A computer, a USB cable and a USB DAC can provide a practical way to listen to music. Although USB cables are inexpensive and, in theory, should have no effect on the quality of the digital signal, our listening has shown that they can affect the result.
The Shawline USB was developed using materials known to perform well and conductor geometries established during development of the Sarum and Signature USB cables. Prototypes are assessed through blind testing and development listening, and only enter production when they deliver a significant improvement. The cable uses high-quality, silver-plated signal and power conductors. The power conductors are separately shielded from the signal conductors, while the insulation is a specialised hard-skin polyethylene developed for high-speed signal transfer. An overall shield, combined with the internal shielding, protects the signal conductors to very high frequencies.
Like the Signature USB cables, the Shawline USB uses a specially developed version of the Tuned ARAY conductor geometry. The cable is hand-built with USB A or USB B gold-plated plugs.
Micro-USB connectors are not fitted because the heavier-gauge conductors make it difficult to produce a mechanically reliable connection. High-performance miniature components present a particular challenge. USB cables fitted with USB B to micro-USB adaptors have been used for the past 2 years. Adaptors are generally best avoided, but comparisons between available micro-USB terminated cables and Shawline USB cables used with an adaptor produced better results with the Shawline arrangement, particularly with the higher-end portable devices tested. The conductor gauge limitations imposed by the micro-USB plug restrict the length and performance potential of micro-USB terminated cables. If your DAC has a micro-USB input, using an adaptor with the Shawline USB is worth trying.
Available as standard in 1m lengths. Custom lengths can be built to order.
