SilentPower by iFi Audio Gemini3.0 USB Cable
The new Gemini3.0 – the best just got upgraded.
With generic mass-produced USB cables, the data and power cables are normally compacted. This means that they do not conduct anywhere near as well as they should (imagine laying signal and power cables together in a high-end audio system!) and are not sufficiently shielded from each other. This negatively impacts on the USB signal quality that in turn, hampers sound quality.
Not so with the Gemini3.0.
As with the original Gemini cable, the Gemini3.0 carries audio and power in two separate cables. This separates the delicate USB data signal from the USB power.
It employs heavy OFHC continuous copper silver matrix conductors for the best possible signal transfer. The construction is a custom minimum inductance parallel type with quadruple shields – this construction protects the cable from RFI and EMI noise to provide the cleanest transfer medium possible:
Power and audio signals are confined in one with cross-interference and insufficient shielding between each other. Power and audio signals are individually transferred which means adequate shielding and no interference between them.
With the machined FINAL connectors and atypical RF3 filter designs, the iFi Gemini3.0 sets a whole new sonic benchmark for computer audio transmission.
Need for speed
USB3.0 is vastly superior to USB2.0 at handling high-data volumes.The USB3.0 platform mandates better connectors and higher quality cables – the new Gemini3.0 meets these needs with ease. This much higher standard transmission platform means USB audio passes with the least disturbance. It is akin to driving on a newly paved highway compared to with potholes. The former enables faster, smoother and less-jittery audio & power transfer. The sonic benefits are proof for all to hear.As audio transmission standards improve, the Gemini3.0 with its USB ultra-speed bandwidth of 5.0Gbps, is also future-proofed.
The Gemini difference continues
As with the original Gemini cable, in the Gemini3.0 the power cable is heavier gauge and audio has more cores. Furthermore, signal and ground have their own respective geometry for optimal conductivity.There are dual-headed designs and then there is the Gemini3.0 Dual-Headed design. Nothing comes close.
Exceptional from beginning to end
In the Gemini3.0 the signal runs through the cable and the connector. This means the connector too must be exceptional.Most USB cables use moulded plastic covered connections that do not shield the high frequencies present in the USB data link, so noise will radiate out. Durability is also compromised as very few make their own connectors.The FINAL USB connectors provide impeccable end-to-end RF shielding, being machined entirely from solid, aircraft-grade aluminium. Plus gold-plated connections make for years of steadfast service.
The power of RF3
Most standard USB cables do not address RF issues. Most ‘off the shelf‘ versions that are fitted with filters work over too narrow a range. And even then this is only fitted at the ends of the cables, leaving the length of the cable to act as an antennae.The Gemini3.0 is fitted with three custom-made metal oxide ceramic RF noise silencers. Each has a different effective range so that they greatly broaden the range over which RF noise is silenced. Furthermore, the middle silencer is adjustable and can be moved along the whole length of the cable. This then “detunes” the antennae formed by the cable, depending on the conditions and requirements in the system. The other 2 silencers should be kept as close to each respective end as possible.
A match made in USB heaven
The Gemini3.0 is a perfect match with the iGalvanic3.0 and the micro/nano USB3.0.The iGalvanic3.0 fully galvanically isolates the USB3.0/2.0 signal and power.The micro/nano USB3.0 both boast a Super Regulator, not only with super low-noise (0.1uV/0.5uV) but also with super low output impedance (around 0.00015 Ohm at 1KHz, as low as 0.00003 Ohm at 100Hz to DC) to maximise the total USB connection.
