35 replies to this topic

[Marcin_gps]

Have ordered the USB card and am wondering about your USB cables.

 

If one does not use power from USB is the REFERENCE still a better cable than the standard?

 

AND, if one wants a longer length are these kept in stock or is there time needed to fabricate?

 

Can't wait to hear what that card will do.

 

Thanks and take care,

 

Yes it is, even for self powered DACs. 

For longer cable you need to wait up to 7 days. 

 

Cheers, 

Marcin

[rickmcinnis]

Just wondering, for those who are not using computer power, and concerned what to do with all of that extra wire laying about, is there any chance you would offer a "powerless" version of this cable?

 

Assuming a ground wire is also carried in the signal run - just worry about that unneeded antenna.

[Marcin_gps]

Yes, it is possible, but it's not recommended - the performance will be a bit worse

[rickmcinnis]

Dear Marcin,

 

So you are saying running computer USB power to something that doesn't need it will sound better than if you don't?

 

That is bewildering!  But this is audio!

[Marcin_gps]

Yes, this is what I experienced with the cable. 

[rickmcinnis]

I need the cable to be longer than 1 meter.  Hoping I can get by with 1.5.

 

Have you tried the longer lengths?  Did there seem to be losses?

[Marcin_gps]

Steven Plaskin used 3m length when evaluating the JCAT Reference USB for his review on audiostream: http://www.audiostre...rence-usb-cable

 

I don't think there is any loss in SQ for up to 3m

 

Cheers, 

Marcin

[rickmcinnis]

Excellent!

 

My next step ...

[hillbear]

Just wondering if the following is a valid configuration : JCAT battery ---> USB card via molex ---> Reference USB cable ---> both USB ports into USB-powered USB-SPDIF converter. Does this make the most use of the battery or would it be better to attach one port on battery to USB card and the other port directly to the converter ??

[Marcin_gps]

It doesn't matter Both USB Type A plugs have to be connected to the card, but USB-SPDIF converter will get power only via one USB lead (red) of the Reference cable. 

[Armsan]

Hello everyone,

Since 4 weeks ago I have a JCAT USB Reference cable in my system.
I would like to share with all of you my findings. I do not intend to write a review because I don´t have the skills and I leave that for the pros as, for instance, here http://www.audiostre...CdQvTc6BAwJm.97.
But one thing I know, and that is my system´s sound signature. So I can easily compare the before with the after when I swap any element of the chain.
The JCAT USB Reference cable took about 3 weeks to fully break in. During that period, each time I went listening to music, the character of the sound had changed.
This aging process was fully rewarded and instead of describe the common
bass/treble stuff, I feel that the sound gained coherence. The heights of the singers compared to the other elements of a certain band is now more homogeneous and proporcionally right. Also the 3D image bettered showing more diferente layers.
No doubt that this is the best USB cable that I ever had in my system. And just for You guys to know the previous contenders are the Audioquest Diamond and more recently the totaldac USB cable.
Besides the improved building aspects of the JCAT USB Reference cable regarding the JCAT USB cable, IMHO, the major responsible for what i am hearing now is the separation between the data and power leads. In short, I would say that for all of You who own a JCAT USB Card or other USB card with double USB socket, the JCAT Reference USB cable is a must try.
Happy listening.
Cheers.
Armsan

[Marcin_gps]

The JCAT Reference USB cable gets the Annual Bits 2015 award from Audiostream! "One of the finest sounding USB cables I have evaluated. Its neutrality, speed, sound staging, and dynamic qualities are all first rate. A highly recommended cable for the computer audiophile"

 

http://www.audiostre...nnual-bits-2015

[Marcin_gps]

Another great review: http://www.stereotim...ence-usb-cable/

[Marcin_gps]

One more review: http://positive-feed...istic-research/

 

[ellisdj]

JCat USB Ref - out for delivery today - I have had my eye on one of these for ages and the Summer Sale allowed me to buy one.  Thanks Marcin for that.

 

I have a JCat USB now and will report back in a few weeks once its had time to settle in and me assess the performance compared to the original

 

Very excited ...

[Marcin_gps]

What a great review and beautiful pictures of our JCAT Reference USB Cable by Hifistatement magazine (for German readers)

 

http://www.hifistate...le?limitstart=0