AudioQuest Forest USB Cable

The AudioQuest Forest USB is a USB audio cable that connects a computer or streamer to your DAC, using semi-solid conductors that are 0.5% silver-plated. It's the entry level of the AudioQuest USB range – and the moment the grey bundled cable from the printer box can finally retire.

Why the Forest?

USB delivers data, but at the same time drags high-frequency noise from the power supply and mainboard toward the converter. The Forest counters this with semi-solid conductors in a concentric design, whose surface is 0.5% silver-plated – at the high frequencies of a USB signal, the current flows exactly there. On top of that comes Hard-Cell Foam insulation: nitrogen-injected polyethylene that keeps the geometry stable and stores hardly any energy. A metal-layer noise-dissipation system and direction-controlled conductors take care of the rest.

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 request special lengths from the distributor.

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

Straight talk: if you're blasting music from a Bluetooth speaker in the bathroom, you don't need a Forest. But as soon as a real USB DAC is in play – on a laptop, a music server, a streamer – this is the first sensible step. If you're already running a high-resolution system, the path leads more toward Cinnamon or Carbon; the Forest plays to its strengths at the entry level.

Our verdict

A quieter background, clearer contours, no voodoo: the Forest is the most sensible upgrade you can give a USB connection. Which connector combination and length fit your devices, we'll clarify in two minutes – HD Zürisee in 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: semi-solid, concentric, 0.5% silver
• Insulation: Hard-Cell Foam (nitrogen-injected polyethylene)
• Noise dissipation: metal-layer noise dissipation
• Directionality: direction-controlled conductors for RF noise dissipation
• 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

Can you even hear a USB cable?

On a real USB DAC, yes; on a Bluetooth speaker, no. The bits arrive either way – what becomes audible is how much high-frequency noise the computer sends along the line. The Forest reduces this portion, which usually shows up as a quieter background and a more stable soundstage.

Can I also use the Forest for an external hard drive?

Yes, it's a standard-compliant USB 2.0 cable and transfers any kind of data. However, it was developed for audio – for mass storage with high data rates, the extra effort brings no benefit. The Forest makes sense wherever a DAC is connected at the other end and it's about music.

Forest or straight to Cinnamon?

The Forest is enough as long as the DAC and system are at the entry level. The Cinnamon with 1.25% silver becomes worthwhile as soon as the system resolves more finely – then you'll hear more nuances. Describe your devices to us, and we'll tell you honestly when the extra cost pays off.

Why are the conductors direction-controlled?

AudioQuest controls the grain direction of the metal in every conductor and marks the cable with arrows. The goal is to preferentially drain high-frequency noise in one direction – away from the sensitive converter. Just plug the cable in the way the arrows point: toward the DAC.

Why order the Forest from HD Zürisee?

Because before selling, we ask what ports your devices have – A, B, C or Micro-B – and what length is actually needed. We've been working with digital systems since the nineties, know the typical pitfalls, and order special lengths from the distributor. Advice is available by phone, WhatsApp or email.

Goes well with

A USB cable connects a computer or streamer to the converter: check out the DACs & D/A converters, compare the levels under USB cables, or discover the whole AudioQuest world.