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 only 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
