2. digital
  3. 158076-96030

USB cables and Galvanic Isolation

I've seen that some Dac manufacturers tout having galvanic isolated usb ports.
Does this mean that the Dac is immune to noise/jitter generated by a computer usb port connected to it?
And will a special noise isolating USB cable be required in this instance?
I've seen a lot of threads touting audiophile usb cables and at present I'm not using one.  I am using an Amazon Basics usb cable from my computer to a Peachtree DACitx.  I have been thinking of upgrading the Peachtree as it was my first external Dac which I am happy with but curious as to how much of a jump in SQ I will hear with a newer more expensive DAC. 
Although, I'm not disappointed in the sound I'm getting from the computer, after reading on-line forums that computers generate a lot of noise and mess with the sound I'm a little leary of usb audio.
nicktheknife

Showing 7 responses by nicktheknife

nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 
For those that are wondering I am mostly an analog guy but am interested in building up my digital front with possibly streaming in the future.  I have just been playing cd's and files downloaded on my laptop.
My system consists of a Rogue 99 Magnum Pre, McCormack 0.5 power amp, JVC XL-Z1050 cd player used as transport to the DACitx via rca, Oppo BD-103 for SACD playback, PBN DP loudspeakers and mostly DHlabs BL-1 interconnects. As I said, I'm using a laptop with an Amazon Basics USB cable to the Peachtree DAC itx for playing files. 
 I won't complicate things with the analog front end.  
nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 
@ djones51
Thanks.  I was aware that the Peachtree had galvanic isolation but was wondering about the cable.  So, with galvanic isolation, cable quality (as long as it's certified usb 2.0) is not that critical?Why is cable quality an issue with much more expensive DAC's?  Wouldn't most newer, more expensive DAC's use galvanic isolation?
nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 
@ djones51
I see your point.  Have you tried any audiophile quality usb cables and noticed an appreciable difference?  Or, are you also happy with the run-of-the-mill cable you may be using?
nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 
I've made up my mind that I will try a better quality cable.  No harm, no foul.   
Except the question is which one?  
Any max. length as far as usb cables go?
nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 
One reason I brought up the question of galvanic isolation is that I recently watched a video review of the Chord Qutest by an Australian fella on YouTube.  He claimed to have spoken to the Chord owner or developer (no sure which).  Anyhow, it was emphasized that just a certified usb 2.0 cable be used and NOT an audiophile cable which may be detrimental to the sound.  Something in the Qutest design that doesn't like fancy cables I guess.  I don't have the link but it should be easy to find if anyone's interested. 
That is what got me thinking about GI and cables. 
nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 

three_easy_payments
Good question.  I have wondering the same thing.  I had some noise/distortion come out of my right speaker with my laptop connected.  I had the suspicion that it was just some tube noise ... maybe?
nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 
@kijanki 
Thanks for the info.  I think it may have been a tube because I haven't heard it since but am keeping my ears open for any further disturbance.  Mostly my computer audio has sound fine.  I've used three different usb cables.  Belkin Gold, Amazon Basics and Monolith.  I can't really make a direct comparison to the three because they are all of different lengths.  They are as follows, 3M, 2M and 1M.

More to discover