[Tony1110]

Good idea. Better to wait for my report than buy something you might not like 

 

[hidaven]

Tony, you have the conductor and the LCD-3s too?

 

[Tony1110]

Close enough yeah.

 

[philo50]

Quote:

Is it a noticeable improvement or is it like different wires and cables?

it is a very noticeable and substantial improvement

 

[Girls Generation]

This is hyperbole... If it's actually that much noticeable, as much as switching transducers, I'm truly in envy of your ears... Seriously.
Quote:

it is a very noticeable and substantial improvement

 
 
Don't expect anything. As I always say, we all hear differently, some have more sensitive ears than others so some may hear improvements, some won't. Depending on the USB implementation, results may vary. The only way to know whether it makes a noticeable difference or not is to hear it for yourself. If you can't, then you must assess the risk, and be able to justify the price tag of one. My Audiophilleo1 is $1000 and I hear a subtle improvement, but it's something I would not pay $1000 for; I can definitely live without it. However, some CAN justify the price and some CAN'T live without it, so YMMV.
 
I would honestly just go for a M2Tech Hiface Two with special drivers instead... So much cheaper and easier to use.
 
 

Great comments GG.

 
Why thank you

 

[citraian]

For me the difference was clear as night and day with the Hydra.

 

[Tony1110]

Won't a lot of its effectiveness depend on the USB implementation of the DAC you're plugging it into? If you're using in conjunction with a high end DAC where that kind of anti-jitter technology is already incorporated, then you're not going to reap the benefits as much as you would with a reasonably good DAC with poor to average USB implementation.

Conductor has a great DAC inside but the USB is a pain and it doesn't always sound that good. I'm hoping AP2 will give it the kick up the arse it requires.

 

[citraian]

Yeap, it greatly depends on the DAC too.

 

[kothganesh]

Quote:

Won't a lot of its effectiveness depend on the USB implementation of the DAC you're plugging it into? If you're using in conjunction with a high end DAC where that kind of anti-jitter technology is already incorporated, then you're not going to reap the benefits as much as you would with a reasonably good DAC with poor to average USB implementation.

Conductor has a great DAC inside but the USB is a pain and it doesn't always sound that good. I'm hoping AP2 will give it the kick up the arse it requires.

Tony,
 
have you looked at the BMC-Halide connector (USB to SPDIF) ? I have one that connects my Macbook Air to the Gungnir and seems to work just fine. And I think its cheaper than the AP2. My two cents of course.

 

[Girls Generation]

I don't hear good things about the Halide. I'd rather go with Hiface.

 

[citraian]

On Conductor, Hiface is only good if you want to get rid of USB problems but won't improve your sound.

 

[Girls Generation]

Probably. I wasn't going for sound improvements with $100 anyways
Quote:

On Conductor, Hiface is only good if you want to get rid of USB problems but won't improve your sound.

 

[kothganesh]

I don't hear good things about the Halide. I'd rather go with Hiface.

Oh I have not heard that. Thanks for the heads up

 

[Solude]

For what it's worth I haven't heard of problems with Windows 7 and normal players. JRiver or WMP.  Tend be Windows 8, JPlay and to a lesser extent foobar2000 problems, 

 

[Tony1110]

The Halide products are supposed to be good but I think they struggle to meet demand. I considered buying their USB DAC and pairing it with a Bakoon or RWA Cassabria. I like the look of those Bakoon amps.