Anyone tried a DIY USB cable?

thsmith

Been thinking of trying to make my own USB cable for my DAC and Mac Mini. I would not run power leads.

This is about the best connectors I have found. Not sure what cable to use, something silver with teflon cover.

http://www.doublehelixcables.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=68

Any ideas on where to find better connectors and what cable to try?

I want to make my cable as short as possible, probably no more than 8-10 inches.

thsmith

This 30g silver wire with oversized telflon may be a good start.

http://www.tempoelectric.com/cables.htm#tubing

thsmith

I ordered the connectors just need to figure what wire to use. I sent Chris a message at VH Audio. We will see what he likes.

Good thing is I need a pair of about 16"s of wire.

I had to order 3 USB kits.

I read that cryro makes a diffence.

mantis

Here's my DIY cable , I plug it in myself.

http://www.audioquest.com/usb-digital-audio/cinnamon

Curious why you want to build your own USB cables when there are so many already built one available?

thsmith

mantis wrote: »

Here's my DIY cable , I plug it in myself.

http://www.audioquest.com/usb-digital-audio/cinnamon

Curious why you want to build your own USB cables when there are so many already built one available?

I have a WW starlight now and have tried the coffee plus many others.

The reason why ? Why not, bored, something to do, can leave out the power leads, experiment with different wires and because I can.

Systems

Sounds like a cool project to me.
I say GO FOR IT!
I have always wanted to make one also, but never got around to it.

Wonder if there is an advantage to actually running the power wire using some excellent 6N solid core copper/teflon wire?

thsmith

From what I have been reading and want to see for my self is a shorter USB cable without the power lead sound better than cables costing whole lot more.

The connectors are $10 each and wire should be $20-$30.

mantis

thsmith wrote: »

I have a WW starlight now and have tried the coffee plus many others.

The reason why ? Why not, bored, something to do, can leave out the power leads, experiment with different wires and because I can.

Whats the deal with leaving the power leads off?

thsmith

Less noise and Interference. Some DACs need and some dont. Mine does not.

Systems

My comment was in reference to using a wall wart power supply.
I have often wondered if there would be an advantage to good power wire ran in the cable as opposed to a cheap 5mm connector, switching supply, and cheap stranded wire in most wall wart supplies.

No experience though, so cannot comment on actual results.

Some day, I may build both just to see.

strider

Interested to see what you come up with. In regards to the wire, if you don't need the power leads, are you looking at a twisted pair for the data and a shield?

thsmith

I am going to try just the data pair with a few twist and ground.

Looks like Maple shades does not use a shield. I can always add it later.

Systems

I think PercyAudio has the silver/teflon wire alot cheaper than your link in post #2.
He may still have a $40 min. order not sure.
He has some pretty good sales so I am sure you can find something else to make up the cost :cheesygrin:(he sells teflon tubing, coppershield also I believe).

I have used alot of 30 ga silver/teflon in the past and avoid it like the plague now!
It is similar to stripping human hair!

28 ga. is about as small as these old eyes can go anymore.

JHMO, your eyes may be younger than mine.:redface:

thsmith

pepster wrote: »

I think PercyAudio has the silver/teflon wire alot cheaper than your link in post #2.
He may still have a $40 min. order not sure.
He has some pretty good sales so I am sure you can find something else to make up the cost :cheesygrin:(he sells teflon tubing, coppershield also I believe).

I have used alot of 30 ga silver/teflon in the past and avoid it like the plague now!
It is similar to stripping human hair!

28 ga. is about as small as these old eyes can go anymore.

JHMO, your eyes may be younger than mine.:redface:

Thanks, I will check them out.

zingo

I built a USB cables a few years ago using the 4 conductor, Canare L-4E6S signal cable. It worked well, but I also used it to run power.

If you're interested, I have a 8" (roughly) Nirvana USB cable from Virtue Audio. If you're interested in it to try something different, let me know.

http://store.virtueaudio.com/product-p/vrtu-usb-nrv.htm

Systems

I have some excellent solid core PURE silver/teflon wire in both 28 and 30ga if you want to try it.
Just shoot me a pm.

Considering the small amount you need Smith, I will just send it too ya, freebie.

thsmith

zingo wrote: »

I built a USB cables a few years ago using the 4 conductor, Canare L-4E6S signal cable. It worked well, but I also used it to run power.

If you're interested, I have a 8" (roughly) Nirvana USB cable from Virtue Audio. If you're interested in it to try something different, let me know.

http://store.virtueaudio.com/product-p/vrtu-usb-nrv.htm

Thanks Zingo, I had these gys make me the same cable without power leads and really liked it. Of the half dozen I tried it was number 2 on my list. Very close to the WireWorld Starlight I kept and I think it was twice the price as the Nirvana .

thsmith

pepster wrote: »

I have some excellent solid core PURE silver/teflon wire in both 28 and 30ga if you want to try it.
Just shoot me a pm.

Considering the small amount you need Smith, I will just send it too ya, freebie.

Very kewl and thank you ! I will definately shoot you a PM.

I just ordered some of VHA AirLok UniCrystal Silver 24 AWG OCC Hookup.

thsmith

pepster wrote: »

I have some excellent solid core PURE silver/teflon wire in both 28 and 30ga if you want to try it.
Just shoot me a pm.

Considering the small amount you need Smith, I will just send it too ya, freebie.

CLear out your inbox :0

Systems

Sorry man, just sent you a pm, did not know I was full!

thsmith

I know have wire from VH Audio and from Pepster. The Twin Helix USB connectors arrive tomorrow but will not be able to start any work until after Christmas.

Thanks again Pepster for the wire, looks like some good stuff.

The wire with white insulation is from VH Audio and clear is from Pepster.

Systems

Oh....yeah..........Buff Chris's with polish and make mine look like crap!

JK!

I have bought more of Chris's wire than I care to mention, and it is just phenomenal
wire!

I have never been more satisfied with a purchase better than Chris's product or service.

Talked with him a million times, and you just don't get better from anyone on the web.

Class act!

I tried to talk him into using US Postal once, telling him how he would sell more, but he convinced me it was not worth it, and sure enough, have always received my products, as quick or quicker using UPS.
A little $pensive, but reliable.

(Rubbing hands together) looking forward to this!

PS: I meant to send you some Mylar shielding but left the whole package (except for the wire) at home and did not realize it until I got to the post office.

thsmith

I agree Paul, Chris is a class act as well as you sir !

thsmith

Some success over at computeraudiophile.com

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f8-general-forum/diy-usb-cable-14168/

thsmith

First cable using wire from Pepster. Burning in and there is a difference in sound. Will compare to WW starlight after 50 hours. 20" in lenght. Next up is some wire from VH Audio.

seabeerob213

beautiful granite, installed similar in a few houses me and my old man worked on, sorry for changing the topic,

thsmith

Thank you, it was already in the house when we bought it. Never shopped for it before but we get a lot of compliments.

seabeerob213

youre welcome, lol, kinda miss working in residential construction now, oh well,

Systems

Dang, that was quick!:eek:
You should consider some shielding.

thsmith

pepster wrote: »

Dang, that was quick!:eek:
You should consider some shielding.

yeah, I made add some later. Maple shades does not use it not does the guys over at computeraudiophile.

I dont have any right now anyway but can always add it later.

Sounds great as is.

EndersShadow

thsmith wrote: »

First cable using wire from Pepster. Burning in and there is a difference in sound. Will compare to WW starlight after 50 hours. 20" in lenght. Next up is some wire from VH Audio.

I think its USB Roadshow time :razz:.

I actually would be interested in knowing what parts you used, etc. My headphone rig needs a good USB cable and it doesnt need to power anything, just send the data.... I was looking at the Audioquest Carbon at some point, but if its cheap enough I can do something now...

However methinks PEPSTER needs to add USB and LOD cables to his repertoire.