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View Full Version : [Help Needed] Are there better USB & Toslink Cables for My DAC ?


bklynNupe
06-24-2009, 03:02 PM
In an effort to understand if quality connections really make a difference, I’m switching out all of my bargain connections for some respectable but affordable good stuff for comparison.

Currently, I’m waiting on delivery of Audioquest Type 4 ( bulk) speaker cable at the end of the week.
My rca’s are all from Monoprice. I have a bid in for a couple of Audioquest Sidewinders to try out.

I’m also wondering if I should address the following with premium connections and what brands should I consider? Right now I'm simply using bargain cables.
Mac Mini OUT to Music Hall DAC – USB cable
Samsung Optical audio OUT to Music Hall DAC – Toslink cable
Monoprice Subwoofer cable

Please let me know if I’m overlooking anything? Thanks.
Here is all of the equipment that I’m currently using.

Onkyo 806
emotiva xpa-2 to fronts ( Rtia9’s).
emotiva xpa-3 for center ( csia6) and surrounds ( fxi3’s)
SVS PB-12-NSD sub
Pro-Ject III Xpressions
Belles Soloist 3 preamp ( HT Bypass)
Bellari VP129
Music Hall DAC 25.2
Mac Mini

Samsung LN46A650

nguyendot
06-24-2009, 03:10 PM
http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=1389

LOL

fbm211
06-24-2009, 03:13 PM
Those sidewinders should give you a nice SQ boost as well as the speaker cable.Get some quality spades or nanners for the speaker cables.I was thinking of getting a toslink cable to run from my HD DVD player into my DAC from monoprice.Good prices but Im also wondering if a AQ brand would be better.Audioquest is a great company and have quality products.You cant go wrong with them

bklynNupe
06-24-2009, 04:58 PM
Those sidewinders should give you a nice SQ boost as well as the speaker cable.Get some quality spades or nanners for the speaker cables.I was thinking of getting a toslink cable to run from my HD DVD player into my DAC from monoprice.Good prices but Im also wondering if a AQ brand would be better.Audioquest is a great company and have quality products.You cant go wrong with them

Thanks, are there other Audioquest cables that I should consider?

zingo
06-24-2009, 05:37 PM
Kimber makes a USB cable:

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=KKUSBB

bklynNupe
06-24-2009, 07:44 PM
Kimber makes a USB cable:

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=KKUSBB

Thanks Jake. So I guess this means that I will hear an improvement in SQ with a better USB connection between my Mac and Music Hall DAC?

What about my other connections?

Additional input is welcome :D

fbm211
06-24-2009, 08:48 PM
Other audioquest cables?? Sure.Thats where audiogon comes in as you can try diomondback,king cobra or even columbia W/the dbs pack.And if you dont like them and you got a good deal you should be able to sell em for what you paid.