Do USB Audio Cables Make A Difference?

[VientoB]

The original Type A and B connectors were rated for at least 1500 insertions. They upped that to 5000 for the Mini series, and 10000 for Micro and Type C. That's just insertions, not the sort of mechanical stress that comes with use and abuse in the field though - here the A and B have the benefit of being larger with (usually) more secure connection to a PCB. Hence things like Neutrik's NMC-C chassis mount to take the load off the PCB connector.

Like I said nobody has actually compared like with like use cases.

 

[olds1959special]

Sometimes a USB cable with a ferrite bead can be better than one without.

 

[VientoB]

Sometimes a USB cable with a ferrite bead can be better than one without.

For what?

 

[olds1959special]

For what?

To get rid of noise.

 

[Count Arthur]

To get rid of noise.

What noise?

 

[olds1959special]

What noise?

interference.

 

[solderdude]

Interference with what ?

What those ferrites do is increase the cable impedance for common mode RF signals.
These ferrites attenuate common mode RF currents (frequency dependent).

 

[VientoB]

interference.

What interference? Amir tested a Frankenstein USB cable made up of several USB cables joined together not so long ago and there were no issues.

Some people are forgetting these are transmitting digital signals.

 

[KSTR]

Ferrites definitely do help reduce common-mode RF ingress into devices where the RF can get demodulated -- creating noise/disturbance in the audio band -- in analog parts of the circuit.
This is easily demonstrated in an EMC lab. In the real world, however, it takes badly designed equipment and/or huge RF levels from nearby transmitters to really manifest noticeable audio degradation.

 

[Speedskater]

It's hard to test for interference suppression, you need:

a) an interference source.
b) cable placement and length to act as a receiving antenna of that interference source.
c) an audio component that is susceptible to interference at that frequency.

 

[VientoB]

It's hard to test for interference suppression, you need:

a) an interference source.
b) cable placement and length to act as a receiving antenna of that interference source.
c) an audio component that is susceptible to interference at that frequency.

I think amir tested USB cables in a recent video.

 

[solderdude]

I think amir tested USB cables in a recent video.

When you do not insert unwanted signals in the shield (using a clamp or other coupling method) along with the USB signal then it does not matter if there are ferrites on the cable or not if one just measures the DAC.
You will also need a USB receiver that is susceptible for the induced RF as well.