{"product_id":"audioquest-carbon-usb-cable-usb-a-to-usb-c","title":"AudioQuest Carbon USB Cable - USB-A to USB-C","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;\"\u003eFor this version AudioQuest lists Metal-Layer Noise-Dissipation plus a carbon layer. The negative conductors wear carbon-loaded polyethylene, which AudioQuest says cuts the radio noise fed back into the equipment. 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-C 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 small USB-C plug for the DAC end. USB-C is the small oval plug on newer DACs, and it fits either way up. 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 DAC or player has a USB-C input\u003c\/strong\u003e — the cable runs from a USB-A port on the computer to the small USB-C plug, so no adapter sits in the path\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 the square USB-B input\u003c\/strong\u003e — the small USB-C plug will not fit. Choose the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/audioquest-carbon-usb-cable-usb-a-to-usb-b-1-5-meter\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eAudioQuest Carbon USB-A to USB-B\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-C end into your DAC or portable player. 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 does the carbon layer do?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAudioQuest covers the negative conductors with carbon-loaded polyethylene. It says the partially conductive layer reduces radio-frequency noise fed back into the equipment and damps interaction between the conductors.\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;\"\u003eNot in the AudioQuest USB-A to USB-C range we carry. Carbon is the top of that ladder. If you want to go further, call us and we will talk through the whole chain.\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":45982751555757,"sku":"NEW-AQUSBCCAR-0.75","price":239.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1.5 Meter \/ New","offer_id":47238496649389,"sku":"NEW-AQUSBCCAR-1.5","price":299.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/AQUSBCCAR_3_01-Large__00332.1697648567.1280.1280_ddf4aa18-e519-44f8-93ce-2c03925abd60.jpg?v=1778133901","url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/audioquest-carbon-usb-cable-usb-a-to-usb-c","provider":"Audio Advisor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}