Atlas Zeno Harmonic SC Grun

A new generation digital interconnect specifically developed to meet the stringent requirements of USB as a high-resolution audio interface.

USB (Universal Serial Bus) was initially conceived almost three decades ago as an inexpensive 'jack of all trades' standard enabling the exchange of data and power between all manner of devices.

However, using USB for serious hi-fi purposes reveals a number of factors which don't affect printers or hard drives, primarily concerning timing and digital 'noise;' effects typically heard as a subtle loss of tonal depth, smearing and glare or graininess to the sound. Some of these issues require improved hardware (digital source and/or DAC), but the cable has a potentially crucial part to play.

The Arran SC (Solid Core) USB is our definitive response to the shortcomings of lower-grade USB cables. With Arran, we've addressed multiple cable issues* which can combine to degrade the integrity of the signal transmission.

While in theory, a DAC can 'correct' some of these factors, in practice, it's clear that the harder such circuitry has to work, the poorer the sound quality.

In practice, the ‘Essential Elements’ — conductor, dielectric, connector, screening and manufacturing quality — which we prioritise in analogue audio cables prove equally vital for digital audio.

Accordingly, Arran SC USB features precisely-tailored twin solid core OCC copper data and power conductors, carefully matched low-loss dielectric and our advanced foil & OFC screening throughout. Meticulous assembly with high-quality connectors employing gold-plated contacts ensures an accurate connection to your equipment. This achieves a high level of consistency, both when used over longer lengths and when matching with a range of components.

Performance, particularly with regard to noise levels, is further enhanced by the inclusion of our proven Grun Coherent Ground System.

The result is a clarity, dynamic range and sense of ease to the overall sound rarely encountered in systems where USB is the selected interface and which fully bears comparison with S/PDIF and streaming alternatives.

A Grun lead and spade tag adapter are included; further improvement can be attained via our Grun mains adapter, which can each be used — the effect is cumulative — with up to four Grun-enabled products.

• Many of these problems — and their solutions — also apply to Ethernet-type streaming audio cables. For more detailed information refer to the Streaming Cables white paper in our Technical Library.