[Benny-x]

Since this unit takes AC, I was looks at AC line filters to put inside the Gustard. I could go with a cap across the terminals inside the Gustard or with a choke. Does anyone have any experience with a good or "better" AC cap or choke? I know that whatever cap I end up using, it needs to be marked X1 or X2 on the outside to show it's OK for AC applications. And for chokes, does anyone have any experience with these Murata ones? http://www.murata.com/en-us/products/emc/acline

 

[rb2013]

Since this unit takes AC, I was looks at AC line filters to put inside the Gustard. I could go with a cap across the terminals inside the Gustard or with a choke. Does anyone have any experience with a good or "better" AC cap or choke? I know that whatever cap I end up using, it needs to be marked X1 or X2 on the outside to show it's OK for AC applications. And for chokes, does anyone have any experience with these Murata ones? http://www.murata.com/en-us/products/emc/acline

I upgraded my power cord to a Shunyata Venom, and run it through a Richard Gray power filter/transformer. I also upgraded the lytic ps filtering caps to FC's. I used a Hammond choke filter to replace a major ps resistor in my DAC mod project, it was a nice improvement. These chokes are large and would likely not fit in the case.

 

[Benny-x]

I upgraded my power cord to a Shunyata Venom, and run it through a Richard Gray power filter/transformer. I also upgraded the lytic ps filtering caps to FC's. I used a Hammond choke filter to replace a major ps resistor in my DAC mod project, it was a nice improvement. These chokes are large and would likely not fit in the case.

I've read your build thread a few times and I used to have the Lite DAC-83. Man did I ever love the craftsmanship of that DAC! It's hands down the most precise and well built component I've owned. Your Lite DAC-63 must be similar, and from your build thread it looks like you've done good work with it. Unfortunately I had to sell my DAC-83 when I moved, but I really loved it. I did find that it didn't have the best synergy with the JKMk3 HiFace and DNA Sonnet I owned. I loved all 3 pieces individually, but together there weren't a great match.
 
About the Hammond choke, definitely couldn't fit one in the U12, but I'll fit something in there. I was looking at the small Murata chokes that I linked to because they'd definitely fit in there.
 
I also received my U12 today and is it ever a solid feeling component. Ha, even if it doesn't work I'm still happy I own it. It's a rock solid feeling little device and I'm really looking forward to hooking it up to my PWD Mkii later. The mods should be a lot of fun too, whenever I get to them.

 

[rb2013]

  I've read your build thread a few times and I used to have the Lite DAC-83. Man did I ever love the craftsmanship of that DAC! It's hands down the most precise and well built component I've owned. Your Lite DAC-63 must be similar, and from your build thread it looks like you've done good work with it. Unfortunately I had to sell my DAC-83 when I moved, but I really loved it. I did find that it didn't have the best synergy with the JKMk3 HiFace and DNA Sonnet I owned. I loved all 3 pieces individually, but together there weren't a great match.
 
About the Hammond choke, definitely couldn't fit one in the U12, but I'll fit something in there. I was looking at the small Murata chokes that I linked to because they'd definitely fit in there.
 
I also received my U12 today and is it ever a solid feeling component. Ha, even if it doesn't work I'm still happy I own it. It's a rock solid feeling little device and I'm really looking forward to hooking it up to my PWD Mkii later. The mods should be a lot of fun too, whenever I get to them.

Yes that Lite DAC-83 is a beautiful unit. 
 
The U12 is very well finished and has the feel of a much more expensive piece of gear.  The board and components look to be of decent quality.  Keep me posted on the Murata chokes - that would be an interesting mod.

 

[DObleX]

del

 

[Sajk]

Hi guys,
I got mine U12 week ago (as NY present

) to paired with NAD M51 DAC and compare with build-in USB. The achieved results were good enough, even better than expected 

Anyway I am thinking about mods. As far as I see there the main route is:
- digital transformer pulse PE-65612NL -> Murata DA101C (it's clear)
- replace power caps to Panasonic FC's. Could you please advice which Pana caps are needed (capacity type, link if possible)
Any other suggestions?

 

[phile1]

hi Sajk,
"good enough" ? could you be more precise ?
what do you plug on the N51 ? your computer via USB ?
N51 usb input is said to be far behind the coax/AES inputs. Using the U12, your enter the 51 via coax or AES instaed of the USB... thus the improvement migth be there

 

[Sajk]

ok, I will describe the full config:
I am using dedicated MusicPC (Gigabyte J1800N-2H + PPA Studio Audio Grade USB 3.0 PCIe Card, Wesena ITX4, Server 2012 audiophile core edition + JRiver) with 2 PSU (linear for MB + impulse for HDD/SSD) -> NAD M51  -> Ayre V-3x  (XLR) -> Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor.
 
Previously PC was connected via AudioQuest Carbon USB to build-in USB, now I am using the U12 through coax.
 
I've got more "neutral" sound in my taste but lost some "detail". Hope  mods could improve this.

 

[rb2013]

ok, I will describe the full config:

I am using dedicated MusicPC (Gigabyte J1800N-2H + PPA Studio Audio Grade USB 3.0 PCIe Card, Wesena ITX4, Server 2012 audiophile core edition + JRiver) with 2 PSU (linear for MB + impulse for HDD/SSD) -> NAD M51  -> Ayre V-3x  (XLR) -> Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor.

Previously PC was connected via AudioQuest Carbon USB to build-in USB, now I am using the U12 through coax.

I've got more "neutral" sound in my taste but lost some "detail". Hope  mods could improve this.

What coax cable are you using?

 

[rb2013]

  Hi guys,
I got mine U12 week ago (as NY present

) to paired with NAD M51 DAC and compare with build-in USB. The achieved results were good enough, even better than expected 

Anyway I am thinking about mods. As far as I see there the main route is:
- digital transformer pulse PE-65612NL -> Murata DA101C (it's clear)
- replace power caps to Panasonic FC's. Could you please advice which Pana caps are needed (capacity type, link if possible)
Any other suggestions?

Just the same value FCs mouser has them

 

[Sajk]

What coax cable are you using?

Kimber Kable Illuminations D60

 

[ccschua]

  ok, I will describe the full config:
I am using dedicated MusicPC (Gigabyte J1800N-2H + PPA Studio Audio Grade USB 3.0 PCIe Card, Wesena ITX4, Server 2012 audiophile core edition + JRiver) with 2 PSU (linear for MB + impulse for HDD/SSD) -> NAD M51  -> Ayre V-3x  (XLR) -> Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor.
 
Previously PC was connected via AudioQuest Carbon USB to build-in USB, now I am using the U12 through coax.
 
I've got more "neutral" sound in my taste but lost some "detail". Hope  mods could improve this.

can I know how you fix you up the pc CAS. is it all in the same chassis ? some picture will help a lot.

 

[rb2013]

  Kimber Kable Illuminations D60

You might want to try a better cable, I've had good success with the Audio Sensibility Ref 1.5M.  I tried 5 different cables, some more expensive -this was the best.  Not ridiculously priced.  $219 for a 1.5M (the optimal digital coax length to reduce back reflections)
 
http://audiosensibility.com/blog/products-2/digital-cables-occ-copper-and-occ-silver/#!/Statement-Silver-S-PDIF-RCA-BNC-Digital-Cable/p/17562670/category=4059160
 
 
Which cable are you using for USB?
 
PS Those Sonus Faber Cremona Auditors are awesome speakers! - a friend has a pr

 

[conquerator2]

Sure, 219$ for a 1.5M cable is almost dirt cheap 

 

[rb2013]

  Sure, 219$ for a 1.5M cable is almost dirt cheap 

I know that is a lot of money - but for a reference cable - it's not bad.  Go to Audiogon and check out digital cables!
 
http://app.audiogon.com/listings?filter_category_id=3