USB cable recommended?

[MarkusBarkus]

...I think the answer may not be a "universal truth" but system/component related.

A Phoenix USB reclocker between an Aurender ACS10 and a Qutest or even Dave (or Dave/MScaler) was a positive improvement, using a few different USB cables, matching brand, and mis-matched. I liked the Phoenix a lot.

That said, adding a Taiko Extreme server with the upgraded USB card to a Dave did not, IMO, benefit from the Phoenix, so I soon sold it. I further upped the ante with a Shunyata Omega USB cable

I have a second system with the ACS10 feeding Dave on a DC4 ps with a Denefrips Gaia in the mix to avoid the Dave's Amanero USB pathway. The USB cable there is a not-expensive Straightwire item, which always sounds good wherever used.

In summary, I think the expensive Shunyata USB cable may be approximately on par with the Phoenix reclocker, depending on use case. With the Extreme, I preferred the Omega sound, but honestly, I also preferred removing the box and more complicated component placement and cable pathing.

Depending upon cables selected, total pricing actually could be very close.

 

[Magnuska]

...I think the answer may not be a "universal truth" but system/component related.

A Phoenix USB reclocker between an Aurender ACS10 and a Qutest or even Dave (or Dave/MScaler) was a positive improvement, using a few different USB cables, matching brand, and mis-matched. I liked the Phoenix a lot.

That said, adding a Taiko Extreme server with the upgraded USB card to a Dave did not, IMO, benefit from the Phoenix, so I soon sold it. I further upped the ante with a Shunyata Omega USB cable

I have a second system with the ACS10 feeding Dave on a DC4 ps with a Denefrips Gaia in the mix to avoid the Dave's Amanero USB pathway. The USB cable there is a not-expensive Straightwire item, which always sounds good wherever used.

In summary, I think the expensive Shunyata USB cable may be approximately on par with the Phoenix reclocker, depending on use case. With the Extreme, I preferred the Omega sound, but honestly, I also preferred removing the box and more complicated component placement and cable pathing.

Depending upon cables selected, total pricing actually could be very close.

Thank you for your input.
I spoke to Lucas D about this a moment ago. He thinks both make sense if you can afford it. The reclocker has its important duty of reclock and remove noise while the cable itself flavours the sound to a more extent. So a combination of both.

 

[ricjor1]

What would you prefer?

A higher end USB cable like for example Shunyata Omega, Sablon EVO, FTA sinope vs a good reclocker like Innuos Phoenix USB reclocker or Ideon Mastertime together with 2 more basic USB cables. Have not tried this myself but wondering if possible cables itself has eveloped to be competive to the reclocker. I have always found reclockers to be a nescessity in the digital usb chain more important than USB cables but I may be wrong.

I agree that a reclocker may have more impact than a USB cable, but several people that own a Shunyata Omega USB cable say, it's equivalent to a component change.

 

[ricjor1]

...I think the answer may not be a "universal truth" but system/component related.

A Phoenix USB reclocker between an Aurender ACS10 and a Qutest or even Dave (or Dave/MScaler) was a positive improvement, using a few different USB cables, matching brand, and mis-matched. I liked the Phoenix a lot.

That said, adding a Taiko Extreme server with the upgraded USB card to a Dave did not, IMO, benefit from the Phoenix, so I soon sold it. I further upped the ante with a Shunyata Omega USB cable

I have a second system with the ACS10 feeding Dave on a DC4 ps with a Denefrips Gaia in the mix to avoid the Dave's Amanero USB pathway. The USB cable there is a not-expensive Straightwire item, which always sounds good wherever used.

In summary, I think the expensive Shunyata USB cable may be approximately on par with the Phoenix reclocker, depending on use case. With the Extreme, I preferred the Omega sound, but honestly, I also preferred removing the box and more complicated component placement and cable pathing.

Depending upon cables selected, total pricing actually could be very close.

Lots of options to improve my system...upgraded power supply for my Dave(7-10K); Antipodes S20 reclocker with additional power supply($5K); Shunyata Omega USB cable($3K); Network Acoustics Muon Streaming system with their Muon USB cable($3K). In a perfect world I would simply compare each option in my system and choose what I thought provided the most improvement.

 

[MarkusBarkus]

...I would add to the analysis any low-hanging benefits that might be had from upstream considerations (switches, modem/router power supplies), which might be cheaper to demo and implement, if appropriate in a given system configuration.

Not to imply that hasn't already been done by responders here, just calling it out as an area for consideration.

 

[leszek]

I ended up getting this one. Very happy

David Laboga Expression Ruby USB​

 

[ricjor1]

My friend sent me a Wireworld series 8 USB cable. There's enough of a difference between the series 7 and 8 cable that it convinced me to listen to the Shunyata Omega. I'm picking up the Omega from my local dealer tomorrow. In the final analyses, listening in my system is the only way to determine what to do.

 

[tjag]

...I think the answer may not be a "universal truth" but system/component related.

A Phoenix USB reclocker between an Aurender ACS10 and a Qutest or even Dave (or Dave/MScaler) was a positive improvement, using a few different USB cables, matching brand, and mis-matched. I liked the Phoenix a lot.

That said, adding a Taiko Extreme server with the upgraded USB card to a Dave did not, IMO, benefit from the Phoenix, so I soon sold it. I further upped the ante with a Shunyata Omega USB cable

I have a second system with the ACS10 feeding Dave on a DC4 ps with a Denefrips Gaia in the mix to avoid the Dave's Amanero USB pathway. The USB cable there is a not-expensive Straightwire item, which always sounds good wherever used.

In summary, I think the expensive Shunyata USB cable may be approximately on par with the Phoenix reclocker, depending on use case. With the Extreme, I preferred the Omega sound, but honestly, I also preferred removing the box and more complicated component placement and cable pathing.

Depending upon cables selected, total pricing actually could be very close.

Hi Markus,
Do you prefer the sound of system 1 with the Phoenix USB or system 2 with the Denefrips Gaia? How would you describe the difference?

I am thinking of purchasing the Phoenix USB because of all of the praise it gets, but also curious of sound quality of other path options than the USB. Basically, I am wondering if the Mano ULTRA mkII streamer with reclocked I2S output would be close to the Phoenix.

Thank you.

 

[ricjor1]

I had the Omega for a week and returned it. It wasn't a good fit in my system. I ended up purchasing a Infigo Audio USB cable. It's more dimensional in my system than the Wireworld Platinum or Omega. The Infigo is detailed, but natural without a hint of brightness, instruments have an palpability to them and a distinct place in the soundstage.

 

[nortberg]

I had the Omega for a week and returned it. It wasn't a good fit in my system. I ended up purchasing a Infigo Audio USB cable. It's more dimensional in my system than the Wireworld Platinum or Omega. The Infigo is detailed, but natural without a hint of brightness, instruments have an palpability to them and a distinct place in the soundstage.

How much is the Infigo usb, can't find any pricing on their website?

 

[ricjor1]

How much is the Infigo usb, can't find any pricing on their website?

$1600 for 1.5m USB cable

 

[nortberg]

$1600 for 1.5m USB cable

Thank you.

 

[MarkusBarkus]

Hi Markus,
Do you prefer the sound of system 1 with the Phoenix USB or system 2 with the Denefrips Gaia? How would you describe the difference?

I am thinking of purchasing the Phoenix USB because of all of the praise it gets, but also curious of sound quality of other path options than the USB. Basically, I am wondering if the Mano ULTRA mkII streamer with reclocked I2S output would be close to the Phoenix.

Thank you.

Hi tjag. I guess I prefer the Dave set up with the Gaia, but that system is different from the Phoenix, MScaler, etc. To me, it was purpose driven. I think the Phoenix is very nice. I don't know the Mano product you noted. Maybe someone else will know that product and post. Happy Listening!

 

[ricjor1]

Thank you.

You're welcome.

It has truly been fascinating listening to different USB cables in my system. All of them sound different, but in my opinion none of them are night and day different. I've found the biggest differences are how instruments are placed within the soundstage and the perceived fullness of each instrument. I don't use "audiophile" recordings to evaluate cables/components in my system. I usually play Marcus Johnson-In Concert for a Cause, Me Myself and I track, Gregory Porter-Take Me To The Alley, Insanity Track(with Lalah Hathaway), Euge Groove-Sunday Morning, Tenderly Track and Larry Carlton-Finger Prints, Lazy Susan track. When I play Me Myself and I the Infigo really brings the Sax solo and piano to life. Each instrument has it's own place in space, weight, and dynamic shading. Again, not night and day difference, but something that standouts with the Infigo compared to every other USB cable that I've tried in my system.

 

[ozzzy]

Reply to:Infigo Audio USB.
Of course, different components may react differently with different cables with different people.
K. Harris advice...

ozzy

 

[ricjor1]

Reply to:Infigo Audio USB.
Of course, different components may react differently with different cables with different people.
K. Harris advice...

ozzy

That's why I always emphasize "in my system". I try not to use hyperbole when describing differences. I try to point out exactly what I'm hearing and put it in perspective by stating the differences, although discernable, are not night and day.

 

[ACHiPo]

Just 50 hours into my new Taiko Extreme and Intona Ultimate. It’s sounding very good!

 

[John T]

Looking for a Neutrik Speakon 12V DC cable female. It would go from the JCAT Optimo 3 Duo to my router. PM me if anyone has an extra one and wants to sell it.

 

[Calvinj]

$1600 for 1.5m USB cable

I’m Calvin Johnson I work in sales for Infigo Audio. I can be reached at 4695833663. I can provide more information on our product. We will be updating our web page this week after our show in Seattle area.

 

[Ron Resnick]

I’m Calvin Johnson I work in sales for Infigo Audio. I can be reached at 4695833663. I can provide more information on our product. We will be updating our web page this week after our show in Seattle area.

Hello Calvin!

Welcome to WBF!