I find the latest version with the asynchronous TE8802 chip to sound significant better than the original version. I got mine with both TCXO upgrades. Better clocks usually mean better sound... My sistem is sounding better than ever!!

Actually, ursdiego's setup is not that bad at all... I'll connect my 2 jumper together going through the top vents of the NFB-8 and leave the DI open and upside down over the NFB-8 case. That way, it will be just like if the DI was part of the DAC. And issues with the interface are minimized by...

How do you guys feel about I2S vs S/PDIF when connecting the DI to your DACs? What kind of sonic improvements if any?   What cable are you using?   I received two I2S kits from Kingwa and intend to try it connecting my (new TE8802) DI-DSP to my NFB-8 DAC. I'm just wondering what kind of...

Quote:   No problems here. I can output 24/192 to an Audio-gd NFB-8 DAC, and a NFB-12.1 Headphone amp/DAC.

Quote: No replacement is needed. You have to solder the 2 resistors (3 ohms and 5.1 ohms) in parallel with that 3 ohm resistors shown in the Agd diagram.   I got a 3.32 ohms resistor instead of 3 ohms, but it works.The 5.1 ohms resistor is grey, mostly hidden by the 3.32 ohms blue...

I have to conduct more critical listening to be more conclusive. These are only initial impressions... And I'm letting the device burn in a bit. But my feeling is that the USB cable appears invisible, without any signature. Not like the original DI. Regarding the harshness, I only noticed this...

Just got mine yesterday! I played a bit with both outputs today. I'm favoring the current output. It feels more round, organic, with a bigger midrange. It doesn't seem to be affected by USB cables that much... I'm using Monoprice now. A note on the Olimex isolator (and possibly other brand...

Yes, it's the 88 ohms cable, which is within USB 2.0 specification. It is a twisted pair with a braided shield (all 3 Canare are). The specification asks for twisted pairs for the data pair. I connect the shield at both ends. The connectors have to be adapted a bit for all that shield... I'll...

If you're interested, I should be able to build you a USB cable using the L-2T2S. Send me a private message and we can discuss.

This morning I was able to give a serious audition to all the USB cables I've being building for the past few weeks. And also evaluate the effects of the Olimex isolator in my main system.   For your reference, the system consists of an Apple MBP 15" (latest model - also used for work) -> DI...

Quote:   I found the USB connectors here: http://www.pimfg.com/   And the Canare cable from here: http://www.markertek.com/   USB cable comparison coming very soon! No cable voodoo or audiophile gimmicks, just very affordable pro stuff!

Subjective impressions are very positive so far... Tomorrow I should start to compare their sound... I run some speed test with my hard drive, and they all perform just as well as a Monoprice USB cable for data transfers. At least it looks like I got the USB 2.0 specs right...

Some pics to illustrate my recent posts:   Canare DA202 USB cable with Olimex isolator fed by Agd DI-PSU.       DI hanging on the back... Not very elegant, but very effective!  

I've been experimenting with USB cable design and it seams that I might have beaten Monoprice after all. I still need some more listening to be conclusive.   After building cast cables using Canare DA202. I decided to try them as USB as well. One needs 2 runs since they are twisted pairs...

Agreed! An adapter instead of a cable for the spdif connection is the way to go. I got a BNC to BNC from Markertek (US) that works quite well. I do have to suspend my DI to reduce stress. It's an odd instalation, but it does work very well. Now my struggle is to build a USB cable that sounds...

Quote: I now see your point! I guess I've been away from the audio forums for too long... Looks like many post are biased...   Quick disclaimer: I'm not related to any of the brands I mention. These are all subjective impressions and should be taken with a grain of salt. Experimentation...

Thank you for the tips Peete! Indeed, I have an Audio-gd power condition I really like... I few years ago I moved my main system from my leaving room to my basement and lost my dedicated 20 amp outlets... My wife kicked me out once I placed the "fat" Thor's... I still haven't found time to move...

Yes, the Olimex USB-ISO is quite impressive. I did try feeding it with the DI-PSU, but I only noticed a slight difference, if any. I have to compare a litle further for a final conclusion. What I noticed though is that the Olimex device got quite hot! Not good for component longevity... Not...

Just got the Olimex USB-ISO! Initial impressions are very positive. Haven't played with power supply positioning yet...

I've built a set of cables using their OCC wire. A 3 conductor unshielded braided design. I didn't love it as a cast cable. These work better as XLRs, but IME not better than good pro cables from Canare or Belden. The 1800f is excellent!. Yes, a litle pricey... Terminating a set of cables by...

I have an Olimex isolator on order, but I don't quite get the external power supply... I couldn't find a clear explanation... Does it feed the isolator, or the USB device (bypassing the host power)? My DI has its own power supply. Do you guys with Olimex isolators use that extra power input...

I have just finished a set cast cable using Belden 1800f. Initial impressions are very positive. Possibly better than the Canare DA202 between pre and amp. I'll give it some time to settle for prop comparison.

Agreed, not all listening fatigue comes from electronic distortion. It might be a standing wave, or volume, or just a long exposure to complex sounds. Some recordings will also create fatigue due to electronics, acoustic problems, etc... I can't fix those. I still want my system to be...

I just put the ACR back in the system. I agree with your comments, a bit more clear. Since I've build some new cast cables using Canare DA202, I'm reevaluating some previous observations. But the thing I always try to avoid is listening fatigue. I've been fighting it for the past 15 years... How...

I also have the the ACR cable... I went back to monoprice after a few months though. I felt the ACR sounded soft. But I think it's time to revisit... Maybe I should build my own USB... Were you able to compare different hex inverters? I have the new DI-DSP on order, so all that might be...