Most of new gear uses asynchronous USB, meaning that the timing (clock) of USB transfers and clock of internal D/A conversion are independent. Because of that cable should not affect the sound but often it does, because it picks up noise and injects it into the DAC, affecting timing of D/A conversion (jitter=noise). I would chose well shielded cable without power wires, if your DAC doesn't need it. Some expensive, exotic USB cables will sound better if you believe they should - nothing wrong with it, if it helps :)
This on usb cables
I have simplified my system to
Intel nuc running Roon Rock
All CD's on nas drive
Benchmark dac connected to nuc via usb.
The benchmark came with a USB cable that I am using, I am looking for comments on usb cables that might improve sound quality. I am happy with what I have and have only seen the $500 usb cables as an alternative which I think is too high for what I have.
Do you have any opinions?
Intel nuc running Roon Rock
All CD's on nas drive
Benchmark dac connected to nuc via usb.
The benchmark came with a USB cable that I am using, I am looking for comments on usb cables that might improve sound quality. I am happy with what I have and have only seen the $500 usb cables as an alternative which I think is too high for what I have.
Do you have any opinions?
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