Totaldac D1 vs. Wireworld Platinum 7 USB Cable

[Alpinist]

Has anyone had the opportunity to compare these two terrific USB cables?

If so, could you tell me which one you preferred, why, and describe the differences in sound.

Thanks so much,
Ken

 

[HedgeHog]

Sorry to sidetrack the thread but Curious Cable (http://www.curiouscables.com/) seems to be getting a lot of favourable reviews lately.

Here's Digital Audio Reviewhttp://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2015/09/curious-for-the-curious-a-knockout-usb-cable-from-australia/


-H

 

[Alpinist]

Since I've owned the Wireworld Platinum Starlight USB cable for over one year and I'm very familiar with its sound, could anyone who owns the Totaldac D1 USB cable chime in and describe the sound they're getting with it?

Thanks,
Ken

 

[Alpinist]

Any Totaldac D1 USB cable owners out there?

Ken

 

[Steve williams]

Any Totaldac D1 USB cable owners out there?

Ken

I think the non response might indicate we (myself included) are all Wireworld Platinum Starlight USB users

 

[Alpinist]

I think the non response might indicate we (myself included) are all Wireworld Platinum Starlight USB users

Steve,

Yup, the WW Platinum Starlight USB cable has been the Alpha Dog for quite awhile. That's why I also own one. I find it to be extremely transparent, detailed, nuanced, fast and with tight bass. I've read some reports that the Totaldac provides a more organic sound and is more relaxed in its treble presentation. This sounds appealing to me. Hoping for some first hand feedback.

All the best,
Ken

 

[MRJAZZ]

Any Totaldac D1 USB cable owners out there?

Ken

I have the Total Dac usb and really like it, however I have only compared it to the BMC and DH Labs USB. It definitely has a very smooth , organic presentation. I prefered it to both the BMC and the DH Labs.
Cheers....

 

[Jeffy]

Ken, the Wireworld wipes the floor with the Curious Cable. The Curious is more foward, the Wireworld is more relaxed. The Wireworld is way more dimensional and throws a bigger sound stage. Jeff

 

[Rufus McDufus]

I haven't heard the Wireworld but have owned a Totaldac for about 6 months or so. Initially from brand new it was unpleasant and I came close to returning it. After a week or so the bad elements disappeared. It's quite a subtle cable, almost a little 'dark'-sounding but generally very transparent and quite 3D in presentation. I'll qualify that by not meaning 'dark' as in lacking treble but almost imbuing a dark quality - lack of sparkle perhaps? Above all I'd just say it's very musical. I enjoy it a lot. It won't give you fireworks but is solid and dependable.

 

[Alpinist]

Thanks guys for your feedback on the Totaldac USB Cable. I went ahead and ordered one. I should have it in two days. After break-in, we'll see how it measures up to the Wireworld Platinum 7 USB. I've owned 3 difference USB cables and as far as I'm concerned the Wireworld Platinum 7 is the reigning champ until it is unseated. We'll see if the Totaldac is a worthy contender. No offense but I'm not too curious about the Curious USB cable.

Best,
Ken

 

[dminches]

Any early impressions?

Thanks guys for your feedback on the Totaldac USB Cable. I went ahead and ordered one. I should have it in two days. After break-in, we'll see how it measures up to the Wireworld Platinum 7 USB. I've owned 3 difference USB cables and as far as I'm concerned the Wireworld Platinum 7 is the reigning champ until it is unseated. We'll see if the Totaldac is a worthy contender. No offense but I'm not too curious about the Curious USB cable.

Best,
Ken

 

[Alpinist]

Any early impressions?

My Totaldac USB cable has well over 50 hours on it. The improvement in sound quality on my computer audio is significant. Any edginess in the treble that I was previously experiencing with the WW Platinum 7 is gone. I would characterize the Totaldac's sound as smooth, warm, rich, organic and incredibly musical. The soundstage is significantly larger and images are more holographic than the WW. Bass is rounder than the WW but in a very pleasing way. The Totaldac is very transparent with just slightly less detail than the WW. Images tend to be more forward than on the WW but not obtrusively so. There is less need to move forward in my seating position to find the sweet spot. Listening to the Totaldac reminds me of listening to vinyl in a terrific analog system. In my mind, it's a knockout. The Totaldac USB has transformed computer audio through my Mac Mini. It is my new USB cable. My current system is Esoteric K-01X, Soulution 520 preamp and 501 mono amps, and Raidho D3 Version 2 speakers.

Ken

 

[sbo6]

I assume the Wireworld and TotalDac cables are assumed to be better than the AQ Diamond or the PAD Ultimate USB?

 

[Alpinist]

I assume the Wireworld and TotalDac cables are assumed to be better than the AQ Diamond or the PAD Ultimate USB?

I used to own the AQ Diamond before the Wireworld and the Totaldac. In my opinion, both the WW and Totaldac sound significantly better. I have no experience with the PAD Ultimate.

Ken

 

[sbo6]

I used to own the AQ Diamond before the Wireworld and the Totaldac. In my opinion, both the WW and Totaldac sound significantly better. I have no experience with the PAD Ultimate.

Ken

THanks Ken. Doing a web refresh over at Computer Audiophile, seemed like it was more system dependent WRT AQ vs WW with AQ getting more votes overall. I have the AQ Diamond btw..

 

[Alpinist]

THanks Ken. Doing a web refresh over at Computer Audiophile, seemed like it was more system dependent WRT AQ vs WW with AQ getting more votes overall. I have the AQ Diamond btw..

Just doing some late night listening. IMO, the Wireworld remains the transparency champion out of all the USB cables I've tried in my system. But I feel there is a downside. On a good amount of music, not at all poor recordings, the treble can sound somewhat fatiguing. I have found myself wanting to turn the volume down to maximize enjoyment fairly often. With the Totaldac, it is just the opposite. The treble is the least fatiguing I have heard in my system and I want to increase the volume level for further immersion. But I have to give the WW its due, when the treble is unfatiguing, it sounds the best to me. Unfortunately, this isn't very often. I also prefer the soundstage and more holographic imaging of the Totaldac. It might not be a pinpoint as the Wireworld but it envelopes you. With the WW, I always find myself leaning forward in my chair, as the acoustic sweet spot is more nearfield. With the Totaldac, the acoustic sweet spot extends back to my listening position and I can just lean back and enjoy the music.

Ken

 

[dminches]

Ken,

Thanks for the detailed and descriptive reviews. I currently have the TotalDac in my setup and after reading your experience with it and the WW I have no interest in changing anything. Treble fatigue can make music listening unenjoyable. I have been there. Your description of the musicality of the TotalDac is exactly what I am hearing too. My previous cable was a Mapleshade Clearlink which was nice, but not anything like the TotalDac.

 

[Alpinist]

Ken,

Thanks for the detailed and descriptive reviews. I currently have the TotalDac in my setup and after reading your experience with it and the WW I have no interest in changing anything. Treble fatigue can make music listening unenjoyable. I have been there. Your description of the musicality of the TotalDac is exactly what I am hearing too. My previous cable was a Mapleshade Clearlink which was nice, but not anything like the TotalDac.

Glad to hear you're enjoying the Totaldac too. It is a breakthrough product and sounds truly wonderful. This USB cable makes me want to listen to more of everything. I can't get enough of it.

Best,
Ken

 

[pjwd]

That is very interesting - I have had total dac , lightspeed and curious - I found the total dac the most veiled and curious the best of the 3 by quite a margin
Guess it is all system dependant

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Alpinist]

That is very interesting - I have had total dac , lightspeed and curious - I found the total dac the most veiled and curious the best of the 3 by quite a margin
Guess it is all system dependant

Cheers,

Phil

Phil,

Jeffy in post #8 seems to prefer the WW Platinum 7 by a large margin over the Curious Cable, so I agree with you that it must be system dependent or a matter of personal taste.

Cheers,
Ken