WhatsApp
Need help? Call us on 0800 772 3688 or 0208 905 1555
Prefer email? Contact us via sales@futureshop.co.uk
AudioQuest Diamond USB Type A to Type B Data Cable
As low as £649.00 £540.83
SKU
AQ Diamond 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.
promotional_banner_4
promotional_banner_4
AudioQuest Diamond 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 Diamond USB, you won't think so either...
Features :
- Solid 100% Perfect-Surface Silver Conductors (PSS)
- Solid High-Density Polyethylene Insulation
- Dielectric-Bias System (DBS, US Pat #s 7,126,055 & 7,872,195 B1)
- Silver-Plated Terminations
- Universal Serial Bus Device Class Definition for Audio Devices
Solid 100% Perfect-Surface Silver Conductors (PSS) :
Perfect-Surface Technology applied to extreme-purity silver provides unprecedented clarity and dynamic contrast. Solid conductors prevent strand interaction, a major source of cable distortion. Extremely high-purity Perfect-Surface Silver minimizes distortion caused by the grain boundaries which exist within any metal conductor, nearly eliminating harshness and greatly increasing clarity compared to OFHC, OCC, 8N and other coppers.
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.
Dielectric-Bias System (DBS, US Pat #s 7,126,055 & 7,872,195 B1) :
All insulation slows down the signal on the conductor inside. When insulation is unbiased, it slows down parts of the signal differently, a big problem for very time-sensitive multi-octave audio. AudioQuest’s DBS creates a strong, stable electrostatic field which saturates and polarizes (organizes) the molecules of the insulation. This minimizes both energy storage in the insulation and the multiple nonlinear time-delays that occur. Sound appears from a surprisingly black background with unexpected detail and dynamic contrast. The DBS battery packs will last for years. A test button and LED allow for the occasional battery check.
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.
Contact Enhancer Option
To ensure the best possible connection between your system, Future Shop recommends the DeoxIT Gold G-Series contact enhancer.
DeoxIT Gold is carefully applied to the plug contacts of your cable and is a unique conditioning solution designed to improve conductivity and provide long-lasting protection on gold, base metals and other precious metal contacts and connections. DeoxIT Gold penetrates plated surfaces, molecularly bonding to the base metals to seal and protect both surfaces.
The benefits of applying DeoxIT gold are:
- Improved Conductivity
- Maintained optimum signal quality
- Reduced wear & abrasion
- Prevents fretting/dendrite corrosion
- Forms a protective anti-tarnishing coating
- Stabilises connections between similar and dissimilar metals
- Reduces arcing, RFI and intermittent connections
Please select this option from the above ‘Contact Enhancer’ drop-down menu and our engineers will apply the contact solution to your cable connectors prior to shipping.
|
|
|
"High-performance digital audio cables are inherently controversial; some objectivists argue that digital audio cables cannot possibly affect sound, while observational listeners often confidently insist well-designed digital audio cables can and sometimes do make for readily apparent and high beneficial sonic differences. We at Hi-Fi+ side with those who think cables make a difference and AudioQuest's terrific flagship Diamond USB cable makes a perfect case in point. Diamond USB features solid perfect-surface silver conductors, foamed polyethylene dielectrics, a three-layer carbon-based noise dissipation system, and AQ's signature 72V DBS (dielectric bias system). The result is an audibly superior USB cable that offers exceptional retrieval of low-level details and three-dimensional soundstage cues in the music, which also conveys a heightened-indeed, almost 'sculptural' - sense of rock-solid imaging. In short, Diamond USB fosters what one staff member termed, "a whole different level of vital connection to the music"." HiFi+ (131) - Digital Audio Cable of the Year- January Awards 2016.
|
Specification :
- Metal: Solid 100% Silver-plated conductors
- Dielectric: Solid High-Density Polyethylene
- Termination: Direct-Silver Plated
- Jacket Colour: Black/White 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 100% Silver-plated conductors
- Dielectric: Solid High-Density Polyethylene
- Termination: Direct-Silver Plated
- Jacket Colour: Black/White 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.
Free Premium Cable Burn-In Service: Experience the Power of Nordost VIDAR 2 Machine
We are thrilled to unveil our upgraded cable burn-in service, now featuring the cutting-edge VIDAR 2 burn-in machine. At Future Shop, we strive to provide the best possible experience for our customers, and this enhanced service is designed to unlock the true potential of your high-end cables. Read on to discover the exceptional benefits and advancements offered by the VIDAR 2 machine.
Please note: We are unable to burn-in cables with stripped bare ends or BFA plugs. Cable burn-in occurs after your order has been processed for the selected time period. For custom-length cables, burn-in takes place after termination by the manufacturer or our skilled engineers.
The Nordost VIDAR cable burn-in machine seamlessly combines three vital functions into a single operation:
- Neutralising charges around cables and insulation: The VIDAR 2 effectively dissipates any built-up charges, creating an optimal environment for signal transmission.
- Deep conditioning into the conductor core: With its wide band and profound conditioning capabilities, the machine induces significant changes in signal passage through the metal, resulting in enhanced performance.
- Ultrasonic surface conditioning of conductors: The VIDAR 2 employs ultrasonic technology to refine the conductor surface, further refining the signal quality.
In addition to all the advantages of its predecessor, the VIDAR 2 introduces remarkable improvements, including:
- Complex burn-in signal with wider bandwidth and richer content
- Enhanced directionality for cables
- FOUR burn-in zones - including a new digital zone for USB, Ethernet, and Coaxial (BNC) cables.
Using a proprietary blend of composite and complex signals, the VIDAR 2 ensures comprehensive cable conditioning. The signal consists of ultra-low and ultra-high frequencies, surpassing video frequency ranges. The signal effectively penetrates the core at ultra-low frequencies by oscillating throughout the cable while swiftly traversing the surface at ultra-high frequencies. This transmission methodology counters harmonics and heterodynes between the two complex waveforms, improving signal performance throughout all cable layers.
Furthermore, the circuitry design boasts a unique feature that drives electrons above the conductor into the dielectric or insulation area. This process neutralizes any electrical charges that may impact the signal integrity. With the Nordost VIDAR, we go beyond merely sending ping-pong signals along the cable; we also ensure a balanced signal flow from the centre core to the outer shield in interconnect cables.
What does all this mean for you?
Conditioning your cables with the Nordost VIDAR yields remarkable benefits, including enhanced sound staging, heightened detail reproduction, and a more captivating and musical presentation.
We offer our cable burn-in service as a complimentary offering at the discretion of Future Shop. While we strive to accommodate all burn-in requests for the specified time periods, please understand that during exceptionally busy periods, we may be unable to fulfill all demands due to the limited connections available on the Nordost VIDAR cable conditioning machines.
READ MORE ABOUT THE NORDOST VIDAR 2 BURN-IN TREATMENT
Customer Reviews
5 /5.0 of 8 Reviews
Surprising how much better this is than my previous cable
Gil
31 Aug 2022
Verified Buyer
I am upgrading my digital cables around my streamer and DAC. The upgrade of my ethernet cable (Shunyata Research Delta) was a huge step up, and I thought, how could the Diamond do much more as I had Coffee for the last 2 years?
Well, they did. They took away any sharpness left over and made the sound almost analogue. The top end of the treble 'shimmered' and is so 'pure'. You can almost see the guitar string vibrate. Pianos sound as if they are in the room.
The soundstage now has more depth. The synergy between the Shunyata Research Delta and the Carbon is amazing.
Not cheap, but you only live once!
Well, they did. They took away any sharpness left over and made the sound almost analogue. The top end of the treble 'shimmered' and is so 'pure'. You can almost see the guitar string vibrate. Pianos sound as if they are in the room.
The soundstage now has more depth. The synergy between the Shunyata Research Delta and the Carbon is amazing.
Not cheap, but you only live once!
Significant upgrade
Alan Sheridan
2 May 2022
Verified Buyer
I have spent a great deal of time and money experimenting with cables, filters, earthing etc. If you reduce cables to physics, you will tell me I just wasted my money. If I listen to my ears, I know differently. Obviously, everything is dependent on your system and source. Personally, the cable journey is worth the money.
An excellent cable and a big increase from AQ Carbon
John H
20 Mar 2021
Verified Buyer
I've had two goes with this cable and bought one as it kept nagging at me as it was just so good. I am in the lucky position of having three USB's to choose from ... mainly as I am stupid, gullible and can't make my mind up with cables ! I have a Chord Signature Super Aray, the AQ Diamond and a Vetere Pulse HB which is by far the dearest cable I own. I have also tried an AQ Carbon and this is a significant step up from that.
The AQ Diamond sits in a great position where is is seemingly 'better' at getting over the detail of music than the Vetere or the Chord Sig Super Aray. I find the Chord extremely detailed and accurate but if anything slightly tiring as it is just so damned detailed .... the Vetere is incredible and very accurate but takes on a very slightly warmer tone than the AQ Diamond. The Diamond is a great cable that is between the other two I own and as a result is plugged into my MScaler and TT2 combination. A warmer cable suits other kit maybe but for the Chord headphone setup I have it is great. If I were to level one criticism at it, it is that by being so detailed and exact it removed some of the character potentially .... or is it just that is is so good ? Have a try and I think you will like. If you want more detail with bit go for something like the Chord Signature Super Aray ... Having tried a few USB cables this is my firm favourite - and happens to be half the price of the Vetere !! The Chord is a few hundred dearer too so it shows AQ have done a great job with this cable.
The AQ Diamond sits in a great position where is is seemingly 'better' at getting over the detail of music than the Vetere or the Chord Sig Super Aray. I find the Chord extremely detailed and accurate but if anything slightly tiring as it is just so damned detailed .... the Vetere is incredible and very accurate but takes on a very slightly warmer tone than the AQ Diamond. The Diamond is a great cable that is between the other two I own and as a result is plugged into my MScaler and TT2 combination. A warmer cable suits other kit maybe but for the Chord headphone setup I have it is great. If I were to level one criticism at it, it is that by being so detailed and exact it removed some of the character potentially .... or is it just that is is so good ? Have a try and I think you will like. If you want more detail with bit go for something like the Chord Signature Super Aray ... Having tried a few USB cables this is my firm favourite - and happens to be half the price of the Vetere !! The Chord is a few hundred dearer too so it shows AQ have done a great job with this cable.
A substancial upgrade
Robert Wright
28 Nov 2020
Verified Buyer
I cannot express in technical terms what I can say that this cable is a definite upgrade. Musically it as improved so much and worth every penny, I would highly recommend to every one.
So good I replaced it with a longer one
Ian L
14 Nov 2020
Verified Buyer
A move of DAC necessitated a longer cable. I'd already got a .75m Diamond. I A/B'd this 1.5m version against the top Wireworld.
The Diamond gave a full-bodied, refined, smooth, detailed and balanced sound without a hint of digital glare. The Wireworld gave the impression of being more detailed - but I concluded it was distortion because highs could glare and voices lost a little body. The Diamond, in my system, is a much more relaxing listen.
Very happy and with Futureshop who I've used a lot and whose service has always impressed. Thanks, Gary.
The Diamond gave a full-bodied, refined, smooth, detailed and balanced sound without a hint of digital glare. The Wireworld gave the impression of being more detailed - but I concluded it was distortion because highs could glare and voices lost a little body. The Diamond, in my system, is a much more relaxing listen.
Very happy and with Futureshop who I've used a lot and whose service has always impressed. Thanks, Gary.
As the cable has not been run in yet, I shall refrain...
Markus Weber
12 Sep 2017
Verified Buyer
As the cable has not been run in yet, I shall refrain from any definitive statement as to its quality. Interestingly though the soundstage it creates already allows the listener to discern and 'position' each instrument the way it should be for the music to be entirely pleasurable. And it does so at least as well as my old cable, Black Rhodium's top-of-the-rang-e Star USB interconnect.