2. digital
  3. 190154-87441

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
swingfingers OP
50 posts
 

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!

 

erik_squires
16,639 posts
 

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.

swingfingers OP
50 posts
 

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!

 

More to discover