USB Isolators based on ADUM4160

Hi !
 
i would like to get some opinions/advice on the cheap USB Isolators based on ADUM4160 that can be found on ebay.com.
 
But first a short premise.
 
If i understand well this very same chip is used also in the high-end ALPHA usb to spdif converter from Berkeley Audio.
In some reviews this USB to SPDIF converter has been recommended as the best available on the market.  A true reference.
This sounds as the best endorsement possible for the ADUM4160.
This is a picture of the board in the Berkeley Audio unit:
 
http://easytubeamp.com/wp-content/gallery/berkeley-alpha-usb/berkeley_alpha_usb_002.jpg
 
The ADUM4160 is located under the small ferrite bar, downstream the XMOS usb receiver chip  (why after i do not understand).
 
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/attachments/f27-uptone-audio-sponsored/16659d1422475692-uptone-audio-regen-alphausb2.jpg
 
However ... at present i am "testing" this cheap isolator here:
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Low-noise-USB-Isolator-short-circuit-protection-ADUM4160-Hifi-JTAG-isolation-/111942885146?hash=item1a1050df1a:g:3AUAAOSwPgxVL63g
 
I kind of like the overall result, with both a Gustard U12 and a usb dac headphone amp from Audinst.
The sound seems cleaner that with the direct connection to the pc, with more defined bass and highs.
 
Clearly the result is dependent from the quality of the power supply used.
The regulator on board does not appear to be very high end. I will check the part model.
 
Moreover it provides a very handy DC socket for injecting clean DC in the usb line after it.
I mean ... it is handy, cheap and works of course without any problem of drivers or whatsoever.
 
Question
 
is there anyone so in the forum curious enough to buy one and try it in his high resolution system ? please
 
It works for me but i would like to understand if it is really detrimental for the signal (i heard of possible additional jitter caused by the isolator ? ).
I need to know if this a viable solution.
In this case i would look for a much better DC power supply to power it (advice very welcome and appreciated).
The power supplies good for devices like the Regen should be just perfect also for this little isolator.
I am using the cheap small Teradak ps now that provides a 9VDC out.
I think that 9-12VDC could be the best supply voltage to use.
On the board i see written from 6 to 24V for suitable power supplies.
Thanks a lot to anyone
Regards, gino

your ebay link has expired, have bought this one to try £10 on aliexpress
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325519880042

seems cheapest adum 4166 are £20 and then £65 and then £100 level

the 12v DC supercapacitor devices seem very good value if you want a clean power supply

I tried the Gustard U16 but now just use an optical USB cable running to a hub. The noise floor and performance measure just the same. A 16ft cable is so convenient to locate the hub away from interference sources. I power the hub by plugging it into the Cyberpower sine wave USB port.

sbgk said:

your ebay link has expired, have bought this one to try £10 on aliexpress
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325519880042

seems cheapest adum 4166 are £20 and then £65 and then £100 level

the 12v DC supercapacitor devices seem very good value if you want a clean power supply

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Thanks for sharing the AliExpress link! It looks like a great deal at £10, especially compared to the £20 and up for the ADUM 4166 on eBay. The 12V DC supercapacitor devices do indeed seem like a solid option for providing clean power at a good price. It’s always great to find budget-friendly alternatives that don’t compromise on performance. I’ll definitely look into it—thanks again for the tip!

ChrizzSouma said:

Thanks for sharing the AliExpress link! It looks like a great deal at £10, especially compared to the £20 and up for the ADUM 4166 on eBay. The 12V DC supercapacitor devices do indeed seem like a solid option for providing clean power at a good price. It’s always great to find budget-friendly alternatives that don’t compromise on performance. I’ll definitely look into it—thanks again for the tip!

Click to expand...

I bought the £10 one in the link and it's superb connected to my U18 + external clock via laptop, really improves the detail, bass and rythm, difficult to believe. Can't get it to work with the Wiim Ultra though.