Lossless audio represents a significant improvement, but the cables are somewhat disappointing.

      One of the most significant advancements in wireless headphones is the introduction of lossless audio through USB. Rather than depending on a wireless Bluetooth connection, which invariably leads to compression and some loss of audio detail, the latest headphones allow a direct connection to a smartphone or computer using a USB-C cable. This setup enables 100% of the digital music's zeros and ones to stream to your headphones without any compression.

      Unfortunately, reconnecting with a cable to our devices is the trade-off we accept for achieving digital audio perfection. Generally, I’m fine with this (though wireless lossless audio would be even better). What really frustrates me, however, are the thick, stiff USB-C cables that typically come with USB Audio headphones.

      For instance, consider the Beats Studio Pro. They were the first headphones from Apple to support USB Audio upon their release (the USB-C AirPods Max has since been updated to include this feature as well). Despite their fairly steep $350 price tag, they come with a USB-C cable that is adequate for charging but uncomfortable to use while wearing the headphones.

      While USB-C cables may appear similar, they can have very different feels. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

      I don't mean to single out Beats; I've noticed this issue with other headphones too. JBL’s $399 Tour One M3 — an impressive technological innovation — also includes a USB-C cable that seems to require a massage to straighten out. Spending more on headphones doesn’t necessarily eliminate this problem. Recently, I've been testing Focal’s remarkable Bathys MG, a $1,299 set of wireless headphones that sound fantastic, particularly when connected via USB-C. You would think that at this price point, Focal would provide a thin, soft, tangle-free, braided USB-C cable. Unfortunately, it's only marginally more manageable than the ones from Beats and JBL.

      What bothers me about bulky cables? They're cumbersome and uncomfortable. When you try to connect one of these heavy cords to a laptop, you soon realize that your arm frequently brushes against it. With little flexibility, any movement translates into vibrations felt through the headphones. If you're on the move while connected to your phone, the noise from the cable being jostled can also be heard. Thick cables transmit more than just electricity; they also carry vibrations.

      Master & Dynamic MW75 cables. A true delight. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

      Ironically, the best USB-C cable I've encountered wasn’t even bundled with a set of USB Audio headphones. It’s the power cable that comes with Master & Dynamic’s MC300 headphone stand. It’s as lightweight and thin as a typical analog cable and very pliable. I don’t think Master & Dynamic (M&D) ever intended it to be used as a lossless digital cable, but it performs beautifully in that capacity. In fact, I think M&D has a better understanding of cable design than many other audio brands. The USB-C and 3.5mm cables that accompany the company's flagship MW75 wireless headphones are thin, flexible, and braided, making them a pleasure to use.

      Am I overemphasizing the importance of cable quality? Maybe. But I anticipate that soon, I won’t be the only one urging audio companies to develop better cables. I also believe these companies are aware that consumers care about cables. While Beats may not include a quality USB-C cable with the Studio Pro, it offers a premium USB-C cable in four colors for $19. It's still not as good as M&D’s cables, but with its tangle-free, braided design, it’s a significant improvement over the standard Studio Pro option.

      And to you, Sony, if you’re reading this, I have a suggestion. Rumors suggest that you will soon introduce your next-generation XM Series wireless headphones, likely called the WH-1000XM6. Though I’ve heard nothing certain about their specifications, I’d be surprised if you don’t finally include USB Audio (I genuinely don’t understand why it took you so long). If this is the case, for the love of lossless audio, please give us a USB-C cable that’s as thin and flexible as the analog cables you’ve provided for years (or as close to that as possible).

      Consider this a plea for better quality cables; we need a more flexible wire we can rely on. Because to fully enjoy the advantages of lossless listening, we need to eliminate these disappointing cables.