CHORD CO. C-USB A-B 0.75M
Audio T Verdict
Chord Company C-USB is an affordable way to improve one of the increasingly common digital connections in a modern Hi-Fi system: USB audio.
This USB-A to USB-B version is particularly suited to connecting a computer, music server or compatible streaming source to a DAC, digital amplifier or other USB audio component fitted with a USB-B input.
C-USB is considerably more purpose-built than a generic computer USB cable. Chord Company uses heavy-gauge silver-plated oxygen-free copper conductors, twisted-pair data geometry, high-density insulation and dual-layer high-frequency shielding, alongside precision gold-plated USB connectors.
The additional shielding is particularly relevant in a computer-audio system, where computers, network equipment, switch-mode power supplies and other digital devices can create plenty of high-frequency electrical noise around the equipment.
For anyone connecting a laptop, desktop computer, music server or compatible streamer to a USB DAC, C-USB is a logical first step into Chord Companys dedicated digital USB cable range without immediately jumping to Clearway or one of the higher-level models.
Chord Company C-USB Digital Audio Cable - USB-A to USB-B
C-USB is part of Chord Companys C-series range of affordable analogue and digital cables.
This Audio T product is specifically the:
USB-A to USB-B version.
It is designed for compatible digital audio equipment using a conventional USB-A source connection and USB-B audio input.
Check Your USB Connections Before Ordering
USB connectors come in several different physical formats.
This Audio T product uses USB-A at one end and USB-B at the other. It does not have a USB-C connector.
If your source or DAC uses USB-C, contact Audio T so we can confirm the appropriate cable version.
What Is USB-A to USB-B?
USB-A is the familiar rectangular USB connection commonly found on computers, laptops, music servers and some dedicated digital-audio products.
USB-B is the more square-shaped connection frequently used for the USB audio input on:
- DACs
- Integrated amplifiers with USB audio
- Digital pre-amplifiers
- Headphone amplifiers with DACs
- Selected active loudspeakers
- Other compatible digital audio equipment
Designed for Digital Audio
C-USB is not simply positioned as a general-purpose computer peripheral cable.
Chord Company developed it specifically for transferring digital audio between compatible USB-equipped source equipment and Hi-Fi components.
Typical applications can include:
- Computer to DAC
- Laptop to DAC
- Music server to DAC
- Streamer to DAC where compatible USB audio output is provided
- Computer to USB-equipped integrated amplifier
- Computer to compatible headphone amplifier/DAC
Heavy-Gauge Silver-Plated OFC Conductors
C-USB uses:
Heavy-gauge oxygen-free copper conductors with silver plating.
Chord Company describes these as high-purity, low-resistance conductors developed for reliable high-speed digital signal transfer.
Why Silver-Plated Copper?
Silver-plated copper combines an oxygen-free copper conductor with a silver-plated outer surface.
Chord Company uses this construction throughout a number of its digital cables, with the conductor dimensions and overall cable architecture adapted to the particular connection.
Twisted-Pair Data Conductors
The C-USB data conductors use a:
Twisted-pair configuration.
This is the geometry used for the high-speed digital data path within the cable.
High-Density Insulation
Chord Companys current C-USB specification identifies:
High-density conductor insulation.
The insulation electrically separates the internal conductors while helping maintain the intended cable geometry.
Use the Current Manufacturer Specification
Older C-USB reviews and literature contain more detailed descriptions of earlier insulation construction.
Chord Companys current public specification simply identifies high-density insulation, so that is the terminology Audio T should use unless the manufacturer supplies a newer detailed technical specification.
Dual-Layer High-Frequency Shielding
C-USB incorporates:
Dual-layer high-frequency shielding.
This is designed to help protect the digital audio connection from unwanted electrical interference surrounding computers and modern Hi-Fi equipment.
Why Shield a USB Audio Cable?
A USB connection is an electrical connection between two pieces of equipment.
Computers, network devices, chargers, displays and switch-mode power supplies can all contribute high-frequency electrical noise within the system environment.
Chord Company therefore pays particular attention to shielding within its dedicated USB audio cables.
Digital Audio Is More Than the File Itself
C-USB does not change the music file stored on your computer or music server.
The cables engineering is instead concerned with the electrical conditions under which the USB data and associated connection are transferred between the two components.
Gold-Plated USB Connectors
C-USB is terminated with:
Precision gold-plated USB connectors.
Chord Company uses gold-plated signal contacts to provide a consistent electrical connection and resistance to contact corrosion or tarnishing over time.
Available Audio T Lengths
This USB-A to USB-B Audio T product is currently available in:
Which Length Should I Choose?
Choose the shortest practical cable that comfortably reaches between the two components without putting strain on either USB socket.
A little extra length can make equipment positioning easier, but there is generally little point in buying substantially more cable than the installation requires.
Allow for Equipment Movement
Do not measure the distance between the sockets with the cable pulled completely tight.
Allow enough additional length to move equipment for cleaning, servicing and connecting other cables without placing unnecessary strain on the USB connectors.
Can C-USB Connect a Laptop to a DAC?
Yes, provided the laptop has a compatible USB-A connection and the DAC has a compatible USB-B audio input.
If the laptop only provides USB-C, you will need an appropriate USB-C cable configuration instead.
Can C-USB Connect a Desktop Computer to a DAC?
Yes.
A computer-to-DAC connection is one of the key applications for the USB-A to USB-B version of C-USB.
Can It Connect a Music Server to a DAC?
Yes, where the music server provides a compatible USB-A digital audio output and the DAC provides a USB-B input.
Always check the equipment specifications because not every USB socket on a music server or streamer is intended to output digital audio.
Not Every USB Socket Is an Audio Output
Some USB connections are provided only for storage devices, servicing, charging or accessories.
A product having a USB-A socket does not automatically mean that it can send digital audio to an external DAC.
Check the manufacturers instructions for both pieces of equipment before choosing the cable.
USB-A, USB-B and USB-C
Chord Company has expanded the C-USB family to cover several modern USB connector combinations.
This Audio T Product
- USB-A to USB-B
- Traditional computer-audio configuration
- Suitable for many DACs
- 0.75m, 1.5m, 3m and 5m options
Wider C-USB Range
- USB-A to USB-C available from Chord Company
- USB-C to USB-B available from Chord Company
- USB-C to USB-C available from Chord Company
- Separate configurations should be ordered as appropriate
C-USB and USB-C
Chord Company introduced dedicated USB-C versions of C-USB in 2024 as USB-C became increasingly common on phones, tablets, laptops and Hi-Fi equipment.
Current USB-C configurations within the wider C-USB family include:
- USB-A to USB-C
- USB-C to USB-B
- USB-C to USB-C
Those configurations are separate from the USB-A to USB-B options currently selected through this Audio T product page.
Using C-USB with a Phone or Tablet
The USB-A to USB-B cable on this page is not normally the direct connection required by a modern USB-C phone or tablet.
Chord Company now manufactures dedicated C-USB Type-C versions for compatible portable devices.
If you want to connect a phone or tablet directly to a DAC, tell Audio T the exact model of both devices so we can check the correct USB configuration.
C-USB Versus Clearway USB
C-USB is Chord Companys most accessible dedicated USB audio cable, while Clearway USB is the next performance step in the range.
C-USB
- Entry-level Chord Company USB cable
- Silver-plated OFC conductors
- Twisted-pair data conductors
- Dual-layer high-frequency shielding
- Gold-plated connectors
- Ideal first USB audio cable upgrade
Clearway USB
- Higher-level USB cable
- High-bandwidth silver-plated OFC conductors
- Double foil plus high-density braid shielding
- Alloy-sleeved connectors
- Gold-plated connector pins
- Non-compression strain relief
Browse Chord Company cables at Audio T.
Do I Need Drivers?
The C-USB cable itself does not require a driver.
Depending on the computer, operating system and DAC, the connected audio equipment may require software or a manufacturer-specific USB audio driver.
Follow the instructions supplied with the DAC or digital audio component.
Does C-USB Carry Power?
The physical USB connection is capable of including power conductors as part of the USB interface.
How those connections are used depends on the equipment at either end, so Audio T would not describe C-USB itself as a dedicated power or charging cable.
Can C-USB Be Used with a Printer?
A USB-A to USB-B connection is also commonly associated with computer peripherals, but C-USB is designed and marketed specifically as a digital audio interconnect.
Using it for a printer would rather miss the point.
Does C-USB Have a Direction?
The USB-A and USB-B connectors naturally determine which way the cable is installed.
The USB-A connection normally goes to the compatible source device, while USB-B connects to the compatible USB audio input.
C-USB at Audio T
C-USB provides a useful entry point for anyone building a computer-audio or USB-based digital Hi-Fi system and wanting to move beyond a generic computer cable.
Audio T can also help compare C-USB with Clearway USB and higher-level Chord Company digital cables where the partnering system justifies a further upgrade.
Read: Top 5 Affordable Hi-Fi Upgrades
Read: Do Hi-Fi Cables Make a Difference?
Key Features
- Chord Company C-USB
- Digital USB audio interconnect
- USB-A to USB-B configuration
- Designed for computer audio
- Suitable for compatible DACs
- Suitable for compatible music servers
- Suitable for compatible USB audio equipment
- Heavy-gauge conductors
- Oxygen-free copper
- Silver-plated conductors
- High-purity conductor construction
- Low-resistance conductor design
- Twisted-pair data configuration
- High-density insulation
- Dual-layer high-frequency shielding
- Gold-plated USB connectors
- 0.75m Audio T option
- 1.5m Audio T option
- 3m Audio T option
- 5m Audio T option
- USB-C versions available separately
- Entry-level Chord Company USB cable
- Clearway USB upgrade path
- Designed in the UK
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company C-USB?
C-USB is a dedicated digital USB audio interconnect using silver-plated OFC conductors, twisted-pair data geometry, high-density insulation and dual-layer high-frequency shielding.
Which USB connectors does this Audio T version use?
USB-A to USB-B.
Is this a USB-C cable?
No. This particular Audio T product is the USB-A to USB-B version.
Does Chord Company make USB-C versions?
Yes. The current C-USB family also includes USB-A to USB-C, USB-C to USB-B and USB-C to USB-C configurations.
What lengths does Audio T offer in USB-A to USB-B?
0.75m, 1.5m, 3m and 5m.
Can I use it between a computer and DAC?
Yes, provided the computer provides a compatible USB-A connection and the DAC has a compatible USB-B audio input.
Can I use it with a laptop?
Yes, if the laptop provides USB-A. A USB-C-only laptop will require a different C-USB configuration.
Can I use it with a music server?
Yes, where the server provides a compatible USB-A digital audio output.
Does every USB-A socket output digital audio?
No. Some USB sockets are intended only for storage, charging, servicing or accessories. Check the equipment specification.
What conductors does C-USB use?
Chord Company specifies heavy-gauge oxygen-free copper conductors with silver plating.
Are the conductors twisted?
Yes. The data conductors use a twisted-pair configuration.
Is C-USB shielded?
Yes. Chord Company specifies dual-layer high-frequency shielding.
What connectors does C-USB use?
This product has USB-A and USB-B connectors with gold-plated signal contacts.
Does the cable itself need software?
No. Any required driver or software relates to the connected USB audio equipment rather than the cable.
What is the next model above C-USB?
Clearway USB is the next step in Chord Companys current USB audio cable range.
Can I use C-USB with my phone?
Not this USB-A to USB-B configuration directly in most cases. Chord Company offers dedicated USB-C versions for compatible phones and portable devices.
Can Audio T check which USB cable I need?
Yes. Give your local Audio T store the exact make and model of the source and DAC and we can check the required connector combination.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Help checking USB-A, USB-B and USB-C connections
- Advice on selecting the correct cable length
- Computer-to-DAC setup guidance
- Music-server connection advice
- C-USB and Clearway USB comparisons
- Complete digital-audio system advice
- Help identifying whether a USB socket supports audio output
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- System-specific upgrade advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like help confirming the correct USB connection or comparing C-USB with other Chord Company digital cables.