USB revisited


Because of USB’s ability to slave the server’s clock to the Dac’s it should have inherent advantages over other connections, particular where the DAC has superior clocking. Alas actual experience often differs. USB seems prone to ground level and RFI/EMI level incursions and the actual USB control often needs reclocking as well.

I have been through a long journey improving my USB link. After trying and rejecting conversion to SPDif and AES/EBU I started by inserting an Intona Isolator plus Intona Reference cables. Not entirely happy I added a Singxer UIP1 Pro decrapifier and reclocker, The resultant improvements were substantial in terms of reducing background noise, clarity and fluidity.

Out of sheer curiosity I now added an Ifi Purifier3 between server and Singxer to the chain, i.e. server-> Ifi Purifier3->Singxer UIP1 Pro supplied by Sean Jacobs LPS->Intona Isolator->DAC. Lots of boxes there, yet: to my substantial surprise there was another significnt lifting of veils. The conclusion seems that multiple moats and filters on USB are additive rather than redundant. The subject of noise incursion into digital links in my mind needs substantial further investigation; its negative effects are substantial on D/A conversion

antigrunge2

@lalitk 

A sucker punch indeed:

Price difference Zenith mk3 to Statement >$10.000

Price my collection of boxes and cables <$1500

You should have used a Taiko Extreme for your argument

Your definition of subpar is peculiar

@antigrunge2

I completely understand the price difference between MK3 and Statement. You are astute enough to understand what else being offered for extra $10k in Statement. I will say this; if streaming is your only source, I would beg or borrow to audition Innuos Statement in your otherwise excellent system. It may change your perspective on tweaking a component to nth level. 

I know you enjoy tweaking so tweak away my friend. I have been through tweaking la la land :-)

For the ‘it’s only 1’s & 0’s crowd’, they would have a conniption when hearing the SQ change instantly by adding a ‘warm’ or ‘cool’ tuning module to a Synergistic Research Atmosphere USB cable.  And then the SQ change once again when connecting the ground wire.  Their heads might explode. 

What is the SINAD of the warm vs. the cool? :) 

lalik our 432evo aeon sounded just as good as a 25k Innous Statement in a direct demo with upgraded psu the Aeon sounds fantastic and requires zero usb enhancing devices 

 

superior designs require no band aids

Dave and Troy

audio Intellect NJ

US importers 432EVO Music Servers