Cracking the code of the humble usb cable...

 Why does the humble usb cable make such a difference to sound quality in a computer-based Hi-Fi system?

When  I started using a computer server, people said “You won’t have to sweat  over usb cables – they don’t make a difference!  It’s packets of data -  it’s not analog.” 

With this advice ringing in my ears, I  continued to question why I was getting a flat, lifeless, edgy and  uninvolving sound from my system – despite using the best processor, usb  card, power supply and so on. 

And yes, I did try a number of high-end, highly regarded usb cables – with similar disappointing results. 

So, if you can’t get genuine audiophile quality from many commercially available usb cables, what’s a man to do?  

From  a previous career as an audiophile cable and connector manufacturer, I  had plenty of wire on hand to start the experimental process.  And what  do you know?  Just about every wire combination I tested had an  immediate, yet varied impact on sound quality. 

So  began a 12 month quest to discover a usb cable design that would  deliver a truly three dimensional, musical sound – like the real thing.   I left no stone unturned.  I tested different diameters of wire,  different metallurgy, shielding, dielectrics, ground techniques, how to  deal with the 5V power leg and so on.  All the time listening. 

And  after a while I built up a set of parameters for a usb cable that  worked for the delivery of music, rather than just delivery of data.  

The  result?  Music from my computer-based audio system sounded  significantly better – in every way!  Much cleaner than before, more  open and spacious, more detailed, smoother, more dynamic – and more  involving.  Some may even use the word “musical”! 

All  I can say is this.  To my ears and those of experienced audiophiles –  the new “Curious” usb cable offers a superior listening experience to  many other usb cables. 

Best results are attained when the cable is used:

• Between an external hard drive and computer/music server, and/or…
  
• Between a computer/music server and DAC