LHY UIP USB audio isolator

[Jake2]

I have a Gustard A26 and a Phoenix. I have a NUC12i7 in a fanless case with a Keces P8 linear ps. Just for fun I decided to try run without the Phoenix. I already owned the Phoenix when I got the A26 and I never tried to run without it. Ya the Phoenix makes a big difference. To me voices and music sounded kinda tinny, but the notes themselves seemed to lose focus and I lost the Phoenix injected warmth. I couldnt run without the Phoenix, it just elevates the music performance and enjoyment. It would be interesting to compare it to a UIP.The cost of the Phoenix is 7X more than the UIP, the UIP is definitely a value win.

I was looking at the Musetec MH-DA006 DAC, it has the ADUM4166 digital isolator chip. The UIP has the ADUM4165 isolator chip. Would the 4166 chip in the MH-DA006 make the 4165 chip in the UIP redundant??? Or would the UIP still be of benefit so the onboard isolation of the MH-DA006 not have to work as hard. I know it might be an impossible question to answer without trying it.

@Jake2 You have done all kinds of experimenting with combos. How close does a UIP with an OCK-2 get to the performance of a Phoenix...or is it something thats hard to express because of the special warmth that the Phoenix adds???

I also saw on AE there was an LHY OCK-2S, it costs a few hundred more than a OCK-2. The guts look a little different, I am assuming it has better parts and that sonically it would be an upgrade??? Just wondering if anyone knows anything about the OCK-2S???

The Phoenix is another class to the stock UIP as I describe upthread, but external clocking the UIP along with grounding and vibration damping narrows the gap, as does using the UIP to feed a high performance DDC like the Audio-GD DI20HE.

I continue to explore measures to get the most out of the UIP, the latest is to add the 100% galvanic isolation of this AliX USB optical pair ahead of the UIP. This may benefit the Phoenix too of course. Indeed I have a nearby Phoenix owner I may have to test this with.



@m-i-c-k-e-y is going the full Monty with the OG Afterdark optical USB pair (the AliX versions are almost certainly a copy) the Nocturnes, externally clocked by an AD clock. Now that would be a cool comparison to the Phoenix.

Potential chain: server/streamer > USB > USB optical pair > USB > UIP.

The little Adum 3165 dongle may or may not make the final cut somewhere in the UIP chain.

My system is currently disassembled.. may be a week or two before I can report back on how the new AliX optical USB pair goes with the UIP.

EDIT - the eagle eyed will spot the Cisco AOC cable and the Amphenol DAC (direct attached cable, copper), I got for my network, but might just have to try here too.

 

[darcman]

The thing that is nice about the Phoenix is it is such a killer one box solution, there is really something to be said for simplicity (no spaghetti). However if you could replicate the Phoenix for considerably cheaper that would be a huge win. I think the UIP is an awesome looking device and really a no brainer for the money.

I was looking at the Musetec MH-DA006 as a possible DAC upgrade path. I wonder how good the onboard isolation is??? It is possible that it may be really good and to use a USB optimizer like the Phoenix or UIP before it might not make that much of a difference. I thought and maybe this is wishfull thinking a UIP/MH-DA006 combo might be just as good as a Phoenix/MH-DA006 combo

Has anyone compared a Singxer UIP Pro to a LHY UIP???

My Keces P8 has the DC9V/12V output I am not using. I could easily hook up a Singxer UIP Pro before my Phoenix, but is that stupid overkill lol

 

[doitttt]

jake 2
The little Adum 3165 gives it a lift in the sound to much better
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...684e430416cb82acb47240cb9d2&afSmartRedirect=y

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Yeah...after comparing various paths, weighing their pros and cons, I decided to go to the USB route using AD's upgradeable Nocturnes USB Conditioning Over Fiber Optics. Will have it with built in Giesemann Queen OCXO clock. Powered with Plixir's BDC Elite MKII LPS. All under Phoenix USB's MSRP.

 

[doitttt]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006310871894.html
ADUM4166 Usb Isolator
could well compare lhy uip with ADUM4166 Usb Isolator think not that much difference power regulator
is lt1963a noise 40uv
ADUM4166 and upgrades the OCXO constant temperature crystal oscillator and top-level frequency synthesis
SI5341 is used for isolator chips and data reformers, with solid-state polymer capacitors and ultra-low noise fast feedback voltage regulators
The device has a volume of 110 * 88 * 45mm, powered by a 9V power supply, and requires a current of 1.5a or above
The built-in SC cut OCX0 phase noise performance reaches -100dBc/Hz (1Hz) must be 10hz not 1hz


purchased ADUM4166 Usb Isolator
together with ISOUSB211DPEVM board which is running now
but have an extra ADUM3165 smart solution
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...89c76a294e4f96a681f156fe4aad17-1727920967687- 02402-_Dlppdsf&tt=CPS_NORMAL&aff_fsk=_Dlppdsf&aff_platform=portals-tool&sk=_Dlppdsf&aff_trace_key=0e89c76a294e4f96a681f156fe4aad17-1727920967687-02402-_Dlppdsf&terminal_id=7fd0a 684e430416cb82acb47240cb9d2&afSmartRedirect= y

 

[darcman]

Yeah...after comparing various paths, weighing their pros and cons, I decided to go to the USB route using AD's Nocturnes USB Conditioning Over Fiber Optics. Will have it with built in Giesemann Queen OCXO clock. Powered with Plixir's BDC Elite MKII LPS. All under Phoenix USB's MSRP.

All that sounds nice, but not really cheap either. Before I bought my Phoenix I was thinking SOTM USB Ultra + clock + linear power supply + clock cables...then I read a pretty indepth review where the guy said the Phoenix was better. His conclusion was if he had to do it over again was save the spaghetti and just buy a Phoenix. My conclusion after I bought the Phoenix was it is awesome but bloody expensive. Before I bought the Phoenix I read just about everything I could read on it. The great thing was it improved the sound in I think every DAC it touched which is testament to its abilities...its still bloody expensive though.

 

[darcman]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006310871894.html
ADUM4166 Usb Isolator
could well compare lhy uip with ADUM4166 Usb Isolator think not that much difference power regulator
is lt1963a noise 40uv
ADUM4166 and upgrades the OCXO constant temperature crystal oscillator and top-level frequency synthesis
SI5341 is used for isolator chips and data reformers, with solid-state polymer capacitors and ultra-low noise fast feedback voltage regulators
The device has a volume of 110 * 88 * 45mm, powered by a 9V power supply, and requires a current of 1.5a or above
The built-in SC cut OCX0 phase noise performance reaches -100dBc/Hz (1Hz) must be 10hz not 1hz


purchased ADUM4166 Usb Isolator
together with ISOUSB211DPEVM board which is running now
but have an extra ADUM3165 smart solution
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...89c76a294e4f96a681f156fe4aad17-1727920967687- 02402-_Dlppdsf&tt=CPS_NORMAL&aff_fsk=_Dlppdsf&aff_platform=portals-tool&sk=_Dlppdsf&aff_trace_key=0e89c76a294e4f96a681f156fe4aad17-1727920967687-02402-_Dlppdsf&terminal_id=7fd0a 684e430416cb82acb47240cb9d2&afSmartRedirect= y

So you got the 4166 Isolator??? I was looking at that and on the front it says 3166. The desrciption is kinda evasive about what chip they use. One other ad for looks to be the same isolator said it actually uses a 3166 chip. So you have to get a good power supply too. It would be interesting to see how it compares to a UIP. Personally if I didnt have a Phoenix I think I would get a UIP. I like the looks of it and the build looks nice. Hell I might even get a UIP anyways just to check it out.

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Yeah nice point. But I have to place a stop to a point how much I should spend. This is not the only hobby I have....

I was thinking of that too (phoenix USB). In fact in the classifieds there was/is a used unit foor 2KEur. But, if you see my config. Its no slouch either and upgradeable.

 

[Jake2]

All that sounds nice, but not really cheap either. Before I bought my Phoenix I was thinking SOTM USB Ultra + clock + linear power supply + clock cables...then I read a pretty indepth review where the guy said the Phoenix was better. His conclusion was if he had to do it over again was save the spaghetti and just buy a Phoenix. My conclusion after I bought the Phoenix was it is awesome but bloody expensive. Before I bought the Phoenix I read just about everything I could read on it. The great thing was it improved the sound in I think every DAC it touched which is testament to its abilities...its still bloody expensive though.

Yes I linked that review by AustinPop on AudiophileStyle upthread... here. Yes, damn expensive, the effect on my R26 was so potent it was a tempting upgrade path rather than a better DAC despite costing more than twice what the R26 did! Same deal I guess with the A26. But having shelled out on the LAiV Harmoy I can report LAiV + UIP etc beats R26 + Phoenix. X30 + Phoenix, now that'd be quite something.

So you got the 4166 Isolator??? I was looking at that and on the front it says 3166. The desrciption is kinda evasive about what chip they use. One other ad for looks to be the same isolator said it actually uses a 3166 chip. So you have to get a good power supply too. It would be interesting to see how it compares to a UIP. Personally if I didnt have a Phoenix I think I would get a UIP. I like the looks of it and the build looks nice. Hell I might even get a UIP anyways just to check it out.

As I reported upthread, the Phoenix was sensitive to the LHY placed upstream, improved in some respects, but not others.. on balance I felt it lost the lushness, the generous body and warmth that made the Phoenix special, maybe too much reclocking.

 

[darcman]

@Jake2 Congrats on the Harmony...you still need a Phoenix lol just kidding. Generally I am pretty happy with all my crap. I was just doing audio reading lately and got it in my brain new DAC hmmmm. I think for me there would be certain aspects of the Harmony I would love, but ultimately an X30 would be nearer my passion. When I look at the MH-DA006 it looks like it is built to an even higher standard than the X30...but it also cost more too.

 

[Jake2]

@Jake2 Congrats on the Harmony...you still need a Phoenix lol just kidding. Generally I am pretty happy with all my crap. I was just doing audio reading lately and got it in my brain new DAC hmmmm. I think for me there would be certain aspects of the Harmony I would love, but ultimately an X30 would be nearer my passion. When I look at the MH-DA006 it looks like it is built to an even higher standard than the X30...but it also cost more too.

There's a dude on Audiogon with the Harmony, the DA005 and now also the DA006 who rates the latter particularly highly.

 

[doitttt]

gustard X30
built-in clock should be as good as 10mhz clock
together with lhy uip it's a killer combo
together set extern to 10mhz clock for lhy uip

 

[SaiSai]

Just got the UIP for a few hours
my chain: Fiio SR11-usb-ifi ipurifier 3 (input)- (output) usb-Questyle CMA15
has audiable improvement
Furutech green fuse installed
Look forward for its peformance after burn in

 

[doitttt]

The built-in SC cut OCX0 phase noise performance reaches -100db 10hz
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006310871894.html
bought adum 4166 and I put together ISOUSB211DPEVM
https://www.mouser.dk/ProductDetail/Texas-Instruments/ISOUSB211DPEVM?qs=A6eO%2BMLsxmQxsQ5MYGLaYg==&utm_id=20109199418&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw3P-2BhAEEiwA3yPhwG0gxpCGOCBfE0JfM4skxNrS2 eHTLn2LHkYzU6GRWR1IZuhLhbdChRoCxmQQAvD_BwE&_gl=1*1x7dwe8*_ga*ODAxMjI4NzI1LjE3MTQ2NjM5OTY.*_ga_15W4STQT4T*MTcyNjAwNzU2NS4yOC4wLjE3MjYwMDc1Nj****guMC4w
it sounds really good, much better 3d and soft treble
very dynamic, better bass
I am very much looking forward to a lhy uip combined with a 10mhz clock
but first get on 1-12-2024
on usb just as well in the sound as a streamer
believe ocxo clock is important

 

[SaiSai]

The built-in SC cut OCX0 phase noise performance reaches -100db 10hz
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006310871894.html
bought adum 4166 and I put together ISOUSB211DPEVM
https://www.mouser.dk/ProductDetail/Texas-Instruments/ISOUSB211DPEVM?qs=A6eO%2BMLsxmQxsQ5MYGLaYg==&utm_id=20109199418&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw3P-2BhAEEiwA3yPhwG0gxpCGOCBfE0JfM4skxNrS2 eHTLn2LHkYzU6GRWR1IZuhLhbdChRoCxmQQAvD_BwE&_gl=1*1x7dwe8*_ga*ODAxMjI4NzI1LjE3MTQ2NjM5OTY.*_ga_15W4STQT4T*MTcyNjAwNzU2NS4yOC4wLjE3MjYwMDc1Nj****guMC4w
it sounds really good, much better 3d and soft treble
very dynamic, better bass
I am very much looking forward to a lhy uip combined with a 10mhz clock
but first get on 1-12-2024
on usb just as well in the sound as a streamer
believe ocxo clock is important

got a 2nd hand ock 1 yesterday, forming a great partnership with uip