It will depend on the equipment you are using. I tried a well reviewed Audience AU24 SE cable into a Bel Canto REF Link usb converter and it made no significant difference. However, in my current desktop set-up which consists of MacBook Pro direct to DAC, the USB cable makes an easily discernible difference. I changed from an Apple branded USB-C cable to a Logitech MX Master 3 mouse charging cable which improved sound quality. I am now upgrading the connectors on Audience AU24 SE to see how it compares to the Logitech cable.
USB Cables: beginning the rabbit hole
Time to audition USB cables. I have always used the same cable a 2004 beauty that came with my Mac G4 in 2004, so this should be fun.
A few questions from the team here:
1. Best way to audition so that I can return what I don't like? I'm in the U.S.
2. What brands would you suggest. Budget is <$500 for 1m. I will audition 2-3 to start with. Curious Cables is one.
3. Is there break-in required? If so, what method and for how long?
I promise to report back my impressions here.