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Best budget USB

Apologies, I know this has been asked before, and perhaps this question should be on the Cables forum.  However, I thought I'd refresh the question, as some of the previous instances are quite old, and it has struck me that the digital thread generally has a better insight into USB cables.

I've bought a 2nd-hand Innuos Phoenix USB to fit between my Zenith Mk3 and Hegel H390.  I also have an FTA Sinope, which I intend to fit between Phoenix and Hegel.

Unfortunately, the Phoenix didn't turn up with the original USB.  And assuming the USB before the Phoenix is hugely less significant than the USB after, and given I'm now WAYYY over budget I'm looking for something less extravagant than the Sinope.

In the UK, the go-to outlet for choice is Futureshop, and if I limit myself to approx £100 ($120),the selection is:

  • Audioquest Pearl, Forest & Cinnamon
  • Wireworld Chroma 8, Starlight 8
  • Supra
  • Furutech Formula 2
  • Atlas Element SC
  • Chord C-USB

Any preferences?

Thanks,

Mark

128x128lollipopguild

Showing 4 responses by vthokie83

vthokie83
660 posts
 

Have both the Supra 2.0 and Supra Excalibur USB cables, both are excellent but the Excalibur is worth the extra money $140 for a 1 meter Excalibur on eBay (only buy from Zendada as they are the official importer in the US)....a steal of a cable

vthokie83
660 posts
 

lollipopguild,

The fact that a $140 Supra Excalibur can compete with a $600 Curious Evolved and an $800 Audioquest, tells me what I need to know.....and what I've heard, Supra makes great cables. After I've completed my system install, I'll start cable rolling for more comparisons (Wireworld, Cullen Cables, Oyaide, and more Supra).....but they will all be value for dollar cables.

vthokie83
660 posts
 

Aldnorab,

So glad the Supra cable worked well for you. I'm certainly not a "cost no object" audiophile, and Supra cables have served me well

vthokie83
660 posts
 

Aldnorab,

My sound comparison is from my previous configuration (Node 130 to Denafrips Pontuss II DAC), and prior to adding a Denafrips Iris DDC in between the two units.....and as you know I think highly of the 2.0 USB

Slight improvements from Supra 2.0 USB to Excalibur USB:

(1) Darker background/quieter

(2) Improved vocal detail and quality especially on female vocals in general but more specifically when Auto-Tuned

(3) More and better detail in highs, most noticeable on cimbles, harmonica, acoustic guitar....greater clarity, without being sibilant

(4) Sounded just a touch "faster" if that's a correct term? Just sounded a little more purposeful in presentation

(5) Didnt' do a lot for sound stage, where I thought the standard USB was really good 

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