+1 ozzy, I've recently installed a USBe Perfect between my streamer and DAC. I noticed similar improvements, mostly greater microdynamics and better imaging. This tweak, however, is working in conjunction with my Etherregen and AD Master clock. The combination is great.
Core Tech USBe Perfect
Core Tech USBe Perfect
I have never been shy about criticizing or complementing products in the audio industry. I have always been a tweaker and fascinated when creative minds search out ways to improve sound quality.
However, many of these items do not perform as advertised or if they do something is the cost worth it?
As I have found sometimes these innovations (tweaks) really do improve the sound quality and are worth the money. Such items as the Townshend Platforms, various Grounding devices, High Fidelity NPS-1260, fuses and the Add-Powr Sorcer X4.
Today, I received the Core Tech USBe Perfect. Now this is a little plug in usb that goes into your Dac, CD, Streamer etc. I think its claim to fame is based on using it with an usb cable from a digital device utilizing a usb cable to the Dac. Since my Lumin X1 is a Streamer/Dac combo and I use fiber cable to connect to the Lumin there is no usb needed in my digital chain. But I am using an 8TB external hard drive where all my music is stored that does connect to my Lumin X1 via an usb cable so that is where I used the USBe Perfect.
Man, I wish I had the ability to use such eloquent sonic descriptions like the rag mags use (lifting veils, Liquidity?) Etc. Best I can say that from the first installation (cold out of the box) I did hear a more solid image. I hear more presence; bass is stronger and just about everything I like sound quality wise improved. My .50c opinion is that the music sounds stronger.
It is listed for $299 without a usb cable. Since I already own Curious usb cables I didn’t need an additional cable. Is it worth the cost? I really do think so, and your milage will not vary.
I’ve got to state again that this is worth the cost for the improvement. Feel free to send me any of your excess money…
ozzy
Showing 2 responses by tump350
Ozzy, I still owe you a response -- the USBe Perfect continues to work wonderfully in my system, just as you describe. In my case, the electronic box of the USBe Perfect plugs into the "DAC" usb jack on the back of the Zenith Mk.3, then the Core Power silver usb cord provided by Underwood Wally connects that to the USB input of my BMC Ultra DAC pre-amp. It is a tight fit on the Zenith. It required me to shave a bit off the plastic cladding surrounding the AudioQuest Ultaviolet8 cable that connects my back-up SSD to the Zenith. |