IFI-Audio Gemini Dual-Headed USB cable

The iFi Gemini Dual-Headed USB cable will rule them all. Audio and power cables are not laid side by side yet in the USB configuration because of its origins, transmits this way. The iFi Gemini carries Audio + Power in two separate cables. Critically, the special geometry adheres to the 90 ohm impedance specification better than even the USB 2.0 standard. Resistance is 4x lower than textbook. The FINAL USB machined connectors provide impeccable shielding from end-to-end. The atypicalsilencer design spans the whole of the frequency range to totally banish all noise.

With this unorthodox array of features, the Gemini Dual-Headed USB cable sonically, eclipses them all.

A simple, yet effective illustration is the graph below. The Gemini cable adheres to the 90ohm specification of the USB transmission protocol exhibiting just a 1% deviation from the 90ohm impedance end-to-end (ie. connector + cable together).

Other expensive audiophile cables by comparison, vary as much as 15% (or 78ohm-103ohm!) This one key parameter is often overlooked yet is essential to maximise the quality of the signal transfer.

The Gemini D-H USB cable. This Twin is not identical.

There are dual-headed designs and there is the Gemini Dual-Headed design. The following picture clearly illustrates audio and power in two separate cables. Upon closer examination, power is heavier gauge and audio has more cores. Further, signal and ground have their own respective geometry to conduct optimally. This is the Gemini difference.

The signal runs through the cable and connector. Therefore, the connector must be as exceptional as the cable. Most USB Cables use moulded plastic covered connections. Plastic cannot shield the high frequencies present in the USB Data link, so noise will radiate out. Durability is also compromised. The FINAL USB connectors provides impeccable end-to-end RF shielding, being machined entirely from solid aluminium. Gold-plated connections make for years of steadfast service.

iFi’s proprietary machine connector looks and feels like it was hewn from a solid block of aluminium. This is not far from the truth. This is the iFi standard.

Addressing RF issues is usually non-existent in USB cables. Even those with filters fitted, they are off the shelf and as such, work only over too narrow a range. Also, too few are fitted and common RFI filtering is placed at the ends of the cables, leaving the whole length of the cable to act as effective antennae.

The Gemini cable is fitted with three custom-made metal oxide ceramic RF noise silencers. Each with different effective ranges; thus they greatly broaden the range over which RF noise is silenced. Further the middle silencer is design to be adjustable (moved along the whole length), to “detune” the antennae formed by the cable, depending on the conditions and requirements in the system. The other 2 silencers which are not affixed, should be kept as close to each respective end as possible.

To reach the absolute zenith in USB audio quality, we recommend the Gemini cable (for separate audio and power transmission) AND the iUSB Power (to supply pure, clean power). This combination is unique to iFi because no one drills down to the fundamentals like we do. The use of the Gemini cable + iUSB Power is simply unparalleled when it comes to attaining the quietest and smoothest music playback from computer audio. There is just no competition, period.

For further reading on the Gemini Dual-Headed cable’s technical aspects:

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