Should i run a long usb cable for audio?

Tim Lake · 05-15-2007, 08:23 AM

I am getting interference over my audio cable from the USB DAC to the amp. Would it be better (in terms of interference) to run a longer usb cable from the PC to the DAC and a short cable from the DAC to the amp.

If it was a choice of long usb and short audio cable or short usb and long audio (and all other variables remained fixed) which is better?

DarquePervert · 05-15-2007, 08:36 AM

I'd think the longer USB cable would be less susceptible to EMI than the long audio signal cables.
I'm not the expert, though.

durwood · 05-15-2007, 08:40 AM

I would have to agree with DP, however you need to indentify what this "interference" is. Please be more descriptive. Is it a constant noise, does it change with speed, is it only there when the car is on, etc etc...

Tim Lake · 05-15-2007, 08:52 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by durwood

I would have to agree with DP, however you need to indentify what this "interference" is. Please be more descriptive. Is it a constant noise, does it change with speed, is it only there when the car is on, etc etc...

It is a kind of quiet hissing which sounds like its picking up the sound from inside the PC. This is logical since the audio cable runs right next to the case. My install makes it near impossible to run it anywhere else which is why I was thinking I could move the DAC to the boot (trunk) and then run a very short signal cable to the crossover. This would mean the USB cable would run where the audio currently does, hopefully without picking up the same interference.

durwood · 05-15-2007, 09:31 AM

Then your problem is something else. YOu have the silverstone DAC I see. Read through the last few pages of this thread. YOu will find your answers there probably.

Tim Lake · 05-15-2007, 09:42 AM

Cool thanks, looks like running it thorugh a powered hub might be my solution then

durwood · 05-15-2007, 09:46 AM

Maybe, I should have pointed out the mod done to the card was a bigger improvement, but the hub idea might be cheaper and easier to try.

Tim Lake · 05-15-2007, 09:52 AM

Yeah, I already have a hub I plan to wire onto the 5v line from my Carnetix p1290 so I will try it on that and see how we go. The thing is it used only get this interference intermittently until I reshuffled wires (including running the audio cable near to the pc housing)