{"product_id":"audioquest-carbon-usb-cable-usb-a-to-usb-b","title":"AudioQuest Carbon USB Cable - USB-A to USB-B","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCarbon Is Where AudioQuest's USB Range Turns Serious\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAudioQuest's Carbon is the fourth rung of its USB cables. Its conductors are Long-Grain Copper with 5% silver plating, four times the silver of Cinnamon. Hard-Cell Foam insulates them, a shield with carbon layers wraps the pair, and a gray-on-black nylon braid covers the jacket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLong-Grain Copper With 5% Silver Plating\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAudioQuest says a USB signal is so high in frequency that it travels almost entirely on the surface of the conductor. The 5% silver layer on Carbon is the thickest below Coffee. AudioQuest says the surface then performs very close to a solid silver wire. Every conductor is direction-controlled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHard-Cell Foam and a Carbon Layer in the Shield\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe insulation is Hard-Cell Foam, injected with nitrogen to form air pockets. AudioQuest says nitrogen neither absorbs nor releases energy, so the foam causes much less of the out-of-focus effect that solid insulation can. It also holds the signal pair in a fixed geometry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAround the pair sits Carbon-Based 3-Layer Noise-Dissipation. Metal and carbon-loaded layers alternate three deep, and AudioQuest says they catch most radio noise before it reaches the layer tied to ground. Carbon is a USB 2.0 cable rated to 480 megabits per second.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eThe USB-A and USB-B Plugs, Explained\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eCarbon ends in a flat USB-A plug for the computer end and a square USB-B plug for the DAC end. USB-A is the flat plug on a computer or streamer. USB-B is the square plug on most desktop DACs. AudioQuest does not publish the plug plating. Where it applies, arrows on the connectors show which way the cable runs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eDoug Blackburn reviewed Carbon for \u003cem\u003eSoundStage! Access\u003c\/em\u003e on September 15, 2011. It \"removed the last vestiges of fog: I was able to see and hear everything with perfect clarity,\" he wrote, while noting the differences \"weren't huge.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eGlenn Young ranked it highest of the copper-based AudioQuest cables in \u003cem\u003eSecrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity\u003c\/em\u003e on August 31, 2022. \"I thought these had the best bass and a rich tone from top to bottom,\" he wrote.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This USB Cable Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want the reviewers' pick\u003c\/strong\u003e — both \u003cem\u003eSoundStage!\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eSecrets\u003c\/em\u003e rated Carbon above the cheaper AudioQuest cables, so the step up is on record\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour computer sits next to your DAC\u003c\/strong\u003e — the cable runs from a USB-A port to the square USB-B input on most desktop DACs, so no adapter is needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour desk is full of power supplies and WiFi\u003c\/strong\u003e — the carbon layer in the shield soaks up radio noise before it reaches the ground reference, so the DAC sees a cleaner signal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou value bass and body\u003c\/strong\u003e — \u003cem\u003eSecrets\u003c\/em\u003e heard the best bass and a rich tone from top to bottom, so kick drums land\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour DAC has a USB-C or Micro-B input\u003c\/strong\u003e — the square USB-B plug will not fit. Choose the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/audioquest-carbon-usb-cable-usb-a-to-usb-c-1-5-meter\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eAudioQuest Carbon USB-A to USB-C\u003c\/a\u003e instead, or call us and we will match the plug\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003ePlug the USB-A end into your computer, streamer or server and the USB-B end into your DAC. Run any arrows on the connectors toward the DAC. Then choose the DAC as the output device in your player or system sound settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThen listen. Other and longer lengths available. Call for prices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA USB cable is one link in a digital chain. It usually joins these categories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/digital-to-analog-converters\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eDigital-to-Analog Converters\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the usual receiving end\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/music-streamers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eMusic Streamers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — streamer or server to DAC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/headphone-amplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eHeadphone Amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — a DAC and amp on the desk\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/power-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePower Cables\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — clean power at both ends\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy plate copper with silver?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAudioQuest says a USB signal rides almost entirely on the surface of the conductor. A silver skin on that surface behaves close to a solid silver wire at a fraction of the cost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat is Carbon-Based 3-Layer Noise-Dissipation?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAudioQuest's heavier shield. Metal and carbon-loaded layers alternate three deep, and AudioQuest says they catch most radio noise before it can reach the layer tied to ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWill it power a bus-powered DAC?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. AudioQuest lists 5 volts at 500 milliamps for this USB 2.0 cable, which is the standard bus-power budget. Power Delivery charging is not supported.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhich way does the cable go?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhere it applies, AudioQuest marks arrows on the connectors. Run them from the computer or streamer toward the DAC.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat warranty does AudioQuest give?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA limited lifetime warranty to the original owner, for cables bought from an authorized US dealer. AudioQuest will repair or replace a defective cable that has not been abused. Keep your proof of purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eIs there a step up?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/audioquest-coffee-usb-cable-usb-a-to-usb-b-1-5-meter\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eAudioQuest Coffee USB\u003c\/a\u003e is the top of the ladder. It doubles the silver to 10% and adds AudioQuest's 72-volt Dielectric-Bias System.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about USB audio, DACs, or streaming? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"AudioQuest","offers":[{"title":"0.75 Meter \/ New","offer_id":45983475466413,"sku":"NEW-AQUSBCAR-0.75","price":239.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1.5 Meter \/ New","offer_id":45981743022253,"sku":"NEW-AQUSBCAR-1.5","price":299.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3.0 Meter \/ New","offer_id":45980491743405,"sku":"NEW-AQUSBCAR-3","price":419.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/AQUSBCAR__17374.1697647737.1280.1280_964d0e2a-a95b-42a2-a160-fe76fd8dd294.jpg?v=1778136295","url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/audioquest-carbon-usb-cable-usb-a-to-usb-b","provider":"Audio Advisor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}