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RE: USB type C to USB type B DAC cable question

Posted by jeromelang (A) on February 2, 2023 at 16:18:02

In Reply to: USB type C to USB type B DAC cable question posted by Mossback on January 21, 2023 at 02:25:25:

A bit of hint hints in your search.

USB-C connectors have right and wrong "orientation".

You can plug in the USB-C connector in either orientation, they both work, but one orientation will sound better than the other one.

So if you are using digital audio devices with USB-C interfaces, make sure you flip between either orientation to ensure you get the best sound.

I first came to know about this issue when the late, former chief engineer of Sony audio dept, Mr Takashi Kanai, 1 week before he passed away on the 2nd July, made a post (in Japanese) on his Facebook page about the duality of the USB-C connector and sound variances with its 2 orientation.

On that day I first tested his observation with the output from the laptop via a USB-C adapter through a 3.5mm cable into a single wireless speaker and can hear the differences clearly when I flip between the 2 orientations of the USB-C connectors.

And then 2 weeks ago, my company bought a pair of KEF LSX ii for benchmarking sound comparison. They also have a USB-C input.

So, I got out that USB-A to USB-C cable that came supplied with the minidsp umik2 microphone and connect it between my laptop and the KEF LSX ii.

As I've experienced with the single piece of active speaker near the end of June, the LSX ii exhibit vast differences in soundstaging size and imaging perspective when the USB-C connector orientation at the back of the LSX ii was flipped back and forth.

Track tested: Trisha Yearwood's "On a bus to ST. Cloud" via Tidal

Yesterday i rounded up a variety of different types and lengths of USB-C to USB-C cables from my favourite cheapo cable brand Elecom.

A whole day in front of me to test for plug orientation and cable directionality ensured...

Verdict: USB-C connectors not only have to be plugged in with right orientation in relation to receptacle plugs, the whole cable itself has a directionality as well!!!

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Kimber Kable

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