shootout it would be interesting. I also think very highly of the Nordost Blue Heaven USB which sounds dramatically different than the Acoustic Revive but still very very good. Thanks for posting the thread, look forward to your findings.
I use the Acoustic Revive USB as well. Since my system is mostly comprised of Wireworld Platinum cables, I tried the Platinum USB cable against the Revive....but back went the Wireworld to The Cable Co. So far nothing has knocked it from its perch.
I use the Acoustic Revive USB as well. Since my system is mostly comprised of Wireworld Platinum cables, I tried the Platinum USB cable against the Revive....but back went the Wireworld to The Cable Co. So far nothing has knocked it from its perch.
I see, so if USB cables is "analog" in nature when playing digital music, then should I be using the device, IFI Ipurifier 2 in the chain ? It says it could do noises cancelling, reclocking and rebalances.
After listening and A/B for a good bit, the Ipurifier helps with the stock USB cables and negatively affecting my upgraded USB cables.
Purifier 2 is acting like a colorful device in the chain where it boost the bass and slightly veiled up the very fine and micro details in the trebles and sub-bass. This feature allow it to bring improvements to stock USB cables. However, upgraded USB cables brought the whole improvement a cross the board, and clearly is showing the coloration and negative impact the ipurifier 2 introduce.
Therefore, my conclusion is that a well built USB cables from a good source is ways better than in comparison.
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