USB cable shootout: 8 cables tested
- Thread starter Anyoldears
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thanks, I will take Andromeda Usb for a test, we will see how good they are
Look forward to your report.
I’ve ordered the AAI USB on a 2-week trial from Europe. Jay of Jay’s Audio Lab called it musical in caps, but as I pointed out the meaning of that term varies with one’s ears.
On second thought, I better check how Trump's tariffs are being handled. A 15% tariff on a $2500 cable is not pennies. For those of us who've been buying from Europe or elsewhere outside the States, such as many of the USB cables discussed here, these tariffs could become a big barrier. Looking at my system, most is U.S., but there is a Lampi dac, ATC speakers, a Brit LPS and tubes from Europe, plus an LG TV.
On second thought, I better check how Trump's tariffs are being handled. A 15% tariff on a $2500 cable is not pennies. For those of us who've been buying from Europe or elsewhere outside the States, such as many of the USB cables discussed here, these tariffs could become a big barrier. Looking at my system, most is U.S., but there is a Lampi dac, ATC speakers, a Brit LPS and tubes from Europe, plus an LG TV.
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Signal Project makes great stuff. You're going to like them! Just give them plenty of time to burn in.
Your TV & future replacements are safe - as is your computer - phone & computer chips. The current Govt did tariff them originally until the enormity of the ramifications of that decision were realised.
Good. Yes, that is was in April and called temporary. I can't find anything to change that except Trump's threat this week of 100% on chips. However, most of the cables we're discussing here are over the $800 limit, so subject to duties, depending what's put on the customs form.
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Are these final purchase, or do you have a dealer that allows returns if not satisfied? Sun Coast in Florida is no returns, and even charges 30% "restocking" if one cancels before shipping.
I will say the OCD in me appreciates knowing when I order a cable, it is brand new and not played with or messed with by others who may have yanked on it, pulled on it, or hooked it up incorrectly. I don't want someone else's stuff if I buy new.
I know you are not doing this, but I hear nightmare stores from dealer after dealer of people who can't afford cables ordering them with the intention up front of playing with them for a few weeks and then returning them no matter how good they are.
You’re right, i’m not doing that. I’ve found honest dealers let buyers know the score and others, like Jay, simply clear the field by not accepting returns and charging a 30% restocking fee for cancelled orders.The markup on cables is substantial, as I understand it, but it is a hassle for items that are built on order.
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Update: Mark from Vera-Fi says that’s not true, since the under $800 pass is going, It depends on the electronics, the country of origin and how it’s coming in the country, such as being carried or shipped. I believe the $800 exemption ends for all countries on Aug 29.
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For the products I stated - "Your TV & future replacements are safe - as is your computer - phone & computer chips." - I am 100% correct.
These products are & will continue to be tariff free - regardless of the country of origin & regardless of the $800 exemption.
Hi Fi products - on the other hand - attract whatever the applicable tariff is for the country of origin.
It will be interesting to see if the Taiko Audio Extreme will attract a tariff. It is - after all - a computer - albeit a very expensive purpose built computer.
I tried Atlantis, and I like it so I ordered Andromeda. Atlantis usb is for sale, and it is very good indeed.
Suspension of postal and DHL shipments to the U.S. by European countries (The tariff issue might call for its own thread).
apnews.com
European postal services suspend shipment of packages to US over tariffs
Multiple postal services around Europe say they are suspending the shipment of many packages to the United States amid a lack of clarity over new import duties.
apnews.com
Thought I'd add my two cents on a recent comparision I had:
Network Acoustics Muon (1st edition - no longer manufacturered, replaced by Muon 2)
QSA-lanedri Gamma Infinity
AAAudio Sig XT
I've had loads of USB cables over the years, my prior reference the Sablon Audio Panatela Reserva 2020 which was comfortably beaten by the Muon 1 once it had broken in - to me Muon was the first USB cable which didn't sound broken compared to other digital cable formats (e.g. Coax spdif or AES). I did own and directly compare Muon 2 against the Muon 1. Muon 1 stayed for me, I found the Muon 2 too technical and I simply love the inbuilt filtering in the Muon 1. So Muon 2 was returned.
Compared to the Muon 1, all of the above cables are peers, with differences:
QSA Gamma Infinity - is by far the best for tone, it's easy to hear the QSA treatment. If you prioritise tone, this is the one you might wish to consider. I got mine on the $1,000 offer, at that price it is a worthwhile recommendation, but the performance delta on tone does not warrant more compared to the other cables. IMO where this USB cable is let down is it's internal geometry (it's a bit simplistic and it's performance comes from the QSA treatment) - I just feel that the other cables have better geometry and it would be nice to have a QSA USB cable with more advanced geometry. For example, the Muon 1 has better soundstage dimentions and separation.
AAAudio Sig XT - very similar to the Muon 1, perhaps more technical akin to the Muon 2 as it's more transparent and detailed than Muon 1. It's slightly less forward in the mids, louder than the Muon (I had to turn my amp down 1-2dB which is always a sign of good conductors). It's stand out traits are soundstage (which is huge and well defined, bigger than Muon 1) and speed, it's a very quick sounding cable. But that's not all, I tried it with the AAAudio USB Isolator which was powered off a 5v Ian Canada Quad Ultracapacitor pack, which really boosts performance (I have a SoTM q370 based music server and prefer USB from it's motherboard). I would say is you have something like a Pink Faun (ultraclock), JCAT or Taiko USB card or other high end server > £7k RRP (Melco, Aurender etc...) then the boost in performance may be deminished for adding the isolator, but you'll still hear some benefits. I have tried a few USB isolators before (with the same ultracap power) and many of them did nothing in my setup... this one works. Highly Highly recommended to use the isolator if you have a lower end streamer / music server.
At about £1,050 for the AAAudio Sig XT, it gets my recommendation as it wins on performance and price in comparision to the above.
Network Acoustics Muon (1st edition - no longer manufacturered, replaced by Muon 2)
QSA-lanedri Gamma Infinity
AAAudio Sig XT
I've had loads of USB cables over the years, my prior reference the Sablon Audio Panatela Reserva 2020 which was comfortably beaten by the Muon 1 once it had broken in - to me Muon was the first USB cable which didn't sound broken compared to other digital cable formats (e.g. Coax spdif or AES). I did own and directly compare Muon 2 against the Muon 1. Muon 1 stayed for me, I found the Muon 2 too technical and I simply love the inbuilt filtering in the Muon 1. So Muon 2 was returned.
Compared to the Muon 1, all of the above cables are peers, with differences:
QSA Gamma Infinity - is by far the best for tone, it's easy to hear the QSA treatment. If you prioritise tone, this is the one you might wish to consider. I got mine on the $1,000 offer, at that price it is a worthwhile recommendation, but the performance delta on tone does not warrant more compared to the other cables. IMO where this USB cable is let down is it's internal geometry (it's a bit simplistic and it's performance comes from the QSA treatment) - I just feel that the other cables have better geometry and it would be nice to have a QSA USB cable with more advanced geometry. For example, the Muon 1 has better soundstage dimentions and separation.
AAAudio Sig XT - very similar to the Muon 1, perhaps more technical akin to the Muon 2 as it's more transparent and detailed than Muon 1. It's slightly less forward in the mids, louder than the Muon (I had to turn my amp down 1-2dB which is always a sign of good conductors). It's stand out traits are soundstage (which is huge and well defined, bigger than Muon 1) and speed, it's a very quick sounding cable. But that's not all, I tried it with the AAAudio USB Isolator which was powered off a 5v Ian Canada Quad Ultracapacitor pack, which really boosts performance (I have a SoTM q370 based music server and prefer USB from it's motherboard). I would say is you have something like a Pink Faun (ultraclock), JCAT or Taiko USB card or other high end server > £7k RRP (Melco, Aurender etc...) then the boost in performance may be deminished for adding the isolator, but you'll still hear some benefits. I have tried a few USB isolators before (with the same ultracap power) and many of them did nothing in my setup... this one works. Highly Highly recommended to use the isolator if you have a lower end streamer / music server.
At about £1,050 for the AAAudio Sig XT, it gets my recommendation as it wins on performance and price in comparision to the above.
As one who likes a touch of warmth, I’ve found the voicing of the lower end QSA Lanedri treated cables lacking.
At a much lower price level than the AA Audio device, I can’t listen to a USB cable for long without Audioquest’s Jitterbug FMJ inline.
At a much lower price level than the AA Audio device, I can’t listen to a USB cable for long without Audioquest’s Jitterbug FMJ inline.
Interesting, where as I found the Gamma USB to have warm-ish voicing. Mind you my system is geared for warmth (Pathos TT amplifier smooths things out).
AAAudio Sig XT is a bit like the Audioquest Dragon interconnects I have, needs to be handled with more care than either the Muon or the QSA which are more forgiving. All goes back to system matching and power quality.
To be clear, I was speaking more generally about the Gamma and Discovery lines, the latter being the only USB of Anas’s that I’ve listened to. I found the Gamma power cord bested on balance in my system by the WyWires Diamond. I’m now using the Discovery line, if that’s what’s called now, only for video, where their clarity enhances the picture.
I have an AAI Estremo USB cable probably arriving timorrow for a 14 day trial.
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