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  1. zilch0md

    iFi Audio Micro iTube2 Buffer

    Tube life extender: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MVDTEXS This countdown timer is mechanical (spring-driven), introducing no electrical noise that I can detect (unlike a digital countdiwn timer I tried.) Warning: After you install this, you will always remember to power it off manually...
  2. zilch0md

    Topaz Low-Capacitance Isolation Transformers - for Affordably Clean Power

    It's highly unlikely that those isolation transformers have the extremely low interwinding capacitance (0.0006 pF) of the Topaz -31 or -32 model series. In other words, they can't compete. They would only be able to attenuate common-mode and normal-mode noise below 400 Hz, typically...
  3. zilch0md

    Topaz Low-Capacitance Isolation Transformers - for Affordably Clean Power

    DACs and PCs are known to generate "backwash" noise, polluting the power going into anything else that's plugged into the same outlet or power strip. You've got three devices, so you will need a small, simple power strip, with a short power cord, no surge protection or pilot lights or fuses...
  4. zilch0md

    Topaz Low-Capacitance Isolation Transformers - for Affordably Clean Power

    Hi mkaza, I wish I had an equation for calculating the maximum frequency at which NR is "effective" vs. the pF capacitance rating, but all I can say is that 0.001 is pretty good, compared to most new isolation transformers available today. Still, the smaller the pF, the higher the audio...
  5. zilch0md

    iFi Audio Micro iTube2 Buffer

    I very much like the weaker of the two 3D+ settings, with my near-field monitor setup, but the stronger setting sounds to me as if some unappealing reverb was added. A majority consensus should rule, here, so again, I would encourage you to survey your customer base. I appreciate your...
  6. zilch0md

    iFi Audio Micro iTube2 Buffer

    Hi! Thanks for asking! Five changes come to mind, a couple already mentioned: 1) Add an actual Bypass switch, that works whether the iTube3 is powered on or off. (Others have requested this feature.) 2) You might want to poll other customers, but I would prefer a choice of 3bB and 6dB...
  7. zilch0md

    iFi Audio Micro iTube2 Buffer

    I recall reading that, indeed, but it's kind of like saying, "You're not supposed to have white wine with beef." Given how nearly every album is mastered uniquely and the variables of gear and taste, there are no rules to follow here. It's almost entirely subjective. I have to agree, however...
  8. zilch0md

    iFi Audio Micro iTube2 Buffer

    Very late to this party, I am thrilled with the iTube2. Thanks ifi - and thanks to all the contributors here! This thing is a "Swiss Knife" for modifying your sound, with multiple features at the ready. I rode the controls obcessively, early on, but now, I know exactly what I want as soon as...
  9. zilch0md

    Topaz Low-Capacitance Isolation Transformers - for Affordably Clean Power

    Thanks Chris, As evidenced by many great posts, there are several contributors here who have a much better understanding than I do on how to make the most of these low-capacitance ITs. The good news for the common audiophile is that you can accomplish a lot, just by inserting an appropriately...
  10. zilch0md

    The Deals DISCUSSION Thread (READ THE FIRST POST!!!)

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EPDMDZ8 https://camelcamelcamel.com/product/B00EPDMDZ8
  11. zilch0md

    Topaz Low-Capacitance Isolation Transformers - for Affordably Clean Power

    Yes, there are at least three schools of thoughts, here: 1) Use nothing but grounded-neutral secondary ITs (ideally, just one big one with all component power cords plugged into outlets that are as close together as possible, sourced from that one ITs secondary). 2) Use nothing but...
  12. zilch0md

    Topaz Low-Capacitance Isolation Transformers - for Affordably Clean Power

    See: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/topaz-low-capacitance-isolation-transformers-for-affordably-clean-power.857448/page-17#post-14834948
  13. zilch0md

    Topaz Low-Capacitance Isolation Transformers - for Affordably Clean Power

    It's importamt that you understand the context for which the narrator of that video is concerned. He works at a test bench, often with energized circuits in an exposed chasis where there is a high probability of unintentenionaly electrocuting himself by simultaneouesly touching both hot and...
  14. zilch0md

    Topaz Low-Capacitance Isolation Transformers - for Affordably Clean Power

    That's good advice. Really, you could bring the fuse rating down to nominatlly exceed your peak current demands - even if that's well below the transformer's rating.
  15. zilch0md

    Topaz Low-Capacitance Isolation Transformers - for Affordably Clean Power

    This is what I used when I "restored" the Topaz seen in the first post of this thread: Fuse Holder: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EUF6JDS 20A 250V Fuses: https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Lighting-Slow-Blow-Ceramic-MDA20A/dp/B004I36FJA Or if you prefer: 15A 250V Fuses...
  16. zilch0md

    Topaz Low-Capacitance Isolation Transformers - for Affordably Clean Power

    I really don't want to start reporting measurements for anything else, especially since field strength varies greatly with brand, not to mention proximity, but several appliances/devices in our home are far "hotter" at 18 inches than the Topaz transformer and APC regulator (I.e. Cordless...
  17. zilch0md

    Topaz Low-Capacitance Isolation Transformers - for Affordably Clean Power

    Here are some EMF measurements, but the opinions as to what levels create a health hazard are as varied as our tastes in music, so I will leave that to each reader to research on his own. I will offer my opinion that this 500vA Topaz and the APC voltage regulator are "safe" even at 18 inches...
  18. zilch0md

    The Deals DISCUSSION Thread (READ THE FIRST POST!!!)

    It has been several months since this price was last available, but it's currently at $98, again. :-) This did wonders for my PC audio setup, by the way. I really can't overstate just how pleased I am with the SACS9 subwoofer. Sure, you can spend a lot more for tighter, faster, more powerful...
  19. zilch0md

    iBasso PB-2 Pelican fully balanced portable, DB-2 Dac . . HiFlight recommended op amps page 16. .

    Hi Lohb. It's nice to hear from you. Best wishes! Mike
  20. zilch0md

    The Deals DISCUSSION Thread (READ THE FIRST POST!!!)

    The Sony SACS9 subwoofer is back down to only $98 again. https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SACS9-10-Inch-Active-Subwoofer/dp/B00O8YLIY6
  21. zilch0md

    OPPO PM-2 Is Available - Post Your Impressions Here

    ^^ Not to mention... The source, DAC, amp and cables you are using, your ears, your personal taste, etc. But, I dare say, the PM-1/PM-2 are among the most consistent of headphones when moving them from one system to another - they are the antithesis of something like the HD800, which is...
  22. zilch0md

    OPPO PM-2 Is Available - Post Your Impressions Here

    Yes, that's like getting the PM-1 without the fancy extras, for only $499.
  23. zilch0md

    Oppo HA-1 Impressions Thread

    You would have to listen to know for sure, but I don't recommend using a UPS.
  24. zilch0md

    The Deals DISCUSSION Thread (READ THE FIRST POST!!!)

    10-inch 115W powered Sub by Sony $98 instead of $200 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O8YLIY6
  25. zilch0md

    The Deals DISCUSSION Thread (READ THE FIRST POST!!!)

    400GB is back up to $112.95, now, but as of this morning... SanDisk Ultra 128GB microSDXC UHS-I Card with Adapter, Black, Standard Packaging (SDSQUNC-128G-GN6MA) $30.49 An all-time low at Amazon, per CamelCamelCamel.com. Buying three of these gets you more GB/$ than the 400GB, even if it...
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