Hi -
looks like Opticis has formed a new company:
http://www.opticis.com/english/02_product/product03.htm
and that prices have gone up:
http://industrialcomponent.com/opticis/optusbext.html
MMarvin - the source side plugs directly into my Mac - at the other end after the converter I have a USB A to B cable - haven't tried to see how much I can spend on that yet...
No concern about maintaining an unbroken fiber chain - once the DAC is isolated from the computer that's the end of any possible electrical interaction between the two |
Yeah, the Havana is a mighty nice DAC and the Off-Ramp Turbo3 is something I'm saving up for. Did you get Superclock 4 w/ it? And the mega battery?
I was gonna get the Kimber USB, but switched to Belkin after reading one of Stve's posts.
Mike |
I'm not sure I want to be one of those b#stards, even if it meant a nice $6.5mil bonus for nothing more than negligence. Names will be named, then we'll see if the politicians and the tax system can provide some justice for a change.
It's an MHDT Havana tube DAC, but I'm using an Empirical Audio Turbo-3 USB interface. Steve Nugent of Empirical suggested the Belkin Gold that I'd already owned before buying his product. He also indicated that other USB cables do make a difference (i.e. Locus Design). I guess it's just financially morbid curiosity that has me interested in these other cables, I've already spent enough on power cords, etc. (all of which make a big difference as well). I feel pretty stupid even posing the question though...when you think about how much a single high-end USB cable costs, especially given state of things. |
Hey Mb - you wouldn't happen to be one of those AIG executives that just got a $7 mil bonus, would you?
JUST KIDDING.
Suggestion. I assume you are going to use the USB cable to coneect a computer to a USB DAC. Why not contact the people who made/sell the DAC and see what they suggest for a cable?
Mike |
Thanks all for the replies and links you've provided.
I was mulling over the Locus Design Polestar, but he doesn't offer demo periods. Ridge Street indicated a 45 day demo period. Not sure I'll cough up $450 for a USB cable just yet, but maybe eventually. |
Mike,
I had that same problem when a friend told me about Wire World's USB cable. They do not list it at their site. Go figure...
Goto thecablecompany.com
They have it listed for sale.
Look for the USB cable called Ultraviolet.
Keith |
Hi all.
Keith - The WireWorld Site shows the Utraviolet as a 75ohm coax SPDIF w/ RCA connectors. I could not find a USB cable on the Site.
Robert - thanks for the info on the Ridge Street Poiema. This is a new product and the last time I visited this Site the Poiema was not there.
Ckorody - The Opticis optical USB looks interesting. Problem is, the ones I saw were connectors w/ Type A connectors at both ends. http://usbstuff.com/fiberext.html
That means one would have to connect a standard USB A to B cable to connect to the sink, thereby breaking the optical connection. How do you set yours up?
Mike |
.
I agree with Rstan... the Ridge Street Audio USB Poeima is outstanding. Once it is well-broken in (over 100 hours of constant use at the minimum), you can A-B it with all the others, and imho you will end up preferring the RSA Poeima. The differences are not small by any means.
:) listening,
Ed
. |
Ckorody
can you give us a link to this USB cable?
TIA |
FWIW - I use and recommend the Opticis fiber optic USB cable. This cable is designed for industrial applications and can be run hundreds of feet. It takes the USB input from the cable, converts it to light, then reconverts it at the other end.
Personally I think it sounds better then my Belkin Gold. Since this is debatable consider the science behind it.
Technically it absolutely and inarguably breaks the electrical connection between the CPU and the DAC thus eliminating any possibility of a ground loop or other interaction.
Note that the unit requires a 5v power supply at the receiving end. Most of us who use them replace the rather low tech wall wart with a UBS battery unit which further isolates the signal.
Price will be about $140 for the cable and a stand alone battery supply.
BTW I have also used the Belkin Gold for many years. Have not fiddled with the other newer cables since I am very pleased with the Opticis. FWIW I have run it on a half dozen different DACs always with excellent results.
It sounds to me that we are beginning to see the same kinds of differentiation that made everyone crazy with SPDIF - differences in cable construction and especially termination are cleaning up various aspects of the electro-mechanical installation at both ends. |
I just added the Ridge Street Poiema USB cable. The only cable I had not yet upgraded was the usb. So in an effort to get the most out of my system, I picked up the Ridge Street cable. I figured if the improvement wasn't worth the investment, I'd return it within their trial period. After a few days in my system, the improvements are significant and I am not planning on sending it back. BTW, my wife also noticed significant improvements. The improvements she described were consistent with what I was hearing as well. In my system, I can only say that the Ridge Street cable made quite a noticeable improvement. There definitely is a difference between usb cables. Well, at least between the generic usb cable I was using and the Ridge Street cable. I can not say if there is any difference with the Kimber, Belkin, or other cables. I am happy with the Ridge Street cable. You might want to give it a try and if you're not happy with it, simply send it back.
Robert |
No difference between Kimber or Belkin Gold in my system,YMMV,Bob |
I like Wire World's Ultraviolet USB cable for ~$80 or so I find it a nice sonic upgrade from stock USB cables.
Keith |
Mb9061, You likely would find the recent discussion here beneficial discussing the cables you mention. I use the Belkin Gold currently but have compared and easily hear a difference to a Kimber USB cable connected to my Brick DAC and Mac source. Others' Mileage May Vary. cheers, ed |
Ghstudio - Yes. If your system is resolving enough and you have a computer, switch USB outputs for yourself and give a listen. With cables, the differences are less dramatic in my setup, but still noticeable.
Mmarvin - Very true. I've had a Belkin pro gold all along, subtle difference compared to the other cheap ones, but better with my setup. |
I would not waste my money on an expensive USB cable. I use a Belkin 2.0 Pure A/V. 6' for $14 @ J&R.com.
However, if you are so inclined, take a look at :
> Belkin Pro - $30 @ store.apple.com
> Kimber Kable B Bus - $65 @ needledoctor.com |
Am I understanding you correctly....you can hear the difference in USB cables...and USB ports? |
