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Computer audio newbie? Don't panic. Start here. FAQs | Forum | Bargains | > Email or call 0(044) 1782 621225 |
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USB Cables and Power Conditioners
Once people questioned whether speaker cable made an audible difference. Today those who scoff at the necessity of high quality USB cables for audio belong among the Flat Earthers. Hear for yourself how a good USB cable can reduce input jitter and minimise galvanic noise transfer with a free home demonstration. Not all cables are available in all lengths: typically, the less costly products only come in standard sizes (1m / 2m / 3m, etc) whereas the Wireworld Silver / Platinum, and all the Locus cables, can be requested in lengths as short as 30cm. Always use the shortest length can you arrange for. Please note that the high-end Locus cables (Essentia, Nucleus and Cynosure) are special order items: turnaround is typically 7-10 days: email for details > Coaxial (S/PDIF) Cables
We listened to a lot of digital cables before settling on these recommendations: the budget Wireworld interconnects are great entry-level options. The silver-plated Supra Trico, beautifully made Xindak BC-01 and Wireworld Starlight offer more in terms of parts specification and sound quality without being disproportionate to the cost of a £200 DAC. From thereon up, we're into audiophile boutique territory where value becomes harder to quantify! However, the cryo-treated LAT DI-30, superb Monarchy DR1, as well as the Xindak Gold, are audibly superior to any other cable we've heard at close to their price point. In very revealing systems, high end cables shine: Locus' handmade 'Core' coaxials and the top Wireworld SPDIF interconnects sit happily in company with the world's finest. Optical (Toslink) Cables
There are those who say that an optical cable is an optical cable. Others claim that some very cheap optical cables sound better than certain expensive ones. In our experience, we'd have to agree that the differences between Toslink cables is subtle. And we've heard giveaway cables than sound better than fancy versions. However, in a revealing system there are crucial differences. Each of these cables distinguishes itself: the Supra X-ZAC is the best made optical link we've handled, with unusually well engineered all-metal connectors and sturdy shielding. The SuperNova 6 and LAT OP-10 are the best sounding cables we've heard: Wireworld's 3.5mm Optical Toslink version is perfect for Macs. For those on a budget, we can also source the Wireworld Nova 6 but in all honesty the Supra is better. AES/EBU Cables
True 110ohm digital cables with 'balanced' XLR connectors for the highest signal fidelity. Free tip: one half of a good pair of XLR analog interconnects will often work surprisingly well in the same role. Firewire Cables
More and more high end DACs and studio interfaces require Firewire (IEEE 1394) interconnects: Locus Designs were among the first to recognise the potential of upgrades in this area. HDMI Cables
Wyred 4 Sound's new DAC2 is the first of a new generation of D-A converters to use HDMI for audio, but for almost a decade home cinema and AV enthusiasts have recognised the advantages of upgrades to digital cabling that simultaneously ferries audio and video. Claims are made that posh HDMI interconnects produce better sound quality and image quality for monitors and projectors alike. We haven't tested these claims for ourselves, but dealing with Wireworld allows us to offer their whole range, and it seems churlish to leave them out. Like their audio cables, Wireworld's HDMI cables use propietary geometry (24-conductor DNA Helix and 16-conductor Symmetrical Balanced Pair) to reject radio and EM interference. |
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