tnt-audio article on building split usb cable
Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2013 2:04 pm
http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/221_diy_usb_e.html
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As many of you will know many USB DACs or SPDIF converters come powered by the same USB cable that’s used to access files from your computer. There's no doubt in my mind that most, if not all, of such USB DACs and converters will sound better if they have a better power supply than that supplied by the host computer. To add an external power we need a USB cable that will connect to the host computer for the signal, and to the external PSU for the power. I've already reviewed three such cables from Elijah Audio, KingRex, and iFi, and they all do the job very well. But if you don't want to go out and buy such a cable, here's how to make your own. It doesn't involve too much work, but you do need to be able to use a soldering iron.
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As many of you will know many USB DACs or SPDIF converters come powered by the same USB cable that’s used to access files from your computer. There's no doubt in my mind that most, if not all, of such USB DACs and converters will sound better if they have a better power supply than that supplied by the host computer. To add an external power we need a USB cable that will connect to the host computer for the signal, and to the external PSU for the power. I've already reviewed three such cables from Elijah Audio, KingRex, and iFi, and they all do the job very well. But if you don't want to go out and buy such a cable, here's how to make your own. It doesn't involve too much work, but you do need to be able to use a soldering iron.
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