2. digital
  3. 169524-162022

Ethernet and USB cables

Do premium Ethernet and USB make a sonic difference? I have very good speaker and DAC to amp cables but, all the others are just inexpensive generic cables. I’m running Innuos Zenith MK III and about to try out a Phoenix USB. Just looking to get the most out of the system w/o throwing away more $ (unless it works!).
hysteve

Showing 2 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,540 posts
 
I don’t find it odd at all that the OP would like to verify Ethernet and USB make a difference. I always hope I don’t have to go through the expense and effort of selecting a high end cable for something. I keep hoping this time it will not matter. 
Unfortunately, once again it does. I just put in a second direct line just for my amp… damn, it mattered. For once I would really like it to not matter… this gets expensive and time consuming.
ghdprentice
7,540 posts
 
I systematically evaluated USB cables for my ~$7K former headphone system and ultimately settled on some $500 USB. This was cost effective use of the funds for what I could hear. 

My dealer / friend that I trust completely said the biggest difference he has ever heard in an interconnect was an Ethernet cable.

So yes… I would imagine 5% would be a starting place, then try a couple less and more.
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