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
Check out Pink Faun’s upcoming Ultra USB card. I expect this to make a tsunami wave in the sea of USB connections!
- Ultra OCXO clocked - Only externally powered - Super capacitor system - EMI isolation
https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/43629-pink-faun-216/?do=findComment&comment=1251219 |
I have had the Singxer UIP1 PRO USB isolator in my system for over a week now. I purchased it simply out of curiosity. The accompanying power supply never left the box as I am using a 9V LPS that I had here. The recommended input power range for the UIP1 is 5V to 9V with 7.5V being the recommended sweet spot. The UIP1 does indeed regulate the 5V output, but only when the input power is above 5V. Also, if using a PS in the 8-9V range, the unit may run hot. I actually have a 7V LPS on order and will switch over to that lower input power when it gets here. Regarding the sound, I have simply not recognized any changes as of yet. Things sounded good before I put the UIP1 in my system, and they still sound good. I am going to give it some time and then switch it out and listen for any changes upon taking the UIP1 out of my signal chain. Also, right now, the USB output from the UIP1 is going into a Sonore ultraDigital and then S/PDIF is feeding my DAC. I will try taking the ultraDigital out and running the USB out from the UIP1 directly into the USB input of my DAC and then listen for any changes. |
