Nordost Tyr 2 Review USB Cable High end

[@RowanTasmanian]

Fantastic review. As a former exit counsellor getting people out of various cults, it's amazing to see so many similarities between audiophiles and cult members. Using logic, science and plenty of patience, I commend the work you are doing. The bad comments that you receive are just people using Ad Hominem as they have nothing of substance to answer you with. You're a credit to the industry. Thanks.

[@AudioScienceReview]

Much appreciated. And right you are. I used to just say these things and push back was so strong. Now with data to back it, it is a far better situation with many changing their opinion which is great.

[@mysock351C]

That was what drew me to the “audiophile world.” I had no idea these people even existed until a few years ago. My mother is a professor who teaches psychiatry and psychiatric nursing at a local university and watching audiophiles do their thing is a great case study in human behavior, and all the more relevant in this day and age. I remember seeing one of Paul’s videos for the first time and being blown away by the level of “ignorance”, but after watching a few more there was a pattern emerging. What ever could it be?🧐 It would make for a great Phd thesis but I digress.

[@davidwelner9994]

Except you can hear a difference.

[@josch614]

I would love to invite you to my home listening to some different cables. Im convinced you will hear differences in sound. Im also convinced, they will all conduct electricity equally well.

[@RowanTasmanian]

@@josch614 G'day mate, thanks for the offer. What I'm trying to say is that people micro focus on the effect of cables in comparison to everything else. There is a mathematical model that shows that cables in relation to ALL variants in a system add up to a change of approx 1 percent. This can be easily demonstrated and I have had so many people who had "cables theory" come and once they do the mathematical model, ALL of them and I do mean ALL of them change their minds. I would be happy to discuss with you if you are interested. The best thing is it is all free. I have a fully loaded Sound Room and all these people say the same thing. "How did I miss the Elephants in the Room?"

[@NeverTalkToCops1]

I find this cable greatly improves the resolution of the AUDIO IMAGE so I can see the boundaries of the SOUNDSTAGE down to the nanometer level. Without this cable, I can't tell where the SOUNDSTAGE boundary is and so I fall off the stage.

[@robinkleinsteuber5217]

Ouch!!

[@alkestos]

I always watch my music through at least 3000€ cable. Otherwise the colors are always too thin and muddy.

[@junior-OG]

🤣

[@Jordonater]

Hopefully the companies CEOs making these cables can fall of a cliff

[@thegroove2000]

NANOMETER. WOW IM BUYING IT.

[@hwirtwirt4500]

Will this cable improve the print quality on my printer? :)

[@AudioScienceReview]

I am sure that people who counterfeit money with a printer use such cables to get better looking currency...

[@WiiNV]

@@AudioScienceReview L🤫L

[@jonsingle1614]

@@AudioScienceReview Benjamin Franklin never looked so good when I use this cable 😉

[@HiFiInsider]

only if your printer is high end, most aren’t.

[@rhalfik]

@@AudioScienceReview Those banknotes are still less of a ripoff then the Nordost.

[@alanross3661]

Thanks Amir, after watching most of your videos I have concluded that my experiences have been confirmed. Forget fancy cables, power regeneration and other snake oil treatments. DACs, speakers and rooms have the most to say about how music sounds as long as proper amplification is available and ground loops are eliminated. I greatly appreciate your efforts to provide solid educational reviews and electronics common sense.

[@jaydy71]

Yeah, I've heard too many fancy systems with high-end cables etc in shit sounding rooms to have an idea of priorities.

[@ognyankoynashki]

@@jaydy71 Have you asked any of them why no room treatment and if yes, what could be their motivation if they are clearly into sound?

[@jaydy71]

@@ognyankoynashki It varies. Many people are simply not aware how important the room is. One friend recently got into the hobby when he bought a decent system and we worked together to optimize speaker placement, add diffusers etc. Another guy simply thought his system already sounded amazing and didn't want to bother with acoustics (although I did try to convince him to tweak just minor things because I thought it could sound so much better).

[@rowanjones3476]

Just take a look at what's in use in any professional audio studio. No $1000 USB, power and speaker cables, I can assure you, and with good reason! Pay attention to the data sheet, not the price tag.

[@bklyncyclist]

I just watched 20 minutes and 24 seconds of video, over I don't know how many devices, routers, disks, chips, and it all came out perfect. Nobody stuck a high end cable into the last meter to "improve" the experience.

[@ZensōMusic]

More snake oil called out for what it is. The manufacturer should be ashamed of themselves. Thank you for what you do!

[@johnsmith1474]

It is rather outrageous they can do that legally.

[@chebrubin]

@@johnsmith1474 this has to be a FTC issue. I am all for free trade and a sucker every day is a right but there could be inter state trade issues.

[@JasonD-yc3oy]

Nordost is not a cable manufacturer . They buy cables from manufacturers here or China and dress them nicely add 10x profit then resell

[@humality144]

in the constitution even, somewhere it basically says, if someone is deceived it is not anybody's fault but their own. Haha ouch..

[@PaulMorganRyder]

I'm so happy that you are here.

[@MattBorchert]

Thank you for taking the time to do scientific measurements on this! While I am happy to pay extra for high quality braided cables (my cat loves to eat rubber ones), this helps solidify that going above and beyond paying for construction quality makes no sense.

[@brianrowland9993]

Great to get an engineering perspective on USB cable performance. One again claims by the audio industry for sonic improvements for expensive USB cables are shot to pieces. I really appreciate the time you put into these videos to remove the smoke and mirrors used to flog over priced USB cables.

[@MattZildjian]

how is it legal to make such claims about a product for sale when those claims are demonstrably false?

[@AudioScienceReview]

It is hard to fathom. No one is watching over them so the claims become bolder and bolder.

[@NeverTalkToCops1]

The claims are mostly adjectives, which are an opinion. Claiming, "This is the ultimate color blue" is way different than claiming the wavelength and intensity.

[@seemtorecall78]

I think also it becomes hard if people want it, like how can you keep people from spending the money if that is what they really want to do.

[@ASSOpid]

If a sucker is willing to pay for it and think it is going to work.. Will the package and marketing really make a difference if it is telling the truth?

[@johnsmith1474]

Caveat emptor.

[@mikrophonie5633]

The philosophy of Nordost must be "There's a sucker born every minute."

[@johan5660]

Not any kind of sucker but 'audiophile sucker'🤪

[@johnsmith1474]

That's about $5mil a week.

[@GodmanchesterGoblin]

Apart from basic audio tests, the only way to properly test USB cables (and HDMI, etc.) Is with a cable tester that measures impedances, signal reflections, signal dispersion in the time domain (with eye diagrams), screen connectivity, and so on. Provided that those criteria are satisfactory, a $5 cable will sound the same as a $1000 cable. If it sounds different then it is the USB DAC that is having problems where it should not if it is correctly designed.

[@johnsmith1474]

Did you watch the video?

[@mysock351C]

I thought the same thing during the review, that its a *data* cable and the audio tests are irrelevant. However, the people who would be interested in such things (you and me) already know that, and know the cable doesn't matter. However to audiophiles such language is every bit as esoteric and incomprehensible as Akkadian or biblical Hebrew. It won't even register. However, putting it in terms of sound quality is something they will readily understand, and showing that it has no effect would be the desired end result in this case.

[@gioponti6359]

@@mysock351C excuse me, but what exactly is a *data* cable? Is it a cable that does not conduct current or transfer voltage but only “data”?

[@GodmanchesterGoblin]

@@johnsmith1474 Yes, I did, and I agree with Amir's remarks about this cable. Thanks for asking.

[@AudioScienceReview]

As I explained in the video, in short lengths that are used in audio, there is little question about signal integrity. If there were drop outs, you would hear them because they sound nasty. Since people buy these premium cables without any observation of data loss, then the question becomes one of audio fidelity. Which is what I addressed.

[@Seiskid]

You've more patience that me running these tests. I'd have probably used this cable to tie up the end of my garbage bags on bin night. Hopefully your tests will help someone save their money.

[@AudioScienceReview]

:)

[@seephor]

Amir, the service you provide to the world is priceless. Truly appreciate all your work.

[@bingdong8571]

The more i watch u the more i like you. I really like paul from ps audio so obviously i had a problem with you. Paul is like the mr rogers of home audio so its tough to not be on his side but unfortunately for paul i realize that i agree with you. No matter how nice you are money and profit still rules the world. Also you gave good reviews of equipment that i own. That wins anyone over. Anyway, keep up the honest work

[@PiOhMy]

Thanks again for putting the time into doing these reviews. You're doing the hi fi community a HUGE service. Anybody want to buy a cable?

[@iggyzep7576]

Спасибо Вам за честный тест. Куда катиться этот мир? УСБ провод за 1400$! -это катастрофа.

[@EngineeringEssentials]

I have a request. Please do a measurement of noise in speaker cables when they are laying on the ground vs placed on an audio cable riser!?

[@AudioScienceReview]

Good idea! Let me see if I can come up with a proper structure/protocol to do it.

[@EngineeringEssentials]

@@AudioScienceReview Great thank you!

[@lamusicasevaaacabar2266]

Thank you for your reviews from an objetive and empiric perspective, are invaluable for all the people that we love the music, all the other things are marketing, simply smoke curtains and snake oil. I subscribe totally your point of view, take this money and buy music to enjoy with it. Thank you

[@veroman007]

Well to be honest I have bought slightly expensive cables occasionally nothing more than $100 and all I have for that money are well-built cables that look good and I am happy with. That should be enough. Great video

[@mat.b.]

"None of us listen to a USB cable" - I think this very simple sentence needs to be shouted at several people

[@humanbass]

Tyr ("teer") is the god of justice/war in Norse mythology. It's the root of Tuesday. It's not the most well documented deity. Some sources says he is Odin's son, while others implies they were brothers.

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

I’m sorry could you repeat your last sentence

[@humanbass]

@@WeeWeeJumbo ops corrected.

[@rossraedeke]

These videos are a great service! Please keep them coming

[@sav7568]

Products like this are a great help in sorting out who has too much money

[@JingoLoBa57]

How do you measure soundstage? How do you measure tonality? Frequency range, dynamic range? How do you measure timbre? How do you measure speed, rise rate and decay rates?

[@AudioScienceReview]

I can't measure what people imagine if that is what you are asking. The music itself is in control of the factors you mention. Your cabling is completely transparent about all of those factors. There is not an ounce of engineering or research to say otherwise. A bunch of audiophiles and reviewers have made up those notions changing to sell and justify cables. Don't fall for it please and repeat their talking points.

[@Canadian_Eh_I]

Man, Im so glad I came to the light before decending into this level of audiophool madness

[@vkvedam]

Well done Amir! Nordost are amongst the best snake oil vendors along Russ Andrews in the UK 😛

[@christophero1969]

Excellent review! Thank you.

[@MaterLacrymarum]

I appreciate your work here. I'd of been shocked if there was any difference. Right off the bat any improvements claimed are dubious at best. It's USB, simple. This is basically an attempt at gouging a gullible customer.

[@SwirlingDragonMist]

Much appreciated bro! Those ultrasonic tidbits really hit the spot :) Part of me wonders what ultrasonic transmutations occur further down the chain, maybe some intermodulation that occurs in a speaker’s crossover or reflective interference from minute impedance mismatches, or like you mentioned the tweeter’s resonant frequency which is also often pushed out into the ultrasonic (31khz) for a pair of older aluminum tweeter kefs I have. It feels rather intuitive to me that the tweeter would loose fidelity if it was in motion outside the audible band, if even just disturbing the stability of an otherwise calm magnetic flux. These are just loose hypothesis, but I’m pretty sure you’d still bounce on a vibrating trampoline, which feels like a fitting analogy for two logarithmically distant frequencies. But if the springs became warm from constant vibrating, it may be less dynamic of a bounce. Likewise the thin copper windings of tweeters may be susceptible to loosing some of their zip when there’s needless energy causing more heat and resistance for the frequencies we want to reproduce, as I do believe thin copper has a positive temperature coefficient of resistance. There’s also something to be said about starting motion from a place of rest, the difference of throwing something and striking something. Like when objects are in contact with each other they can transfer energy more efficiently than if they were bumping around. Perhaps this principle has some merit in the voice-coil/magnet relationship. I’ve seen some drivers have flux stabilizing rings built into them. And I wonder if ultrasonic noise may be stirring the waters of the pond, to the point that Fuji-San doesn’t reflect on it’s glassy surface. I suppose an analogy of water ripples and light would be more like subsonic interference. Which by the way, I also appreciated you expanding your scale into the subsonic, and doing the 60hz transformer test :D

[@AudioScienceReview]

The levels in ultrasonics are very low so what the tweeter sees is very tiny. So it is not a worry in this case.

[@SwirlingDragonMist]

@@AudioScienceReview I think you’re right about that, the power levels diminish, similar to the “Ultraviolet Catastrophe” that created the theory of quantization of energy. It’s like writing out a number and adding decimals on the end of it in an effort to make the number larger. 8.7 Isn’t much more than 8.764839572843 but maybe in instances of very high levels of ultrasonic, where lin this metaphor the decimal exceeds 9. It would be interesting if the conventional scale of measurement is weighted disproportionally in some way that’s been overlooked. Like if we’ve been measuring quantized energy at levels of 10, when they really roll over at a level of 7.

[@meutubedou]

I need this to USB cable to plug into my Rechargeable Battery powered lawnmower so I can cut the lawn in half the time while limiting the engines DB’s for a cleaner power flow.. Does it come in 100 foot lengths then I can leave it plugged in so I can mow more than a 3 foot wide swath at a time?

[@AudioScienceReview]

You and me both....

[@spencexxx]

Oh... I was enjoying your reviews. Didn't know we believed in cable magic here.

[@KernelFault]

More importantly, how does it improve printing? Are the colors more vibrant?

[@AudioScienceReview]

No, they are just more "analog like!"

[@net_news]

@@AudioScienceReview my wife came up from the kitchen and asked me what did i do to the printer!!

[@jaydy71]

Better blacks, much wider images, much more typewriter-like. It's like night and day, but only if you have a high-end very resolving printer using a printerphile-grade power cable.

[@johndude2499]

@@net_news 😂😂

[@zergbong]

I saw 20k USD cable. This amount of money can feed a village in third world country for a long time. Everyone decides how to spend their money, but the ethics of companies like ps audio, dragon quest, etc. are very very questionable. Old audiophiles like to claim that there is "something" that measurements can't catch it is like saying "can you measure how music sounds on MDMA". You are the nicest and most articulate person in this hobby, yet I've seen all kinds of shady people attack your credibility and saying inaccurate stuff about ASR. It is sad and funny at the same time.

[@Jon-nz3dm]

"can you measure how music sounds on MDMA" I wish, Mr. Zergbong420. I really wish we could.

[@AudriusN]

I was wandering will that cable make my old black laser printer print in colour?

[@mbfishing769]

To test any USB cable for "audio quality claims" you'd just have to transfer a file from one device to another and compare the two files. If they are the same after the transfer then there is no difference. I guess one could also test power drop at max load ratings for longer cables if power transfer to a device is required. Not sure why a listening test is needed (especially done by one person) even for audio use but there isn't any "science" added by doing that. Nice to debunk the claims though, hard to believe they could even sell one of those cables these days.

[@AudioScienceReview]

To be fair to the other camp, playback of audio uses a different mode of operation on USB than file transfer. So testing the latter doesn't prove the former. But yes, your larger point is correct.

[@mbfishing769]

@@AudioScienceReview True, isochronous is different than bulk.

[@JR-Canada]

Thanks for such a THOROUGH testing!

[@tdw57]

After electrical engineering school back east, I knew audiophile snake oil when I saw it. However, I was fascinated, and got some $1000 speaker wires for $300, and had the mystery wonderment experience for a while. Changed them out, etc., and yes, it faded, so I sold them. My snake oil friends however just told me I didn't give them enough, 'break-in'. Hahahaha. Rescuing device, on cue, well rehearsed. Oh well. The brainwashing runs deep. Fun while it lasts I guess, but at what ridiculous price! Oh--the grandaddy of 'em all--from my Navy Chief sonar pal. "We can hear things that aren't measurable..." Presumably things that $20000 DACs can elucidate...Thanks again Amir.

[@Jordonater]

They must all be able to hear things that were not put in the song by the artist too since none of them use any of these idiotic strings of wastefulness and probably dont use speakers or DACs totalling over a grand.

[@Benvos]

Does anyone know if Amir has tested the USB connection to a DAC vs I2S? This is something reviews always comment on as well as the manufacturer saying the I2S always sounds better. I2S is not common and therefore some people would then buy a DDC to convert which is added cost. I’d love to see something on this if it exists or perhaps in the future.

[@AudioScienceReview]

I have done at least one I2S investigation. Maybe two. In neither case did it show better performance than USB.

[@JesusMartinez-mk6fc]

Another very informative, enjoyable and entertaining cable review Amir. Thank you. Already 12 pages of discussion on ASR in less than one day. Funny how some of these cables kind of look like snakes... 🐍

[@manuelnatividad4778]

Eye opener. Thank you.

[@jezmink]

Thanks for saving me money on cables. I can buy the Amazon one and have enough change to buy a good CD player. I doubt the $20,000 USB cable you mentioned would any different from the Amazon one.

[@Thevikingcam]

When i was learning digital audio production and film production is UNI we did test 4000€ nordost USB cable in our 3.000.000€ Gelenec studio (with top end genelec speakers that costed over 150.000€). Just for giggles, no difference at all. Not slightest.

[@AudioScienceReview]

Very comforting to hear about such experiments.

[@Thevikingcam]

@@AudioScienceReview My teacher was actually on of the scientists that was making the first digital audio/video codecs. He confirmed that there is no way digital cable can alter the coded data. Ever. IF it can do it, it must have world's most powerful AI in it. Decode the data to audio, alter it in editing software and the code it back to data and do it all in real time. But that is still a star trek level of Sci-Fi fantasy..

[@leaftye]

I hope the member offering that cable for review got it on a discount big enough to count on one hand.

[@dennisbohner6876]

I nominate you for 'Debunker Of The Year'. There's not even a plack yet but the honor is real.

[@alphaniner3770]

At least nobody can argue against this. The biggest difference between cables is the price.

[@AudioScienceReview]

I need to steal that line! :)

[@alphaniner3770]

@@AudioScienceReview :o) - be my guest!

[@ixoye56]

Tyr was one of the Asa gods in the Norse mythology, just as mythical as this cable 😄

[@marcinkantoch7176]

You are doing a great job Amir with the measurements. The problem is that in a high-end audio system everything matters. You can hear a clear difference between different USB cables in a modestly resolving system. No one knows why there is a difference and I think people just don't know how to measure it. Audio business is very small and no one has contributed resources to develop measurements that will quantify audio quality. I like your approach, but I think that people should judge by themselves if there is an audible difference and not be prevented from maxing out the performace of their systems. in my system I can tell 10 times out of 10 whether a stock USB cable is playing or a custom USB cable is playing. The difference is night and day. And I have a 100$ USB cable, not a crazy priced one. I can even tell 10 times out of 10 the difference between a stock USB cable and 30$ Belkin Gold USB. I don't understand how people can't hear that. I did a demo for my friend who is not an audiophile. He though that I am crazy. He also picked the 100$ USB cable over the stock one 10 times out of 10 and he did not know which cable was playing. Take away what you want from this rant, but cables do matter.

[@geoff37s38]

Have you considered leaving your ears to science?

[@AudioScienceReview]

Do us a favor and record a video of you passing those blind tests. That way we can tell what you are doing and attempt to replicate. On the rest, if there is no measurement that indicates what these cables do for sound, how on earth is the manufacturer verifying after production that they are doing this?

[@geoff37s38]

May I interest you in a can of my Audiophile Paint? Only $2000 a can.

[@marcinkantoch7176]

@@AudioScienceReview I don't think they are verifying it. They probably only listen to a cable on many different systems. They try different materials, different geometries and listen to the results. Thats why I am a strong beliver that price of the cable does not indicate if it is gonna fit your system. In my system I have cables that do not exceed 100$ per cable. I tested others costing hundreds of dollars and found them to actually sound worse. I think that it should be rational to just borrow a cable, put it in your system, evaluate it and base your purchasing decisions based on this evaluation. I never ever buy cables without listening to them in my system. I did that in the past and it was a financial loss. I advice people to always listen to the cables in their system and if they don't make a difference, don't buy them. Strangely many audiphiles are buying aftermarket cables. If they don't make a different in sound, why so many people are willing to spend their hard earned money. It looks like a mass conspiracy and those people were fooled :) Ok, I can record a video. Why type of video would you prefer? recording the sound of a stock USB cable and 100$ USB cable? Even on youtube you will be able to tell a difference. Or a blind test? I can record any type of video you wish to prove my point.

[@NeverTalkToCops1]

@@geoff37s38 Yes, I need that for ultra clear Audio Imaging.

[@kyron42]

Have you reviewed headphone cable? Some people think they can hear a difference between various types and purity of copper of course silver cables sounds much brighter than copper.

[@AudioScienceReview]

I have indeed. Please see: www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/do-premium-headphone-cables-make-an-audible-difference-norne-audio-cable-review-video.22481/

[@kyron42]

@@AudioScienceReview thanks. Keep up the good work debanking snake oil.

[@iowaudioreviews]

I've tried a few audiophile usb cables and have never experienced any improvement. Same with big fancy power cables. Never really noticed a difference between just standard good quality cables vs audiophile cables.

[@AudioScienceReview]

You are way ahead of the game then! :)

[@sladflob]

Amir: there's a hair's difference here, just run-to-run variations Audiophiles: I can hear that

[@AudioScienceReview]

Name one of them so I can replace my analyzer with them! :D

[@Mikexception]

Trained ear and experienced person can notice what may be no audible for most people . But it is not any problem - if it is not noticeable it does as much harm as sand seed to driven car on highway. Nobody should turn normal people attention to wipe it before continuing way. All they they must is to drive on . It is deliberate harm to people

[@RGMDG]

Very kind of the person to loan the cable for testing. I have some Ocean-Front Property in Vegas they may be interested in too. Just kidding. Hey, if they can hear the difference and it brings them enjoyment, who am I to criticize?? BTW< I have the Topping DX3 Pro+ and I love it. I wonder if the USB connection in the DAC (ANY DAC for that matter) can take advantage of the stellar performance of the high-end cable??

[@AudioScienceReview]

We have a large swath of people now who think they must buy these cables. With data like mine, they now see that they don't need to do this and have evidence to prove it.

[@RGMDG]

@@AudioScienceReview Thank you Amir, another valuable contribution to the audiophile community. Much appreciated.

[@ericdaniel323]

The cable junkies are going to criticize your use of a $200 DAC for listening test regardless of measurements.

[@AudioScienceReview]

Why would they? I have yet to see someone buy one of these cables and regardless of what equipment they have, praise that it removed veil, etc. How come they don't doubt those observations?

[@crosselen9766]

@@AudioScienceReview not to dismiss your effort, but if this video was made with the intention of "saving" misguided audiophiles and help them realize the truth better, then pairing with other expensive gear pieces might be the better option. in their mind, that will be a better equation and because the gears are expensive, they can say that you *at least* tried it, and you even have scientific data to back up your claims. they will run out of excuses or valid arguments, and therefore will have an easier time accepting it. Plus the people who buy all these fancy things are mostly pairing them with hi-end gears, so if your scenario is a better match they cannot blame the major component (dac/amp/preamp) for its fault. I know you provided plenty real data and real examples, but I think that's how the average, deep-in-rabbit-hole audiophile thinks. I used to be one and I was quite like that too :D

[@kyron42]

The DX3 pro plus is a very resolving DAC. What measurements do you use to show that one DAC has a higher resolution than another DAC? Also what measurements do you use to show one set of headphones is more resolving than another set? Are there objective measurements for soundstage and imaging?

[@editorjuno]

The whole notion of a "resolving" audio component is 99.44% pure audiophool codswallop invented by "high end" marketing folks. A DAC that measures well is going to be more than adequately "resolving" and Amir knows what to measure.

[@r423fplip]

I have well measuring speakers, dac and amp. You won’t be surprised that it sounds amazing. They go together!.

[@Dasinpa]

Good review. Never be afraid to tell the truth. Subscribed.

[@AudioScienceReview]

Thank you and welcome to the family. :)

[@Edwinvangent]

smsl m200 does the same thing regarding the power and USB filtering isn't it, I mean it's not only the Modi?

[@idray986]

Can't wait for the wiim mini review. Can you run the tidal test tones you were going to do through the chromecast audio.

[@Mikexception]

In old times producers mainly offered pro for pro people and ordinary gear with ordinary connections for ordinary . Ordinary people were so happy to enjoy sound that stories and shops were growing everywhere . . Since then they made massive step ahead and they offer science gear and science connections for ... scientists who are very happy to know how good is. But shops are closing.

[@wellroundedsound2422]

The good news is that the Nordost is performing almost as well as the Amzon Basic!!! LOL!! Great review and test especially acknowledging the fact how influenced we get when plugin in new gear!!!

[@n00buo]

Hahhahaahhahahahaaha Amir the Debunker hits hard once again.

[@erics.4113]

Just watched a counterpoint video from Paul at ps audio who said he could walk into the room and tell if the USB cable had been changed. I think that sounds like a good place to start for an actual test. Too bad he would never be crazy enough to try one. I guess he has to feed his family too.

[@chefsteve8381]

This is reference audio reviews at its best..in 20+ years I'll be saying come here kids and check this out...

[@AudioScienceReview]

That's very kind of you. :)

[@rickbiessman6084]

I commend you for even running all these tests. I assume that people who are willing to spend $1000 on a USB cable will not be swayed whereas most people probably expected the results you showed (because afterall there are people who understand that there is a difference between analog and digital signal transmission =)). I really appreciated your comment that there’s nothing wrong with someone who thinks they can hear a difference when there isn’t one there, and that you’re susceptible to that as well. You put that very humbly. :) So cheers to you and I hope you’re having a great day!

[@Jordonater]

Its a real shame that those people we cant sway will take Amir saying that Hes susceptible to hearing differences as an argument for there actually being a difference.

[@BoredSilly666]

Do you think there was any slight variations in the volume of the cables even small?

[@thanos4480]

I also couldn't hear the difference but did you try to record with usb cables and then to compare in DAW? This is how i heard the difference.

[@AudioScienceReview]

You can't use a DAW to compare such captures. You have to be able to align to sub-sample accuracy which your DAW can't do. As a result, your nulls will play music not because there is a difference, but because of clock drift.

[@thanos4480]

@@AudioScienceReview I recoded AXE FX (guitar processor) via usb directly in my DAW. There is no any clocking.

[@AlexB-dl5ou]

Hello, would you consider putting the rating section at the end of your reviews? It spoiled the review for me knowing how it will perform before even reading the review.

[@AudioScienceReview]

It is a good suggestion but I am trapped by using the decorations as rating in the pictures. Not sure how to solve that problem....

[@ivindholta4081]

All the Nordost naming in the NORSE series cables, is from NORSE mythologi: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norse_mythology - And I belive all the cabels have their names from the gods and other beings in this universe. TYR, LOKE, FREY, ODIN. HEIMDAL is where they lived, and so on.

[@curtislucka9954]

Great review - outstanding reality check. We are talking digital protocol right? 1's and 0's.

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

I bought my USB cable in my supermarket, a nice supple cable with a braided outside. Even sturdy connectors! Price: 8 euros for 2 meter :) Any advice on a DAC for a hifiset (not headphones) with multiple inputs? Preferably 3x optical (tv, cd, streamer). Budget probably somewhere between 1k and 2k. I preparation of my trusty Marantz AV 8003 preamp, which is getting old. Still sounds amazing though!

[@dihydrotestosterone]

I have the video on pause ... let me go and make some popcorn, I have a feeling it's gonna be very captivating....🍿🥤

[@ant1kryst]

i have the first modi... never had a problem with the computer i was using before.. both are now retired. maybe ill bring it out. then if theres noise maybe ill get the expensive USB cable so i can get it working properly :D

[@avro66]

I think the manufacturers and people who buy these items need to give their heads a wobble, absolute madness.

[@rhalfik]

Just invite one to a blind test. Suddenly they're all gone :D Nordost sellers have all the time in the world when you show you have money, and are suddenly super busy when you propose them to take part in blind tests. Weasly little cowards.

[@dmgmail7021]

So I just started addressing room acoustics and cables...usb, rca, xlr, power, hifi wall outlet w dedicated run. I've watched so many videos and I am always open minded but try my best not to fall for gimmicks. I really appreciate this video, and certainly don't want to assume anything with hifi. This video pertains to USB, which is digital, where does that leave analog cables and power cords? Seems like there are so many brands as well as many variations of how they are made, much more than usb. One thing we know about XLR and RCA is there is a difference in sound between copper and silver, i guess I'm wondering do the differences stop there? Any help and advice is appreciated. There is so many opinions but I must say this video has left a greater impression on me and I feel most other reviewers are either benefiting financially in some ways or perhaps bias and its hard to know who to trust. Thanks in advance.

[@cadetsparklez3300]

surprised they didnt sell seperate cables with the rx or tx removed so they can only work one way

[@ASSOpid]

I can't remember which company but I've seen power cables that have directional arrows on them.... Claiming the electrons flow better in one direction.

[@cadetsparklez3300]

@@ASSOpid my xlr to trs cables have that but I believe its for shielding, they go the wrong way though, also noticed later that the trs to xlr adapters that came in the box have some extra length in the wire and if I unscrew them its just long enough if I stack my dac and amp so I dont have a bunch of cable sticking out. DOnt feel like having to resolder them everytime I bump it a bit to far and the tiny wire breaks so jsut using the linger ones I bought for now though.

[@cadetsparklez3300]

@Douglas Blake dont they both reference to ground though? otherwise the rx and tx would be mixed together, so when one is high and the other high in the other direction it would appear as both are low. I think you may be getting confused with ethernet where there is a positive and negative rx and tx for 4 wires total, which also are twisted to cancel out the magnetic field Smart ethernet, if only the cable connector was as good as the cable). Maybe usb superspeed which has mroe wires does this though.

[@ASSOpid]

@@cadetsparklez3300 yes I believe they reference to ground.

[@ASSOpid]

@@cadetsparklez3300 if it's a directional cable I can see that but a power cable... 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@dilshadmashoor7566]

Initially I thought of the same thing, of all cables USB should not make a difference, but I was wrong. I had Generic USB cable, upgraded Straightwire USB cable and it was definitely an improvement. And I thought it can’t get better than this then I upgraded to an Oyaide USB cable just for grins and giggles. I am still using the Oyaide usb cable extremely happy. I never measured these cables but definitely hear a difference between these cables. I am however amazed how some people don’t hear the difference when it’s abundantly clear at least to me

[@DustinHaning]

You're perfectly demonstrating the placebo effect. You think the cables sound better because they cost more and your brain decided ahead of time that they must sound better. Do a real blind test between the cables. If you can tell the difference correctly 8 out of 10 times then you can actually say you can hear a difference, but I would bet you would not be able to do it.

[@dilshadmashoor7566]

@@DustinHaning Expensive don't always equal better sound, thats not what I am saying. I also understand not all systems are equal, some systems reveal and some don't. Cables are usually a sensitive subject because there is lack of understanding. I don't usually swap cables frequently so in the event I do, my system is revealing enough, I can clearly tell the difference, I don't need to be blind folded to hear its too obvious. Let's call it placebo effect as you say it is do you think it's possible to fool this many people for this long? Do you know how many cable companies exist and thriving? You sound new to this hobby, in the beginning I use to think the same way... here is a spoiler alert.. in the end its an expensive hobby but a rewarding one so place your bet where it matters.

[@maxlovesvivan]

Got one question. If digital signal cable makes no difference in transferring digital data, then should there be any difference in different CD player(SPDIF out)? Or like, different digital devices transferring the same data via different usb out put system？（ie. notebook direct usb out vs roon nucleus with a good usb bridge out)

[@AudioScienceReview]

That is a different situation. S/PDIF has implicit clock mixed with the same signal. Player must extract that clock and use it to drive the DAC. Should the source have high jitter/noise, that can get transmitted to the DAC and its output. Fortunately DACs perform filtering on that input and are able to sonically achieve transparency. From measurement front though, I often measure jitter from SPDIF but it is harmless as far as audibility (with rare exceptions). USB originally had the same problem (and worse) but for the last 15 years or so, we have gone to "asynchronous USB" where the DAC clock is generated internally and USB clock is only used to fetch the data. So in that situation it is better than S/PDIF and usually provides better performance (objectively) than S/PDIF.

[@kurb1980]

Does that cable adhere to the 90ohm impedance? I know a lot of these boutique cables do not.

[@AudioScienceReview]

I don't know but in that short length, it really doesn't matter much. Signals are so strong that reflections don't overwhelm them.

[@humanbass]

Impedance is a non-issue in short cables. I've tried all kinds of rca for spdif and they all work. Be it coaxial, dual wire, quad. Copper is just too damn good at transmitting electrical signals 😅

[@twentythreeeightyeight5260]

This is my favorite late night show.

[@taidee]

When it comes to USB cables, my concern is usually getting a good connectors to protect against rust, mainly to guarantee proper contact over time.

[@AudioScienceReview]

That is indeed a good criteria. Nothing is worse than a USB connection that is intermittent or doesn't work at all.

[@brandoyouth]

do we have proof of you sir doing measurement?

[@cornerliston]

Nordost has a fun naming strategy. Tyr is a god in nordic mythology. Probably reflects their self image. Please invite some hardcore ‘audiophiles’ for a proper blindtest. But even better do a ‘blind test’ and saying you use a Nordost Tyr but they are actually listening to the Amazon basic cable.

[@AudioScienceReview]

It would be an interest test to run but after that, I may lose a bunch of audiophile friends. :)

[@cornerliston]

@@AudioScienceReview It sure would and you most likely would-but might be worth it? : )

[@garydaniels6950]

You were gone from youtube for so long I was afraid that you gave up... So happy to see you back!

[@AudioScienceReview]

Thanks. Our flooded repeatedly for a while, setting me way back on making videos. Hopefully I can keep it up as we move forward.

[@atatafaya]

Amir, the mythbuster of audio equipment!! Thanks for what you're doing!

[@AudioScienceReview]

My pleasure! THanks for wathcing

[@johnsmith1474]

Another relaxing ride though manufacturing claims via instrumentation and clear speech. Thank you! Amir, I presume you have heard of Chesky Records? I just listened David Chesky talk to Steve Guttenberg about his new project, quote: "'The Audiophile Society'" is the brainchild of composer, pianist, and audio pioneer David Chesky. The new label will focus on bringing even more realistic three-dimensional recordings to market with their Meta-Dimensional Sound, The Audiophile Society’s name for their unique two-channel 3D audio that can play on all existing two-channel stereo, while showcasing emerging artists working in a multitude of genres. The ultimate goal of The Audiophile Society is to change the way you hear music." So it's a website of that name, with the stated goals in upcoming recorded products. Chesky goes into detail on the recent "Audiophiliac" channel show. Chesky sounds absolutely sincere, and will produce some very low exposure artists, so the motivations look authentically about trying to do good things. I hope you consider explaining for us some of the audio reproduction goals aimed for by T.A.S., what they mean, if they attained, etc. In a rare case of application of your skills, I'm hoping you find merit. In any case we all win listening to your evaluation including Mr. Chesky.

[@AudioScienceReview]

Yes, I recently heard about that and downloaded the demo package from them. Hope to evaluate it soon. I have known David Chesky for more than two decades and I suspect he has done good work there.

[@bahathir_]

Peace. How about RF sheilding? Example, use FRS walkie talkie and trsmint near the cable. If you have amateur radio licence. For higher power get the amateur radio and transmit at higher power. Thank you.

[@AudioScienceReview]

There is a ton of RF around us yet my measurements show that well designed hardware absolutely doesn't care. We don't hear RF anyway so it is not a concern. Still, note that I measured up to 0.5 Mhz which is well into RF range.

[@bahathir_]

@@AudioScienceReview Tahnks for responding to my comment. I have experienced radio frequency interference (RFI) many years ago, when using GSM 900 MHz. General consumer's electronic products were easily interfered by the GSM RF. BTW, it is good to know whether modern products still have the problem. Thank you, and good luck.

[@bahathir_]

@Douglas Blake Agreed. Actually, I have the RFI problem with my portable USB DAC headphones amps. It was picking up the GESM RF and it was annoying. :) Luckily, it has rolling op-amp capability, and after I changed it to other op-amps, the RFI problem also gone. Thank you.

[@bahathir_]

@Douglas Blake Agreed, but in my case, the RFI problem solved by changing the op-amps to otther models/manufacturer. So, circuit design and components selections is important. Other source of noise is the ground loop. I have dedicated grounding for my ham radio trasceiver, and sometime I connected audio devices to the radio ground. for better audio signal. Thank you.

[@bahathir_]

@Douglas Blake Agreed. W are surrounded with RF and we still need to find the way to minimizeing the RF interference. Thank you for yor inputs.

[@richardr.5177]

Hi Amir, I like watching you videos but the conclusions seems always the same to me? Measurement won’t show any difference and a listing test show differences but thats our brain playing tricks on us. Devices don’t do what they claim because the measurements don’t show it. Are we that hear differences then all “crazy” and should we buy the cheapest good measuring devices and leave al optimization devices out of the chain?

[@AudioScienceReview]

No, it doesn't follow that you should buy the cheapest. The cheapest may look ugly, not have the features you want, lack support, and pride of ownership. For the longest time I kept my Mark Levinson DAC in my music system for those reasons. Eventually I replaced it but am sad every time I look at the small box that the replacement is! :) My wish for high-end audio is to take care of performance first, and then do what they are good at which is packaging, branding, potentially more reliability, etc. I would be one of their first customers if they did that. Instead, it is an inverted world where you pay more and frequently you get less. That is not right. What you don't want to do is to evaluate audio products without following the right protocols where only your ears are involved in that judgement. The moment the test is non-blind, then your brain does a wonderful job of yielding wrong conclusions. Just do the testing blind and controlled and indeed you can throw out all the measurements and decide what you buy. Finally, when it comes to things like speakers, it is very hard to buy cheap and get greatness. You can get the right tonality but if you want deep bass and great dynamics, price skyrockets. My speakers are $23,000 a pair for that reason. So this is not a game of cheapest is great. It is making sure that performance is there first and foremost.

[@DrLoveQc]

Meanwhile on some fb groups people talk about how better is the floor noise,soundstage,etc since the got a linear power supply for their pc, a master clock for their audiophile network switch and usb cables. Fun fact I proved them that the audiophile switches they got was only a lynksys unmanaged switch inside. hehe

[@AudioScienceReview]

Yeh, that is the irony of it as far as how generic and low end the switch hardware itself is.

[@pihda77]

I had basic printer cables and i had annoying 10kHz noise, switching to proper $12 cable fixed it. But putting any more money in usb cable is insane.

[@rafalbroncel5792]

Why would you measure USB cable this way? If you want proof something measure at the speakers connectors, both channels same time. Or use two microphones in stereo and then analyse whole complex signal.

[@CatchyNameF1]

Is this cable "quantum" I bet somewhere on the description on these crap you have "nano" or "quantum"....

[@RennieAsh]

Cryogenically treated, molecularly aligned crystal copper

[@amanieux]

i don't get the point if testing a digital cable if there is a single bit changing it is detected and retransmitted because there is error correction built in the data transimission prtocol.

[@AudioScienceReview]

For audio transmission over USB, there is no retransmission. However, the audible effect would be horrendous and not easy to miss. So your larger point is correct that there is no data loss.

[@amanieux]

​@@AudioScienceReview there is no specific protocol for usb audio, usb is a generic digital data transmission protocol with services that provide error detection and retransmit packets if needed (these lower level layers of the protocol are taken care of by the USB controller I.C.) so there is nothing to hear because there are no errors left (in real time application such as audio streaming usb transfer speed is much higher so there is plenty of time to resend data (uncompressed 384khz/32 bit stereo bandwith is 24 Mbits, usb2.0 is 480 Mbits and usb 3.0 is 4.8Gbits) , if the cable is broken, the protocol will stop the transfer and sound will stop. this is why all usb cables are equal. now that audio is digital, audio should always have the dac/amplifier at the speaker level and get rid of all analog audio cables (there will still be a few cm of analog cable to get to the drivers), analog audio cables are a leftover of the times when audio was 100% analog. it is already done in the TWS and in active speakers with usb input.

[@mrtyrang]

Where are the matching cable elevators as they are just as important to the sounds.

[@AudioScienceReview]

Matching ones don't work. You need to have them be higher at the computer end so that the electrons move more easily toward the DAC....

[@RennieAsh]

@@AudioScienceReview don’t forget the fan shroud sheath to gently push air along the outside of the cable to better align everything.

[@NeverTalkToCops1]

@@AudioScienceReview Must be made from black onyx.

[@InnovativeBuildersmd]

i used to believe that cables dont make a difference bits are bits etc , then i started to experiment and change out my cables , i used the cable co. to borrow cables to test. starting with the usb streamer>DAC , then speaker, then xlr , then power i was able to hear differences with a/b testing, not always for the better i will admit but the change in sound was there. take a silver cable vs a copper cable and there is a difference in sound even if they measure the same. i have been able to drastically improve my listening experience changing from my mogami/canare/furutech reference (still VERY good) to some higher end cables. did it change the sound yes was it worth it to me yes. will it do the same for you i dont know. all i can say is try it yourself. i think the human ear has evolved over 200,000 years to be able to pickup nuanced differences in sound that may not be detectable with lab equipment. i think one of the biggest changes i got with higher end cables is smoothness of sound and the ease of listening at high levels. i like to listen loud now i can for much longer. ask my wife lol

[@AudioScienceReview]

All of use perceive these differences. Sadly we do so even if there is none! Our brain has a way of tricking us this way. And because that is so, the effect will wear off over time.

[@InnovativeBuildersmd]

@@AudioScienceReview i get your point and agree there is some of that but ive herd the difference in my system ive tried to go back to other cables here and there after listening for months if anything to prove your exact point to myself but its so obvious to me the difference. Anyway thank you for your input and devotion to our community.

[@MisterAMG12]

thanks for this review !

[@janthomassrensen1065]

The name Tyr translates to Bull from danish. Many of Nordosts products have names coming from northern mythology. Even the company name Nordost is North-East in danish. I dare You to pronounce it in danish though, Nord-Øst. Same as the microphone brand Røde. It´s the colour red in danish and pronounced way different than when people call it Rode

[@AudioScienceReview]

Thanks for the education. :)

[@ThinkingBetter]

You could as well sell that Amazon Basics USB cable rebranded for US$2000 as a superior multi stranded flexible audiophile cable. It just need some other brand, packaging and marketing. The more you pay the more you imagine it sounds better...

[@timo5601]

Tyr was an ancient city. It’s also a competitive swimwear brand

[@momchilzanev5861]

I would never spet $1000for a USB cable, so I bought an Amazon basics 6ft USB 3.0 cable to hook up my external HD (with music), after a bit of listening foobar stopped working, it would give me a file error. Changed the cable with higher quality cable and now everything works great. I guess the "science" part of the cable didn't help the "audio" data to go through...

[@AudioScienceReview]

The Amazon basics USB 3.0 is awful. I bought it and immediately put it aside. The one I use and recommend is the Type B USB 2.0 which you use with DACs. Sadly there are a lot of bad low cost USB cables. Many fail in short order.

[@revelry1969]

Thanks for your videos. Like your methods to testing. I think after watching a few of your videos you are clearly rigorous. I agree with using your tools to find sometimes cheap vs expensive is minimal if any difference. What about other factors? Longevity, reliability etc? Build quality not only on function. Other factors. Maybe this cable lasts longer or maintains better connections internally. Functional equivalency is expected (mostly). But there are more factors? Right? I suppose debunking the more expensive components claims is your thing…and we appreciate it. But dissection of the products at a build Level may be good too. I go to the hardware store and see millions of screws. Which one is not going to strip? Well…what you find is that not all products are equal even though equivalent in function. Are you going to do some vintage gear? Be neat to see you do some comparison of older products to show whether they shield better? I have some cables from the 80s and those are fine for me. Quantifying these things is great. But being an engineer myself sometimes our tools don’t precipitate the differences. It’s all in the testing regiment. Normally you get what you pay for. If anything is too expensive or too cheap you may want to understand why.

[@AudioScienceReview]

It is hard to evaluate things like longevity. Best to ask other users about the item. And yes, I do fair bit of vintage gear reviews. Last set was on Carver gear. See: www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/carver-m-1-5t-review-vintage-amp.30983/

[@rusedgin]

In this case, it's such an huge discrepancy in prices that quality built is not enough to justify getting these cables. Assuming performance equivalence you can easily get premium quality cables for a fraction of the price.

[@revelry1969]

@@rusedgin I concur

[@Jim-x6b]

This cable makes the zeros rounder and the ones straighter.