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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

antigrunge2

Showing 3 responses by lalitk

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,098 posts
 

“The conclusion seems that multiple moats and filters on USB are additive rather than redundant.”

@antigrunge2

The use of multiple noise blocking filters also indicative of sub-par implementation USB in a server and DAC. You don’t say what server or DAC being used on opposite ends of Ifi Purifier3 >Singxer UIP1 Pro >Intona Isolator. I bet these type of tweaks would be far less effective or not needed at all if one is using a high quality dedicated streamer/server + DAC.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,098 posts
 

@antigrunge2

Let me say it again, a subpar implementation of USB protocol in a device would necessitate the use of multiple noise filtering devices. Case in point, the USB Audio output of MK3, while it is better than the one you find in a laptop; it is nowhere near the level of USB Audio output found in Innuous Statement. To bridge this performance gap, Innuos introduced Phoenix for folks that wanted to elevate performance of USB in lower end Innuos models.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,098 posts
 

@antigrunge2

I completely understand the price difference between MK3 and Statement. You are astute enough to understand what else being offered for extra $10k in Statement. I will say this; if streaming is your only source, I would beg or borrow to audition Innuos Statement in your otherwise excellent system. It may change your perspective on tweaking a component to nth level. 

I know you enjoy tweaking so tweak away my friend. I have been through tweaking la la land :-)

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