Gemini 3.0
SKU: 03-06-020-0002-00
Key Features
Exceptional design
Our iFi FINAL USB connectors provide impeccable end-to-end RF shielding, being machined entirely from solid, aircraft-grade aluminium. Plus gold-plated connections make for years of steadfast service.
The Power of RF3
Most standard USB cables do not address RF issues and are fitted with filters that work over too narrow a range and are only fitted at the ends of the cables, leaving the length of the cable to act as an antennae.
SuperSpeed
USB3.0’s ultra-speed bandwidth of 5.0Gbps offers an incredibly wide bandwidth, 10x that of USB2.0’s 480Mbps.
Two heads are better than one.
The power cable is heavier gauge than often found in standard USB cables. And signal and ground have their own respective geometry for optimal conductivity. There are dual-headed designs and then there is the Gemini3.0 dual headed design. Nothing comes close.
The golden touch
Most USB cables use moulded plastic covered connections that do not shield the high frequencies present in the USB data link. Noise radiates out. Very few make their own connectors and rely on off-the-shelf components. These often lack durability.
Our FINAL USB connectors provide impeccable end-to-end RF shielding. They are machined entirely from solid, aircraft-grade aluminium. Plus their gold-plated connections make for years of steadfast service.
Degrees of separation
The Gemini3.0 cable carries the audio signal and power in two separate cables. This separates the delicate USB data signal from the USB power. No interference and sound quality remains unaffected.
How do I use?
Gemini 3
Connect the USB 'A' Audio connector to a USB port on the computer. Connect the USB 'A' power connector to a USB port on your computer. Finally, connect the USB 'B' connector to a the input of the USB DAC/Sound card/Interface card etc.
Customer Reviews
Based on 1 review
100%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
L
Received my Gemini 3.0 usb cable about two weeks ago. My system is an Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition with LHY linear power supply, used as a streamer only, to a iFi Retro 50 (10 years old next month, no issues at all). The speakers are PMC prodigy1 via diy Canare 4s11 cables.
I was using the original iFi Gemini usb cable prior to installing the Gemini 3.0. The cables were/are both powered by iPower2 and the input to the Retro is via iPurifier3. The Gemini 3.0 cable is enabling more detail and the sense of space within the soundstage is also much improved. The upper frequencies are very 'pure' and musical. The very highest keys on a piano sound authentic. There is an overall musicality and bass is well integrated. I think the dynamics are improved in so far as, for example, when voice levels change it seems effortless. It is definitely a step up on the original Gemini which I liked very much also. Yes very happy with the purchase.
What is in the box?
- 1x Gemini 3.0
- 1x User Manual
Tech Specifications (USB3 Data)
Construction
Minimum inductance parallel construction
Conductors
24 and 28AWG
Conductor material
Heavy OFHC continuous cast copper silver matrix
Insulation
HD Polyethylene
Shielding
Quadruple-shields
Impedance
90Ohms
AC spark insulation
1500V
Connectors
iFi ‘FINAL’ USB connectors
Insulation resistance
100Mohm
Tech Specifications (USB3 Power)
Construction
Minimum inductance parallel construction
Conductors
12AWG
Conductor material
Heavy OFHC continuous cast copper
Insulation
Linear Polyethelyne (LPE) insulation
Current Rating
30A
Lengths/Weights
0.7m / 150g (0.33 lbs)
1.5m / 170g (0.37 lbs)
Warranty period
12 months
Note
The image colour may differ from the actual product due to lighting. Please refer to the product for accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
All cables can only degrade.
So with cables, you get degradation for impedance mismatch and signal degradation.
The closer the cable adheres to the impedance spec (90 Ohm) the less impedance mismatch derived degradation.
Equally, the lower the various losses in the cable (related to the amount of copper, plating, isolation, and geometry), the lower signal attenuation, and thus the signal level degradation.
If either degradation becomes too large the USB signal is cut or unreliable, before obvious problems are noted (cut out, no connection) sound quality can still be affected.
However, the regenerate/reclock/rebalance technology that we implement in our products can largely revert the degraded signal.
Good cables simply cause less degradation to start with.
USB was never designed to carry high-quality audio hence in effect laying interconnects and PCs side by side the USB cable was not a “problem”.
Our flagship USB cable, Gemini, separates audio & power (the equivalent of separate interconnects and PCs) whilst the RF silencers on both of these cables are urban dwellers for example, where there are numerous radio stations emitting strong signals that would benefit from. Lastly, the 90 ohms is a big deal as this is USB standards and anything that differs from this may cause some issues.
The Gemini functions as follows;
The audio symbol only carries data & related
- – (Negative) and + (Positive)
Power symbol only carries power & related
- 5V and Ground
The Mercury is standard having all 4 contained in the one USB cable.
As there are 2 types of connectors for the Gemini/Merury3.0, here are the EAN numbers so you can inform the retailer for the correct one.
Mercury Cable 3.0 (USB2.0 ‘B’ connector) - 0.7m (5081313081752)
Mercury Cable 3.0 (USB2.0 ‘B’ connector) – 1.5m (5081313081769)
Gemini Cable 3.0 (USB3.0 ‘B’ connector) – 0.7m (5081313081776)
Gemini Cable 3.0 (USB3.0 ‘B’ connector) – 1.5m (5081313081783)
The Gemini functions as follows:
Audio symbol only carries data & related
- Pins: – and +
Power symbol only carries power & related
- 5V and Ground
The Mercury is standard having all 4 contained in the one USB cable.
24AWG and 28AWG.
So-called ‘audiophile USB cables’ are often of questionable construction and are neither certified to USB standards nor do they conform to the USB specifications relevant.
In this case, they often do not work various combinations due to them straying away from the industry standard.
Any cable certified according to and conforming correctly to USB 2.0 standards will work, however.
You can find USB information here: http://www.usb.org/developers/docs/devclass_docs.
More from Cables
