2. pc-audio
  3. 135821-6855

JCAT Femto USB Card

I would like bring awareness to something that has drastically changed my computer audio experience: the JCAT Femto USB card.

The USB was very easy to install specially since Win 10 Pro recognizes the card without installing a driver - true plug-n-play. I was initially unimpressed with the sound and decided to burn in the card by continuously feeding signal through it for a week. OK, now I'm impressed. The imaging is so surefooted/solid and are emerging from a black background that I'm now experiencing my system in a way I have not experienced before. Even bass and midbass produces a solid image. The soundstage has become well layered and has grown a bit in height possibly due to increased midrange clarity. I thought my computer setup was excellent which is why I did not anticipate such a great improvement. My system is very revealing and all components have been modified with upgrades such as capacitors, resistors, diodes, fuse swaps, etc. This upgrade is a large step toward realism and allows my system to show off it's capabilities. The JCAT USB Femto card is highly recommended.

I ordered from the highend-audiopc website and had a positive purchasing experience.

It's good to see new products in the small PC audio market. Hopefully, in time, we'll see better competition and prices.
c_avila1
marcin_gps's avatar
marcin_gps
19 posts
 
@c_avila1 

The internal regulator from Mojo provides a nice improvement, even when combined with a linear PSU (I've tested it). But like you said, there is the heat issue - it must be installed on a large heatsink otherwise it gets extremely hot. 

I have no plans to develop such a product in the near future. Hope you can find an alternative solution

Best regards,
Marcin
c_avila1 OP
185 posts
 
I installed the Mojo Audio voltage regulator inside the PC using a heat sink purchased from Mouser that fit the regulator almost perfectly (Mouser #: 436-F-DA50D). I used leftover thermal grease from my CPU/cooler project to couple the regulator plate and heat sink together.

So far so good. The regulator provided a bit of focus to the already great soundstage and removed grit from the sound. Mojo's regulator is definitely a worthwhile upgrade to a revealing system.
c_avila1 OP
185 posts
 
I forgot to mention that I used a pair of #8 x 1/2 inch screws + nuts to fasten the heatsink and regulator plate together.
marcin_gps's avatar
marcin_gps
19 posts
 
@c_avila1 Could you please post a picture of the installation?
c_avila1 OP
185 posts
 
@marcin_gps

The following links are photos of the installation. I posted a typo in the previous message: The correct screw size is 8-32 x 1/2".

You’ll notice a smaller heat sink in the photos. It’s the same size except the fins are much shorter. I used the shorter heat sink but I opted for the larger heat sink for good measure.

I almost used an entire container of 3.5 grams of Arctic Silver 5. I consider it an upgrade for the sake of thermal management.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h162/triggr_357/20180611_2042532_LI.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h162/triggr_357/20180611_203950.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h162/triggr_357/20180611_203504.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h162/triggr_357/20180611_203611.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h162/triggr_357/20180611_203431.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h162/triggr_357/20180611_203114.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h162/triggr_357/20180611_203050.jpg
More to discover