USB cable comparisons

[matthias]

4 hours ago, jon2020 said:

A good review of the Oyaide Continental 5S from PF :-

 

https://positive-feedback.com/Issue60/ramblings.htm

 

Thanks,

did you compare the 5S to the Oyaide Pro USB cables?

 

Matt

[jon2020]

4 minutes ago, matthias said:

 

Thanks,

did you compare the 5S to the Oyaide Pro USB cables?

 

Matt

 

My local store only had the 5S for sale. The Pro cables are not available in stores for consumers. 

[HumanMedia]

On 2/23/2019 at 5:48 PM, jon2020 said:

 

My local store only had the 5S for sale. The Pro cables are not available in stores for consumers. 

 

They are available to consumers, just from Pro Music stores, not consumer audio stores. That is stores selling equipment primarily for making music as opposed to stores selling equipment primarily for listening to music.

[jon2020]

3 minutes ago, HumanMedia said:

 

They are available to consumers, just from Pro Music stores, not consumer audio stores. That is stores selling equipment primarily for making music as opposed to stores selling equipment primarily for listening to music.

 

 

Did a quick search and EBay sells them :-

 

https://www.ebay.com.sg/b/oyaide-Pro-Audio-Cables-Snakes-Interconnects/41459/bn_3131823

[hytechrednek]

On 1/23/2019 at 2:40 PM, Jud said:

Another member here very kindly made me a JSSG360 USB cable by modifying a $6 StarTech cable.  I preferred this to the Mapleshade Clearlink Plus that I had used for several years.  Eventually I came to want to replace it, because (1) it was fairly stiff and heavy, (2) it required an adapter because my DAC uses an unusual USB male A input, necessitating a USB female A cable termination, and (3) these factors resulted in torque on the DAC USB input that I was afraid might potentially cause it to fail down the road. 

 

So I ordered a JSSG360 USB cable from Ghent Audio, $35 for one meter with a female A termination (so no adapter needed), less stiff and heavy than the previous cable.  My purely subjective impression upon first connecting it was that it sounded a little better than the homemade JSSG360, and by the transitive property that would have it sounding better than the Mapleshade Clearlink Plus, a cable I liked more than any other I'd heard for years (including the top couple in AQ's range).  I haven't changed my opinion of the Ghent Audio cable in the ensuing week.

 

For $35 (plus shipping, not exorbitant), very nice indeed IMHO.

On Jud's recommendation, I ordered the JSSG360 USB cable from Ghent Audio.  They shipped the next day but it took just over a month for the cable to arrive. Could've been due to the Chinese New Year coinciding with my order. Turns out it was worth the wait. Right out of the gate, it's probably the most open and detailed USB cable that I've tried so far. Vivid is the word that comes to mind. Pitch and timing of the music coming through is excellent.  Imaging is noteworthy too. 

 

Physically the cable is not stiff but resists any kind of rotational twist, however slight.  Cosmetically it's austere in appearance with no logo to distinguish it from a generic cable, but fit and finish are nice. For $35 the cable is a super bargain. Thanks to Jud for bringing it to our attention.

 

After playing a few hours, it has gotten a little dark sounding, so I'm hoping it will open up again.  Presently I have the Supra, WireWorld Starlight 5.2, WireWorld Ultraviolet, Curious, StraightWire USB-Link, Belkin Gold and a few others for comparison.  I'm using it between a MicroRendu and a Metrum Hex DAC with built-in HiFace.  Would love to hear a comparison of the Ghent to the Oyaide d+ Class A that was recommended by HumanMedia. 

 

[jp11801]

just ordered the Ghent audio cable and will compare it to the carbon that I currently own and if I can dig it out the Wireworld silver cable I have. Not sure how long it will take from China to get to Florida but for $35 it seemed a worthy risk.

[mourip]

On 3/9/2019 at 8:33 AM, jp11801 said:

just ordered the Ghent audio cable and will compare it to the carbon that I currently own and if I can dig it out the Wireworld silver cable I have. Not sure how long it will take from China to get to Florida but for $35 it seemed a worthy risk.

 

I received my Ghent JSSG360 USB cable a little over a week ago. It replaced a Supra that I had been using since moving from a Dante AOIP setup to using Audiolinux via USB. It took a week for the Ghent to settle down but once it did the improvement was not subtle. This is the best that my system has ever sounded.

 

I liked the Supra. It has a warm, Technicolor sound with a satisfying, slight;y forward, mid-range that makes it engaging. The Ghent is remarkably transparent with more realistic detail. It has remarkable soundstage presentation and localization. It is more neutral and convincing, with better dynamics to the point of giving my Alnico single driver speakers real slam.

 

I would have never thought that a USB cable could make such a difference since we all know that "bits are bits". Right?

 

I suspect that it is the well thought out build quality, careful construction, and the JSSG360 shielding scheme that filters out most everything but those music laden bits. "Bits are still bits" but you now weed out unwanted "not-music"...

[tapatrick]

1 hour ago, mourip said:

 

I received my Ghent JSSG360 USB cable a little over a week ago. It replaced a Supra that I had been using since moving from a Dante AOIP setup to using Audiolinux via USB. It took a week for the Ghent to settle down but once it did the improvement was not subtle. This is the best that my system has ever sounded.

 

I agree on the Ghent USB 360. I pulled mine out again recently as I needed another one and am pleasantly surprised how good it sounds.

[Boomboy]

Another ghent usb 360 user here . I have 2 . One for the hdd dock to nuc and the other from nuc to dac .. been really happy with them . 

[audiobomber]

 I tried to order the Ghent dual head USB cable but the purchase wouldn't go through (Paypal with both Visa and M/Card). Possibly they don't ship to Canada? The website doesn't have any explanation that I could find.

[Ralf11]

paypal via cc is weird - try another cc

 

worked for me (on a Hasselblad focusing screen; not a Ghent cable (tho I did experience greater clarity...))

[davide256]

55 minutes ago, audiobomber said:

 I tried to order the Ghent dual head USB cable but the purchase wouldn't go through (Paypal with both Visa and M/Card). Possibly they don't ship to Canada? The website doesn't have any explanation that I could find.

When in doubt try a different browser. I've found symptoms like that usually  to be because the web page coding was for IE and not tested with Firefox...

[xyzzy1]

Hey all, been following this thread for awhile....

 

On cable differences I quickly went to this device 'iFi Audio iDefender3.0 USB Ground Loop Eliminator' because it seemed to me the first act is to eliminate noise from the computer power feeding into the dac. This adapter has a micro usb input which, if plugged in, interrupts the power from the computer and supplies it from your external supply. Using a plugged in external power supply made a huge difference, easy to go back and forth to compare what I heard (plug then unplug). The sound of the music reproduction having an edgy glare was significantly reduced when using the external power supply.

I also tried a switching power supply and a linear power supply. The linear power supply was superior with further glare and noise reduction. Could hear more into soundstage.

My next step was a *doh* realization that I am using an older macbook and have an optical out. Switched over to optical out and it is far superior to usb. This is how I have the hook up now so I am out of the USB world.

 

So if you have an optical out this would seem to be the way to remove computer electrical noise from getting into your dac. If you don't have the optical out as an option I recommend using the 'iFi Audio iDefender3.0 USB Ground Loop Eliminator' with a linear power supply.

 

It would be interesting to hear if USB cables continue to make a sonic difference once this device is in place and bypassing the computer power,

[jon2020]

1 hour ago, xyzzy1 said:

Hey all, been following this thread for awhile....

 

On cable differences I quickly went to this device 'iFi Audio iDefender3.0 USB Ground Loop Eliminator' because it seemed to me the first act is to eliminate noise from the computer power feeding into the dac. This adapter has a micro usb input which, if plugged in, interrupts the power from the computer and supplies it from your external supply. Using a plugged in external power supply made a huge difference, easy to go back and forth to compare what I heard (plug then unplug). The sound of the music reproduction having an edgy glare was significantly reduced when using the external power supply.

I also tried a switching power supply and a linear power supply. The linear power supply was superior with further glare and noise reduction. Could hear more into soundstage.

My next step was a *doh* realization that I am using an older macbook and have an optical out. Switched over to optical out and it is far superior to usb. This is how I have the hook up now so I am out of the USB world.

 

So if you have an optical out this would seem to be the way to remove computer electrical noise from getting into your dac. If you don't have the optical out as an option I recommend using the 'iFi Audio iDefender3.0 USB Ground Loop Eliminator' with a linear power supply.

 

It would be interesting to hear if USB cables continue to make a sonic difference once this device is in place and bypassing the computer power,

 

Usb implementation for audio has improved by leaps and bounds since your old Mac(no offense intended).

 

Get a used server like the entry model Aurender N100H and you will be amazed by the difference in SQ compared to the optical output from your Mac. 

[xyzzy1]

3 hours ago, jon2020 said:

 

Usb implementation for audio has improved by leaps and bounds since your old Mac(no offense intended).

 

Get a used server like the entry model Aurender N100H and you will be amazed by the difference in SQ compared to the optical output from your Mac. 

 

No offense taken and thanks!... I know it and hear it!

I am into high-end audio but not yet ready to lay down this kind of coin for digital when the tech is still evolving so rapidly. Every few months brings on new generation of dacs & streamers at all price points with better sonics than the previous. Though, I have spent well more than twice the original price of this Aurender streamer on my turntable!

For now I need an inexpensive streamer/dac combo that has passable & engaging sound quality while continuing to await the higher priced dac/streamer gear to evolve to a point where 6 months later is not guaranteed obsolescence.

Have been checking the $500 and less price point dacs every year or so. Using the digital coax out from my CD player and listening to the dac would have me returning the dac.

Finally a current generation low priced dac that is not digital grating and fatiguing to listen to.

The iFi Audio iDefender was a noticeable improvement after I started using a usb computer connection. Hence my post here as the iFi Audio iDefender would be a positive sonics move for anyone using a standard mac/pc computer as the streamer.

Someday will be all-in with an investment in digital when it nears or outdoes my turntable. That ain't yet though.

 

[jon2020]

21 hours ago, xyzzy1 said:

 

No offense taken and thanks!... I know it and hear it!

I am into high-end audio but not yet ready to lay down this kind of coin for digital when the tech is still evolving so rapidly. Every few months brings on new generation of dacs & streamers at all price points with better sonics than the previous. Though, I have spent well more than twice the original price of this Aurender streamer on my turntable!

For now I need an inexpensive streamer/dac combo that has passable & engaging sound quality while continuing to await the higher priced dac/streamer gear to evolve to a point where 6 months later is not guaranteed obsolescence.

Have been checking the $500 and less price point dacs every year or so. Using the digital coax out from my CD player and listening to the dac would have me returning the dac.

Finally a current generation low priced dac that is not digital grating and fatiguing to listen to.

The iFi Audio iDefender was a noticeable improvement after I started using a usb computer connection. Hence my post here as the iFi Audio iDefender would be a positive sonics move for anyone using a standard mac/pc computer as the streamer.

Someday will be all-in with an investment in digital when it nears or outdoes my turntable. That ain't yet though.

 

 

This age-old debate of vinyl vs digital will rage on long after our ears are all gone from age....... 

[DancingSea]

On 2/20/2019 at 12:18 PM, HumanMedia said:

 

I have tried the Curious, wasn’t to my taste, I won’t elaborate unless you really want to know why. I might have posted my thoughts in more detail a couple of years ago (in this thread?) 

I’ve only tried the first generation of WireWorld, still have a couple in a drawer, I’m on the train so I can’t check the models, but I think one was called the Ultra Violet (?) and the other has Silver in its name. The Ultra Violet was very uneven and it’s presentation and a bit rough. The Silver was way more even but the highs were a bit pushed. I have had no experience with the last couple of WireWorld ranges.

 

As the honeymoon wanes Im still loving the Oyaide Class A, and have no desire to try any new USB cables, at least for now 🙂

 

I’m curious, for what reason do you prefer the Oyaide over the Curious cable?

 

Is one less bright than the other?

 

Thanks

[HumanMedia]

23 hours ago, DancingSea said:

 

I’m curious, for what reason do you prefer the Oyaide over the Curious cable?

 

Is one less bright than the other?

 

Thanks

 

The Oyaide is relatively neutral, presenting the full frequency range evenly and clearly. To me and in my system the Curious sounded ‘less bright’ but in a bad way, it seemed like it rolled off quickly over 10khz and below 80hz. It might compensate for a system with elevated high frequencies and treble problems, but does it by fixing the problem with another problem. Lower bass dropped off quickly too. The Curious midrange was very creamy, but in an artificial way, like you are on methadone, in one sense perceivable as pleasurable but with a constant feeling of ‘not right’ and artificial-ness. It is faux smooth, different and interesting at first, but quickly feels like an effect rather than real naturalness. The Oyaide feels like it just steps out of the way and presents music.

 

BTW still very happy with the Oyaide

[jon2020]

On 3/20/2019 at 5:29 AM, HumanMedia said:

 

The Oyaide is relatively neutral, presenting the full frequency range evenly and clearly. To me and in my system the Curious sounded ‘less bright’ but in a bad way, it seemed like it rolled off quickly over 10khz and below 80hz. It might compensate for a system with elevated high frequencies and treble problems, but does it by fixing the problem with another problem. Lower bass dropped off quickly too. The Curious midrange was very creamy, but in an artificial way, like you are on methadone, in one sense perceivable as pleasurable but with a constant feeling of ‘not right’ and artificial-ness. It is faux smooth, different and interesting at first, but quickly feels like an effect rather than real naturalness. The Oyaide feels like it just steps out of the way and presents music.

 

BTW still very happy with the Oyaide

 

 

Many thanks for your comparison notes with the Curious cable.

 

I have actually been considering "upgrading" to the Curious for some time now up until I read this ......

 

Cheers! :)

[Allan F]

On 3/19/2019 at 2:29 PM, HumanMedia said:

 

The Oyaide is relatively neutral, presenting the full frequency range evenly and clearly. To me and in my system the Curious sounded ‘less bright’ but in a bad way, it seemed like it rolled off quickly over 10khz and below 80hz. It might compensate for a system with elevated high frequencies and treble problems, but does it by fixing the problem with another problem. Lower bass dropped off quickly too. The Curious midrange was very creamy, but in an artificial way, like you are on methadone, in one sense perceivable as pleasurable but with a constant feeling of ‘not right’ and artificial-ness. It is faux smooth, different and interesting at first, but quickly feels like an effect rather than real naturalness. The Oyaide feels like it just steps out of the way and presents music.

 

Your profile does not list your audio system. As the effect of cables is highly system dependent, it would be helpful if you were to provide details of the system on which you made these observations. In my system, the Curious USB cable exhibits none of the characteristics that you describe. In fact, It sounds extremely neutral, natural and musical and has proved to be superior to a number of highly regarded USB cables, including the Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7, Light Harmonic Lightspeed 10G, and Phasure Lush.

[Paddlefoot]

i also want to give a shout out for  the Ghent Audio usb JSSG 360 cable, 35.00 its a no brainier , its way better than my Supra, very happy with how it sounds in my setup. Has any one here tried the their ethernet JSSG360 cable? thanks Greg

[hytechrednek]

7 hours ago, Paddlefoot said:

i also want to give a shout out for  the Ghent Audio usb JSSG 360 cable, 35.00 its a no brainier , its way better than my Supra, very happy with how it sounds in my setup. Has any one here tried the their ethernet JSSG360 cable? thanks Greg

I also have the Ghent USB and it easily outperforms the Supra or the Curious USB cable in my system.  Unfortunately no experience with their Ethernet cable.

[jon2020]

On 3/22/2019 at 9:28 AM, hytechrednek said:

I also have the Ghent USB and it easily outperforms the Supra or the Curious USB cable in my system.  Unfortunately no experience with their Ethernet cable.

 

The listening experience of forumers in this thread who have actually compared their own cables with the Curious merit consideration. 

[mourip]

On 3/21/2019 at 9:28 PM, hytechrednek said:

I also have the Ghent USB and it easily outperforms the Supra or the Curious USB cable in my system.  Unfortunately no experience with their Ethernet cable.

 

11 hours ago, jon2020 said:

 

The listening experience of forumers in this thread who have actually compared their own cables with the Curious merit consideration. 

 

I am probably missing something but he did compare those USB cables ...which is the topic here. He simply mentioned that he had not tried their ethernet cables which is not the topic here.

 

Perhaps someone will want to start an ethernet cable comparison thread?

[jon2020]

On 3/21/2019 at 11:48 AM, Allan F said:

 

Your profile does not list your audio system. As the effect of cables is highly system dependent, it would be helpful if you were to provide details of the system on which you made these observations. In my system, the Curious USB cable exhibits none of the characteristics that you describe. In fact, It sounds extremely neutral, natural and musical and has proved to be superior to a number of highly regarded USB cables, including the Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7, Light Harmonic Lightspeed 10G, and Phasure Lush.

 

I was referring to this poster who did not compare the Curious with the Oyaide but called out the poster who actually compared and shared his listening experience.......