Silver conductor USB cable: technical specifications and audio standards
The Usb Reference Improved uses solid core 7N silver PC-OCC conductors with Teflon (PTFE) insulation; this combination reduces digital jitter and enables high-speed data transmission, delivering superior resolution and sound event reconstruction compared to standard USB cables.
Power conductors are shielded and separated from digital data conductors, eliminating EMI interferences that would compromise transmission—a key difference from standard commercial USB cables. Double shielding combined with Mu Metal shielding on connectors provides comprehensive RFI and EMI protection without noise degradation. The cable geometry maintains 90 Ohm impedance compliant with USB standards, and special assembly techniques eliminate mechanical vibrations, ensuring clean signal arrival at the DAC.
The critical measure of a high-resolution USB cable is its ability to reproduce timbral and environmental details without adding graininess. The Usb Reference Improved excels at this: instrument separation becomes more distinct, previously hidden details emerge, and three-dimensional soundstage depth improves. In practice, the difference becomes audible when playing familiar recordings—you notice previously masked layers of performance and spatial information, a sign that the cable is transmitting maximum information from source to DAC without artificial emphasis. Understanding the importance of silver conductor USB cables for DACs helps explain why the Reference I’s use of 7N silver PC-OCC conductors is critical to minimising jitter and maximising signal clarity in your streaming or NAS audio system.
Silver PC-OCC 7N solid core conductors with Teflon (PTFE) insulation for pure signal delivery and jitter reduction
Shielded and separated power and digital data conductors eliminate EMI/RFI interference
Double shielding with Mu Metal on connectors ensures comprehensive noise protection
90 Ohm impedance compliant with USB standards
AST (asymmetric conductor technology): proprietary geometry with differentiated signal and power conductor sizing
SCDPS (signal cotton vibration damping system): untreated cotton damping reduces mechanical vibration in signal conductors and electrostatic charges.
CMDS (connectors mass damping system): special damping resins minimise connector resonance
Cardas quad eutectic (Ag, Cu, Sn, Pb) solder joints for the best possibile contact and signal integrity
Digital audio cable performance: independent reviews and listening results
Professional reviewers confirm that the Neutral Cable Usb Reference Improved delivers the information-rich, noise-free performance expected of a high-end digital audio cable, with particular strength in low-frequency control and timbral accuracy.
Wojciech Pakula highlights the cable’s superior transmission of musical information and precise low-frequency control, comparing it favourably to competing high-end USB cables.
“The Italian cable is extremely resolute. I have no doubt it transmits more information than Curious and Acoustic Revive. The difference manifests in a more detailed and better-controlled presentation. This aspect is more evident in the low frequencies, because the Reference I emphasises the beginning and stop of every sound more accurately, and also presents the acoustic environment of the recording more precisely.
With Curious the low frequency range seemed bloated, with poorly controlled decay. The Italian cable disciplined the bass and above all improved the coherence of the entire band.
If we want to know more about what happens in the recording, but without artificial emphasis of details, without the highs becoming too bright, then the Reference I will be a better choice.
This cable offers clear, full, and well-balanced sound that clearly allows the system to take a step forward in performance.
If that is what you expect from your cable—a ‘tube’ that is able to transmit as much information as possible from the source to the receiver—then the Italian cable will be an excellent choice. It will allow you to listen to more music.”
Eric, the famous SIngapore audio blogger, notes the cable’s balanced, detailed sound quality and musical presentation without hardness or fatigue.
“The Usb Reference Imroved is a highly detailed cable with full, very musical sound. It is also quite soft, with fluidity completely free of graininess.
The low frequencies have a nice body and moisture.
Both the midrange and treble of the Reference I are balanced, with highly detailed and controlled sound. There is a sweet and effortless presentation that makes vocals very easy to listen to. Imaging is well-structured.
Conclusion: it is truly easy to love the Usb Reference Improved—it is relaxed, sweet, and very natural sounding. It has a full sound that is highly detailed yet effortless. Certainly not an inexpensive cable, but I believe the price asked is well justified by its performance : Recommended.”
Wojciech Pakula – High Fidelity Poland – read the full review
Eric – Eric’s Hi-Fi Blog, Singapore – read the full review
Independent testing from High Fidelity Poland and Eric’s Hi-Fi Blog (Singapore) confirms the Reference I’s position among high-end digital audio cables for discerning listeners.
Configurations and availability: silver USB cable options for your audio system
Neutral Cable manufactures the Reference I in custom lengths and connector terminations beyond standard configurations. Standard lengths are available in 0.5 m, 0.8 m, and 1.2 m.
For those evaluating high-end digital cables, exploring audiophile USB audio cables for DACs from other manufacturers provides useful comparison context, though the Usb Reference Improved I’s proprietary technologies position it as a distinctly engineered solution for pure digital audio transmission. Custom cable solutions and alternative connector options are available upon request; contact Neutral Cable to discuss your specific audio system requirements.
Delivery and purchase information
Tracked shipping worldwide delivery is provided to your registered address. Standard order processing time is 5 working days.
Neutral Cable | E-Mail: info@neutralcable.it
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