Lse thanks for the info tho sorry for your situation having spent the extra money with no difference in sound, you have helped me as I will not spend the extra because I have the Monoprice usb already. Also fwiw I think it sounds terrific and I know there is a difference between cables as I have a cable (unmarked) that is far better than a generic usb that I used to use (more body, fuller bass). The Monoprice has terrific bass and smooth detailed highs.