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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.​


I’ve been considering the following:

1. Monoprice SlimRun USB-A to USB-A Female 3.0 Extension Cable - Fiber Optic, Black, 32.8ft
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.​
2. Monoprice Blackbird USB 2.0 2-Port Extender Over Cat5e/6 - 50m /164ft
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.​
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.


Thoughts? Suggestions? Experiences?

swingfingers
dogearedaudio
84 posts
 

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.

kr4's avatar
kr4
3,669 posts
 

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

swingfingers OP
48 posts
 

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?

deep_333
1,206 posts
 

@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.

erik_squires
16,004 posts
 

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.

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