Just use a longer Ethernet cable from the router if possible
then the best one at the streamer.
USB DAC cable over 15ft - Solutions?
Hi All,
I'm writing to ask for recommendations on the best way to connect my DAC to PC via USB using something a bit longer than the 15 feet max standard for USB. For now, I’d prefer to stay corded.
For years I’ve been using a 15 foot USB cable with some limited success but now definitely need to change. Due to shifts in configuration, a 15 foot cord has become too short. Also, I had experienced some intermittent issues with drop outs (and recently some static-like noise). Lastly, the manual to my DAC states “USB cables over six feet may not be reliable” – underscoring the likelihood that the dropouts were due to the length and I need a better solution for my situation.
In summary, I’d like to find a cable solution that:
1. Can accommodate USB 2.0 for connection,
2. Can go to about 25 feet or so in length,
3. Is a quality and durable component that could serve the long term,
4. Is being used successfully by audio/hi fi enthusiasts who are happy with the sound,
5. Though not required, may have, as a bonus, something that could help isolate electrical noise, and
6. Has a price not much more than $100 but lower than $200 if at all possible.
2. Can go to about 25 feet or so in length,
3. Is a quality and durable component that could serve the long term,
4. Is being used successfully by audio/hi fi enthusiasts who are happy with the sound,
5. Though not required, may have, as a bonus, something that could help isolate electrical noise, and
6. Has a price not much more than $100 but lower than $200 if at all possible.
I’ve been considering the following:
1. Monoprice SlimRun USB-A to USB-A Female 3.0 Extension Cable - Fiber Optic, Black, 32.8ft
2. Monoprice Blackbird USB 2.0 2-Port Extender Over Cat5e/6 - 50m /164ft
3. StarTech.com 4-Port USB 2.0 Extender - may be the best quality that is still less than $200, but have yet to see any audio folks talk about experiences with it.
a. https://www.monoprice.com/product?p...ej1UMqpkPG9mWXmc07W3E3m5j1N4A4SRoC61MQAvD_BwE
b. Pros – simple and to the point, lifetime warranty. Cons - A bit pricey at $199, wire seems thin, and can’t see many reviews for using it for this purpose by audio enthusiasts.
c. Please note, the similar cable by Corning appears no longer available and I read about some quality issues so I’m not enthusiastic about looking for a used one.
b. Pros – simple and to the point, lifetime warranty. Cons - A bit pricey at $199, wire seems thin, and can’t see many reviews for using it for this purpose by audio enthusiasts.
c. Please note, the similar cable by Corning appears no longer available and I read about some quality issues so I’m not enthusiastic about looking for a used one.
a. https://www.monoprice.com/product?p...MnoWf7qUTvRAIuRQQXtXV07fD1GlfIcAaAm6XEALw_wcB
b. Pros – price at $99 works for me and could isolate any electrical noise. Cons – no warranty info, other similar devices with good reviews cost much more (Icron), and can’t see many reviews for this purpose by audio enthusiasts.
b. Pros – price at $99 works for me and could isolate any electrical noise. Cons – no warranty info, other similar devices with good reviews cost much more (Icron), and can’t see many reviews for this purpose by audio enthusiasts.
a. Amazon.com
Thoughts? Suggestions? Experiences?
- ...
- 15 posts total
@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. |
Thanks, @mike_in_nc . This looks like what I'd need if I used an optical cable (or similar) with two male A ends? I think I still need to solve for the cable itself. |
@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. |
- 15 posts total