Cypher Labs AlgoRhythm Solo - Discussion and Impressions Thread - Page 4

You know, I was thinking... If the Solo grabs pure digital data out of the i-Devices (1s and 0s), then it really doesn't matter if its a normal cable or a $100 copper/silver/gold cable does it? I mean the analog out from the Solo to the Amp would matter sure... but from the i-Device to the Solo? Or am I mistaken and the material of the cable affects the quality of the 1s and 0s? >..<

http://www.allpinouts.org/index.php/Apple_iPod,_iPad_and_iPhone_dock

 

 

"0" and "1" are signals.

Signals are more or less deformed by any transmission medium.

"1" could be strongly altered, for example thru a long transmission line, and recognized as "0" at the reception.

 

In computer networking, "0" & "1" flow data are protected by error detection and correction mechanisms.

There is no such error detection and correction mechanism in digital audio.

 

Still it doesn't mean that different materials would help prevent that... only affects the speed at which the data transmits no? In any case its a short distance, and the Solo should have error correction built in. Wouldn't want my Beethoven to come out as Mozart >..<
 

But I'm still open to corrections. I only did computing at the chip level where I/O gates don't get befuddled... Haven't really dealt with signal paths a few inches long :D

I received positive feedback on my Slim Solo "Sidewinder" config. It was indeed beautiful but it wasn't very solid and the footprint was bigger than the Solo. My intention was always to do a "Slim Solo Stack".  The final piece of the puzzle just arrived: a beautifully engineered bespoke TWcu/SCSCag IC from Qusp .

 

 

My goal was to make this stack as thin as possible. I put the backing material from Lee Valley Tool 6.4*2.1 mm dome bumpers on both sides of the Pico Slim (as opposed to the actual thicker bumpers.) This provides >1mm tacky protective surfaces for the Pico Slim as it sits in the centre of the stack. One place where I sacrificed an extra mm is the bottom of the Solo where I used 10*3 mm euro bumpers. These big bumpers are thicker than the elastic band that holds the stack together and give the stack very solid table-top legs.

 

 

Here is the Slim Solo Stack which I use with my ES5.

 

 

 

This stack is rock solid and slips easily into the various bags that I use. I have been listening to this rig for about a month (albeit, until today, with the definitely-not-bespoke Headroom 6" Cardas IC). I am still amazed each time that I turn it on. This is a seriously jaw-dropping audio rig that just happens to be very portable.

Edited by cooperpwc - 5/27/11 at 8:03am

That looks wonderful Paul. I had no idea the headroom was so tiny having not seen it against anything I have for reference before. I wonder if Lee Valley up here sell the same thing as I am still not satisfied with the layers between my units in terms of grip.

Looking good Paul!!

Edited by qusp - 5/27/11 at 9:17am

Ah.. My excuse M'lod is that I had dental work yesterday and this morning my head is still fuzzy from the numbing stuff!! Head Amp is what I meant (In the words of homer.. D'oh!)

dont worry, i thought you were talking about the cable  , as headroom cable is mentioned also. i thought it was a bit of an odd mistake, i wouldnt have bothered to correct such a small slipup. sux about the tooth mate, hope you feel better soon. I have a morbid fear of dentists just like everyone else :eek:

 

for sure the slim is miniscule though, i miss mine for that, but wasnt quite enough for me to keep it as the turn on pop bothered me

Edited by qusp - 5/27/11 at 8:47am

Ian, they are standard Lee Valley Tool products. (Search on Dome Bumpers) That's why I posted the specs. These bumpers (and, as it turns out, their backing material) are extremely useful for portable rigs.

Beautifull stack and another great looking cable from qusp

Edited by nc8000 - 5/27/11 at 8:57am

i tell you what though, the more i look at this thing the less strength i have

To resist or ???

Edit: While things are tight in there, I revisited and it turns out that turning the Pico Slim on while the ES5 is plugged in is easier than I thought. I still prefer to turn it on first and then plug in the ES5, so the turn-on pop has been a non-issue.

 

Volume access is excellent. I really wasn't sure that it would be but it is.

Edited by cooperpwc - 5/27/11 at 11:23am