USB DAC cable over 15ft - Solutions?

need to know more info,

you cant reliably  run a USB cable longer then 15feet 

if you are running roon you can add an endpoint at the audio system, this can be wireless

Dave and Troy

audio Intellect NJ

streaming specialists

Have you considered getting a dedicated streamer instead of using a PC? You could then put a Wi-Fi extender or Mesh node close to your system and run an Ethernet cable from that to the streamer and a much shorter USB cable to your DAC. No long cable runs and it’d probably sound a lot better too — lots of people here do it this way. Just a different way to go FWIW.

Corning Optical USB.  I use a 10m version, the shortest one. 😊

Use something like this at one end:

https://www.amazon.com/Herfair-Adapter-Printer-Converter-Connector/dp/B0BYJJRF4L

Just use a longer Ethernet cable from the router if possible 

then the best one at the streamer.

Have you considered getting a dedicated streamer instead of using a PC? You could then put a Wi-Fi extender or Mesh node close to your system and run an Ethernet cable from that to the streamer and a much shorter USB cable to your DAC. No long cable runs and it’d probably sound a lot better too — lots of people here do it this way. Just a different way to go FWIW.

@soix , thanks for the "nudge". I say nudge as I have certainly thought of a streamer and certainly believe I will eventually go that route for other areas of my home. Some reasons I haven’t gone that route for my main system include my preference in the control and viewing size from my laptop/keyboard/monitor. It would also require buying another component plus a tablet (phone is way too small for this purpose for me) as well as a cable.

At this point it still seems more complicated, more $, and less appealing than my current computer keyboard and monitor setup - all to simply solve for a cable issue.

Corning Optical USB. I use a 10m version, the shortest one. 😊

@kr4 yes that was my first thought! Unfortunately, Corning no longer seems to make or sell these and, as I indicated in my original post, I’m reluctant to try a used one, even if I can find one, as I’ve read some reviews discussing lack of reliability.

The closest thing currently available that I’ve seen is the Monoprice SlimRun USB-A to USB-A Female 3.0 Extension Cable - Fiber Optic, Black, 32.8ft which I posted above as a possible option. But I haven’t seen any reviews for this application, the specs state that info goes only one way, and the wire looks mighty thin....

I'm with the streamer camp.  Time to cut that cable!  Plus, get your PC out of the chain.  You'll be glad you did.  Even a Raspberry Pi 4 with a little free audio OS would be better than the PC.  I just sent one a friend to solve the same issue you're having, and he's very happy.  I'm tricking out a more sophisticated rig for him now.

At the very least you can fit one out to use just as a renderer, and send the music over the internet from your PC, or you can create a full-fledged server/streamer for not much money.

I see used Corning cables available as well as new USB-C versions..

Thanks very much dogearedaudio and kr4 !

At this point, it still seems more complicated, more $, and less appealing to go wireless for this situation than using my current computer keyboard and monitor setup - all to simply solve for a cable issue. 

I may eventually break down and buy a used Corning cable, but used A to B models, that are no longer made, are rare, often pricey, and, of course, offer no warranty.  The new USB-C versions seem to be $300 and more which seems on the high side to me.

Any other thoughts or experiences?  I thought Audiogon would have quite a few members that still use cables?

@swingfingers

- Keep PC next to DAC and use a high quality short USB cable.

- Run a hdmi cable from PC to big TV or projector for visual from afar (seated position).

- Use a Bluetooth keyboard+mouse at your listening position for controlling PC from afar.

What you want is an active USB cable like this one. You may also need an isolator at the far end if the target DAC is not galvanically isolated. The issue is a combination of that, noisy PC power supplies and that you’ll probably be on 2 different AC circuits.

Thanks very much, Erik and All! 

Many apologies for the overly long delay in responding. I finally bought and installed a Crestron USB 2.0 Extender very similar to:

https://www.crestron.com/Products/Accessories/USB-Devices/USB-Extenders/USB-EXT-2-KIT

This device:

1. Accommodates USB 2.0,
2. Can extend up to about 330 feet via ethernet (I used 30ft which was more than enough for my purposes),
3. Seems quality (metal housing, made in Canada, used for industrial/pro settings, good brand reputation),
4. Uses power directly from an electrical outlet as opposed to USB, and
5. Was priced at about $50 for an open box set (still in sealed wrappers) on ebay.

The only attribute I couldn’t confirm was any successful use by audio/hi fi enthusiasts.  

So far I can say it seems to work, and I don’t think I can hear any degradation in sound.  Please note, I haven’t done any measurement testing or repeated significant A-B listening tests (yet).  I did eventually do a short listening comparison and couldn’t detect a difference.  AND, my computer picks up the signal from the DAC and visa versa without any dropouts, unreliability. or the issues I was having before, so I’m thinking this is a viable option for these issues!

Keep it simple.  Get an active USB. 3.0 cable

and USB 3.0  isolator.  

The isolator is optional, but depends on whether the DAC is already isolated.  Some are, some are not.  The reason you might need it is the source and distance can cause analog or digital ground loops.  My Mytek Brooklyn for instance hums loudly if I attempt to use my PC in another roomhis, but has no issues with short runs from  Pi streamer or battery powered laptop.

Thanks, Erik.

The active USB cable may work, but I was skeptical for a few reasons.  My primary concern was that the design appears to join 15' cables together using a USB2 chipset as an active repeater.  As I was already having issues with a 15' cable, joining 2 of them together didn't appeal to me.  

Also, though overall most Amazon reviews appear very good, some comments do include "The 50 foot version of this product crashes…. the fact it only freezes every few days didn't help... I can't get a USB flash drive to show up... would not recognize the device...To my surprise, it was laggy... Went with a USB extender setup that was more expensive, but sure worked a lot better.

I think I'm set but will keep eyes and ears peeled!