2. cables
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Long USB cable recommendation

Hi all.

I'm looking for recommendations on a long (~6 meter) USB cable (a to b) to go from my iMac to an ifi Zen signature DAC. Would like to keep it reasonable (~$100.00) if possible. For context, I like to stream Qobuz from my Mac and while the ifi has bluetooth, the delivery of high-resolution audio exceeds the compressed size of Bluetooth audio. I also use the ifi from my CD changer. 

From what I understand 5m is typically the limit of USB and the longer the cable the more prone it is to RF interference. For additional context, I also have a Bluesound streamer that I run ethernet from my router to the device, but I'm constrained with using BluOS, which I'm not a fan of. I guess Qobuz is still working on a connect feature to stream directly from their app but not sure on the timeline.

Thanks very much in advance !

128x128hazeloop

Showing 1 response by soix

soix
8,714 posts
 

This is a lose-lose proposition IMHO. Streaming from a computer is bad, and using a long USB cable is also suboptimal for both performance and cost reasons. You’re better off selling the Node and use the proceeds and the $$$ you would’ve spent on a long USB cable to put toward buying an Innuos Pulse Mini that comes with their excellent Sense app that gets top marks for both sound and usability — some even choose it over Roon it’s so good. Plus it’s a better streamer than the Node, and you can add a LPS later for another nice performance boost.

Another possible workaround might be to get the mConnect+ app and use that to run Qobuz through the Node. It worked with my iFi Zen Stream so could be worth looking into if it’ll work with the Node. FWIW.

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