My Comments on the Infigo Audio IS-1 Signature Streamer
A $5,000 SRP Infigo Audio IS-1 Signature streamer replaced my MAC Book Pro dedicated for music streaming only. Both streamers have Audirvana Studio music player installed. Audirvana Remote is installed on my Apple iPad.
Audirvana Studio enhances audio quality on computers by optimizing the operating system for audio playback and disabling non-essential services. It functions as a third-party player, scanning local music libraries and integrating streaming services like Tidal and Qobuz, but not Spotify or Apple Music. Audirvana offers both subscription and lifetime license models.
My Ethernet source drives a netLINK Ethernet Media Converter model HTB-GS-03 with a fiber optic output driving a fiber optic cable to the streamer. A 5V wall adapter powers the netLINK. The streamer’s only digital output is USB to the DAC. Infigo chose USB as the sole output format because done right it provides ultimate performance. Any other format would increase cost while limiting bit rate, sample rate and ultimate performance.
Fiber optic isolation in this case improves audio quality by eliminating network noise and jitter. This separation between the ‘dirty’ network and the clean audio chain ensures that RF and EMI interference, as well as high-impedance leakage currents from network devices, do not degrade the audio signal. As a result, digital music reproduction is cleaner, quieter, and more transparent, providing a more natural and lifelike sound experience.
It also incorporates ultra-low jitter re-clocking of network audio packets, reducing the need for specialized network equipment. The device supports multiple modes of operation, including Audirvana, uPnP, Roon, and HQPlayer, making it compatible with most music players.
IS-1 employs Intel’s best Quad Core CPU with one core fully dedicated to music processing. This music core runs at a moderately high fixed rate while the other 3 cores vary in speed depending on needs. Intel primarily designed this as a state-of-the-art CPU with maximum speed and power for mobile devices. Infigo chose this CPU for its speed, power and low-current draw, allowing the use of a mandatory linear power supply to meet performance goals.
Onboard IS-1 is a toroidal transformer and 100W linear power supply, about 5x the maximum required for immense power supply headroom. Infigo includes a built-in local webpage (http://infigostreamer.local) for easy control and customization, with dimmable front-panel LED with full-off option.
Each of 4 included footers employs 3 black “star” (synthetic) sapphire bearings. Each footer has a lower half with plain stud and upper half with threaded stud. To minimize cross-threading, and to make it easy, I placed my IS-1 on a small box to raise it. Screw the 4 upper footer halves into the outrigger’s 4 threaded holes. I then placed my IS-1 on its shelf.
Insert 3 sapphire bearings into 3 hemispherical cutouts in one lower footer half and slowly slide them (one at a time) under the footer half with rubber O-ring. Rotate the lower footer half and sapphires till the latter fit fully into the upper footer’s hemispherical cutouts. Now the 2 halves are properly “sandwiched,” the O-ring providing a friction press fit. Repeat for the remaining 3 lower footer halves and 9 sapphire bearings.
In the future, before picking up IS-1, remove all 4 lower footer halves and secure the 12 sapphires in a jar or elsewhere. If not, the lower footer half can unexpectedly detach with risk of lost sapphires.
The sapphire bearings act like a diode, channeling vibration from the streamer into the supporting panel.
see link for more info on the INFIGO IS-1Streamer
FYI: Other operation modes are ‘uPnP’ endpoint, which will present the streamer as an endpoint in the network that can be reached via all music software that can play to a uPnP endpoint. The streamer can also operate as a Roon endpoint; you will need another computer in the network to run the Roon core software, which can then play to the streamer as endpoint. For those that use Roon with HQPlayer for better sound quality, the streamer can operate as an HQPlayer Network Audio Adapter.
This “Signature” version is the base model $5,000; the “Cryogen” version is $7,000. Both versions offer the same audio and musical performance with extra features on the Cryogen version.
The Infigo Audio IS-1 streamer has substantially improved my sound quality. I immediately noticed my system sounds much better. The music is clearer, bass is more powerful, and imaging has improved. My Signature model lists for $5,000 and the Cryogen model $7,000.
The INFIGO IS-1 Streamer is highly recommended.
@audphile1, Thanks. Yes, my Aurender N20 was connected to my DAC using an AES/EBU cable. This is my opinion and I 'guarantee' you that others will have a different opinion. My Infigo Auto IS-1 Streamer sounds excellent, in my system, and I like it very much. I really like using Audirvana and find it easy to use. As we both know, components sound great in one system and not so great in another. There are many variables that cause these differences including the room, cables and the other components. |
@audphile1 , I have the Bricasti M21 DAC. My DAC has “Three independent and user-selectable digital to analog signal paths available: delta sigma and ladder dac for PCM conversion and for DSD playback, true direct DSD”. I prefer the ladder DAC. |
All, Please see the link below for more info on ARM vs Intel processors as presented by @tkrtrb125 in his post above. Arm vs Intel link for more info: FYI: "Just ten years ago, even Intel's entry-level CISC-based processors were far more powerful than top-of-the-line ARM-based chips. However, this is no longer the case. Apple has proven with its M1 and M2 chips that ARM-based CPUs can be as capable, if not more capable, than Intel's competing offering. Nevertheless, this doesn't mean that the CISC-based x86 chip is on its way out. Given the large number of computers that run these chips, it will take time before Arm's ARM chips will supplant Intel's x86 offerings. But as ARM processors become more powerful and affordable, its adoption will increase, and soon enough, you'll find that ARM CPUs are powering most computers on the market".
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I am very confused. The claim that every review prefers I2S or Ethernet over USB for sound quality may not be universally true BECAUSE of the many variables involved. It seems that some reviews highlight advantages of I2S, such as lower latency and less noise due to better shielding, others argue that USB can perform equally well or better depending on the specific DAC and system setup. Additionally, practical implementations vary widely, and many users report different experiences based on THEIR equipment AND environment. Based on my experience, Ultimately, the preference for I2S or Ethernet over USB depends on individual setups and subjective listening tests. There are instances where USB can outperform I2S or Ethernet, particularly in well-designed systems. For example, high-quality DACs that implement asynchronous USB can achieve superior noise isolation and lower jitter compared to I2S, especially when the USB implementation is optimized for low interference. Additionally, some DAC manufacturers argue that USB provides better performance in specific setups, particularly when the source device is low-noise and properly isolates the USB signal from power supplies. Thus, while I2S and Ethernet have their advantages, USB can be the best choice depending on the specific components and configurations used. The bottom line is that there are many options including IS2, USB, Ethernet, ES-Link and others. Everyone has to decide for themselves what implementation sounds best in their environment. There is no right solution for everyone because of the many variables. AND, of course, get ready for the next cable design. Yikes!
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Please see link below for Audiovana Remote App info: See link for Audiovana Remote App info: Please see link below for ROOM Remote App info: |
@v-fi, +1, I agree that "There are good reasons for both approaches and neither works for everybody. And that’s perfectly fine”. There is no right answer since everyone’s components, room, environment and ears are different. I also agree that some people like Roon, others like Audiovana and some like the Aurender App. The more important question is do you like WHAT you have. Everyone on Audiogon has a different opinion and that is also okay. Of course the same applies tubes vs. solid state or running Roon on one box or two. The ONLY question is what configuration sounds best to you!
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FYI: The Infigo Audio IS-1 Streamer Cryogen model utilizes its Intel Quad 8-Core CPU. The system reserves 3 CPU cores for ROON, 1 for audio, 1 for processing and 1 for the user interface. The other 5 cores are in use for the operating system. This separation ensures optimal sound quality and minimizes interruptions during playback, as all audio-related functions run on dedicated high-speed cores. This architecture ensures that music processing remains uninterrupted while maintaining responsiveness for tasks like controlling playback and managing storage, thereby optimizing the device’s efficiency and sound quality. This mean the Infigo Audio IS-1 Streamer Cryogen model is a one box solution for ROON. |
Please see review for the Infigo Audio IS-1 Streamer review: Review Summary: "Whatever your favourite (high-end) USB DAC is, the sound quality will most likely significantly improve using the Infigo Audio Method IS-1 Cryogen Streamer. I was stunned at the improvement from the DACs I tried. It does not colour the character of a DAC; instead, it invigorates it, bringing out its best qualities by clearing out the weeds in the forest. Very highly recommended". |
