Recommended USB Cables under $200


I’m researching various options for upgrading a stock USB cable. I have looked at the Audioquest Carbon, but I’d like to hear about other options before moving forward.

I tried to find a previous discussion on this topic but I just couldn’t find one. So please feel free to send a link for anything helpful.

Also, one other thing...Is there any reason to look at 3.0 vs 2.0 USB speeds for audio? I plan use this USB to connect a Bluesound Node to Pontus II DAC

Thank you!

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Showing 1 response by calvinandhobbes

The more typical choice that I can recommend is a Shunyata Venom at about $150, but a friend loaned me a Phasure Lush USB cable.which costs 210 Euros or just above your price point. The improvement that I heard over the Shunyata Venom was substantial. 

It has both better resolution and pace but also with more fullness, smoothness and presence. Interestingly, this cable conveyed the edges of notes better, but also sounded smoother than the rest of the cables. It was both the least fatiguing of the USB cables I heard, yet also the most resolving. It provided a beautiful, organic sounding tone quality to instruments and voices, but still conveyed the edge in Kurt Cobain's voice on' Come as you are' better than either the Pangea or Shunyata cables. 

The downside of the Phasure Lush? You'll have to either order one from Europe or wait for one to show up in the used market only once every so often.