Ifi Spdif purifier

If Thorsten was involved, it's likely an exemplary device.

I added an iPurifier to my transport and DAC combo after it was recommended to me by a forum member. I was told for optimal performance it would need an LPS.
With that said, I was not impressed using it in my 2-channel system with the stock wall-wart.

After allowing 200 hours run-in time, music was still sounding anaemic, lacking low-end extension, a narrow soundstage. But it did improve detail.
I suspected that I had a jitter issue and needed a reclocker (the trial period for the iFi had expired) so I ordered a LPS with a large torroidal transformer and high quality caps. The improvement in SQ was astonishing with XL dynamics, wide and deep soundstaging, and music that had real weight to it. I finally had a system that was non-fatiguing.

I already had decent components; Audio Note Dac and PS Audio PWT. The iFi was a low cost solution to improve my digital.

lowrider57
what LPS did you purchase?

Lowrider what LPS did you go with?  Very curious!

@lowrider57

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-ifi-ipurifier-...

You are correct, an LPS does improve its performance. That said, the tests also show that the Gustard U12 performs better natively, and about the same with the LPS added for the iFi.

^^^^ You selectively left out an important part of the review regarding the comparison with and without an LPS:
"I should note that these are not audible problems as the levels are quite low. Just lack of good engineering and system design."

Nonetheless, still curious to know which LPS gave "astonishing" difference in the sound quality.

Sorry, I didn't see your questions until the @ notification was used.

I'm using a Swagman Labs Signature LPS, recommend by a couple of members. $280 for all premium parts built to order and a major upgrade in sound. I had good contact with them throughout the order and delivery process.

The iFi takes 5 volts. If it was mistakenly fed 12 volts, would it likely blow?

I agree with the comments about the iFi needing a better LPS. I had an old Core Audio Technology Kora around and that helped a lot, but a Paul Hynes SR4 is even better.

definitely

What the review doesn't mention is how the S/PDIF coax cable can affect jitter and the overall SQ. 
In my system using a PS Audio PWT and Audio Note NOS dac, the iFi plus LPS made a noticeable improvement. Music's more organic, spacious, has more weight, lower noise floor. I was using a variety of coax cables, always searching for one that would help achieve that analogue-like presentation.
I'm now using a High Fidelity CT-2 SPDIF and the improvement is astonishing. With this cable the sonic effect of the iFi is negligible. 

As a reminder, in the review the iFi was tested using a SMPS wall-wart. Not really a fair test for use in a high-end system. Even the designer of the Synchromesh recommends the use of a LPS.

lowrider57, did you special order the Swagman LPS with the mini USB to fit the iFi or had to cut&splice the cord?

@kalali

http://www.swagmanlab.com/Product_PSU?product_id=631
This is the stock 5V unit. You have to special order the 5V Signature Edition.

http://www.swagmanlab.com/SE

It comes with the standard cable. The iFi comes with a USB adapter and plugs into the LPS cable. It's simple.

My experience was with a Wyred4Sound version of this, and yes it worked, but only on some DAC's.

When I upgraded to the Mytek Brooklyn, the benefit disappeared.

So this is very much dependent on the source. TV's, and cheap streamers are great candidates, and the DAC.

@lowrider57 

Thanks for the insight on the Swagman LPS for the iFI spdif.  I got one a few months ago.  Really nice improvement.