Hi-speed USB 2.0 (3.0?) Cable for HRT Streamer

[Mystic]

Just picked up one of a NIB HRT Music Streamer II+ device, the type that link one's PC (not a MAC in my case) to, in my case, a circa '72 McIntosh 6200 (RCAs outs to rel Mac's AUX RCA ins), followed by the sound of music being played on the PC (FLAC format) through a pair of KEF 104/2 loudspeakers. No more (c)Apple products -- MACS, iPods, or iTunes -- in the sequence. Too bad about my poor, wonderful, basically unused (tested, once) iPure-20 iPod Docking Station, which did nothing wrong in this drama, but merely sat @ the sidelines while the (c)Apple elements rotted.

After all that, my question: The HRT device requires a high-speed USB interconnect, from PC USB port out into asynchronous "female" in port. I've read that such cabling is available from Belkin (gold-plated of course), Kimber (the Cable People, so also of course), and probably (though I've not yet 'seen" an example" Cardas, Nordost, and the rest of the Cable Guys.

Recommendations are welcomed.

-M

 

[Mystic]

re: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
PS: If you're not in the mood for thrashing it out here, feel free to send me your receommendation(s) via a PM.

 

[Mystic]

So we're all clear as to the connectors @ each end, it's the type of cable (in this instance, belikin) in the attacched photo.

 

[Mystic]

Or this one, manufactured by Kimber, and costing (nearly) 8x more than the Belkin product depicted above. (and it's Silver, not Gold, though it certainly appears gold-colored)

 

[Mystic]

Thoughts/opinions on DH Labs cable products?

 

[zzzzz]

At the risk of poking a hornet's nest -- assuming you're looking at 1 to 3 meter run from the PC to the DAC, pretty much any USB-A to USB-B cable is going to work fine. For that short a run with a digital signal like USB, a $5 cable is going to sound identical to a $500 cable.

It it's a long cable run that pushes (or even exceeds) the USB cable length limit, then a better cable may work whereas a less expensive one won't work at all (or only intermittently).

You're much more likely to notice (subtle) differences in sound by using different analog/RCA cables between the DAC and your amp than you will by trying different (and generally overpriced) USB cables.

 

[tmtomh]

At the risk of poking a hornet's nest -- assuming you're looking at 1 to 3 meter run from the PC to the DAC, pretty much any USB-A to USB-B cable is going to work fine. For that short a run with a digital signal like USB, a $5 cable is going to sound identical to a $500 cable.

It it's a long cable run that pushes (or even exceeds) the USB cable length limit, then a better cable may work whereas a less expensive one won't work at all (or only intermittently).

You're much more likely to notice (subtle) differences in sound by using different analog/RCA cables between the DAC and your amp than you will by trying different (and generally overpriced) USB cables.

I would have to agree with this. :thmbsp:

 

[so_ein_pech]

I stole a cable from an old printer for my HRT. Works perfick.

 

[Mystic]

At the risk of poking a hornet's nest -- assuming you're looking at 1 to 3 meter run from the PC to the DAC, pretty much any USB-A to USB-B cable is going to work fine. For that short a run with a digital signal like USB, a $5 cable is going to sound identical to a $500 cable.

It it's a long cable run that pushes (or even exceeds) the USB cable length limit, then a better cable may work whereas a less expensive one won't work at all (or only intermittently).

You're much more likely to notice (subtle) differences in sound by using different analog/RCA cables between the DAC and your amp than you will by trying different (and generally overpriced) USB cables.

I would have to agree with this. :thmbsp:

Fellas, I like yer thinking. I've got the el-expenseevo RCA interconents (over) covered, what with various Nordost, Cardas, Blue Jeans, Moon, and probably even some Kimber. Your read on the relative un-criticality of the (very short) USB-A to USB-B cable seems well informed. Looks like we have a winner in the Belkin set ($6).

Your comments are much appreciated!

-M

 

[Mystic]

I stole a cable from an old printer for my HRT. Works perfick.

Your input is also much appreciated. Got another (spare) printer bacle laying around you could send me? (i don't employ a printer @ home)

 

[transmaster]

Go to Amazon and pick out what you need these amazonbasics USB cables are great, well made, and cheap. I have a bunch of them :yes:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=a9_sc_1...amazonbasics+usb+cable&ie=UTF8&qid=1403322975

 

[ldatlof]

I use a short USB printer cable too. Never had a problem with my HRT MS II.

 

[rnorton]

I would have to agree with this. :thmbsp:

What's FAR more important than some super cable with this unit is to use it as the ONLY device on a powered hub. I don't recommend trying to run it off of your computer's USB supply. I'm a big fan of CyberPower hubs.

I've used several cables on mine and they all sounded the same.

 

[transmaster]

My favorite powered USB hub is Anker, I have two of them the first link is to one used by Pixar the animation studio. The second link is to one that is 3.0 USB sync's and will charge an iPad with the Lighting plug.

http://www.amazon.com/Family-Sized-...&ie=UTF8&qid=1403343443&sr=1-3&keywords=anker

http://www.amazon.com/Charging-Adap...ie=UTF8&qid=1403343703&sr=1-48&keywords=anker

If you really want to see something cool check this out from Anker:
http://www.amazon.com/Dual-Port-Por...ie=UTF8&qid=1403344531&sr=1-12&keywords=anker

 

[Mystic]

Go to Amazon and pick out what you need these amazonbasics USB cables are great, well made, and cheap. I have a bunch of them :yes:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=a9_sc_1...amazonbasics+usb+cable&ie=UTF8&qid=1403322975

I saw those yesterday, looked promising.

 

[Mystic]

What's FAR more important than some super cable with this unit is to use it as the ONLY device on a powered hub. I don't recommend trying to run it off of your computer's USB supply. I'm a big fan of CyberPower hubs.

I've used several cables on mine and they all sounded the same.

"CyberPower hubs\" - got it. Any make/model in particular that you'd recommend?

 

[Mystic]

re: Cyberpower Hubs, one vote (thus far) for something named "Anker". Are there other makes/models worth considering?

BTW, thanks for the suggestions and the support, fellas. Entering the 21st century has been a challenge for guy with old gear.

 

[Mystic]

Thanks for info and links, TM. :thmbsp:

My favorite powered USB hub is Anker, I have two of them the first link is to one used by Pixar the animation studio. The second link is to one that is 3.0 USB sync's and will charge an iPad with the Lighting plug.

http://www.amazon.com/Family-Sized-...&ie=UTF8&qid=1403343443&sr=1-3&keywords=anker

http://www.amazon.com/Charging-Adap...ie=UTF8&qid=1403343703&sr=1-48&keywords=anker

If you really want to see something cool check this out from Anker:
http://www.amazon.com/Dual-Port-Por...ie=UTF8&qid=1403344531&sr=1-12&keywords=anker

 

[Mystic]

http://www.amazon.com/Family-Sized-...&ie=UTF8&qid=1403343443&sr=1-3&keywords=anker

This one (ie, the 40W 5-port model) is USB 2.0?

 

[Mystic]

If you really want to see something cool check this out from Anker:
http://www.amazon.com/Dual-Port-Por...ie=UTF8&qid=1403344531&sr=1-12&keywords=anker

That's impressive. I would require 3-4 strong men to assist me in relocating my gear to an outdoor setting. It's all big & heavey old stuff -- steel and wood.