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XMOS XU208 USB BRIDGES - THE LATEST GEN HAS ARRIVED!
May 1, 2016 at 10:16 AM Post #1,051 of 3,865
mhamel said:
   
 
So far I haven't really wanted to stop listening to write much about it. Hahaha
 
I've been trying out both 192KHz via the Dante Virtual Soundcard ASIO drivers and 96KHz via the WDM drivers.  Both work flawlessly. I can leave it in WDM mode for general use, gaming, etc... switch it over to ASIO when I want to just listen to music through JRiver or another player that supports ASIO output. I am using AES from the D16 into the Convert-2 and a Canare word clock cable between the two. The Dante Controller then picks up the the externally synced clock from the D16 and uses it as the master for all of the devices in the network.
 
The differences to my ears so far have been in subtle details, spatial cues, the sense of "air" around an instrument and it's placement in space. There is a sense of dynamics and realism that go beyond the already great sound of the F-1. It's not easy to describe... listening for the specific differences, they are subtle changes, but they add up to a noticeable difference to my ears. If I try to describe it with an exaggerated visual sense - imagine looking at an amazing photograph of a scenic view. You can sense the depth, the colors are vivid and rich, the focus is perfect...  you can see the details, you can imagine you're there.... that to me is as good as I had heard in this setup with the Wyrd->F-1->AES/SPDF Cable->Convert-2.  Now stand in front of that same scenic view... in real life. You don't just sense the depth, you feel it through the additional visual and audible cues. The colors are beyond vivid and rich... they are real. The focus is not just sharp, it is dynamic and crystal clear.. you don't need to imagine you're there, because you _are_ there. As I said, an exaggerated visual analogy, but that's the general sense I get from this.
 
   -Mike
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Hi Mike - I was thinking about this last while listening to the F-1 with this ICRON/Startech 1GB LAN USB in the chain.
 
It could be the galvanic isolation that the Ethernet connection is providing.
How where you powering your F-1?  USB  or external power?
 
May 1, 2016 at 10:28 AM Post #1,052 of 3,865
vincponc2610 said:
  Any opinion about the power supply part of SU-1 ?

 
 
That does not seems impressive. I only see 2 ICs. So looks like integrated rectifier.
One has a big radiator. 

 
 
But it depends on LDO they used after it.
Any idea about which LDO are on F-1 / SU-1 ?
Looks like there are small LDO for each clock which is good.

 
Click to expand...

Great question!  The LDO's are mentioned to be ADI ultra low noise ones - but not sure which.  This is why I actually prefer the F-1, more flexibility in power supply options,
 
Here is my power supply chain from the wall:
Teslaplex>Audience aR1p (AC balancing and filtering)>Art Audio PB4X4Pro (dedicated common and differetial mode AC line isolation and filtering)>Cerious Graphene Extreme power cord>TeraDak DC-30W R-core linear power supply>iFi DC iPurifier (filters noise out of the LPS power feed)>W4S Recovery(ultra low noise regulators 9VDC down to 5VDC)>iPurifer2(further power filtering and regulation)>F-1
 
Obvioiusly this extreme PS chain will have far lower noise, an R-Core transformer, and linear regulated power - then this simple AC to DC board in the SU-1.
 
So for me the additional $150 is spent on improving the PS chain.
 
May 1, 2016 at 10:41 AM Post #1,053 of 3,865
murphythecat said:
  http://jplay.eu/jcat/
will you try it RB?
 
I must say, your discovering upgrades so often RB that ill be wathcing this thread often and wait a couple months before upgrading my setup. who know in one year where youll be
crazy thread and very awesome!
 
see you next year!
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Sorry for the confusing state of this thread - we have three threads going on at once.
 
The original XU208 line of thought - F-1, SU-1, X-1, Pro4a
 
The new development of adding the 1GB LAN USB extender and galvanic isolation to the USB data chain (as per the infamous PS Audio Youtube video) - with the very significant improvement in SQ - will start a breakoff thread today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQjJke5uM2g
 
The development of alternatives to USB and UpNP computer audio - the new AES67 Audio over IP Ethernet protocol - will get a separate thread up for this as well. 
http://www.pro-tools-expert.com/home-page/2015/11/4/aes67-what-is-it-and-why-should-you-care
 
Things here should get a bit more focused after today.

There are advantages to having it all in one thread - as there is overlap and interactions from all three of these.  And those of you who are knowledgeable and have been following this thread for a while - easy to follow these three main lines of discussion.  But to those new - it might seem a bit confusing.  Sorry for that!
 
I want to thank everyone who has contributed - I have learn so much JUST THIS WEEK!  Computer audio is entering an important transition and maturity - but moving at light-speed.  So just trying to stay ahead of the curve and keep an eye on the developments for the very near future.  This thread does not operate in a vacuum - it's part of a grassroots feedback mechanism to the very talented audio designers and engineers here and abroad.  I hope we spur on the development of some really exciting new digital audio products - like a new class of AES67 Ethernet to SPDIF/i2s DDC's (preferably ext DC powered).
 
This thread in just a few weeks has gained a world wide and popular status - Cheers!
beerchug.gif
 
 
May 1, 2016 at 10:53 AM Post #1,054 of 3,865
vincponc2610 said:
  Any opinion about the power supply part of SU-1 ?
That does not seems impressive. I only see 2 ICs. So looks like integrated rectifier.   One has a big radiator.
 

 
But it depends on LDO they used after it.
Any idea about which LDO are on F-1 / SU-1 ?
Looks like there are small LDO for each clock which is good.
Click to expand...

 
Hi ! you can always adopt a solution like the Hydra Z ... a DC socket on the back and bypass of the internal PS.
 

 
then you can try any external ps you can find.
This is what i would do all considered.
No vibes or emi from the transformer ... i am a believer of transformers placed outside the circuits box.
And it is also a reversible mod if you have to sell the unit.
Regards, gino  
 
May 1, 2016 at 11:02 AM Post #1,055 of 3,865
Crazy thread 
biggrin.gif

 
Just over one month since first post and now over 1000 posts.
I have followed this pretty good but last week the amount of information is too much for me as a rookie in Hi-Fi.
 
I am happy though, got me the F1 and Intona isolator and my main goal is achieved.
To get the pc to sound better than a CD or DVD player.
 
Now just have to get my friend here and listen.
He just say the SQ of pc based music is garbage.
 
Will continue follow this and other threads to see what my NEXT investment will be.
 
May 1, 2016 at 11:02 AM Post #1,056 of 3,865
ginetto61 said:
   
Hi ! you can always adopt a solution like the Hydra Z ... a DC socket on the back and bypass of the internal PS.
 

 
then you can try any external ps you can find.
This is what i would do all considered.
No vibes or emi from the transformer ... i am a believer of transformers placed outside the circuits box.
And it is also a reversible mod if you have to sell the unit.
Regards, gino  
Click to expand...


It would be great if Singxer offered a DC verision of the SU-1
 
May 1, 2016 at 11:09 AM Post #1,057 of 3,865
caper said:
  Crazy thread 
biggrin.gif

 
Just over one month since first post and now over 1000 posts.
I have followed this pretty good but last week the amount of information is too much for me as a rookie in Hi-Fi.
 
I am happy though, got me the F1 and Intona isolator and my main goal is achieved.
To get the pc to sound better than a CD or DVD player.
 
Now just have to get my friend here and listen.
He just say the SQ of pc based music is garbage.
 
Will continue follow this and other threads to see what my NEXT investment will be.
Click to expand...


Thanks for that - yes it's been a monumental week here!
biggrin.gif
  I'm happy your PC based audio finally beat the DVD.
 
One listen he will be convinced.
 
Exciting news!  A hightly  acclaimed MUTEC MC-3+ Smart Clock USB  will be here soon!

 
 
http://mutec-net.com/product_mc-3-plus-usb.php
https://www.gearslutz.com/board/product-alerts-older-than-2-months/1044928-mutec-mc-3-smart-clock-usb-new-dimension-digital-audio.html
 
This $1100 USB DDC is right now the rage on CA - so it will be very tough competition for the F-1 (uber chained) - but I welcome the chance to hear this wonderful unit.
popcorn.gif
 
 
May 1, 2016 at 11:35 AM Post #1,058 of 3,865
abartels said:
About Telegärtner RJ45 connectors, old news :D

...

Used it in DualPC mode, indeed performed better.
ViaBlue is better, used it too:

http://www.viablue.de/com/ep7s_cat7_ethernet_cable_solid.shtml
Click to expand...


Like already said in the other thread, new is only the hype :)

And Viablue makes very good, german quality cables .. which also look good and are somewhat decently priced. Wont comment on cable sq cause I never ever heard any diffs in spite of trying all between $2, pure silver and $xxxx cables. If you ask me, the cable sound is a just scam with unicorns. YMMV
 
May 1, 2016 at 11:47 AM Post #1,060 of 3,865
rb2013 said:
 
Thanks for that - yes it's been a monumental week here!
biggrin.gif
  I'm happy your PC based audio finally beat the DVD.
 
One listen he will be convinced.
 
 
popcorn.gif
 
Click to expand...

I visited him a week ago with my Baby Breeze feeding a 50 USD dac board and my wifes laptop.
That combo played even with his CD player, a/b comparison.
He played his best CD´s and I just streamed that same music through Tidal Hi-Fi.
 
The baby Breeze and cheap dac board is far far behind my F1 chain and also told him that.
Lets see if he visit and listen to my small system.
Pretty sure he will be surprised!
 
May 1, 2016 at 12:03 PM Post #1,061 of 3,865
prot said:
Like already said in the other thread, new is only the hype
smily_headphones1.gif


And Viablue makes very good, german quality cables .. which also look good and are somewhat decently priced. Wont comment on cable sq cause I never ever heard any diffs in spite of trying all between $2, pure silver and $xxxx cables. If you ask me, the cable sound is a just scam with unicorns. YMMV
Click to expand...


Well I did a Ethernet cable faceoff last night - here was the results:
Using the ICRON/Startech 1GB LAN USB extender, I found some differences in cables - in terms of SQ.  Not tremendous - but definitely noticable.
 
So here where the contenders:
Startech CAT6 STP (pretty gold colored connectors)


A CAT6 6inch flat cable:


A CAT5e generic
 
and one I had connecting one of my PCs to my cable modem router a generic yellow cable marked
3ft CAT6 UTP 550Mhz
 
So here were the results:
1) CAT 6 UTP 550Mhz 3ft yellow - (just smoother in sound and better dimensionality)
2) CAT6  UTP Flat 6inch - better then the pretty gold CAT6 (more neutral in balance, smoother)
3) CAT6 STP gold plated connectors - almost a dead tie with the generic $3 CAT5e - not bad per se - the above better fort sure (a tad darker and detail rounded - less dimensional)
4) CAT5e - just ok
 
On the way the Blue Jeans CAT6a UTP 550Mhz...
 
PS I really wanted the pretty gold colored connector one to win - it just looks prettier...but not sound wise
 
May 1, 2016 at 12:24 PM Post #1,062 of 3,865
For the beautiful cable fans

Sommercable http://info.sommercable.com/excelsior/2/classique/classique__50_patchkabel_cat7.html

Viablue http://www.audiophonics.fr/en/cables-audio-cables-ethernet/audiophonics-cable-patch-reseau-rj45-ethernet-highend-cat-50m-p-7178.html
Or any other of those nice viablue sleeve patterns http://m.ebay.de/itm/VIABLUE-Geflechtschlauch-Gewebeschlauch-verschiedene-Farben-und-Groessen-/291256443989

P.S.
Inside it may very well be the exact same wire

P.S2.
and some cool looking xlr/rca cables http://www.in-akustik.com/en/news/article/referenz-nf-2404/
 
May 1, 2016 at 12:31 PM Post #1,063 of 3,865
prot said:
For the beautiful cable fans
Sommercable http://info.sommercable.com/excelsior/2/classique/classique__50_patchkabel_cat7.html
Viablue http://www.audiophonics.fr/en/cables-audio-cables-ethernet/audiophonics-cable-patch-reseau-rj45-ethernet-highend-cat-50m-p-7178.html

May very well be the exact same wire
Click to expand...


$100 not bad, but still alot for a ethernet cable - CAT7 is shielded  - so far the UTP seems to sound better.
 
May 1, 2016 at 1:18 PM Post #1,064 of 3,865
prot said:
For the beautiful cable fans

Sommercable http://info.sommercable.com/excelsior/2/classique/classique__50_patchkabel_cat7.html

Viablue http://www.audiophonics.fr/en/cables-audio-cables-ethernet/audiophonics-cable-patch-reseau-rj45-ethernet-highend-cat-50m-p-7178.html
Or any other of those nice viablue sleeve patterns http://m.ebay.de/itm/VIABLUE-Geflechtschlauch-Gewebeschlauch-verschiedene-Farben-und-Groessen-/291256443989

P.S.
Inside it may very well be the exact same wire

P.S2.
and some cool looking xlr/rca cables http://www.in-akustik.com/en/news/article/referenz-nf-2404/
Click to expand...


Would be worthwhile trying supra's cat8. Available on ebay.
 
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