[tomscy2000]

Just recently found out about the new Firestone Audio FireKey Series; they're a series of portable USB products:

BlackKey USB DAC -- looks like a portable USB DAC similar to a Hifiman HM-101, from USB straight to a 3.5mm analog ouput
RedKey USB Translator --- a DDC-type component; translates USB to Coaxial
GreenKey USB Isolator --- not sure what this thing does... looks like another USB output on the other end??? Probably an USB noise filter...
 
Looks promising!
 

 

[ClieOS]

Quote:

GreenKey USB Isolator --- not sure what this thing does... looks like another USB output on the other end???

Basically It is used to filter out noise coming from the PC. It does what its name has suggested, isolates the downstream from the upstream.
 
 

 

[tomscy2000]

Nice. I'll probably get the most use out of that one... Do you have samples already? At any rate, I'll be trying them out in a few weeks' time.
 
Quote:

Basically It is used to filter out noise coming from the PC. It does what its name has suggested, isolates the downstream from the upstream.

 

 

[skip129]

Is there a website with more info? I am particularly interested in the USB filter. (GreenKey). 

 

[tomscy2000]

I can't really find much information on it other than the teaser picture I posted. I got it off FSA's Facebook page...
 
It'll be available in Taiwan starting next week, but I'll be extremely busy in the next couple of weeks, so I won't have time to check them out until mid-January.

 

[ClieOS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomscy2000 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
Do you have samples already? At any rate, I'll be trying them out in a few weeks' time.

Nope, doubt they want me to review for them anyway. I am interested in the isolator as well if it is on a decent price.
 

 

[cifani090]

Those remind me of the HRT DAC's.

 

[tomscy2000]

The promo price here is around $60, but I have no idea what the regular price will be, nor what the price will be to buyers overseas.
 
Quote:

Nope, doubt they want me to review for them anyway. I am interested in the isolator as well if it is on a decent price.

 

 

[ClieOS]

Quote:

The promo price here is around $60, but I have no idea what the regular price will be, nor what the price will be to buyers overseas.
 

Not a bad price actually. USB isolator can be found from $20 to $120. I even saw a PCB only version on eBay for $35.
 
 

 

[tomscy2000]

tried out the GreenKey today... didn't really hear a difference, but it works as advertised...

 

[skip129]

If you weren't having any noise/interference problems without the GreenKey, it's not going to do anything else to improve the sound I don't think.

 

[tomscy2000]

yeah, most definitely. not hearing a difference was what i expected. they're really portable, just a tiny bit larger than a USB key. Sitting next to the DACPort, it was about 3/4 it's size.

 

[skip129]

Does the GreenKey support USB 2?

 

[tomscy2000]

I don't know what mode it was in, but I don't see any reason why it shouldn't

 

[drez]

Most USB isolation I have seen on the market support USB 2.0 low and Full speed but NOT High Speed.
 
If this has high speed, which I personally doubt it does, I would buy it in an instant (for use in isolating external hard drives etc)
 
I would probably not use these with a DAC or D/D converter as I found negative results with this even with the supposedly best OMILEX.