[iFi audio]

https://jcat.eu/

https://www.matrix-digi.com/en/products/333.html

PCI-E cards by these manufacturers provide externally powered USB outputs, which is not the same product category as the one in the vid posted by @ProtegeManiac.

 

[iFi audio]

Also ASR has consistently talked crap about ifi purifier and other usb cleaning products. I mean they talk crap about a lot products it seems.

Amir's a funny guy

His testing methodology might be flawed? Idk I’m not an expert

It's a very long subject we won't get into. Suffice to say he's funny and we like him

Thanks!

 

[Gabehcuod]

No difference with the Audioquest jitterbug.
I'd likely invest in a streamer before chaining USB tweaks.

 

[iFi audio]

I'd likely invest in a streamer before chaining USB tweaks.

A proper streamer versus a PC for music is a good idea. I would go this route before USB tweaks. One of our crew had one of SOtM's at the office and this thing really delivered in comparison to a laptop with Foobar on it. But it's worth knowing that streamers which connect to a DAC via USB also benefit from USB cleaners.

 

[Mitchell Lee]

I usually stream from tidal. Idk what a streamer would do for me vs a pc

 

[bland125]

I usually stream from tidal. Idk what a streamer would do for me vs a pc

The point of the streamer is that it merges different sources into a single player. You can them mix your own local music with streaming services And use a single app on IOS/Android and remote to control it all. At the same time, it's a device not affected by computer noises.

There are things to look for When buying a streamer such as connectivity, protocols, compatibility and quality of the remote apps and UI.

 

[Mitchell Lee]

The point of the streamer is that it merges different sources into a single player. You can them mix your own local music with streaming services And use a single app on IOS/Android and remote to control it all. At the same time, it's a device not affected by computer noises.

There are things to look for When buying a streamer such as connectivity, protocols, compatibility and quality of the remote apps and UI.

Yea that’s probably not for me as I stream all my music exclusively through tidal and the cloud. Might get a small streamer but only if it really helps.

 

[iFi audio]

The point of the streamer is that it merges different sources into a single player.

It's also fair to say that streamers put music playback in the first place and PCs/Laptops don't (unless optimized), which makes a difference in sound quality.

 

[Ficcion2]

I was going down the route of USB cleaning via IFI Galvanic and nice USB cables but realized (thanks to helpful and insightful forum members)
a streamer would be the neatest looking and long term best sonic solution.

I feel like I’m advertising for these guys but I’m recalling liking my Matrix Element M as my DAC/streamer (Tidal via Matrix App) connected to my tube amp.

If you’re sticking to Tidal. I’d suggest a streamer before any expensive USB solutions.

Yea that’s probably not for me as I stream all my music exclusively through tidal and the cloud. Might get a small streamer but only if it really helps.

 

[iFi audio]

If you’re sticking to Tidal. I’d suggest a streamer before any expensive USB solutions.

Streamers can get costly and i.e. iPurifier is affordable enough to try it. And once a streamer of choice is bought, they benefit from USB cleaners too. But yes, your purchase order is what I'd suggest too.