Schiit Decrapifier released - USB power isolator

[ogodei]

 
The fact that the Wyrd exists suggests that USB audio may be overrated.  Perhaps we should be pushing for more computer SPDIF solutions.

 
That is a very insightful point.

 

[KLJTech]

   
I have used it for about 4 weeks with 3 different powered DACs (including Gungnir) and 2 different amps.  In casual listening so far, no sonic differences.  It certainly it does not, and I quote, "work magic" as has been claimed elsewhere around here.
 
I picked up a Modi to try it with an un-powered DAC but no chance to test this out yet.
 
And for me it does not fix 'skipping,' as on my machine the skipping is not caused by power or USB issues.  I'm interested to hear details on other people's results on fixing skips.

 
What OS are you using? Which audio player are you using for music playback? Are you using USB 2.0 or 3.0?
Have you tried something like J.River Media Center and had it set for bit perfect output? http://www.jriver.com/audiophile.html

 

[castleofargh]

  Well, Schiit could build the Wyrd into a better USB board for the Bifrost I suppose (you'd have ask them) and charge the extra for that board instead. Same difference? 

that would make perfect sense to me. something optimally done for specified product, and no risk of redundancy
 

I have used it for about 4 weeks with 3 different powered DACs (including Gungnir) and 2 different amps.  In casual listening so far, no sonic differences.  It certainly it does not, and I quote, "work magic" as has been claimed elsewhere around here.  
I picked up a Modi to try it with an un-powered DAC but no chance to test this out yet.
 
And for me it does not fix 'skipping,' as on my machine the skipping is not caused by power or USB issues.  I'm interested to hear details on other people's results on fixing skips.

what OS and what audio player do you use? maybe a few settings values to? do your skips have a pattern(timing, length, linked to a hard disc stopping...)?
I'm guessing to solve skipping that came from the computer, the DAC(if asynchronous) or wyrd has to take command, if you're using wasapi in push mode that would probably forbid it from happening(but I'm guessing, I'm no wasapi expert).
did you try a few different buffer value?

 

[KLJTech]

 
The fact that the Wyrd exists suggests that USB audio may be overrated.  Perhaps we should be pushing for more computer SPDIF solutions.

 
Or just maybe since guys like Mike Moffat are still working to make it even better. Asynchronous USB DAC's haven't been around that long and they're getting better and less expensive all the time. 
 
What I don't understand is spending time speaking out against a product or device that I don't want or need. If someone thinks the Wyrd is silly/snake oil/Voodoo then don't buy one. 
 
Regarding S/PDIF, if your computer has a S/PDIF output go ahead and use it and if you prefer it to USB keep using it...problem solved. 

 

[ogodei]

Skipping on my box is caused by virtual machines sending out deferred procedure calls that screw with the buffers.  I know what causes it and and how to fix it generally; turn off the VMs or fiddle with buffers.
 
My point is that the Wyrd has no effect on anything that happens inside the machine PC besides droopy or saggy power, and so it can't fix any of those issues.  If it is fixing drops for some people I'm interested in what caused the drop outs in the first place.

 

[Sonido]

It seems the drops returned last night , though it does seem more infrequent or that could just be wishful thinking. YMMV for sure.

 

[CharlesC]

   
Or just maybe since guys like Mike Moffat are still working to make it even better. Asynchronous USB DAC's haven't been around that long and they're getting better and less expensive all the time. 
 
What I don't understand is spending time speaking out against a product or device that I don't want or need. If someone thinks the Wyrd is silly/snake oil/Voodoo then don't buy one. 
 
Regarding S/PDIF, if your computer has a S/PDIF output go ahead and use it and if you prefer it to USB keep using it...problem solved. 

I suspect the problem is with the computer USB implementations more than the audio devices themselves.  Anyway, just trying to provide a different perspective. 
 
So how did your test go last night?

 

[KLJTech]

Wyrd arrived a couple days ago, but the USB cable won't be here until today. I could have hooked it up but have been too busy and decided to wait for the cable to arrive before trying it out. 

 

[Wildcatsare1]

Wyrd arrived a couple days ago, but the USB cable won't be here until today. I could have hooked it up but have been too busy and decided to wait for the cable to arrive before trying it out. 

Now that your USB Cable is there, how is your test drive going?

 

[ProtegeManiac]

   
What I don't understand is spending time speaking out against a product or device that I don't want or need. If someone thinks the Wyrd is silly/snake oil/Voodoo then don't buy one. 

 
Much less a product where the manufacturer pokes fun at the snake oil angle of it and basically says it's only for fixing obvious problems.
 
Anyone tried this out with an Android USB OTG device yet? I'm curious if it can help power a USB DAC that needs 5v power. The powered hubs that are known to work aren't available locally, save for the locally overpriced Belkin.

 

[KLJTech]

Now that your USB Cable is there, how is your test drive going?

 
My .5m USB cable did arrive this afternoon but with my youngest son going back to school on Monday things have been a bit too busy to mess with setting it up. I thought I may have time this evening but his school had a conference/get-together this evening to meet the new teacher (get our new I.D's & parking passes) and look around the classroom so I haven't had time to mess with it. 
 
I was a little surprised how small the Wyrd is...if I'd paid any attention to the posted specs on the website I would have known. So this is the same chassis used by the Modi and Magni? I wonder if this device sells very well for Schiit if they'd consider another version with an aluminum case that better matches the Gungnir, Asgard 2 and so on. Regardless, it looks very nice and well built. I'll be sure to give it a try as soon as possible...hopefully tomorrow at some point. 
Take care.

 

[saxelrod92]

   
My .5m USB cable did arrive this afternoon but with my youngest son going back to school on Monday things have been a bit too busy to mess with setting it up. I thought I may have time this evening but his school had a conference/get-together this evening to meet the new teacher (get our new I.D's & parking passes) and look around the classroom so I haven't had time to mess with it. 
 
I was a little surprised how small the Wyrd is...if I'd paid any attention to the posted specs on the website I would have known. So this is the same chassis used by the Modi and Magni? I wonder if this device sells very well for Schiit if they'd consider another version with an aluminum case that better matches the Gungnir, Asgard 2 and so on. Regardless, it looks very nice and well built. I'll be sure to give it a try as soon as possible...hopefully tomorrow at some point. 
Take care.

I would say they wont be changing the chassis it is in simply because it saves them and, as an extension us, some money by only having a small selection of chassis for the metal shop to make, and then just change what they put inside of it. If you start making a bunch of different chassis types, then you start paying more for everything. I think they are going with the idea that everything 120 dollars and under (or so) will be this small chassis, and anything 200 and up will be the larger ones. And if you have not heard yet, in the latest post by schiit they plan to release 6 new products by the end of this year, 3 of them we know of, 3 of them we dont know. So theres quite a bit more stuff coming over the next few months.

 

[aamer23]

 
I would say they wont be changing the chassis it is in simply because it saves them and, as an extension us, some money by only having a small selection of chassis for the metal shop to make, and then just change what they put inside of it. If you start making a bunch of different chassis types, then you start paying more for everything. I think they are going with the idea that everything 120 dollars and under (or so) will be this small chassis, and anything 200 and up will be the larger ones. And if you have not heard yet, in the latest post by schiit they plan to release 6 new products by the end of this year, 3 of them we know of, 3 of them we dont know. So theres quite a bit more stuff coming over the next few months.

totally agree with you 

 

[KLJTech]

I'm sure you're right about the chassis. Six new products by the end of this year?!...my poor wallet. I may have too many hobbies. 

 

 

[saxelrod92]

  I'm sure you're right about the chassis. Six new products by the end of this year?!...my poor wallet. I may have too many hobbies. 

 

lol thats what Jason said. the first 3 we know of though: ragnarok, yggdrasil, and mani. The other 3 are totally unknown.