Comments on: Audioquest USB cables

By: GofC

GofC — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 15:03:45 +0000

I just bought the AQ Forest USB 1.5 m. cable today and tried to train my ear to appreciate the quality of the sound compared to the quality from the bundled cable that comes with Audioengine speaker. The main reason I want this cable to work because the Forest Optical cable full size to 3.5 mm. for my PS4 Razer Thresher headphone does provide better results in gaming experience. While I do not know much about the technical jargon, I can say I am more aware of the environment in the game and the volume gets louder with more detailed clarity. Apparently, I will need to spend more time listening to different types of music on my laptop to justify the real potential of the cable. Thank for your informational review nevertheless.

By: Dave H

Dave H — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 12:00:24 +0000

In my system where I have the USB cable between a Bryston BDP and a Benchmark Dac, the Forest is actually better sounding than the Carbon. Instruments are more separate, there is a wider soundstage and it is more detailed. I wonder if Audioquest was going for more of a LP type sound with the Carbon as it is quite mellow sounding.
I love the Forest but of course, being some level of audiophile, still searching for something even better that is affordable.

By: Michael

Michael — Mon, 15 May 2017 21:25:22 +0000

I have a pro card running through a high end DAC and some very high end speakers. I was using the AES connection and not liking the card. Just for the heck of it I switched over to the Spdif connection- Wow! What a difference! I was stunned! Suddenly I was immersed in glourious sound!

That got me interested in exploring why there was such a difference.

It turns out that it was mostly down to the cables as far as I can tell. I was able to improve the AES connection by using some different (also shorter) cables. Likewise, I was able degrade the Spdif connection by switching to different cables.

My system sounds pretty darn good now but the whole experience has made me consider trying a more high end cable just to see if it would further improve things- which seems unlikely since it sounds so good, but who knows?

The differences I heard were in 3D soundstage, panning/position of instruments, clarified deep punchy bass, and a better, more focused midrange. Highs were also greatly improved- from being harsh/metallic to sounding smoother and more transparent and natural sounding.

I used to be a cable sceptic, but no more!

By: Alexander

Alexander — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 18:20:57 +0000

Interesting review/article. However, did you ever blind test the cables? That is the only way to truly know if the difference is noticeable. Otherwise, the placebo effect is all you get. Or the your desire to verify the most expensive cable as the best one. Is it possible for you to do a blind test and then to add your experience to the article?

By: John Reekie

John Reekie — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 15:38:52 +0000

Hi Dave, I confess that I hadn’t noticed that the audio industry has been ruined. I see much diversity, activity, and innovation at all price levels. I see people having fun modifying Class D amps that cost a few tens of dollars. I see manufacturers competing to bring high-res playback down to a price that anyone can afford. Every week I use (audio-related) software tools that I couldn’t have even afforded 20 years ago; now some of them are free! I see people experimenting with (and yes, arguing about) different types of speakers; with multiple subwoofer configurations; etc, etc. So much variety and richness.

By: Dave

Dave — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 06:39:25 +0000

I am a musician and an ‘audiophile’, have been some of both for going on 40 years, have seen a lot of good stuff come and go, and have a pretty good set up. Wires and their ability to transmit sound ‘better’ than other wires has always been a border line snake oil industry in my view. And I have tried better quality speaker cables, interconnects and ac lines. I can appreciate how much better they look, but I have quite some trouble discerning between sound quality. But the notion that different USB cables – purveyor of digital ones and zeros – make a difference to sound quality …. well that’s really pushing the boundaries of reality. ( see this link for a rational explanation on why USB cables simply can’t make a difference : http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/universal-serial-bus-industry-standard-cables-connectors-and-communications-protocols-between-computers-and-electronic-devices-cable-myth-11711/ )

I understand very well that like a chef that has to train his pallet and has to try many different combinations of things, and he really has to make it an art to taste the subtle differences and textural nuances between foods and flavours, a reviewer must do something similar. And I understand that to hear the differences in quality of equipment, your sound is only as good as your weakest piece of equipment, so it’s no good listening to different pre-amps if all you have are old Radio Shack speakers. But the claims being made by the wire companies, and especially those of the digital wire companies are a part of what really ruin this industry altogether.

By: Frank

Frank — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 15:09:46 +0000

Very useful and practical review, especially bringing your wife’s experience into it. I certainly don’t know every nook and cranny of my system, so small and even not-so-small changes do not ever jump out at me, as much as I am trying to be an audiophile. I get by, and I’m very happy, knowing that I have pretty good equipment and so I am hearing music as well as I can and with good quality, but I really wish I could experience ‘wow’ moments more often. Thanks for the review.