QED has updated and improved its Reference High Resolution USB cable with a slimmer, more flexible profile and an enhanced performance designed to minimise jitter in the audio data stream between digital devices.
The British audio specialist has been researching cable design since 1995 and as a result, the Reference High Resolutions USB is its state-of-the-art offering, representing the pinnacle of QED’s understanding of complex cable application.
Available in 0.6m, 1m, 2m and 3m lengths, the cable features full high resolution compatibility and is designed to deliver an enjoyable, musical performance for long listening sessions. It also meets all requirements for high resolution audio, supporting files beyond 24-bit/192kHz, as well as DSD and MQA audio file formats.
The QED Reference High Resolution USB uses a tightly controlled, 24 AWG, 99.999% oxygen-free copper twisted-pair geometry featuring low-permittivity, foamed-polyethylene dielectrics, which is uniformly bound by an aluminium/mylar wrap. This arrangement is not usually found in a USB cable and is similar to that used in QED’s high performance HDMI cables.
The impedance of the data lane is kept within strictly defined parameters, causing it to exceed the standard USB 2.0 specification by more than half. Therefore, the jitter added to the audio data stream is kept to a minimum, resulting in a better-timed musical performance.
The updated cable also features complete isolation of the USB power and data lanes to combat the sound quality being affected by generated noise from charging currents and PC power being carried along the USB cable.
It uses a double layer shield comprising a 100% aluminium/mylar wrap and shield braid connected to the ground to completely electrically isolate the data and power, which results in cleaner, more precise and more accurate audio transmission.
It also features a unique integral Zn/Mn floating, ferrite jacket, which absorbs high frequency noise signals generated both internally and externally. It works to create a much quieter electrical environment in and around the cable so that jitter within the audio data stream is minimised.
The cable is available now in 0.6m (£74.95 / €95), 1m (£79.95 / €100), 2m (£89.95 / €110), and 3m (£99.95 / €125).