Locus Design Philosophy "reprinted from Locus Design Website"
A few words about our USB cables, New FireWire! and our philosophy. We have been humbled and overjoyed at the response to our USB cables. Since their introduction, our cables are considered by many to be the "Best in Class" and are used by many reviewers and musicians as their reference USB cables. This overwhelming response is most gratifying as we expended a great deal of effort researching, prototyping and testing our USB cables before their release almost two years ago, and it is nice to know that many appreciate all the hard work, effort and money that was spent to develop them. Thank you to all who have purchased our cables and are currently enjoying them, and welcome to those of you who are just now investigating the difference a well designed USB cable based on solid engineering principles can make. USB cables are tough to get right, and the overall performance of the cable depends on much more that using good quality parts, braiding or twisting some wire together, covering the whole thing in some type of sleeving/jacketing or Techflex, and getting some fancy heat shrink made up. Locus Design is recognized as the leader in the audiophile USB cable field, we have been producing audiophile USB cables longer than any other cable company, and continue to try and advance the state of the art. As an aside, costs on raw materials are continuing to rise, however, instead of raising the price on the below cables, we will forgo fancy packaging that is designed to encourage "pride of ownership". We give our customers more credit than that, as ultimately, the sound is what matters, not how nice the box it came in is. Your cables will be simply packaged, with an owners manual and an identifying label...that's it. Simple packaging means less cost for you, less trash to dispose of, and less of an environmental impact.
New! FireWire Cable
Herald
Reprinted from Locus Design Website:
After 15 months of development, we are finally ready to release our first FireWire compatible cable, the "Herald". This cable is compatible with FireWire 400, and available in six pin to six pin termination only.
While we have been producing audiophile quality USB cables for quite some time now, we had to start with a clean sheet design for the FireWire cables. Some of the proprietary build methods and materials from the USB cables were able to be applied to the FireWire cables, however, in order to come out with a FireWire cable that we are proud to put our name on, some new thinking and ideas had to be applied. FireWire and USB seem to be in the same family, but they are very distant cousins, and required quite a different build than our award winning USB cables
In order to set a new standard of performance, this is an entirely new design, utilizing my custom manufactured DCT-UP-OCC-Cu wire. Drawn, tempered, and insulated to my specs's this wire also boasts as integral part of the manufacturing process is our world renowned CryoFreeze™ process, an exclusive to Locus Design/CryoParts. While we have been producing audiophile quality USB cables for quite some time now, we had to start with a clean sheet design for the FireWire cables. Some of the proprietary build methods and materials from the USB cables were able to be applied to the FireWire cables, however, in order to come out with a FireWire cable that we are proud to put our name on, some new thinking and ideas had to be applied. FireWire and USB seem to be in the same family, but they are very distant cousins, and required quite a different build than our award winning USB cables. Close attention is paid to mitigating mechanical noise and triboelectric effects. The core of the Herald is a Tri-Complect™ braid of ultra pure DCT-UP-OCC-Cu conductors and Teflon air tubes; this precise, reproducible, and expensive computer controlled Complect™ braid is proprietary and only available from Locus Design. This remarkable geometry is designed to mitigate degradation and interference with/to/of both of the data lines from the VDC line and ground. For the Herald, we have have developed a new special shielding comprised of a silver plated copper weave, tin plated copper weave, Mylar, Teflon, and strategic use of ERS fabric. This shielding and damping is designed to isolate the data and VDC lines from any external influence, be it mechanical or electrical. This shielding technique is unique to Locus Design. We developed a new method of isolating both data lines from the voltage line and ground for the Herald. We pioneered our novel approach of isolating the +/- data lines from the +/- VDC lines with the Axis USB cable, but have taken it a few steps further with the Herald. Not only is each data line isolated from the VDC line and ground, they are isolated from each other. $999 3/FT, $80/FT thereafter. As these are custom made, please allow 10-14 days for us to build your bespoke cable.
Cynosure USB Cable Receives 2009 PFO Brutus Award!
Cynosure USB Cable
New! ...Cynosure is clearly a step up from the Nucleus in all areas: bigger, more resolving, warmer, more real and tonally richer… and way more dimensional. Wow, this USB cable is not only the cat's pajamas but the slippers and lounging robe as well! Dave Clark, Positive Feedback, Issue 46 New! Also when going USB try the best USB cable you can afford… say any from Locus Designs… their Nucleus is quite intoxicating, but Lee just came out with the new Cynosure and yikes… Lee is one amazing USB/cable guy. This cable is so dimensionally sweet with such a gorgeous mid-range… and yet you get all the resolution with no hint of hype that… hey, this cable sounds a lot like the MPS-5! Killer cable man.
Available now. The ultimate USB cable, the Locus Design Cynosure. For those who demand the very best, and have the means to acquire it.
E-mail for details. Starting at $2849 for 3FT.  Please allow 3- 5 days to build the cable.
Nucleus USB Cable
Nucleus USB Cable wins the 2009 Positive Feedback Writer's Choice Award
Reprinted from Locus Design Web Site:
Simply put the Nucleus performs at such a high level sonically and musically that it leaves the rest of the USB cables I have here in the proverbial dust...simply put, WOW. You get it all without any trade-offs. What a presentation. Dave Clark, Positive Feedback, Issue 43
Dave Clark of PFO is using the Nucleus USB as his reference USB cable:
"...and oh yes, the Locus Design Nucleus is quite wonderful"-- Dave Clark, Positive Feedback
"I will say that the new Locus Design Nucleus USB cable is so wonderfully magnifique that it is as musically engaging as anything I have come across"-- Dave Clark, Positive Feedback
"The Nucleus USB is spectacular"--J. S., USA
Building on the remarkable success of the Axis and Polestar USB cables, the Nucleus USB cable sets a new standard of performance.
In order to set a new standard of performance and improve on the remarkable Axis USB cable, this is an entirely new design, utilizing my custom manufactured CFDCT-UP-OCC-Ag wire. This mono-crystal silver wire is drawn from specially sourced bar stock by a manufacturer that I have hand selected and worked with closely to ensure the wire is drawn, tempered and insulated exactly to my specifications. In addition, an integral part of the manufacturing process, and exclusive to Locus Design/CryoParts, is our world renowned CryoFreeze™ process. This new wire is my best work yet. As developed and perfected in the Axis USB and Polestar USB USB cables, close attention is paid to mitigating mechanical noise and triboelectric effects. The core of the Nucleus USB is a special braid of ultra pure CFDCT-UP-OCC-Ag conductors and Teflon air tubes; this precise, reproducible, and expensive computer controlled braid is proprietary and only available from Locus Design. This remarkable geometry is designed to mitigate degradation and interference with/to/of the data and VDC lines of the USB signal.
As developed and perfected in the Axis USB and Polestar USB USB cables, close attention is paid to mitigating mechanical noise and triboelectric effects. The core of the Nucleus USB is a special braid of ultra pure CFDCT-UP-OCC-Ag conductors and Teflon air tubes; this precise, reproducible, and expensive computer controlled braid is proprietary and only available from Locus Design. This remarkable geometry is designed to mitigate degradation and interference with/to/of the data and VDC lines of the USB signal.
For the Nucleus USB, we have have developed a new special shielding comprised of a silver plated copper weave, carbon fiber, foil, strategic use of ERS fabric, and other materials. This shielding and damping is designed to isolate the data and VDC lines from any external influence, be it mechanical or electrical. This shielding technique is unique to Locus Design..
Most USB cables are shielded (if they are not, they SHOULD be), however it is very rare indeed to find a USB cable that isolates the data lines from the voltage lines. We pioneered our novel approach of isolating the +/- data lines from the +/- VDC lines with the Axis USB cable, we now take it to another level with the Nucleus.
Fully pre-conditioned via our custom CryoFreeze™ process, which includes "cooking" via our custom adapters to allow use on the latest version of the Audiodharma cable cooker.
$1149/1-3ft, $120 each additional foot after three. Please allow 3- 5 days to build the cable.
Axis USB Cable

Latest Review POSITIVE FEEDBACK ONLINE - ISSUE 49 USB Mini Survey by Victor Chavira

"This cable is virtually handmade with select materials and individually shielded strands. The Axis opened up spaces within the recording even more. The lifelike orchestral image and depth of perception produced by the Axis was quite very impressive. I could perceive sound reverberating into the far corners of the hall. Musical details were now laid out in clear daylight. French horns were now unquestionably muted. The complimentary musical lines played by violins and violas were precisely rendered and engaging. An assortment of rattles and shakers are used to great effect to drive the rhythm along and swell to a dramatic peak punctuated by sharply struck tympani drums".

Ken Micallef 6Moons Review!

The good people at Locus Design also supplied two different USB cables to check out: Axis and Polestar. The latter was a huge improvement over the Kimber USB cable, offering a full rich sound and spot-on tonality. All was well. Not until I dropped in the Axis did I realize that still more information was available...The Axis simply fleshed out the music a bit more, adding a bit of hyper realism to the proceedings.
Ken Micallef, 6Moons

The best recommendation I can give is that I refuse to part with my review sample, ."-- Michael Mercer, PFO,
Issue 44

The best USB cable on the planet IMO. Locus-Design knows what they are doing for sure."-- Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Satfrat at AudioCircle

"In a query to What was the best money you ever spent on audio?"

Up to this point for me in my system, hands down the Locus Design Axis USB cable. Surprised The Axis totally redefined my computer audio system and I do mean totally. ...after 3 days i knew I would be paying the $459. But I waited for 3 weeks just so I wouldn't be jumping on 1st impressions...I do that alot. I just paid the bill yesterday after doing A/B comparisons with my K***** USB cable this week. Going back to the K***** was like taking the Gibson headers/Magnaflow high flow catalytic converters/Borla catback exhaust system off my Dodge Magnum and going back to stock. Laughing It won't happen on my car and it's not happening with my audio system. Thumbs up!

Jeff Day's Positive Feedback Review!

Sonically the Axis is in a class by itself, excelling in resolution, imaging, soundstaging, soundspace.--Jeff Day, Positive Feedback, Issue 40.

Read Dave Clark of Positive Feedback's review of the Axis USB Cable. The word is getting out!

The Locus Design Axis is something to write home about. Mating it to any of the convertors, especially the Off-Ramp, allowed them to really strut their stuff. This cable was a great equalizer and while it is a bit over the top to use a cable that sells for several times the price of the convertor, it is highly recommended just the same. Hey the other two are very good as well (either the CryoParts or ***** USB cables), but they simply are not in the same league as the Axis. This cable will get you all…no trade-offs or concessions here.--Dave Clark,

Positive Feedback, Issue 39.

Axis USB Cable.

This is not a reworking of an existing cheap mass produced USB cable, the Axis is a true audiophile grade product, constructed one at a time.

In order to set a new standard of performance, this is an entirely new design, utilizing my custom manufactured DCT-UP-OCC wire. Drawn, tempered, and insulated to my specs this wire also boasts as integral part of the manufacturing process is our world renowned CryoFreeze™ process, an exclusive to Locus Design/CryoParts.

Close attention is paid to mitigating mechanical noise and triboelectric effects. The core of the Axis USB is a special braid of ultra pure DCT-UP-OCC conductors and Teflon air tubes; this precise, reproducible, and expensive computer controlled braid is proprietary and only available from Locus Design. This remarkable geometry is designed to mitigate degradation and interference with/to/of the data and VDC lines of the USB signal.

For the Axis USB, we have have developed a new special shielding comprised of a tinned copper weave and strategic use of ERS fabric. This shielding and damping is designed to isolate the data and VDC lines from any external influence, be it mechanical or electrical. This shielding technique is unique to Locus Design.

Most USB cables are shielded (if they are not, they SHOULD be), however it is very rare indeed to find a USB cable that isolates the data lines from the voltage lines. We pioneered our novel approach of isolating the +/- data lines from the +/- VDC lines with the Axis USB cable.

$549/1-3ft, $60 each additional foot after three, 3-5 Days to build the cable.

Polestar USB Cable

Core Digital Cable

RCA Coax                                                                      AES/EBU

New! And then there is the way 'affordable and what a deal for the money' Core digital cable. Yikes, this cable is stellar and easily competes against other digital cables (like the $850 XXX XXXXXX Anniversary Digital Cables and the $1095) in every way. Musical as all get out and
highly recommended. Dave Clark, Positive Feedback, Issue 46

We are proud to introduce the "Core" digital cable.

Applying the knowledge and insights we gained from building our award winning USB cables, we are no offering a very cost effective, high performance digital cable, the "Core".

This is an entirely new design, utilizing my custom manufactured CFDCT-UP-OCC-Ag wire. This mono-crystal silver wire is drawn from specially sourced bar stock by a manufacturer that I have hand selected and worked with closely to ensure the wire is drawn, tempered and insulated exactly to my specifications. In addition, an integral part of the manufacturing process, and exclusive to Locus Design/CryoParts, is our world renowned CryoFreeze™ process. This new wire is my best work yet.

Close attention is paid to mitigating mechanical noise and triboelectric effects. The core of the Core is a special braid of ultra pure CFDCT-UP-OCC-Ag conductors and Teflon air tubes; this precise, reproducible, and expensive computer controlled braid is proprietary and only available from Locus Design. This remarkable geometry is designed to mitigate degradation and interference with/to/of the data being passed.

For the Core, we have have developed a new special shielding comprised of a silver plated copper weave, carbon fiber, cotton, two layers of foil, strategic use of ERS fabric, and other materials. This shielding and damping is designed to isolate the data from virtually any influence, be it mechanical or electrical. This shielding technique is unique to Locus Design.

Fully pre-conditioned via our custom CryoFreeze™ process, which includes "cooking" on the latest version of the Audiodharma cable cooker.

Starting at $749 for to 3FT length. $100/ft thereafter. Can be terminated in RCA to RCA, RCA to BNC, BNC to BNC, or XLR to XLR.

• This cable is an entirely new design, utilizing my custom manufactured DCT-UP-OCC-Ag wire. Drawn, tempered, and insulated to my specs's this wire also boasts as integral part of the manufacturing process is our world renowned CryoFreeze™ process, an exclusive to Locus Design/CryoParts.
• Close attention is paid to mitigating mechanical noise and triboelectric effects. The core of the cable is the Complect™ braid of ultra pure DCT-UP-OCC-Ag conductors and Teflon air tubes; this precise, reproducable, and expensive computer controlled braid is proprietary and only available from Locus Design. This remarkable geometry is designed to mitigate degradation and interference with/to/of the analog signal.
• We are continuing with our success using our special shielding comprised of a SPC weave, cotton, foil, strategic use of ERS fabric, and a host of other materials. These shielding and damping techniques are unique to Locus Design.

$1349/pair for 3/FT, $240/FT thereafter. Available terminated in our custom carbon fiber XLR to XLR or custom carbon fiber RCA to RCA, same price!  

• This cable is an entirely new design, utilizing my custom manufactured DCT-UP-OCC-Cu wire. Drawn, tempered, and insulated to my specs's this wire also boasts as integral part of the manufacturing process is our world renowned CryoFreeze™ process, an exclusive to Locus Design/CryoParts.
• Close attention is paid to mitigating mechanical noise and triboelectric effects. The core of the cable is a special Complect™ braid of ultra pure DCT-UP-OCC-Cu conductors and Teflon air tubes; this precise, reproducable, and expensive computer controlled braid is proprietary and only available from Locus Design. This remarkable geometry is designed to mitigate degradation and interference with/to/of the analog signal.
• We are continuing with our success using our special shielding comprised of a tinned copper weave, foil, strategic use of ERS fabric, and other materials. These shielding and damping techniques are unique to Locus Design.

Brass, bronze, brushed aluminum, and carbon fiber work in concert to form one of the best XLR plugs on the market. Cryroparts designed these plugs to compete with the very best, and the results speak for themselves.

Top flite materials, easy assembly, beefy construction, and good looks are all part of the package. Try a set today and see!

Introductory offer $48/each. Make sure to order a pair, as the price is EACH! Please choose male or female as well.