I received the nano iGalvanic and Gemini/ Mercury cables today and added them between my laptop and the micro iUSB 3.0.
I am not used to describe how something 'sounds' but would like to share some quick impressions and comparisons:
1. Laptop > Mercury > micro iUSB 3.0 > DAC
This is my original setup. Compared to direct output, the iUSB improves clarity, soundstage and separation, offering a fast and crisp sound. With some old DACs it dramatically widens the soundstage as well (on my Sony UDA-1). The Mercury cable offers better separation and clarity than the stock USB cable that came with the iUSB.
However, the drawback here is that this setup sounds flat and harsh, with the vocals and bass kind of losing their 'focus' and all the sounds drawn back away from my ears. It is a kind of artificial sound signature that lacks focus and smoothness. For these reasons, it often became dull with annoying trebles, especially for long-time listening.
2. Laptop > Gemini > iGalvanic > Mercury > micro iUSB 3.0 > DAC
Simply great.
The artificialness of the previous setup is significantly reduced by the addition of nano iGalvanic. The focus of vocals and lows are back. Together they make a rich, holographic sound with more depth. Trebles might still be slightly harsh though.
The power head of the Gemini cable was connected to iUSB's power port and the data head to the computer usb port.
3. Laptop > Gemini > iGalvanic > DAC
It's pretty much like setup 2 minus setup 1, a natural and rich sound just slightly muffled, lacking the clarity brought by the iUSB. (clearer than direct connection though)
Issues: (@iFi audio )
1. With my setup, only using the Gemini cable to connect the iGalvanic to host laptop and the ground switch on the lower position will work --- with Mercury cable or other positions the audio always drops out after a few seconds of playback and never returns before reconnection. This might be that my DAC is USB powered, as the AC powered Sony DAC (previously mentioned) doesn't seem to have a problem.
2.Due to the terrible flexibility of the Mercury 3.0 cable I have to place the iGalvanic up side down upon the iUSB like this...... (with a piece of rubber in the middle, probably an accessory of micro iDSD BL) Would that be a problem to worry about?
Personally I consider the iUSB as a boost of clarity and separation, and the iGalvanic to offer cleaner power to achieve natural, non-fatigue sound with depth. They work best as a combo for me. If I can only get one of the two, soundwise I would get the iGalvanic, but the micro iUSB also act as a USB hub which is very convenient.
I am not used to describe how something 'sounds' but would like to share some quick impressions and comparisons:
1. Laptop > Mercury > micro iUSB 3.0 > DAC
This is my original setup. Compared to direct output, the iUSB improves clarity, soundstage and separation, offering a fast and crisp sound. With some old DACs it dramatically widens the soundstage as well (on my Sony UDA-1). The Mercury cable offers better separation and clarity than the stock USB cable that came with the iUSB.
However, the drawback here is that this setup sounds flat and harsh, with the vocals and bass kind of losing their 'focus' and all the sounds drawn back away from my ears. It is a kind of artificial sound signature that lacks focus and smoothness. For these reasons, it often became dull with annoying trebles, especially for long-time listening.
2. Laptop > Gemini > iGalvanic > Mercury > micro iUSB 3.0 > DAC
Simply great.
The artificialness of the previous setup is significantly reduced by the addition of nano iGalvanic. The focus of vocals and lows are back. Together they make a rich, holographic sound with more depth. Trebles might still be slightly harsh though.
The power head of the Gemini cable was connected to iUSB's power port and the data head to the computer usb port.
3. Laptop > Gemini > iGalvanic > DAC
It's pretty much like setup 2 minus setup 1, a natural and rich sound just slightly muffled, lacking the clarity brought by the iUSB. (clearer than direct connection though)
Issues: (@iFi audio )
1. With my setup, only using the Gemini cable to connect the iGalvanic to host laptop and the ground switch on the lower position will work --- with Mercury cable or other positions the audio always drops out after a few seconds of playback and never returns before reconnection. This might be that my DAC is USB powered, as the AC powered Sony DAC (previously mentioned) doesn't seem to have a problem.
2.Due to the terrible flexibility of the Mercury 3.0 cable I have to place the iGalvanic up side down upon the iUSB like this...... (with a piece of rubber in the middle, probably an accessory of micro iDSD BL) Would that be a problem to worry about?
Personally I consider the iUSB as a boost of clarity and separation, and the iGalvanic to offer cleaner power to achieve natural, non-fatigue sound with depth. They work best as a combo for me. If I can only get one of the two, soundwise I would get the iGalvanic, but the micro iUSB also act as a USB hub which is very convenient.