DAC and cables

[admin_exported]

I want to connect a DAC between PC and amp. As they are at some distance apart am I better off having the DAC near the PC ie. short USB and long interconnect or near the amp ie. long USB and short interconnect?
Thanks for any advice

 

[chebby]

The recommended maximum length for USB is 5 metres. (Get something decent like Belkin.)

I use a 5m set of USB and a 0.5m set of Chord Crimson RCA leads. Sounds fine.

I have not tested it the other way around because of my system/room layout.

 

[Dave_]

I personally would keep the analogue path as short as possible, and go with a longer USB...

 

[ESP2009]

Probably not precisely what you should do, but I have two 5m USB cables running from laptop to DAC (one being a powered repeater to boost the signal) and then 0.5m I/Cs to the amp. Sounds fine. IMHO, if there is going to be any problem with the signal from the laptop, the DAC should handle it; and then the short length of the high quality I/Cs ensures a good analogue transfer to the amp.

Works for me.