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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
jay73's avatar
jay73
219 posts
 
I have a question about the,  JCAT Femto USB card.

I am wondering if using this card would improve the sound quality of my very entry level system?

Here is my equipment:

- HTPC (built it myself)
- Questyle CMA400i DAC
- Vincent Audio SV-500 Integrated Amp
- Martin Logan Motion 40 Speakers
- Jriver Software

I have also read that getting a better USB cable could also improve sound quality.

From my computer, I listen to the following formats of music: DSD, Qobuz and ripped CD's (FLAC).

I would say everything sound pretty good but am wondering if combo of the  JCAT Femto USB card. + better quality USB cable could produce significant improvements?

Would I need anything else? I was also reading about a power supply?

Is that a optional power supply that connects to the USB card and is it necessary?

And final question, I am assuming I would need to configure Jriver to work with the USB card, is that correct?

Thanks
jim204
881 posts
 
If anyone is interested you will get even better sound by getting yourself a JCat Femto Network card and your streaming will sound wonderful.
c_avila1 OP
185 posts
 
@jay73 There's no doubt that my system cannot sound the same without the JCAT Femto USB card. It's sound quality is at least 70% of the improvement that the Pass XA25 provided to my system and only a 5th of the price when you also include the price of a linear power supply.  

It's imperative that you use an LPS with the USB card. I cannot recommend the USB card without it. 

@jim204 I don't have a home network to stream music from one room to another. I don't my system will benefit from the network card. Let's see if @marcin_gps can chime in on this topic. 
jim204
881 posts
 
@c_avila1    I have to say that anyone will notice a difference if they are using a wired network to stream music and I do agree that an LPS is mandatory. I use both cards with one and can really recomend them as they have made an incredible difference to the sound from my PC.
npdang
6 posts
 
I purchased a JCAT and Mojo Audio voltage regulator.  I can say that the voltage regulator runs exceptionally cool, and after having it on for some time it is only mildly warm to the touch... .

While the difference with these two devices is noticeable (fuller, more dynamic and detailed sound), I think it is highly system dependent.  Compared to the new asus motherboard USB running off a Seasonic fanless titanium 600w power supply, with a relatively revealing front end (Lampizator Amber 3->Pass XA25-> Accuton Cell based speakers), I'd say its a somewhat worthwhile but very expensive difference to pay for.  Compared to the optical out of my TV, or the usb of a 10 year old Lenovo laptop, the difference is staggering and equals that of a major component change and is a relative bargain.  In other words, having heard the difference in my system I won't be going back to the motherboard USB... but if I had known in advance, I might have decided to address other weaknesses first.
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