iFi Audio - Gemini3.0

In mass-produced USB cables, the power and data cables are packed tightly together and are seldom sufficiently shielded from each other. Thus, they are unable to conduct as well as they should. The Gemini3.0 features a quadruple shielding that fully separates and protects the delicate USB data signal from the power. The advanced 3.0 connector also transfers data at a faster speed of 5Gbps when compared to USB 2.0’s 480Mbps speed.

A lot of hard work has gone into ensuring that the Gemini3.0 sticks to the 90Ω impedance limit. For this, OFHC continuous copper silver matrix conductors were used. It offers the cleanest sound transfer by protecting the cable from EMI and RF noise. For optimal conductivity, the power cable has a heavier gauge and the audio cable has more cores. The signal and ground also have their own respective geometry.

A good number of standard USB cables do not address RF issues. These are fitted at the ends with filters that work only over an extremely narrow range & most of the cable’s length to act as an antenna. The Gemini3.0 uses three custom-made metal oxide ceramic filters. Two filters are placed at either end of the cable while the third can be adjusted along the length of the cable, thereby detuning the antenna. Each filter has a different effective range to broaden the area over which the RF noise is silenced.

Standard USB cables generally have plastic-covered connectors that are seldom durable & are unable to shield the high frequencies present in the USB data link, radiating noise. The Final USB connectors in the Gemini3.0 are made of solid aircraft-grade aluminium and are gold-plated for better sound. The end-to-end RF shielding offers better protection against noise.