What is the best USB cable under $500 for a natural presentation and good detail ?

I recently purchased an XLO UltraPlus from Parts Connexion for 75% Off. I don’t have a lot of experience with USB cables, but find it more than acceptable. Great deal as well. $60 vs $240. It is going from my streamer to DAC. I do use Silnote interconnects from my DAC to the pre. Which I also like a lot.

You may try Zavfino Majestic USB cable and report your findings. My experience with their Interconnects and Power cords was quite astonishing given their asking price and build quality. 

Feel free to contact me as I can make you one for well under $500 that will more than satisfy your sonic desires. If you disagree just send it back. I don’t post like this, but I read your posts often and decided I would like to help.

I had very good results with the Oyaida usb: https://www.thecableco.com/continental5s-usb.html

CARDAS CLEAR

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1214/Wireworld_Platinum_Starlight_DH_Labs_Silver_Sonic_Cardas_Clear_USB_Cable.htm

Go with Grannyring he knows what he's talking about.

This one has worked well for me. 

They also sell one which does not have the data and power runs split.  

I have only tried the "split" version.

I chose a Shunyata because it separates the data/power 

@mitch2 

What are the benefits you heard from using the split cable?

It is all system dependent. What may work for someone else may not work for you.  You'll never know what will work for you until you try it.  I was using an expensive solid core silver cable (in fact tried 2 different ones) for a DAC. These cables gave extra extension at both ends of the spectrum and added body. Then I changed my DAC to one with plenty of that extension and body and went back to an inexpensive solid core copper, Audioquest Pearl. Happy with that for the moment But it’s a continuing search for the best, not necessarily the most expensive! I suggest some experimentation first with cheap cables. Try the beautifully made Monoprice Monolith (solid core silver plated), for example. It may surprise you.  https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=33463

I can’t comment on splitting the power from the data as my DACs have provided power internally, not receiving any throught the cable.

@audioman58 This cable is fantasic I bought it on a whim several years ago and since then I've compared it to cables 20 times it's price and it's always come through and I'm talking hi-end systems.

I haven't tried it's big brother because I've been very content. It's a very detailed and exciting sound.

@melm 

+1

System dependent. I recently tried a Nordost Valhalla 2 AES (~$5K)and it actually sounded horrible... not at all what I was expecting.  Also tested a Nordost Odin ($17K) analog interconnect... sounded great.  I tested about half a dozen USB a few years ago.. in general the more they cost the better they sounded... but you just never know. 

@ozzy62 - I can’t reliably break down benefits specifically attributable to the split version vs. the "Discrete" non-split version of the TRL cable. I have owned and listened to split cables before such as the ifi Gemini, where the signal and power wires are split, and to cables where the power conductor is spaced away from the signal conductors, such as the Wireworld Starlight 7. I have also had DACs where the 5V power was not required (it was supplied internally by the DAC) and with those I was able to run a normal USB cable without the power conductor being powered.

I directly compared the TRL Split USB Cable with the Curious USB Cable (original), the Totaldac D1 filtered USB cable, and the ifi Gemini USB Cable. In general, I found the TRL cable provided a combination of attributes (i.e., detail, tone, and dynamics), that combined to present a sound quality that works for me compared to the other cables I have tried in the price range indicated by the OP.

I have had a Telurium silver in my system for a couple of years and I love it.

My choice would be a used Stealth Audio USB / USB-T that can be found for around or under your budget.

for a natural presentation and good detail

Emphasis on "natural" at your price point...which is a tough ask: at $500

Is there an optimal length for a USB cable?

Just going to casually place this here and leave before the pitchforks....

Go with grannyring's cable (Acoustic BBQ)!! Best value, a no brainer!! Competes with cables at almost twice its price! To get a better cable you will have to invest close to $1,000!!!

@peter_s I don't know how true it is but I read years ago that all digital cables should be 1.5m or more, how much more I have no idea. However as far as USB goes lots of them come in a standard size of 1.5m so maybe this is correct.

Almost a laughable price of $14 when they are in stock. Multiple shields, insulated OFC with gold plated connector. What else do you need? keep the money in your pocket for something else more essential unless you want to contribute to the dealers’ retirement fund.

anx0003

17 posts

11-23-2021 8:08am

Almost a laughable price of $14 when they are in stock. Multiple shields, insulated OFC with gold plated connector. What else do you need? keep the money in your pocket for something else more essential unless you want to contribute to the dealers’ retirement fund.

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=33464

Good to see at least one person who's not nuts.

Monoprice 🤣 no way, noise city.

fiesta75

834 posts

11-23-2021 8:48am

Monoprice 🤣 no way, noise city.

From a USB cable?  Are you serious?  If you are using a really bad DAC then maybe yes, but the signal is cleaned up (and what needs to be cleaned up is NOT from the cable) easily by the cheapest of DAC's.  

If you want to spend big money on speaker cables, RCA etc, that's cool, but USB cables is a TOTAL waste of money.  If it's working it's working, if it's bad it's bad, no difference in any way.  

I am going to try the BBQ 🍗 GrannyRing is a straight shooter and many people say his cable recipes are excellent products and beat cables 2-3x the cost.

i will report back on this , thanks Guys for all the recommendations , the $14  cables  I think not , 8 have tried them and sound flat  compared to some of the $$ cables ,and tested  not knowing which cable was being installed .

I found a used curious cable to work well. Have not had the desire to try anything else

Pretty much all USB cables are the same.  Period.

Our brains can do some funny things.

^^^^I agree, trolling is probably one of those funny things 🤣

The authorities have spoken. Moderator: please delete this thread. The issue has been resolved now 😂

richopp

516 posts

11-24-2021 8:16am

Pretty much all USB cables are the same.  Period.

blkwrxwgn

99 posts

11-24-2021 11:40am

Our brains can do some funny things.

Cool.

Why don't you all show the proof that USB cables make a difference?

We will be waiting.  I provided a video showing actual science, what can you provide?  

Dude: figure it out for yourself. Why would I "show you proof" of anything? I owe you nothing. 

I have found the Curious Cable to be very good. Priced under $500 too.

I would post video of the two different USB cables, but the cheap junk went out with the trash yesterday. It didn't even make it into the junk drawer, that how bad it was!

blkwrxwgn - Grow up, learn how to communicate without swearing🐖

If all usb cables, or cables in general were the same then there would not be much of a cable market.

Mad Scientist Black Magic USB 

(named after the boat that won the America's Cup in 1995).

https://www.madscientist-audio.com/bmusb.html

A glass of Chateau La Tour is going to taste differently drank from a china or tin cup, so it is with all cables including USB. If it grates your posterior that people will gladly pay $1000's for wine or cables then either disprove it or move on.

I don't know if it's 'the best', but I use a Black Dragon cable from Moon Audio and I'm quite pleased with the quality of the cable and the sound....

@jerrybj - I've got some Mad Scientist stuff, too! Straight outa New Zealand!

Oh look, it’s secretionguy……

For anyone to say all cables sound the same have  -0 business  being in Audio 

a 👂 hearing aid would be Highly Recommended !

O look it’s oily62

I really thought the intent of this site was to discuss possible audio improvements.

In reality, it is littered with too much veiled antagonism and abuse.

I purchase improvements after careful research and consideration, usually observe a difference and truthfully pass my observations on, whether favourable or not.

I appreciate the comments from those who have tried products, haven’t observed any difference, and report this.

I won’t lecture you on how to live your life, and I wish others would do the same.