Experience up-leveling streaming with USB cables?


Hi All - 

I posted this in the cable section, but thought I’d add it here. Like many of you, I’m always looking to make tweaks over time to improve my system. I’m thinking about purchasing an Innuos Reclocker to work with my existing Innuos ZENith mkiii. 
 

Part of that is obviously adding an additional USB cable. 
 

I read positive comments about the Final Touch Sinope cable. I was wondering if anyone with direct experience with the cable could comment on the qualities of that cable? Alternatively, I’d welcome suggestions on other USB cables you’ve used to up-level your streaming experience. 
 

Thanks in advance! 

128x128bluethinker

Shunyata alpha or theta USB was huge in my system.  Went with slpha ultimately but theta gave me most of the alpha improvement but found a used alpha online for same price as a new theta.  I'd HIGHLY recommend you find a local hifi shop to let you try different cabling.  I found the Shunyata stuff beat the other brands like wire world that I tried.  Best of luck to you!

@jrareform - Thanks for the Shunyata recommendations! 

@rrboogie - I'll read through that forum post you've provided. I've read many folks are pleased with the Network Acoustics Muon2 cables. I've had them on a shortlist to consider.Thanks for the recommendations. 

@rbstehno - I have an Innuos Zenith mkiii streamer that uses USB. It sounds really good. I'm happy with the sound of my system. Simply trying to up-level as possible. What streamer do you recommend?

@antigrunge2 @benzman @bassbuyer  @cfa88 @glenmschneider - Thank you for your suggestions. I'll take a look at those suggested USB cables. I've read that 1.5 meters is good for USB, but it sounds like you suggest that shorter is better? 

@soix - Thank you! I'll research those cables you've suggested. 

@zlone - Thank you. Our journey with the Merason Dacs continues. 


@jayrossi13 - Thanks for that link. Those are two of the cables that have caught my attention, btw. Have you heard both? And could you describe the impact of the Black Magic Ultra? What's your impression of that cable? I'd welcome your description of the impact in your system. 

@fastfreight - KS seems to be consistenly praised. Would you mind sharing what you feel the impact of the KS cable is in your system? 


 

Thank you. Our journey with the Merason Dacs continues. 

And a pleasant journey it is. I almost pulled the trigger on @mitch2 's MkII the other day. At some point I will have to compare one of those to my Reuss.

 

@bluethinker

USB is a two way protocol, Preventing noise ingress is paramount, hence: the shorter the better. You may also want to chack out Uptone Audio‘s USPCB, which does away with the notion of cable altogether. Intona not only offer superb cables but also high speed isolators which are very beneficial.

Hi @bluethinker , A few years ago all my analogue cables with AU24SX and I thought they were great.  Then my dealer brought KS Elation speaker cables for me to try with my new Hailey speakers, and oh my so much better.  Still very resolving (a strength of the AU24 SX) but much fuller in the bass and midrange.  I feel a very natural sounding cable, smooth and full, and still very resolving.

For USB and AES, I have tried a few, and the KS Realization are all of the above... Full, natural, resolving.  I have directly compared to the Network Acoustics AES, and I like that as well, but give the edge to the KS.