Lightning-to-USB-B cable

[abr88]

My KEF LS50W speakers (powered, and with built-in DAC) have a USB Type B "computer" input, but I'm having trouble locating a lightning-to-USB-B cable for connecting audio from my Ipad Mini 4 (or Iphone ES) to the speakers. Am I looking for the wrong thing by Googling "lightning to USB B" (or vice-versa)? Thanks!

 

[pm-r]

Why not just try a wireless connection setup method...???

LS50 Wireless - Wireless setup and operation
YouTube


- Patrick
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[krs]

I see a few different lightning-to-USB-B cables when I google, but they seem to be expensive - around $US45.- for some that came up.

I assume this is what you are looking for:

 

[pm-r]

I assume this is what you are looking for:

I wonder why someone would want to be using rather expensive cables, especially when the speakers are actually designed for wireless use.

But they sure must be good as I almost choked when I saw the price ~ LS50 Wireless Music System $2,499.99!!!

Or maybe I'm a bit out of touch on the price of good hi-fi these days.


- Patrick
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[abr88]

Replying to the above replies: Reason I don't want to use Bluetooth to send audio to the KEFs from my Ipad: sound quality is mediocre as Ipads and Iphones don't have AptX. About the $45 cable: yeah, I saw that cable on Amazon -- ridiculous -- still looking for a cheap way to get from Point A (lightning) to Point B (USB B)! Finally, last reply is right that the KEFs are expensive but wow do they sound amazing (I'm a professional musician and know wherefrom I speak). Thanks for y'all's input!

 

[krs]

I get my cables from:
https://www.primecables.ca/
great quality and very reasonable.

A lot of their cables are from Monoprice in the US - I assume you checked them out.
Lightning to USB-B is an unusual type cable, probably not a lot of demand and thus the price.
However, as a professional musician, I would have thought getting a high quality cable is more important than the price.
But that is obviously your choice.
The only other option I can think of (which would be cheaper) is to use a lightning to USB-A cable and then a USB-A to USB-B adapter, both of which are available at prime cables, and I assume at Monoprice as well.

 

[abr88]

Thanks, krs. The Ipad-to-KEF thing isn't an urgent concept for me (just thought it would be nice if I could easily do it), so spending that much on a cable is unappealing. I mean geez, I actually *know* that Aptx sounds better than non-Aptx, but all I know about that cable is that it costs $45! (But your cable+adapter idea sounds promising - thanks!)

 

[abr88]

krs (or other reader of this): If I purchased a standard lightning-to-USB type A cable and plugged its usb-A end into this: (go on Amazon and search for "Your Cable Store USB Gender Changer Female A to Male B") and plugged the Gender-Changers' usb-B end into the KEF, would that work? Would it route audio from my Ipad to the KEF's "PC" usb-B input? Thanks!

 

[krs]

I think you have to ask the speaker manufacturer if you can drive the speakers with an ipad Mini 4 and what connectivity (and maybe Mini software) is required.

Cables are no longer just a piece of copper wire with a connector on the end - although that's what one actually might get with a cheapy from China
This is what the inside of a lightning cable connector looks like:
Systems Analysis of the Apple Lightning to USB Cable | TechInsights

The USB gender changer I would imagine is just a straight copper connection, but don't quote me on that.
Maybe someone else is more into modern cables and the ins and outs of them.

I actually assumed you had already checked with the KEF speaker manufacturer when I read your first post since you knew exactly what type of cable you wanted.

 

[pm-r]

Maybe the OP might like to reconsider going wireless and maybe this article may help:
How to enable aptX (HD) Bluetooth audio on your iPhone, iPad?
How to enable aptX (HD) Bluetooth audio on your iPhone, iPad? | Darko.Audio

EDIT: Apparently, according to this article:

Macs support aptX, but iPhone and iPad do not)

What is aptX and aptX HD? What you need to know | Trusted Reviews

Hmmm...???


- Patrick
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[krs]

I just took a quick look on line - it's not really clear to me that the speakers can actually be connected to an ipad mini via a lightning cable.
The KEF LS50W installation guide covers wired connection to a Mac (with the appropriate software) and connection to an iphone or android, as well as wireless via WiFi or Bluetooth.

So as I said before, my recommendation is to talk the KEF support to see what is doable and how.