I thought I would share the anecdotal story combined with a generic AI response, so hopefully nobody's feelings get hurt.

AI response:

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When the customer needed a longer cable for the external USB 3 sound card, the company advised that an active cable (costing around $200) was necessary.

However, the customer opted to purchase a 5m normal USB 3 cable for $22 and expressed dissatisfaction with the company's advice.

Here are some factual reasons why the company's advice may have been appropriate:

Technical Requirements: USB 3.0 devices, such as the external sound card, often have specific technical requirements for cable length and signal integrity. Active cables are designed to maintain signal quality over longer distances, which is crucial for certain devices.

Signal Degradation: Longer cable lengths can lead to signal degradation, especially for high-speed data transfer devices like USB 3.0. Active cables are equipped to mitigate this issue by boosting the signal along the length of the cable, ensuring reliable data transmission.

Manufacturer Recommendations: In many cases, manufacturers provide specific guidelines for compatible accessories and cables for their devices. Following the manufacturer's recommendations ensures optimal performance and compatibility.

Warranty and Support: Using non-recommended accessories, such as a generic 5m USB 3 cable, may void the warranty or support for the device. The company's advice may have been aimed at ensuring the customer's continued access to warranty and support services.

It's important to consider that the company's advice may have been based on technical specifications, signal integrity, and compatibility requirements to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of the external USB 3 sound card.

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In this case, the customer had opted to buy a cheap 5m "passive" USB 3 cable, costing around $22, and while this solution was claimed to work, the customer was only using few channels and referring to one setup, thus such an example is neither reliable nor an official solution others should duplicate IMO.

Peace & Love

A fan of RME products