2. digital
  3. 1418927833

Do You Use USB for Streaming?

If so, you might be interested in the cable below

Power supply and USB cable separate audio signal cable

I use an Enercell USB Power Adapter as the power source

ENERCELL AC to USB Power Adapter 5VDC 1000mA 2730414

As it happens, using power from the USB port to supply the DAC's internal USB circuits is common practice.

The dual cable prevents RFI/EMI between signal and power conductors, as in conventional USB cables.

The quality of the cable itself is also very good and performed better than a very good "boutique brand" with both USB-A plugs plugged into my iMac

The biggest improvements I found were in clarity, image and dynamics.

I have compared the sound using the Enercell power supply to using a USB battery pack and could hear no difference, which means the power adapter is very quiet.

Season's Greetings :-)
williewonka

Showing 4 responses by williewonka

williewonka OP
3,110 posts
 
Thanks guys - I have the Schiit Bifrost - an excellent DAC for the price. I assumed they used the USB power for cost savings, since it's a very basic little DAC

Then a couple of months ago Schiit came out with a "Decrapifier" - yes that's its name. It provides a better power option for USB interfaces. I had to wonder if that was planned?

Even though it's only $100 - you need a second USB cable for that solution

This cable however minimizes cable requirements and electronics - something I like to do.

The performance of the power adapter surprised me though - something that affordable that actually works well.

I tried a few adapters and the Enercell worked the best

My DAC has never sounded so good :-)

Regards
williewonka OP
3,110 posts
 
Mesch - you are correct - your approach is similar in principle to the cable + power adapter approach I identified - which is, fix the power issues and fix the data issues - then pass the good data to the DAC for conversion.

My Bifrost DAC takes care of the necessary reclocking - which I believe is also what the Audiophileo2 does.

The outcome of both is significantly higher quality audio.

Regards
williewonka OP
3,110 posts
 
Steve N - I cannot agree more. Power is of prime importance.

However, not everybody on this forum wants, needs or can afford a Ferrarri - some people will settle for a VW.

But we all want to get past a GREMLIN :-)

For the younger readers - A Gremlin is a really old crappy car

Regards
williewonka OP
3,110 posts
 
I've just finished trying something a fellow member had asked me offline - but I think it's definitely worth a mention...

The "dual cable" mentioned in the initial post above is only 1 meter long and the member had asked...
- does it still work as well if USB extension cables were used to extend it's reach
- as apposed to ordering a longer, more expensive cable.

I have now tried---
- a standard 15ft BELKIN Pro Series USB extension cable on the signal cable
- and a 10ft no-name USB extension cable on the power side of the cable.

I have tested this setup streaming 16/44, 24/96 and 24/192 files and they did not affect the audio quality at all.

But, I did find that the quality of the SPDIF cable between my v-link192 and my DAC made a considerable difference to sound quality

Just another little tid-bit to tuck away :-)

Regards...
More to discover