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The Affordable, High-Performance, Audiophile USB Cable
Today’s hi-res music files don't hold back on the realism. So don’t hold back on the USB cable you’re using, or you may miss out on the full excitement. Pangea Audio's Premier SE MKII USB ticks all the right boxes for audiophiles in search of an affordable, high-performance USB audio cable.
Superb for streamers, DACs, computers, disc players, and more, Premier SE MKII USB cable excels with today’s demanding digital formats. This cable also boasts a separately shielded 20 awg tinned copper power conductor, and an advanced form of PE polyethylene insulation. In addition to the shielded power conductor, the entire cable is wrapped in a double shield to reject electromagnetic and radio frequency noise. The finishing touch is a tough woven nylon braided jacket.
The Premier SE MKII USB version uses USB connectors that are just a bit narrower than the previous SE version, making it even friendlier to use in tight situations. Both the USB-A and USB-B ends were reduced by 2-3mm. Just that little bit of a size reduction can in some cases make a welcome difference.
It's Not Just Zeros and Ones
We occasionally get questions about USB cables from customers who are getting into digital audio streaming. They wonder why it would be worth investing in an audiophile-grade USB cable when they've been told that all USB cables are created equal as far as digital signals are concerned – that a $5 cable conveys the "zeros and ones" of a digital stream just as well as a more expensive cable.
For the definitive answer, we asked Pangea Audio cable design expert, Jay Victor, "How can one digital USB cable sound better than another?"
"A USB cable is not just carrying a bunch of zeros and ones," explained Jay. "The cable carries an electrical signal from one circuit to another. Lots of things can interfere with this signal, like radio frequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI). Anything that affect that signal will cause distortion. Some of these distortions are bound to be audible."
This made sense to us. We've heard differences between the various USB cables we sell. Some of our customers swear by USB cables costing $1,000 and more. So USB cable quality definitely matters. However, the cost of a high-quality cable doesn't have to break the bank. Especially when the cable is made by Pangea Audio.
"How Can We Make Our USB Cables Better?"
After years of making and selling the popular Pangea Audio USB-PC and USB-AG cables, Pangea Audio challenged Jay. How could he make these cables even better?
"I can think of two things right away. We can increase the gauge of the signal conductors and use a more advanced type of insulation," answered Jay. "But give me a little time and I'll think of some more things to improve."
A few weeks later, Jay followed up. "I came up with three designs. One design – Pangea Premier SE MKII USB – checks all the right boxes and gives you exactly what you're looking for at a price any audiophile can realistically afford. This will be your best-selling cable," predicted Jay. "It features precision-wound 23-gauge signal conductors using the best copper on the market, Cardas Grade One Copper, made by George Cardas plus a 6% pure silver plating.
"The insulation used in Premier SE MKII is an advanced form of PE polyethylene that has only been used in very high-end video applications. To the best of my knowledge, it has never been used in a USB cable before. It's a very good insulation that reduces noise and interference.
"The separately shielded power conductor is a very robust 20 awg copper conductor. Then the entire cable is wrapped in a double shield to reject electromagnetic and radio frequency noise. This cable should be priced well over $100, but I suspect you'll probably offer it for a bit less."
Try Premier SE MKII USB cable to hear the difference for yourself. It vastly outperforms any other cable in its price range and beyond. If you don't hear an improvement in your system, please return it for a full refund.
