USB Cable Shootout

**Lee** · 07-15-2012, 04:15 PM

Friends,

Just got in a batch of USB cables that I will listen to and share impressions. Here is what is on tap.

**Audioquest Diamond

**Wireworld Platinum Starlight

**Wireworld Starlight

**Chord USB SilverPlus

I will be using the Mac Mini server with Decibel over USB cable into Benchmark DAC1 Pre into ARC preamp into Forte amp into Magnepan 1.7s. Still working on getting the VT-100 to Minnesota for the tube upgrade.

I will be using my own hirez recordings of classical ensembles and some HDTracks downloads. I will also use some redbook files as well as the 24 bit/44 Beatles USB files.

I'm not sure what I will find but I did notice a significant bump when I went from Belkin Gold to the AQ Diamond. The rest of the cables are on loan from a friend.

**mep** · 07-15-2012, 04:54 PM

Lee-Are you happy with the sound quality of the Beatles 24/44 Flac files?

**Lee** · 07-15-2012, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by mep

Lee-Are you happy with the sound quality of the Beatles 24/44 Flac files?

They are, in my opinion, an improvement over the 16/44 stereo remasters. But I would really like to have seen 24/96. In my experience, the difference between 24/44 (or 24/48) and 24/96 is not subtle.

**mep** · 07-15-2012, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by Lee

They are, in my opinion, an improvement over the 16/44 stereo remasters. But I would really like to have seen 24/96. In my experience, the difference between 24/44 (or 24/48) and 24/96 is not subtle.

I have all of them and I think they all stink. Something about every one of them bothers me and I just can't pull the trigger for more than a few moments before I have to shut them off. I don't feel this way with lots of my other digital files, but I do with all of the Beatle remasters.

**Lee** · 07-15-2012, 07:00 PM

Interesting. They do have a bit of an edge. I have noticed that the Mono box set which is more or less straight tape transfers is better than the stereo versions which have a bit more compression. Trying to get some PPTs done for work too but I can have the music on in the background. Sometimes being a consultant sucks.

By the way, I am listening to the Platinum Starlight now and it may be better than the AQ Diamond but it needs to break in for a few days as it was brand new.

Very impressive. The detail on Keith Don't Go is engaging.

**treitz3** · 07-15-2012, 07:04 PM

Originally Posted by Lee

The detail on Keith Don't Go is engaging.

Great album! Looking forward to your observations...

**Lee** · 07-15-2012, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by treitz3

Great album! Looking forward to your observations...

I really love Nils Lofgren's playing on Acoustic Live. It is a test CD for me. I also like the hirez of Paper Airplane by Alison Krauss and Union Station. I'm also using the hirez of Macca's Ram which is 24/96.

**jkeny** · 07-16-2012, 04:06 AM

I would suggest that you try a direct USB connection (if it's topologically possible) - it has been reported to sound better than most "audiophile" USB cables
I don't know the USB sockets you have but if going from A to B then you would need something like this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/USB-2-type...ht_2108wt_1336

http://www.amazon.co.uk/LINDY-Degree..._bxgy_ce_img_b

**Lee** · 07-16-2012, 05:34 AM

jkeny,

You can't plug the Benchmark into the Mac Mini in this fashion, hence the need for a cable. I suspect there are relatively few products that would work in this fashion but its an interesting idea.

**jkeny** · 07-16-2012, 06:36 AM

Originally Posted by Lee

jkeny,

You can't plug the Benchmark into the Mac Mini in this fashion, hence the need for a cable. I suspect there are relatively few products that would work in this fashion but its an interesting idea.

Yes, probably true but what this experiment revealed to me was that shorter USB cables (the shorter the better) sound so much better!!

Just my 2c!