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AudioQuest Carbon USB Type A to Type B Data Cable
As low as £169.00 £140.83
SKU
AQ Carbon USB A-B
Lifetime
New
24 hours
For many applications, the speed of digital communication is important. Most visibly, "speed" is about transferring large files as quickly as possible, or carrying enough data for an HD video.
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AudioQuest Carbon USB Type A to Type B Data Cable
In 1982 Sony gave us "Perfect sound forever," along with the attitude that, "it's just digital, so all CD players sound the same." That was disproved and qualitative differences between players became accepted truth. Next came separate transport and DAC combos, which brought with it the attitude that "all S/PDIF digital audio cables sound the same..." until that too became disproved. Now the frontier has moved once again. Is digital audio really just ones and zeros? We don't believe so, and once you've had a chance to listen to Carbon USB, you won't think so either...
Features :
- Solid 5% Silver Conductors
- Solid High-Density Polyethylene Insulation
- Carbon-Based 3-Layer Noise Dissipation System (NDS)
- Silver-Plated Terminations
- Universal Serial Bus Device Class Definition for Audio Devices
Solid 5% Silver Conductors :
Solid conductors eliminate strand-interaction distortion and reduce jitter. Solid silver-plated conductors are excellent for very high-frequency applications, like USB audio. These signals, being such a high frequency, travel almost exclusively on the surface of the conductor. As the surface is made of high-purity silver, the performance is very close to that of a solid silver cable, but priced much closer to solid copper cable. This is an incredibly cost effective way of manufacturing very high-quality USB cables.
Solid High-Density Polyethylene Insulation :
Any solid material adjacent to a conductor is actually part of an imperfect circuit. Wire insulation and circuit board materials all absorb energy (loss). Some of this energy is stored and then later released as distortion. Solid High-Density Polyethylene Insulation ensures critical signal-pair geometry while minimizing insulation-induced phase distortion.
Carbon-Based 3-Layer Noise Dissipation System (NDS)
100% shield coverage is easy. Preventing captured RF Interference from modulating the equipment’s ground reference requires AQ’s Noise-Dissipation System. Metal and Carbon-Loaded synthetics prevent most RFI from reaching the equipment’s ground plane.
Silver-Plated Terminations :
Precision direct-silver plated pins are carefully attached with the very best solder. Through choice of flux and metallurgy, AQ solder has been optimized to make a low-distortion connection. The difference you hear between solders is a result of connection quality. AQ Solder does not have a high silver content because the more silver there is in solder, the more difficult it is to make a good connection.
Universal Serial Bus Device Class Definition for Audio Devices :
USB (Universal Serial BUS) was established by a stalwart group of companies such as Intel, Hewlett-Packard, and Microsoft (just to name a few) in order to give the personal computing world a truly universal standard and means to connect devices such as hard drives, printers, cameras, and, more importantly to us, audio components. Included in the original description are protocols for the pristine transfer of audio over USB. Great care and sensitivity went into this. Consequently, a computer connected to a USB-enabled digital-to-analog converter can outperform the best compact disc players available today. AudioQuest is committed to contributing products that honor USB's ability to deliver state-of-the-art performance on this new and wonderful frontier.
Specification :
- Metal: Solid 5% Silver-plated conductors
- Dielectric: Solid High-Density Polyethylene
- Termination: Direct-Silver Plated
- Jacket Colour: Black/Grey braid
About AudioQuest
AudioQuest has been the largest cable supplier to the high-end specialist market for many years. AudioQuest is sold in several hundred outlets in the US and in over sixty countries. Bill Lowe (Founder) is especially pleased that this success has been possible despite his insistence that the foundation of the company, and the foundation of AudioQuest marketing, must be the performance of the product. In the audio world, many professionals have learned that it is not always convenient to listen to the products they sell … they might learn something they don’t want to know! Bill has always understood the challenge of basing the existence of AudioQuest on the performance of the product. However, to Bill, this is the only reasonable way to do business and the only acceptable way to combine his passion for music (and all things high performance), with his need to make a living.
Specification :
- Metal: Solid 5% Silver-plated conductors
- Dielectric: Solid High-Density Polyethylene
- Termination: Direct-Silver Plated
- Jacket Colour: Black/Grey braid
UK Delivery
1. We use Royal Mail 1st Class Services as a Standard Postage Option
Orders received before 4.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. Over 98% of our orders are usually delivered the next working day including Saturdays.
Standard delivery is usually within 2-3 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays . In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.
All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Futureshop.co.uk. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD or Interlink Express for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order Monday to Friday subject to stock availability. For International orders, we use FedEx Services where customers have selected this option.
Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths or custom-made cables may be subject to longer delivery time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
We offer 'Free UK delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:
- Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at FutureShop.co.uk
- Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by UK Mail).
- Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
- You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
- We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
- FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.
Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or Interlink Express next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.
Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or Interlink Express.
2. Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day
We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.
For the Next Day Special Delivery service, orders must be received by futureshop.co.uk by 4.30pm weekdays. Orders after the 4.30pm deadline cannot be guaranteed for same day dispatch.
Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.
For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.
3. Channel Islands & Northern Ireland
We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.
European Countries
Deliveries to EU member states are subject to 20% VAT. We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 10 working days.
- Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 7 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours
Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe
Deliveries outside of the EU are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you login or register.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days.
- Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail - Items are usually delivered within 10-15 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets.
Customer Reviews
4.9 /5.0 of 16 Reviews
Well worth the extra cost.
Audio Quest Carbon USB LEAD
6 Jul 2021
Verified Buyer
Audio Quest Carbon USB has excellent construction and is now more then half way run in. Me being an older fan of HiFi I have used solid core cable in the past, the combination of OFC solid core copper with silver plate gives a smooth and airy sound quality in my system. That being a Project Streambox Ultra into a Chord DAC then onto a Quad pre amp. The Carbon USB works well in this system giving a musically balanced sound IMHO. Having said that I can’t speak for other combinations.
There is a school of thought that say a USB lead is just a USB lead and all will perform the same. Not true I’m afraid. There’s a whole host of things the can affect sound quality and clarity of data transmission. Not enough room here it go further into it. In my case there is definitely a positive using the Carbon to sound quality.
Remember the golden rule: if it sounds good to you, that’s the one you should have, never mind what other people say. This hobby is very very subjective so don’t be afraid of having your own opinion.
Finally if you have an over exuberant streamer (yes you know that gritty sound in the back ground) give the Carbon a try.
There is a school of thought that say a USB lead is just a USB lead and all will perform the same. Not true I’m afraid. There’s a whole host of things the can affect sound quality and clarity of data transmission. Not enough room here it go further into it. In my case there is definitely a positive using the Carbon to sound quality.
Remember the golden rule: if it sounds good to you, that’s the one you should have, never mind what other people say. This hobby is very very subjective so don’t be afraid of having your own opinion.
Finally if you have an over exuberant streamer (yes you know that gritty sound in the back ground) give the Carbon a try.
Exceeded my Expectations
Paul
27 May 2021
Verified Buyer
I decided to buy this cable prior to upgrading my setup with a much more expensive DAC.
To my surprise it made my current system better in both bass and clarity.
I noticed it almost immediately as I could follow lyrics that had previously been more of a background noise within the composition and these were songs I am very familiar with.
If you are hesitant about spending this much on a USB cable, I understand, but it can make a surprising difference.
To my surprise it made my current system better in both bass and clarity.
I noticed it almost immediately as I could follow lyrics that had previously been more of a background noise within the composition and these were songs I am very familiar with.
If you are hesitant about spending this much on a USB cable, I understand, but it can make a surprising difference.
Excellent USB cable
Alan
15 Feb 2021
Verified Buyer
I bought the 0.75m length cable to go between my Allo USBridge Signature and my Auralic Vega DAC, sound quality is excellent with much greater insight and clarity across the frequency range. In particular, bass depth seems significantly extended.
Great cable and fast service from Future Shop.
Great cable and fast service from Future Shop.
Very impressed
Tommy
19 Dec 2020
Verified Buyer
Bought this cable as I own AudiQuest speakers cables , RCA and iPhone carbon cable very good quality , clear sound and very good deep bass.
Will definitely buy more products from AudioQuest. Rapid delivery and great service.
Will definitely buy more products from AudioQuest. Rapid delivery and great service.
Excellent upgrade in my system
Adam
30 Oct 2020
Verified Buyer
Bought this to replace a ten year old cable which frankly stood out as lower spec to my equipment and interconnects.
Well finished and noticed that the connectors fitted much more snuggly between my Stack Audio Link II and Chord Qutest DAC.
Cable housing feels quality with the right amount of flex/stiffness.
Everything in the soundstage is clean, clear and tight. My system feels transparent and I sense the depth in Tidal Masters streaming that was slightly missing before.
Highly recommended and thinking that it will be a long lasting cable to stay in my system.
Well finished and noticed that the connectors fitted much more snuggly between my Stack Audio Link II and Chord Qutest DAC.
Cable housing feels quality with the right amount of flex/stiffness.
Everything in the soundstage is clean, clear and tight. My system feels transparent and I sense the depth in Tidal Masters streaming that was slightly missing before.
Highly recommended and thinking that it will be a long lasting cable to stay in my system.
Thoroughly impressed
Kevin
21 Dec 2019
Verified Buyer
Thoroughly impressed.
As with everything in life, a google search will raise more questions than provide answers when trying to find honest ‘real world’ impressions and views. The last couple of weeks has shown me that this is most definitely the case when it comes to audio cables, and in particular the digital variety; usb in this instance. Not deterred by some (very) fiercely debated forum discussions on the subject and whether digital signals can be influenced by the structure / design / quality of the conductors, I decided to take the leap of faith and purchase the Audioquest Carbon USB A to B.
The standard supplied usb cable to a Mytek Brooklyn+ headphone DAC, powered via a MCRU linear power supply, connected to Focal Clear headphones and being fed Master quality MQA stream from an Apple MacBook Pro, the sound quality was already pretty impressive. Selecting a 24bit 352.8khz track, I focused on the first 5 second intro, analysing every cord and note by repeating the song 15 or 20 times. After becoming familiar with every aspect of this segment, I switched to the new Audioquest Carbon and repeated the process.
Instantly the track took on a new quality. I know it may be cliched but the instruments took on a 3D almost holographic quality. After switching back to the standard cable (although previously perfectly impressive) the music by comparison was now much less dynamic.
Whereas the Audioquest test segment presented a wide sound stage both in width and depth, everything was now noticeably more compact. The bell- like chimes from the guitar strings were much less apparent. Continuing to play full tracks I am familiar with, the switch back and forward between the two cables highlighted aspects of the music I had never experienced before, and made more noticeable by their absence when using the generic cable. I now look forward to the coming 200hrs of listening where I don’t doubt the experience will only become enhanced.
Thanks to Futureshop for the speed in delivering my order and their very comprehensive range of cables. Most certainly now have the confidence to explore the benefits of changing my other interconnects
As with everything in life, a google search will raise more questions than provide answers when trying to find honest ‘real world’ impressions and views. The last couple of weeks has shown me that this is most definitely the case when it comes to audio cables, and in particular the digital variety; usb in this instance. Not deterred by some (very) fiercely debated forum discussions on the subject and whether digital signals can be influenced by the structure / design / quality of the conductors, I decided to take the leap of faith and purchase the Audioquest Carbon USB A to B.
The standard supplied usb cable to a Mytek Brooklyn+ headphone DAC, powered via a MCRU linear power supply, connected to Focal Clear headphones and being fed Master quality MQA stream from an Apple MacBook Pro, the sound quality was already pretty impressive. Selecting a 24bit 352.8khz track, I focused on the first 5 second intro, analysing every cord and note by repeating the song 15 or 20 times. After becoming familiar with every aspect of this segment, I switched to the new Audioquest Carbon and repeated the process.
Instantly the track took on a new quality. I know it may be cliched but the instruments took on a 3D almost holographic quality. After switching back to the standard cable (although previously perfectly impressive) the music by comparison was now much less dynamic.
Whereas the Audioquest test segment presented a wide sound stage both in width and depth, everything was now noticeably more compact. The bell- like chimes from the guitar strings were much less apparent. Continuing to play full tracks I am familiar with, the switch back and forward between the two cables highlighted aspects of the music I had never experienced before, and made more noticeable by their absence when using the generic cable. I now look forward to the coming 200hrs of listening where I don’t doubt the experience will only become enhanced.
Thanks to Futureshop for the speed in delivering my order and their very comprehensive range of cables. Most certainly now have the confidence to explore the benefits of changing my other interconnects
Allows more of the classical Devialet sound
Dr. Fraser Hadden
23 Jul 2019
Verified Buyer
Allows more of the classical Devialet sound. I have purposely delayed a few days to allow my impressions to become established.
I use a Melco-N1 feeding directly into a Devialet 440 Pro. Devialet are one of the few who quote specifications in their advertising, the clear implication being that they do impact critically on sound quality. This is borne out by the family sound of the 'Expert Series', of which the 440 is one down from the top. The basic sound is highly detailed, and nuanced, and emerges from an inky background. The core device produced a sound quality that I had not previously realised could be obtained from CD or even Hi-Res.
The first change I made to my system - Orea Bronze isolators - simply 'amplified' the family sound characteristics. These new Z3 cables, and the Carbon USB cable bought at the same time, have delivered more of the same, though I thought it took a day or so for the change to be grossly apparent. I look forward to investigating AQ loudspeaker cables soon.
<This same review appears in the Z3 mains cable section as both were installed at the same time, and I have not been motivated to disentangle their individual contributions.>
I use a Melco-N1 feeding directly into a Devialet 440 Pro. Devialet are one of the few who quote specifications in their advertising, the clear implication being that they do impact critically on sound quality. This is borne out by the family sound of the 'Expert Series', of which the 440 is one down from the top. The basic sound is highly detailed, and nuanced, and emerges from an inky background. The core device produced a sound quality that I had not previously realised could be obtained from CD or even Hi-Res.
The first change I made to my system - Orea Bronze isolators - simply 'amplified' the family sound characteristics. These new Z3 cables, and the Carbon USB cable bought at the same time, have delivered more of the same, though I thought it took a day or so for the change to be grossly apparent. I look forward to investigating AQ loudspeaker cables soon.
<This same review appears in the Z3 mains cable section as both were installed at the same time, and I have not been motivated to disentangle their individual contributions.>
A winner
peter pienkowski
20 Jul 2019
Verified Buyer
Despite the high cost and the fact that I needed a rather longer length (1.5m) to overcome the stiffness in the shorter (0.75m) version, clearly a much better product than another USB cable I tried for about a £100. Well worth the price provided your other components are good enough.
My set up is Chord 2Qute, Sugden A21a and Kudos C1. Sound provided an unusually high level of emotional involvement. Technical support team excellent.
My set up is Chord 2Qute, Sugden A21a and Kudos C1. Sound provided an unusually high level of emotional involvement. Technical support team excellent.
Connecting the Carbon USB to my system brought...
Jason McGuire
12 Sep 2017
Verified Buyer
Connecting the Carbon USB to my system brought a depth and character to music that I haven’t heard before from my system. It was like going from an average MP3 rip to a beautifully mastered, lossless high-res file. There was more space in the sound and noticeably deeper tone both in the overall size of the soundstage, but also in terms of the space around each instrument. I can only assume that this is a result of the better isolated ground plane allowing every sound to be more accurately rendered by the DAC (Myth Brooklyn) with no hash / background noise to muddy the end signal.