The CAD Audio USB II-R Cable

The first review of the USB II-R Cable is out in HiFi+ Magazine (April 2023), and it’s a good one!

“erasing the tinest hints of what we think of as digital”

“I’ve heard examples up to and beyond £5000, and they can’t hold a light to it.”

“the USB II-R is now the cable that can preserve the most authentic account of the music so far, acting almost like an analogue conduit from PC to DAC. Against any known contender, this winner takes them all.”

Read the full review here:

HiFi+ USB II-R Cable Review

The new CAD USB II-R cable replaces CAD’s highly successful USB II cable. Designed for use with any server, computer, USB re-clocker or DAC/streamer, it builds upon the patented filter design used in its predecessors, which reduces high frequency noise on the USB differential signal, the Signal Ground and the 5V connections.

Digital audio source components –servers, streamers, laptops – are real noise polluters in an audio system. Their CPUs, chipsets, switch mode power supplies, regulators, and the like produce considerably more high frequency ‘noise’ than any analogue component.

CAD’s USB cable is engineered to filter out this noise from digital music sources before it can reach the digital to analogue converter (DAC).

The CAD USB II-R cable itself is completely new, both in terms of the conductors and materials used, and in the construction techniques employed, aimed at producing extra clarity across all frequencies, a larger soundstage with greater speed, and improved timing and rhythm producing a more realistic natural sound quality.

The new CAD USB II-R cable is 1.2m long.

Noise reduction

CAD Cables feature our patented USB filter, which filters noise from the music source (whether a computer or audio server or streamer).

The USB consists of 4 connections:

1) +5V : Only used for powering devices – many DACs use this power source, but not all.

2) DATA+ : Differential signal, high speed

3) DATA- : Differential signal, high speed

4) Ground : Reference

Unwanted noise is present on all 4 connections. Our patented filter reduces the noise on the differential signal. +5V and Ground without impacting the signal or power itself.

The +5V line contains exceptionally large amounts of high frequency noise. To minimize the amount of this noise from entering the DATA and Ground connections, the CAD Cable uses a separate triple-shielded cable for the +5V line.

Wire materials and construction

CAD sees “Digital Signals” as very high-speed analogue square waves. Conductors used for high-speed signals use different materials and construction techniques compared to conductors that operate at lower frequencies. As explained above there are 4 conductors in a USB cable. The requirements for the DATA+ and DATA- conductors are completely different from those for the Ground and +5V conductors.

When we compared conductors made with different materials, insulators and/or construction techniques we also noted sound quality differences. Over the last ten years, we have meticulously researched the best materials and construction techniques for the conductors inside our CAD cables. Our main measurement tool is subjective listening tests, but over time we learned what parameters are technically important.

The CAD USB Filter

The new CAD USB filter replaces CAD’s sought-after entry-level USB I cable.

Designed for use with any brand of USB cable, the CAD filter takes the patented filter design used in all of CAD’s USB cables, which reduces high frequency noise on the USB differential signal, the Signal Ground and the 5V connections.

The CAD USB filter comprises one male, and one female, USB B connector. It is designed to connect directly to the Digital Analogue Converter. In this way, the filter will reduce noise that may have been picked up within the cable, as well as noise generated by the digital source (the server / streamer / laptop).

The CAD USB filter can also be used as a stand-alone noise reduction device in any DAC or streamer / server device where the USB B socket is open. i.e., it will perform some noise reduction even if there is no cable attached.

The CAD Audio USB Cables

In the June 2018 issue of HiFi Critic the CAD USB cables were given the Audio Excellence Award Read the review here:   HiFi Critic CAD USB Cables Review

 

Read the latest review of the USB I cable by Hi-Fi Advice here:  Hi-Fi Advice CAD USB I Cable review

“Just a quick mail to say that the cable continues to burn in and continues to impress. I’m not one for hifi type descriptions etc, but I will say that what you have created, has had a profound effect on the sound of my system.  It manages to produce sound in such an unforced and natural way.

You have knocked it out of the park!   Your cable has created a synergy within my music system, that I have never heard before.  I’m sure you know how good your cable is?”

USB II Cable customer Stuart, United Kingdom

“Got the USB II cable today.  Blimey, something’s not right…how could this cable be so good?
USB cable, done!  Wow, I am smitten — what can I say.”

Kenny – Seoul, Korea

“the CAD was a better match, with a fuller timbre, more powerful bass and a more relaxed delivery yet without sacrificing dynamics or overall tension. The more I listened to it, the more I realized that not only does it combine technical perfection with a wonderfully colorful, full-bodied delivery, it also provided the most organic presentation heard in this system so far.”

USB I review, Christiaan Punter, Hi-Fi Advice

“The CAD USB conveys such a ‘satisfying’ sound. The data retrieval abilities during complex passages is totally engrossing and never etched, exploring every part of the music without any brightness or analytical portrayal.”
HIFiPig

“To describe its sound, I would say: effortlessly natural with monumental authority. The CAD USB cable served a sonic presentation that seemed utterly natural, relaxed and even analog in comparison to the other USB cables.”
Mono & Stereo Magazine

“In my view exceptional audio components are those that inspire us to explore the unknown musical worlds and direct us away from the sound dissecting behavior. The CAD USB cable is absolutely one of them and carries my highest recommendation.”
Mono & Stereo Magazine

“ They are both truly excellent cables, but the II is really something extraordinary.”

“I don’t know exactly why certain USB cables have made the biggest improvements to my system, or not, but both of yours are leaps and bounds more significant than any of the other cable changes I’ve made within my system and there have been lots of changes over many years.”

Frank Goldfarb, Owner Cane Creek Audio Asheville NC