Frequently Asked Questions about the Curious usb

---

The Curious usb cable is usually a plug and play product that connects instantly and provides beautiful music.

However, in rare cases – a connection issue may occur.

Remember, we’re dealing with computers, servers and DACs – where anything can happen. 

This requires patience and logical thinking.

A few things to consider:

1. Update firmware for both server and DAC.
2. In  "settings" for your music software – test ASIO or WASAPI Vs Direct Sound.
3. Check and test different latency and buffer settings.
4. Use a different usb output socket on your server.
5. Boot up from cold – with the Curious usb installed.  Don’t just remove your previous cable  and insert the Curious.
6. Make sure your cable isn’t twisted, as this may affect the contact pins and connectivity.
7. Insert a usb hub such as a Regen or Intona to test.
8. For raspberry pi: try a different operating system or check all "settings" in Volumio.

Your Curious usb cable has been tested prior to shipping, and is unlikely to fail.  If you experience connectivity issues, the solution is usually a small tweak.

In saying that, if all else fails – send us a message.  We’ll work hard to get the problem solved.

All cables – from the Curious Regen Link (200mm) and Hugo Link (280mm) – to the 2 metre Curious usb are exactly the same cable, the same design.  The same great sound.  The only difference is length.  

First  up, usb is different from spdif 75 Ohm digital cables.  Remember the  argument about 1.5m being the ideal length for spdif cables?  This  doesn’t apply to usb cables. 

When it comes to usb, shorter is better i.e. any length under 2 metres is ideal. 

Some  audiophiles with high resolution systems may notice a slight difference  between a 200mm and 2 metre Curious cable.  However – this is very  slight.  Some may say miniscule!  

The  Curious usb is quite flexible in the vertical plane and not very  flexible in the lateral plane.  This is a result of the design.  It  can’t be helped. 

If your components are positioned on shelves above each other – this is ideal. 

If your components are positioned side by side – you just need to consider a longer length cable to allow for a nice easy loop. 

For both applications a 0.8m Curious usb is the sweet spot.  This is our most popular length cable.

If you require a shorter length cable, contact the Curious team to discuss.     

The  Uptone Audio Regen is a worldwide hit for computer audiophiles.  As the  name suggests, the Regen “regenerates” the data signal.  For more  information visit the Uptone Audio website. 

The recently introduced W4S Recovery and Intona are also now widely used.

For  optimum performance, these units will benefit from the Curious Regen  Link – a short 200mm link – that connects the unit to your DAC.  It  replaces and improves on the hard adapter or fly lead supplied. 

To  get the ultimate performance from the Regen, Recovery or Intona - I  recommend using Curious usb either side.  One cable from Computer/server  to Regen plus the Regen Link from Regen to DAC. 

Of  course, I would say this – but let me explain.  The Curious usb has  been designed to provide an extremely low noise floor with maximum  retrieval of detail.  This complements the Regen, Recovery and Intona.   Some say it’s a match made in heaven.

I’ve listened to the  combination Curious/Regen or Curious/Recovery in a number of high-end  systems.  It’s hard to see how the sound quality of a usb cable loom can  be improved – it’s that good! 

The  Curious Hugo Link will bring out the best in your Hugo or Mojo DACs,  providing more body, flesh and dimension to the sound.  Audiophiles  around the world report excellent results. 

The cable is 280mm  long – to provide a small amount of flexibility – and comes fitted with a  micro usb connector.  See below for information on handling this  delicate connector. 

When ordering a Hugo Link, we need to know  the orientation of the socket input on your Hugo DAC.  The socket was  flipped during production runs.

Please indicate on your PayPal order if you require Mojo, Hugo standard or Hugo flipped.  We'll know what you mean.

Like most audio cables and components, the Curious usb will start to sound its best after 50-100 hours of use. 

Run in has two parts:
1. Conditioning the cable itself on your system – with music.
2. Conditioning your ears to a new sound. 

This second point is often overlooked.  Most usb cables provide a flat wall of sound, with “up front” detail.

The  Curious separates the instruments and vocalists into a three  dimensional space.  The way music was recorded.  And just like the real  thing. 

The Curious isn’t adding anything.  There’s no trick.   The cable simply preserves the spatial cues within the recording.  The  depth and space may take some time to appreciate.  I call it “run in”  for your ears!  

The usb protocol involves a 5V power line in each cable.

Some  components may not use the power but require the connection to make a  handshake.  Some components may not require the 5V at all.

The  5V line in the Curious is a gold/orange coloured, separate mini coaxial cable  that is set apart from the data lines.  The shielding means that any  noise carried on the power line has negligible impact on sound quality.  

If you would prefer to omit the 5V - just contact us.  We can also include an inline connector (add US$20) that you can unplug. 

Either way, please do not stress over the 5V line.  The design of the Curious solves any problems. 

We custom make cables to suit a wide variety of DACs that feature a mini or micro usb connector. 

These  connectors have very small (some may say TINY) contact pads for  soldering.  We solder with a steady hand, under a magnifying glass – no  coffee allowed during this process.

The connector body is then sleeved with glue infused heatshrink - to keep movement to a minimum. 

After all this – we still need your help.

When  installing these custom cables, please move components to suit the  cable.  And try not to twist the cable or connectors.  Gentle bending is  fine.  You may need to use soft foam to support the cable.  It just  takes a little thought - prior to plug and play. 

Just be aware – heavy handed audiophiles need not apply.
 

If  you use an external hard drive connected to your computer/server – you  need to hear what a Curious usb cable can do for the sound. 

This is the first cable that your music files travel through – and is very important. 

Some HDs feature the standard Type B connector.  Others may have a usb 3.0 connector.  

Either way, there is a Curious usb cable to suit.  For a Curious with usb 3.0 connector, please contact us. 

Curious Cables are shipped for free by “Pack and Track” airmail. The service takes approx 7-10 days to most destinations.  

Some  countries haven’t signed up for “Pack and Track” and in these cases we  send your package by “Registered Airmail”.  This service doesn’t allow  for tracking, yet is very reliable. 

For packages to the USA:   Please be aware that security is much tighter thesedays – leading to a  log jam at the NY and LA mail hubs.  Sometimes your package can be stuck  here for up to 10 days during which time your package will be scanned  and sniffed by a beagle prior to release.  Your patience is required,  and there is nothing anyone can do.  There are only so many beagles to  go around.  

To speed up shipping you can select the subsidised  EMS Courier option (US$35).  This gives you priority treatment at mail  hubs and usually takes 3-5 days to most destinations.  

Once  your cable has been shipped, we send tracking advice via PayPal.  So  keep an eye out for a PayPal email.  Sometimes the PayPal advice will be  captured in your spam folder - please check!

Alternatively, you can always check the status of your order, and tracking details - by logging into your PayPal account.

Your package can be tracked here: http://auspost.com.au/track/track.html

We offer a thirty (30) day money back guarantee on all Curious Cables.

Before  ordering a cable, please read the Media Reviews as well as User Reviews  on the website.  The sound quality described by these experienced  audiophiles is the sound quality you can expect from the Curious.

However,  the Curious may reveal weaknesses in other areas of the system.  So,  some tweaking may be necessary.  For example, a different set of tubes  in a valve amplifier, an alternate power supply for a Regen or Recovery  unit - or a different set of footers.

The  Curious usb is particularly revealing of the power supply for Regen or  Recovery.  Many switch mode PSUs can add a harshness or brightness to the  upper midrange.   To confirm, try a battery.

It’s a fine tuning process to extract the best out of your components and the Curious usb cable.

After all that, and you’re still not achieving the desired result, let us know and we’ll organise a refund.