AudioQuest Cinnamon USB Cable

The AudioQuest Cinnamon USB is a USB audio cable with solid-core conductors and 1.25% silver, forming the second tier of the AudioQuest USB range. It draws more fine detail out of the connection between source and DAC than the Forest – while staying pleasantly composed instead of pushing itself into the foreground.

Why the Cinnamon?

The difference from the entry-level tier lies in the conductor surface: 1.25% silver instead of 0.5% on solid-core copper conductors. Because a USB signal travels almost exclusively along the surface, that's exactly where every improvement counts. Hard-Cell Foam keeps the geometry stable, a metal-layer Noise-Dissipation System catches RF interference, and the silver-plated connector contacts ensure a clean transition into the device. Together, this adds up to more texture and calm, without anything sounding emphasized.

What you get

Available as A–B in 0.75, 1.5, 3 and 5 m, as well as A–C, A–Micro B 2.0, C–B and C–C in 0.75 and 1.5 m. We can order other lengths on request.

Who is the Cinnamon suited for – and who isn't it?

Honestly: on an office laptop with a small stick DAC, the Forest is the smarter choice – the extra cost simply evaporates there. As soon as a serious DAC, a streamer or a music server is involved, the Cinnamon becomes the sweet spot of the range. It doesn't stop here in terms of what's possible above it, but rarely does the ratio of cost to benefit work out this well.

Our verdict

More nuance, the same composure: the Cinnamon is the tier where most systems could stop – and many still don't. Whether the step up is worth it for your DAC, we'll tell you straight: HD Zürisee, Wädenswil, 044 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Technical data

• Type: USB audio cable (USB 2.0)
• Conductors: solid-core, 1.25% silver
• Insulation: Hard-Cell Foam (nitrogen-injected foamed polyethylene)
• Noise dissipation: metal-layer Noise-Dissipation System
• Directionality: direction-controlled conductors for RF noise dissipation
• Connector contacts: silver-plated
• Connector variants: A–B, A–C, A–Micro B 2.0, C–B, C–C
• Lengths: A–B 0.75 / 1.5 / 3 / 5 m; other variants 0.75 and 1.5 m

Frequently asked questions

How much does the step from Forest to Cinnamon bring?

Noticeably more fine detail, without shifting the basic character. Instead of 0.5%, 1.25% silver sits on the solid-core conductors, further reducing distortion at high frequencies. On a resolving DAC you'll hear more texture in voices and strings; on a simple setup the difference stays small.

Does the higher silver content make the sound brighter?

No. Silver conducts better at the conductor surface, which is exactly where the high-frequency USB signal travels anyway – that brings openness, not harshness. If a system sounds thin or harsh after the switch, that's almost always down to the room, the setup, or the DAC – not the cable itself.

Can I use the Cinnamon with a smartphone or tablet?

Yes, with the right connector combination. For modern devices choose C–B or C–C, for older Android models A–Micro B 2.0. Whether your device actually powers a USB DAC at all depends on the model – just ask us, we'll check that before you order.

Does a new USB cable need to be run in?

In our experience it takes a few hours of use for the dielectric to settle. The effect isn't dramatic, and you don't need to sit there and monitor it – just listen to music normally for a few evenings. Judge the cable after that, not in the first quarter hour after unpacking.

Why order the Cinnamon from HD Zürisee?

Because we'll tell you when the next tier is worth it and when it isn't. Our specialist team in Wädenswil has been building digital systems for decades, knows the common DACs and streamers, and finds the right connector combination. Call us, message us on WhatsApp, or send us an email.

Goes well with

You'll find the matching DAC among our DACs & D/A converters, the other tiers under USB cables, and the brand's full range in the AudioQuest world.