Customer Reviews

AudioQuest Carbon

Great product. I could hear more music on all my tracks. Actually heard backing guitars on a track that I have listened to a million times but with the Carbon cable, I could hear an acoustic guitar that was low volume but very nice.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Solid Cable Design and Sound

Very happy with the Carbon USB cable. I use this cable to connect my computer to my Peachtree Nova 500 integrated amp. The cable allows very clear WMA lossless audio playback and control through my hand controller. The cable is made from a very stiff wound material, sturdy.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

AudioQuest Carbon

Excellent cable ; improved output in a great way

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Typical (great) AQ quality

I picked this cable to solve an intermittent problem when using 10 ft. long [cheapo] USB cables where dropouts and disconnects between a Windows tablet (when running on battery) and a separate DAC (Chord Qutest) were fairly common. So far when using the Carbon; no disconnects or Win blue-screens. Everything now seems to be perfectly stable. Happy about that. I realize 10' is the USB "standard" for a max. cable length but who knows what to expect at those long lengths on a puny portable running battery. The AQ Carbon is WAY heavier and stiffer than any USB cable I've ever seen and so presumably has far better (and heavier) conductors. The price becomes worth the product when the product performs as well as expected, like the AQ Carbon. I do consider this a 5 star item because of typical excellent AQ build quality, presentation/packaging, materials, handling, aesthetics and perfect purpose/need fulfillment :) But, I'm -1 starring on price. As an add-on comment I'll again rate 6+ stars on Crutchfield. EXCEPTIONAL service and lightning fast delivery. Keep up the good work. It's why I've been shopping with you since 1975.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

AudioQuest Carbon

Excellent cable the sound very accurate and peace of mind knowing I have a good quality cable and I always try to buy from crutchfiekd they are the best on service to the customer soon ill stop at their show room my last time was in 1999 ??

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Worthwhile Upgrade

I bought this cable to replace a relatively decent USB cable sourced from a reputable manufacturer that was priced at about $40. For comparison purposes, I also had on hand an $8 USB cable from a large low priced cable manufacturer. My initial thoughts were that there are usually differences in more resolving systems between very budget priced USB cables and the more audiophile type USB cables, but I was still skeptical as to if a $229 cable would be sonically superior to the more pedestrian $40 USB cable I had been using for several years. My simple system consists of a very modified PC using JCAT net and USB cards, linear power supplies, etc. which then connects to a McIntosh MA5300 integrated amplifier powering Bryston Mini T speakers. The $8 cable was sonically inferior to the $40 cable and the main differences were in the low frequencies and upper high frequencies. However, swapping out the Audio Quest Carbon cable for the mid-priced cable revealed even more improvement. It was slight, but there is more resolution and definition in both low frequencies and upper frequencies. I don't hear much difference in the mids, but again, the extremes of the frequency response of my system improved. In summary, if you are using a cheap USB cable, it may very well be worth upgrading to one of Audio Quests products. I could absolutely hear the difference between my budget friendly cables and this Carbon. Highly recommended and Crutchfield is simply the

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

AudioQuest Carbon

Speaker wires and cables can be a soupy conversation with people, but I actually noticed a difference in sound quality and width from my LS50 Meta's. I was using a decent usb before that came with a mid tier dac and the sound changed immediately. I run it directly out of my computer, so maybe there's some secret sauce going on.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Clear Focused SoundStage

My sound was slightly out of focus more bass\mid bass heavy. when I swapped out cable added the carbon? WOW! crystal clear and didn't lose the bass. Equipment: MacMini (m2) into Parasound P6 into Parasound A21+ Output to a pair of Emotiva t3+ and a Velodyne subwoofer.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

What why snd how

Nice looking and decent build. Did not notice a sound difference at all. That is very disappointing for the price and this cable is nothing more than a 12 dollars cable with better visual appeal. I'll most likely return it, I'll give it a day or so to make sure.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

AudioQuest Carbon

Dramatic improvement !

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

AudioQuest Carbon

AQ Carbon is noticeably better than Cinnamon - it's remarkably clear and neutral. By comparison, Cinnamon lacks its level of definition and is warmer in presentation. Best upgrade I had made in my office setup recently. Worth every penny.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

High quality but suspect

The big question- does it improve the quality? I spend this much on a usb cable.so yes it improved the quality lol. Honestly, I have not noticed a difference yet however, it hard to say that's because of the cable. My entire system consist of McIntosh components with all AudioQuest cables. Everything it separated and shielded. I have tried to do a side by side comparison however, by the time I get everything powered off, cables switched and components powered back on, the differences are so minimal that I cannot tell. It's a very high quality cable and I wish I would have order it slightly longer but I had a hard enough time justifying the cost already. Only down side is that the cable itself is pretty stiff and not very flexible. The system sounds the way I want it to so I am rating 5 stars.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Excellent Quality

Excellent USB cable. It just vanishes. I use it to run a Lumin U2 Mini into a Denafrips Pontus II. It's a terrific cable that will absolutely help you get the most out of any level of streamer. Love it.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Excellent USB Cable

The AudioQuest Carbon USB cable works as advertised and is providing a robust connection from my MacBook Pro to the USB port on my Woo Audio WA8 Eclipse DAC/Amp I want to thank Crutchfield for getting this to me next day with free shipping! Kudos.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

AudioQuest Carbon

High quality and great sound!

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Excellent sound quality

Another excellent quality cable from AudioQuest. The clarity and sound quality from my DAC is amazing.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Worth it, results may vary. Better I think.

This in fact does add just about 1.75 out of 10 improvement on my system. I would get the longer run, the cable is stiff. Other reviewers talk about your checking account, or affordability. Well. I don't know. Decide to decide that you will add this to your USB out to your DAC or signal processor. "More" is always entertaining, so. Take your pick. Find a clear USB cable, where the tinned copper RFI shielding is showing, or a fatter polyethylene USB cable with two ferrite cores on the ends. You try those and then this one. This Carbon is ahead somewhat. Your system may vary.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Verdict Not Out Yet 100%

I connected this to my Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 and desktop. Then I hooked that up to my Yamaha R-N602 with Klipsch speakers using Tidal Master. Any improvements in sound, in my opinion, were minimal if any. I really couldn't tell any differences between the Carbon and your everyday USB cord. Now, in defense of the Carbon, I'm not sure if it has to be broken in, but that's where my review stands for now. Time will tell.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

AudioQuest Carbon

Nice build quality.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Noticable Sound quality improvement.

This cable brings out all the detail and accuracy I was looking for in my new iFi Zen Stream and Cambridge CXA 81. But there can be a downside to equipment that passes a clean signal from scource to amplifier exactly as an artist records it. If a recording lacks a strong bass track it still come through but without punch and pop. One workaround I use to defeat that weakness is a Zen DAC V2 and or a subwoofer without a forware firing port. The Audioquest Carbon A to B going from the Streamer to the DAC or direct to the CXA81 brings better bass than a stranded copper SP/DIF digital Coax cable. Whatever the difference is it works and is a noticeable improvement. Now music sounds full and warm even at lower volume levels.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

AudioQuest Carbon

The AudioQuest build quality is top notch. I purchased Carbon USB cable as an upgrade from the Forest USB cable. I use the USB cable between my iMac and a DAC. The difference between the Forest and Carbon USB cables have so far just been cosmetic. I probably don't have good enough ears to notice if there are any changes in sound quality.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Quailty

Great quality. Definitely need a good quality cable of this kind for music. A little stiff but no issues.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

AudioQuest Carbon

cleaned up my signal from my PC

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Excellent Sound

Takes time to break in. After 100 hrs of play the sound was very much improved. Continues to get better in time.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Works for me

It's a well made USB cable like all AQ accessories. Connecting my laptop to a Chord Qutest with this cable, which is connected via AudioQuest RCA's (Carbon I think) to powered Audioengine A5's... Music is surprisingly noise free with a nice, dark background. Is it the Chord? Is it the USB? They are all a necessary part of a stellar musical experience. This cable gives peace of mind and a bit more juice in all departments compared to what the stock Chord USB was able to deliver. I even tried the AQ Jitterbug with this cord and it actually gave a slight muffled sound... like it was too much. I don't use it anymore. This cord is excellent all by itself.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

AudioQuest Carbon

Used to connect SDR to computer. Made sound better and cleaner spectrum.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

AudioQuest Carbon

This is essential. Sound upgrade is awesome.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

AudioQuest Carbon

I have reviewed the Audio Quest Forest as wonderful hi fi and the Cinnamon as making it sound like real life music in your room. Where can you possibly go from real life? I kept asking myself is the Carbon really worth twice the price as the Cinnamon? Well I'm here to tell you ladies and gentlemen, " You bet it is!" All sound from every frequency is more intense. The dynamics have more energy and contrast. Giving the music much more passion with robust emotional highs and lows. I saved the best part for last. I have never heard my SVS sub crank like this. I kept all settings flat with the same songs as I did on the other two USB cables. Clearly the bass is stronger with Carbon. That alone is worth twice the price but with more detail and the added passion it's like I just bought a more expensive amplifier and speakers. Now when I look at twice the price. It's a bargain! How ever don't be like me and buy all three to see which one is the best just buy the Carbon. It's cheaper that way.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

AudioQuest Carbon

Worth the investment. I actually noticed a difference in sound with this cable. I run a Sennheiser HDV 820 amp and this cable really improved the sound.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Seriousaboutmusic

Purchased this along with my DacMagicPlus and couldn't be happier.These two items together have made the biggest improvement to my system more than anything else I have done so far.If you stream your music off of your computer and use a DAC do NOT scrimp on the cables.The price seems high for a 2.5 ft. cable but the performance it delivers is worth it to people who are as serious about their listening experiences as I am.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

BLACKWOOD

Audioquest is one of the best cable manufacturers. Crutchfield is the best place to buy stereo related produts! Best Service, Best Support, Best Selection... A+++

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Good choice for high end systems

A good, solid USB option for high end systems. Is it worth the money? Maybe. It is possible that you can get similar performance for less, but if money is not an overriding consideration this is probably a reasonable choice. I use it in a higher end system featuring PS Audio separates, B&W 606 speakers and a sub, all being fed from a new, high end laptop computer. The Carbon cable enhanced low end response and overall smoothness of the sound in my system. But it had nothing like the impact of swapping out basic preamp to amplifier XLR interconnect cables for Audioquest Mackenzie interconnects. Cables DO make a difference in higher end systems. These are a good choice if they fit your budget.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

AudioQuest Carbon

Improved claity and overall sound quality compared to the stock cable that came with the DAC. Used streaming Qobuz Hi Res from my Mac to my Chord DAC.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

AudioQuest Carbon

Running this from my iPad to a Chord Qutest. Very pleased with the performance of the cable. I have done an A/B test with a generic black jacket typical USB camera cable and the difference is undeniable.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Really dtailed but smooth sound

This the most I have ever Invested in an audio cable. I was nervous but I'm glad I went for a really great cable. I use other audioquest products in my hi-fi and have found them to sound very good. Swapping out older wires for the audioquest from time to time just to see if I am imagining the improvement demonstrates every time that the audio quest products are great.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

USB carbon

Works good. My headphone amplifier didn't come stock with any USB cable. Oh well. This made out to be a nice accessory. Great quality.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Carbon Cable

Amazing clarity from my Mac Mini to my HA-1 DAC

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Clean and clear

I paired this cable with a Sydney mini to mini interconnect for my Marantz DAC that I had bought a couple weeks earlier. The little bit that the Sydney did not clean up, this cable did. Beautiful, crisp, clean, and clear. Exactly as advertised. Just never would have thought how much a so called "good" cable would contribute to noise until you replace them with "great" cables. You really need to hear to believe, and I suggest you do so if your serious about your tunes. Next are a pair of Rocket 44's and all the noise will be a thing of the past. Thanks Audioquest and Crutchfield for helping me be a believer!

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

good quality cable

Got this to connect my NAD M52 vault to M50 network player. It is a well made cable, good quality connectors. Not sure if it's all that much better than the NAD-supplied cable, but wanted to make sure that I had all bases covered, especially for hi-res files. AQ Carbon is a good fit for my systems, a bit pricey but not ridiculous.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on