HiFi Subjectivist ¦ Audio Forum ¦ NVA User Group

CN211276 wrote: ↑Thu Dec 19, 2019 4:41 pm

CN211276 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 13, 2019 3:54 pm I have always been able to detect differences between cables, the most significant when upgrading from LS6 to TSCS. Have not given USB cables much thought but have decidehd to take a punt on Audioquest Carbon. If not impressed Amazon have a good returns policy. I will report.

The AQ Carbon arrived yesterday. Connected it to the streamer and Mscaler and straight from the off there was a distinct improvement over the Wireworld USB cable, which was not cheap, I had been using. The improvement can best be described as a greater sense of space and ease. USB cables do not sound the same and make a difference. The AQ is a keeper and the wireworld is destined for Ebay.

Because of its shape fitting ferrite rings on the Wirewold cable was not an option. As the fitting of ferrite rings on the dual output BNC cables from the Mscaler brought about a big improvement in SQ, I was curious to see what effect they would have on the input cable from the streamer. I had not come across anything on line about this and the rings cost next to nothing. I have found that they do bring about an improvement, though nothing on the scale of fitting them to the output cables. The improvement concerns the higher frequencies, noticable with cymbals and tamborines.

The SQ of my system has improved quite a bit in recent weeks with the P90SA upgrade, AQ Carbon, the ferrite rings and moving a sofa. I expect the A80Mk3 upgrade will bring about further benefits as well.

Those ferrite rings sound like an interesting and inexpensive experiment ( perfect for me) A quick Google lists all manner of rings, clamps and magnets, do you have a link to the ones you are using ? Thanks Paul

Cables connected to the Mscaler seem to attract RF big time, I think due to the high sample rate, and there are cables incorporating ferrite at silly prices. Far more sensible to attach your own. They are not pretty but are out of site. Ferrite rings can also improve SQ in other with other equipment, especially if a router is located near hifi. I cannot provide a link on my tablet, but an eBay search will take you to them. They come in various sizes and are cheap.

Cheers I will have a good nosey around flea bay