Digital
USB, ethernet, optical, coaxial and AES/EBU cables for streaming and digital audio. The connections between computers, servers, streamers and DACs.
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Digital cable, and why it is not only data
A digital cable either delivers the data or it does not, but that is only half the story. Timing errors and electrical noise travel along the cable alongside the signal and arrive at the DAC, where both affect what comes out of the analogue stage. This is why digital cables can sound different from one another despite carrying identical data.
Choose by connection first. USB is the most common link from a computer or streamer to a DAC. Ethernet carries network audio and is the fastest growing area in digital hi-fi. Optical isolates two components electrically, which helps where noise is a problem, but has bandwidth limits at high sample rates. Coaxial S/PDIF generally handles higher rates and keeps a direct electrical connection. AES/EBU on XLR is the professional standard and appears on higher end transports and DACs.
Impedance is not optional on coaxial and AES/EBU, at 75 ohm and 110 ohm respectively, so a standard interconnect is not a substitute even though the plugs fit. Tell us the source, the DAC and the sample rates involved and we will tell you which connection to use.
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From£116.62Ex. VATUtilizing the exclusive Uni-Path flat design and silver-clad OFC conductors, Starlight 8 USB provides higher fidelity than round USB cables selling for much more. Starlight's rich three-dimensional sound is created by reducing all types of noise and preserving more of the digital waveform. These cables far exceed the official USB 3.0 specifications. These flat cables utilize Wireworld’s exclusive Uni-Path conductor geometry, Composilex 3 insulation and noise-absorbing power conductors to improve the fidelity of music and video. The designs were developed through listening tests that compared prototype cables to virtually loss-free direct connections between components.
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From£95.83Ex. VAT
The Equator streaming cable utilises the CAT6 specification with solid-core OFC conductors and a polyethylene dielectric. This combination offers an excellent solution to your audiophile streaming needs in an affordable package.
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From£49.17Ex. VAT
iFi's new iSilencer+ further improves upon the original iSilencer with updated circuitry and iFi's latest Active Noise Cancellation II technology. These updates improve the efficiency of the iSilencer+'s ability to remove electrical noise, resulting in clearer, warmer and more transparent audio.
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£66.67Ex. VATQuantum Science Audio's Organic-Blue Jitters aim to deliver a balanced, sophisticated audio experience with improved clarity and a precise sound profile. Enhanced by QSA's unique quantum techniques, Lan Jitters for streaming networks offer improved phase detail, clarity, and natural sound across all levels. These innovations contribute to a clearer, more immersive listening experience, closer to the artist's original intention. -
£21.62Ex. VATDragonTail is a USB 2.0 extender for use when a USB device (such as AQ’s DragonFly® USB Stick Digital-Audio Converter or a flash drive) is too large to fit next to other occupied computer ports. -
AudioQuest
AudioQuest Forest USB Type A to USB Type Micro B Data CableSKU: AQ Forest USB A-Micro B
(2 reviews)From£62.46Ex. VATFor many applications, the speed of digital communication is important. Most visibly, "speed" is about transferring large files as quickly as possible, or carrying enough data for an HD video. -
SALEFrom£185.83 £232.50Ex. VAT ✓ Save £46.67The iFi Gemini Dual-Headed USB cable will rule them all. Audio and power cables are not laid side by side yet in the USB configuration because of its origins, transmits this way. The iFi Gemini carries Audio + Power in two separate cables. -
From£258.00Inc. VATThe entry level Blue Waveform II takes over from the original waveform with the same architectural approach to improving digital signals as the other Waveform II digital RCA cables. -
SALEFurutech
Furutech GT-30PA USB to Series iDock Cable - Special Offer - Black November DealSKU: Furutech GT-30PA
(2 reviews)From£100.00 £133.33Ex. VAT ✓ Save £33.33The GT-30PA series are no ordinary cables; they’ve engineered and produced with Furutech’s Pure Transmission technology and feature silver-plated α (Alpha) OCC Silver Copper alloy conductor (28AWG). -
SALENordost
Nordost Purple Flare Type A to Type Micro B USB Cable - Special OfferSKU: Purple Flare USB Micro B
(2 reviews)From£139.12 £200.00Ex. VAT ✓ Save £60.88The Purple Flare 2.0 Data Cable is the perfect solution for hifi audio enthusiasts trying to accommodate DACS, especially ones that require micro-B or mini-B connectors.
Note: Lengths longer 1m usually ship between 7-10 days. -
SALEWireworld
Wireworld Starlight USB 3.0 Type A to Type Micro B - Black November DealSKU: Starlight USB 3.0 Micro B
(2 reviews)From£139.96 £174.96Ex. VAT ✓ Save £35.00WireWorld has announced what could be the first high-end cable in the USB 3.0 format. The Starlight USB 3.0 SuperSpeed cable is a flat and highly flexible cable that utilizes proprietary conductor geometry and upgrade materials to improve sound quality.
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From£254.12Ex. VATA reference-quality optical digital cable, which utilizes 338 Borosilicate glass fiber optic conductors. The new termination technique provides improved clarity and dynamics that will thrill the most sophisticated listeners.
