Will a quality USB cable make a difference....

"It depends on the USB interface you are using "

Hello Steve: Do you mean USB 1.1 versus USB 2.0 or something different. For example none of the posters noted what kind of data they are transmitting: WAve 24/192 OR MP3 X bits /Y kHz - which will place enotmously different burden on the transmission line..

Looking forward to your explanation.

"Certainly async USB protocol using USB 2.0 is better than adaptive mode "

Certianly it is widely accepted now - however, the emphasis is only in receiver i.e. USB port of USB DAC or USB/SPDIF adaptor.

Assuming that you have already USB DAC with async USB prototcal - do you need special (async?) protocol for the sender i.e. your USB 2.0 computer port ???

" Even after you have a solid circuit design on a schematic, the IC's you use and PC board design are actually critical, as well as the oscillators and power supplies."

Again, you refer above to the DAC (or USB Adaptor) or to the computer(server) ???

I cannnot build either one but at least I want to know what is required. Today's fashion is to match cheap computer with expensive and very good USB DACs and I wonder how your comments are related to this fashion.

Empirical Audio, for example, does not manufacter servers at all - only digital audio componenents.....I am trying just to learn...

Thank you in advance

Thank you Steve

Rafael