What audio system do you have, or plan on getting?

[Harry]

A USB connection transmits blocks of numbers, and employed Cyclic Redundancy Check to confirm that the data received is identical to the data sent. If the data received is not identical the block is retransmitted. Either the data is transmitted or it isn't.

It's not that simple. But we may differ in opinion.

[AnotherSpin]

I am going to tweak a little in my cables, I will replace my Audioquest USB cable (coffee) for the  Ansuz Acoustics Digitalz D2 USB, High End USB Cable, and a switch for the noise canceling of this cable. That will lift up the overall image of the music. More rest less digital glare, and a even better soundstage. As for the Avalon Opus Eidolons Diamond speakers, well, they are a miracle in creating a sound bubble that makes one happy, at least for me it does. But that means I have to put all the cables on the same level, and the AudioQuest simply is not good enough

I've tried AudioQuest cables, including USB ones, multiple times, and not a single one stayed with me for long — or beyond the trial period.

[Spotted Horses]

It's not that simple. But we may differ in opinion.

I did not offer an opinion, I related a fact. The USB interface transfers blocks of numbers with error checking. The blocks of numbers either arrive without alteration or they don't. USB commonly in use transfers data about 3000 times faster than the uncompressed data stream of CD audio, so there is lots of time to retransmit if a data error is discovered.

You can argue that an analog cable makes a difference, but saying that audio is enhanced by a different USB cable is like saying that the character development in a novel is more subtle if I transfer the file to my Kindle using a different cable.

I don't expect to convince you of this.  But other people are reading and deciding how to spend their money.

[Harry]

I did not offer an opinion, I related a fact. The USB interface transfers blocks of numbers with error checking. The blocks of numbers either arrive without alteration or they don't. USB commonly in use transfers data about 3000 times faster than the uncompressed data stream of CD audio, so there is lots of time to retransmit if a data error is discovered.

You can argue that an analog cable makes a difference, but saying that audio is enhanced by a different USB cable is like saying that the character development in a novel is more subtle if I transfer the file to my Kindle using a different cable.

I don't expect to convince you of this.  But other people are reading and deciding how to spend their money.

You are in the wrong thread, this thread is dedicated to those that live not by the rules according to you. And by the way you offered an opinion. Nothing is as black or white as you try to suggest. And another thing, you are not the holder of the purse of other people, and as such, people can decide on the basis of their own opinion how to spend their money. End of discussion!

[Spotted Horses]

You are in the wrong thread, this thread is dedicated to those that live not by the rules according to you. And by the way you offered an opinion. Nothing is as black or white as you try to suggest. And another thing, you are not the holder of the purse of other people, and as such, people can decide on the basis of their own opinion how to spend their money. End of discussion!

How USB works is not an opinion. (You can consult Wikipedia or another source if you want more detail.) Given this information, I don't see how two non-defective USB cables can sound different.

[AnotherSpin]

How USB works is not an opinion. (You can consult Wikipedia or another source if you want more detail.) Given this information, I don't see how two non-defective USB cables can sound different.

So, according to textbook physics, there simply can't be any differences between USB cables — it's all blocks of numbers, after all. And yet, much to our amusement, both Harry and I can quite effortlessly hear the differences. Quite remarkable, isn't it?

Life, as they say, is full of little mysteries that merrily defy reason...

[Spotted Horses]

So, according to textbook physics, there simply can't be any differences between USB cables — it's all blocks of numbers, after all. And yet, much to our amusement, both Harry and I can quite effortlessly hear the differences. Quite remarkable, isn't it?

Life, as they say, is full of little mysteries that merrily defy reason...

It is a verifiable fact that a USB device will transfer blocks of numbers from one device to another. I will leave it to you to determine how an identical block of numbers sounds different if transferred by a different cable.

[AnotherSpin]

It is a verifiable fact that a USB device will transfer blocks of numbers from one device to another. I will leave it to you to determine how an identical block of numbers sounds different if transferred by a different cable.

That's very generous of you, but to be honest, I don't feel the need to figure out something I can easily distinguish by ear

[Daverz]

So, according to textbook physics, there simply can't be any differences between USB cables — it's all blocks of numbers, after all. And yet, much to our amusement, both Harry and I can quite effortlessly hear the differences. Quite remarkable, isn't it?

You don't hear a difference in sound.  You think that there's a difference between what you're hearing at the moment and a memory of what you were hearing previously.  That memory is known to be unreliable, particularly as swapping cables can take a few minutes.  You can pretend all day that you are immune from normal human fallibility in this regard, but I'm not obligated to pretend along with you.

[AnotherSpin]

You don't hear a difference in sound.  You think that there's a difference between what you're hearing at the moment and a memory of what you were hearing previously.  That memory is known to be unreliable, particularly as swapping cables can take a few minutes.  You can pretend all day that you are immune from normal human fallibility in this regard, but I'm not obligated to pretend along with you.

You're right — memory isn't reliable. That's why it makes sense to repeat the comparison several times. If I consistently hear the same difference, that's enough for me. My perception is entirely subjective, and what I find appealing might not resonate with you — and the other way around. There are no objective standards here, so so-called scientific criteria don't apply. I won't lose sleep if you don't agree with me. After all, wouldn't it be rather dull if we all perceived things exactly the same way?

[Daverz]

You're right — memory isn't reliable. That's why it makes sense to repeat the comparison several times. If I consistently hear the same difference, that's enough for me. My perception is entirely subjective, and what I find appealing might not resonate with you — and the other way around. There are no objective standards here, so so-called scientific criteria don't apply. I won't lose sleep if you don't agree with me. After all, wouldn't it be rather dull if we all perceived things exactly the same way?

Ah, the retreat to solipsism.  So predictable.

Repeating an unreliable test does not make it any more reliable.  There are known methods to improve reliability like blinded randomized trials: make sure the cables are not visible to you and get someone to randomly swap the cables while you are out of the room.   

[Harry]

And at this point lets stop this senseless discussion, I did not ask for it, and neither did someone else. The bashing is over. I get so tired of all this.

[AnotherSpin]

Ah, the retreat to solipsism.  So predictable.

Repeating an unreliable test does not make it any more reliable.  There are known methods to improve reliability like blinded randomized trials: make sure the cables are not visible to you and get someone to randomly swap the cables while you are out of the room.   

Feel free to use whatever label feels familiar or convenient. I'd just gently point out that you seem a bit reluctant to trust your own impressions, relying instead on someone else's formulaic "knowledge". Is that how you usually approach things? It's kind of amusing

[AnotherSpin]

And at this point lets stop this senseless discussion, I did not ask for it, and neither did someone else. The bashing is over. I get so tired of all this.

Harry, you're absolutely right. You can't explain anything to those who see the world through someone else's eyes (or hear with someone else's ears) and are afraid to have or trust their own impressions. And if that's the case — well, sadly, there's nothing that can be done

Edit: Let me add one more point. I can't help but wonder — those who champion blind tests as the ultimate argument — have they actually put them into practice themselves? For example, have they conducted blind tests comparing different high-quality USB cables to evaluate their performance in a high-end audio system? Do they have years of experience listening to highly resolving audio in general?

[Harry]

Harry, you're absolutely right. You can't explain anything to those who see the world through someone else's eyes (or hear with someone else's ears) and are afraid to have or trust their own impressions. And if that's the case — well, sadly, there's nothing that can be done

Edit: Let me add one more point. I can't help but wonder — those who champion blind tests as the ultimate argument — have they actually put them into practice themselves? For example, have they conducted blind tests comparing different high-quality USB cables to evaluate their performance in a high-end audio system? Do they have years of experience listening to highly resolving audio in general?

No they did not do any blind test or tests at all. For starters they do not even have a decent set to start with, for all basic stuff is good enough, so there is no need to compare because science says there cannot be possibly any difference between a cable of one dollar or one of 2000 dollar, to them it's all Humbug like Scrooge said, and we all know how the outcome of that remark, don't we. So best to ignore the remarks of these people about the worth of good cables and HIFI gear, it's pearls before the swines as the saying goes.

[AnotherSpin]

No they did not do any blind test or tests at all. For starters they do not even have a decent set to start with, for all basic stuff is good enough, so there is no need to compare because science says there cannot be possibly any difference between a cable of one dollar or one of 2000 dollar, to them it's all Humbug like Scrooge said, and we all know how the outcome of that remark, don't we. So best to ignore the remarks of these people about the worth of good cables and HIFI gear, it's pearls before the swines as the saying goes.

If people take pleasure in the sound of their modest setups, then jolly good. I'm truly pleased for them. If they find comfort in the truths of a physics textbook, all the better! At least they have something to hold onto. Personally, I've long given up the notion that one can influence others in any meaningful way. And, if I may say so, why should one? Let people be as they are, with their own convictions and tastes

[Harry]

I decided today to buy the Avalon Opus Eidolon Diamonds, and trade my Avalons Ceramique in. The fact is that I can not longer do without the Eidolons, so I had no choice.
The Ceramique did not react well on my equipment in the living room, it simply could not match the standard these speakers demand. I am sorry to let them go, but hope they get a good home. Pains me though to let them go. I owned them since 2003 they are almost part of my family.

[DavidW]

I've tried AudioQuest cables, including USB ones, multiple times, and not a single one stayed with me for long — or beyond the trial period.

Yeah, they are shockingly junk! I'm a simple man and use Blue Jeans cable for everything. Great connectors, quality cables, and you can specify exactly the length you want.

[DavidW]

I decided today to buy the Avalon Opus Eidolon Diamonds, and trade my Avalons Ceramique in. The fact is that I can not longer do without the Eidolons, so I had no choice.
The Ceramique did not react well on my equipment in the living room, it simply could not match the standard these speakers demand. I am sorry to let them go, but hope they get a good home. Pains me though to let them go. I owned them since 2003 they are almost part of my family.

I feel confused. Upgrading speakers should provide pleasure. How could speakers that you've had for 22 years suddenly not work well with your room or equipment? Did you move to a different house? Sorry if you've explained all this in previous posts.

When I upgraded my speakers, I moved the old ones to the den to upgrade my home theater. Which meant that I still got use out of them.

[Harry]

I feel confused. Upgrading speakers should provide pleasure. How could speakers that you've had for 22 years suddenly not work well with your room or equipment? Did you move to a different house? Sorry if you've explained all this in previous posts.

When I upgraded my speakers, I moved the old ones to the den to upgrade my home theater. Which meant that I still got use out of them.

I wanted to connect the Ceramiques to my equipment in the living room with a Atol amplification. That did not work out well. My listening room harbours other equipment