[StimpyWan]

One of my favorite bands. Back together again, with a new album due out next February. This live performance sounds great through my Modius>Lyr 2>HiFiMan HE-400i work set-up!

 

[iFi audio]

The iPurifier2, (I have the USB version).

Yep, that was my guess. Thanks and enjoy!

 

[cdacosta]

Has anyone tried a Ifi spdif ipurifier2 between a computer and a Modius? If you have what were your results?

I am thinking about trying one between a Asus MB with Realtek Spdif output and a Modius.

Thanks!

 

[G8torbyte]

One of my favorite bands. Back together again, with a new album due out next February. This live performance sounds great through my Modius>Lyr 2>HiFiMan HE-400i work set-up!

Nice, been a Tears for Fears fan going way back. They sound great in this live session.
WFUV's studio posts live sessions done well:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/enjoying-the-wfuv-studio-channel.905288/

 

[cdacosta]

With several other inexpensive DAC's in my secondary systems, I've consistently heard an improvement by replacing USB 5V power, fed from either my Dell laptop or RPi 3B+. I could not hear an improvement when I used the Modius with the laptop USB power vs. its supplied SMPS. YMMV, it's easy to try both ways if you own the DAC.


I have the laptop connected via USB to the Modius. The Eitr is connected to my NAS, via a 15' USB cable, coax out to the Modius. The S/PDIF source sounds better alright, however the Eitr is propped up by an iFi iDefender, an iPower feeding the Nobsound Isolator, and an iPurifier2. Each of these tweaks added some goodness. The Eitr on its own without the helpers sounds pretty dirty, not something I could live with.

I hooked the Modius up to my sMS-200 Neo, which is fed by a linear power supply. With other DAC's, this setup murders the laptop. With the Modius, I heard very little difference. IMO, the Modius/Unison is what it is. The fact that it sounds as good as it does with a regular laptop and the freebie USB cable, without tweaks, is an amazing feat. I really like the sound of my Modius desktop system, both via USB and the tricked-out Eitr.

After enough comparing of Spdif, Toslink and USB in my system (with all three hooked up at the same time so I can A/B/C compare them) I ordered a Ifi Spdif iPurifier 2 from Ifi through Amazon. USB from my computer is just so dirty when volume is turned up I think trying to clean it up will be a headache. Will take notes and post how this gadget effects my setup which will be computer Asus MB Spdif out to Modius. I will get it in a few days. More to come…

 

[iFi audio]

I am thinking about trying one between a Asus MB with Realtek Spdif output and a Modius.

If your MB sends out a signal that can be improved (and most likely it does), then you can expect greater smoothness, blacker background behind sound sources, less dryness and more air.

 

[cdacosta]

If your MB sends out a signal that can be improved (and most likely it does), then you can expect greater smoothness, blacker background behind sound sources, less dryness and more air.

We will know soon enough. What is the usual burn-in period? I plan to run a signal through it pretty much 24/7 and listen on and off during that time period to get a feel for the changes. Thanks!

 

[iFi audio]

What is the usual burn-in period? I plan to run a signal through it pretty much 24/7 and listen on and off during that time period to get a feel for the changes. Thanks!

Changes shouldn't be drastic (there are no massive caps/tubes etc. inside), but you might notice some improvements within first 50 hours or so.

 

[cdacosta]

Changes shouldn't be drastic (there are no massive caps/tubes etc. inside), but you might notice some improvements within first 50 hours or so.

Thanks for the reply. In this thread and on reviews of the Spdif iPurifier 2 many have mentioned changes over time, basically burn-in. My experience with anything related to audio aside passive tweaks usually will have a settling in (AKA burn-in) time. Will take notes and report back, could help others considering trying this device.

 

[iFi audio]

Thanks for the reply. In this thread and on reviews of the Spdif iPurifier 2 many have mentioned changes over time, basically burn-in. My experience with anything related to audio aside passive tweaks usually will have a settling in (AKA burn-in) time. Will take notes and report back, could help others considering trying this device.

We don't discard effects of burn-in, but in case of i.e. products without moving parts (membranes etc.) or specific types of active devices (tubes, transistors) they're usually smaller. But once in a while we get feedback with happy customers who write to us how much better recklockers and galvanic isolators got in time

Please report back, I'm always happy to hear how our digital sorters work

 

[cdacosta]

Here is my experience with the ifi Spdif iPurifier 2

This is how the ifi Spdif iPurifier 2 is installed in my system:
Windows 10 PC (Asus MB with Realtek Spdif output) --> Spdif cable built by me --> ifi Spdif iPurifier 2 --> Modius --> Musical Fidelity X-10v3 tube stage --> Asgard 3 --> Cardas Clear Light cable --> Audeze LCD-XC (2021).

From being in the home audio hobby for 25+ years I have a lot of very nice ancillary gear and cables. I used a lot of these ancillary cables and isolation power conditioners with the above setup to tweak and tune this headphone setup, this is before the ifi Spdif iPurifier 2 installation. The only thing that changed with my setup is the insertion of the ifi Spdif iPurifier 2 between Spdif cable and Modius. The below review is going to show I really liked what this ifi device does for my setup. But before trying the device I was not expecting a whole lot. I knew cleaning up a source signal "could" make a big difference but for $200 it was just a lets see for fun experiment. If it did not show enough value I was planning to return it.

The TL;DR review: Ever have something that you liked and would not be without it? This is the case for me, in my system with the ifi Spdif iPurifier 2. I will not listen to it now without it. "After enough burn-in" the sonic performance and how engaging the listening experience is drastic. YMMV but in my experience rarely can $200 (or $230 with tax and shipping) yield such a sonic improvement. This also has showed me how bad the output of Spdif is from my ASUS motherboard is. My setup sounded very good before, now it sounds fantastic and much more engaging. If you want more performance and the cost of the ifi Spdif iPurifier 2 is within reach, I highly recommend trying this device within your system. Amazon has a 30 day return policy just in case you do not see the value in it.

The Review:

Burn-in:
There is about 80 hours of continues signal through the unit so far. Burn-in is real on the unit I have. I would listen to the system during the stated burn-in period on and off a few times a day. When first installed the system sounded way off. Then it goes through a lot of sonic swings like 30%+ loss of bass, pitchy upper mids, very lean sound signature, weird sounding timing, etc. Then parts snap back and go away. At around the 50 hour mark the system started to stabilize and sound more like it should, meaning with timing/cohesiveness and without the weird peaks and dips in the frequency range. Now at around 80 hours or so it really sounds fantastic. To burn-in the device I ran pink noise and brown noise through the unit from PC 24/7 (when I am not listening). Asgard 3 was powered on but volume turned all the way down during burn-in. I leave the Modius and Asgard 3 on 24/7.

What bothered me:
Before sharing what this device did for my system I want to mention the one thing that I do not like. The ifi device is suppose to plug directly into the DAC Spdif input. The fit is a tad loose, not firm into socket. I am use to WBT or Eichmann plugs that fit tight, this fits like a cheap weak freebie RCA plug when inserted to the Modius. Does stay in place and works, but not very reassuring.

Noise Reduction:
Now a days when watching or reading reviews what is mentioned often is "source gear". These reviewers are referring to DAC and amp. When I think source gear I think of the component that is supplying the source signal. The old adage of "garbage in, garbage out" is what this ifi device is addressing. The reason Spdif is used in my setup vs USB is less noise when volume is turned up. And Spdif in my setup sounded very close to USB, Toslink was to lean for my taste. For some context, without the ifi device when the computer is turned off (no signal) the Asgard 3 (in high gain) volume can be cranked to max (5 o'clock) and there is no noise or distortion. With computer turned on (still no signal) noise can be heard at about 2 o'clock or so and gets louder as the volume is turned up. USB in my system is worse and I can hear the hard drive and bus sounds. With the ifi device installed into system, with computer on and no signal I can crank the volume all the way up to max and there is zero noise! Is this the galvanic isolation doing its thing?

Sonic performance difference:
This is the hardest part of any review because it is very subjective and often hard to articulate. Everything in this section will be the difference after inserting the ifi Spdif iPurifier 2 into system and after burn-in (notice I keep bringing this up?). Improvements were quite vast, spanning the entire frequency spectrum. Detail retrieval vastly improved, separation of all sounds, decay, realism or timbre improved. Macro dynamics (soft to loud) improved also but not to the same extent, maybe by 5%-10%. Also to note even though the bass is more defined, more texture and nuanced there is approx. a .5db loss in bass. I did have to boost EQ +.5 bd to get the punch I use to have. Everything heard has more texture and is more nuanced and is more clearly defined and separated then before.

Maybe it is all those raves, clubbing and concerts when younger that has impaired my hearing. I like listening at a higher volume, I can usually hear everything better. But now I can listen at a lower volume and everything seems to be heard clearly. Before sometimes certain sounds sounded a tad fuzzy or smeared until I turned up the volume. To summarize, the addition of the ifi Spdif iPurifier 2 to my system has definitely increased the level of enjoyment while listening to it. I really liked the system before but now it feels addictive! Bravo ifi, incredible bang for the buck!

Oh yah, YMMV and I have no affiliation with ifi. ifi does offer a similar USB product but I have not tried it. Hopefully this review helps someone else.

Peace

 

[Reputator]

Received the Modius today. When I first hooked it up, I thought I heard a big difference in soundstage and upper midrange/treble detail, and overall separation compared to my Mimby (v2).

But to be sure, I rigged up JRiver to output to both devices and hooked them up to the two inputs on my amp, that way I can seamlessly switch between them with the flick of a switch. I literally couldn't tell a difference! This was through my HEDDphones, btw.

Oh well! I'm still going to do more listening, but these are just my initial impressions.

(Mimby is using optical input, Modius is going through Unison USB; tried both with and without external power on the Modius; both single-ended).

 

[Runrunsmithfly]

I think that Modius and Mimby( v2 ) sound similar too. Different soundstage presentations for me. I use my DACs with an Audiolab transport connected with an Audioquest coax cable. Both are great budget DACs.

 

[iFi audio]

Here is my experience with the ifi Spdif iPurifier 2

This is how the ifi Spdif iPurifier 2 is installed in my system:
Windows 10 PC (Asus MB with Realtek Spdif output) --> Spdif cable built by me --> ifi Spdif iPurifier 2 --> Modius --> Musical Fidelity X-10v3 tube stage --> Asgard 3 --> Cardas Clear Light cable --> Audeze LCD-XC (2021).

From being in the home audio hobby for 25+ years I have a lot of very nice ancillary gear and cables. I used a lot of these ancillary cables and isolation power conditioners with the above setup to tweak and tune this headphone setup, this is before the ifi Spdif iPurifier 2 installation. The only thing that changed with my setup is the insertion of the ifi Spdif iPurifier 2 between Spdif cable and Modius. The below review is going to show I really liked what this ifi device does for my setup. But before trying the device I was not expecting a whole lot. I knew cleaning up a source signal "could" make a big difference but for $200 it was just a lets see for fun experiment. If it did not show enough value I was planning to return it.

The TL;DR review: Ever have something that you liked and would not be without it? This is the case for me, in my system with the ifi Spdif iPurifier 2. I will not listen to it now without it. "After enough burn-in" the sonic performance and how engaging the listening experience is drastic. YMMV but in my experience rarely can $200 (or $230 with tax and shipping) yield such a sonic improvement. This also has showed me how bad the output of Spdif is from my ASUS motherboard is. My setup sounded very good before, now it sounds fantastic and much more engaging. If you want more performance and the cost of the ifi Spdif iPurifier 2 is within reach, I highly recommend trying this device within your system. Amazon has a 30 day return policy just in case you do not see the value in it.

The Review:

Burn-in:
There is about 80 hours of continues signal through the unit so far. Burn-in is real on the unit I have. I would listen to the system during the stated burn-in period on and off a few times a day. When first installed the system sounded way off. Then it goes through a lot of sonic swings like 30%+ loss of bass, pitchy upper mids, very lean sound signature, weird sounding timing, etc. Then parts snap back and go away. At around the 50 hour mark the system started to stabilize and sound more like it should, meaning with timing/cohesiveness and without the weird peaks and dips in the frequency range. Now at around 80 hours or so it really sounds fantastic. To burn-in the device I ran pink noise and brown noise through the unit from PC 24/7 (when I am not listening). Asgard 3 was powered on but volume turned all the way down during burn-in. I leave the Modius and Asgard 3 on 24/7.

What bothered me:
Before sharing what this device did for my system I want to mention the one thing that I do not like. The ifi device is suppose to plug directly into the DAC Spdif input. The fit is a tad loose, not firm into socket. I am use to WBT or Eichmann plugs that fit tight, this fits like a cheap weak freebie RCA plug when inserted to the Modius. Does stay in place and works, but not very reassuring.

Noise Reduction:
Now a days when watching or reading reviews what is mentioned often is "source gear". These reviewers are referring to DAC and amp. When I think source gear I think of the component that is supplying the source signal. The old adage of "garbage in, garbage out" is what this ifi device is addressing. The reason Spdif is used in my setup vs USB is less noise when volume is turned up. And Spdif in my setup sounded very close to USB, Toslink was to lean for my taste. For some context, without the ifi device when the computer is turned off (no signal) the Asgard 3 (in high gain) volume can be cranked to max (5 o'clock) and there is no noise or distortion. With computer turned on (still no signal) noise can be heard at about 2 o'clock or so and gets louder as the volume is turned up. USB in my system is worse and I can hear the hard drive and bus sounds. With the ifi device installed into system, with computer on and no signal I can crank the volume all the way up to max and there is zero noise! Is this the galvanic isolation doing its thing?

Sonic performance difference:
This is the hardest part of any review because it is very subjective and often hard to articulate. Everything in this section will be the difference after inserting the ifi Spdif iPurifier 2 into system and after burn-in (notice I keep bringing this up?). Improvements were quite vast, spanning the entire frequency spectrum. Detail retrieval vastly improved, separation of all sounds, decay, realism or timbre improved. Macro dynamics (soft to loud) improved also but not to the same extent, maybe by 5%-10%. Also to note even though the bass is more defined, more texture and nuanced there is approx. a .5db loss in bass. I did have to boost EQ +.5 bd to get the punch I use to have. Everything heard has more texture and is more nuanced and is more clearly defined and separated then before.

Maybe it is all those raves, clubbing and concerts when younger that has impaired my hearing. I like listening at a higher volume, I can usually hear everything better. But now I can listen at a lower volume and everything seems to be heard clearly. Before sometimes certain sounds sounded a tad fuzzy or smeared until I turned up the volume. To summarize, the addition of the ifi Spdif iPurifier 2 to my system has definitely increased the level of enjoyment while listening to it. I really liked the system before but now it feels addictive! Bravo ifi, incredible bang for the buck!

Oh yah, YMMV and I have no affiliation with ifi. ifi does offer a similar USB product but I have not tried it. Hopefully this review helps someone else.

Peace

Thanks a ton for your feedback and precise observations. Less fuzzy sound, blacker background and more details present during quiet playback are direct benefits of cleaner digital routes. It's not even about our products but how it works in general

 

[cdacosta]

Thanks a ton for your feedback and precise observations. Less fuzzy sound, blacker background and more details present during quiet playback are direct benefits of cleaner digital routes. It's not even about our products but how it works in general

My pleasure, I was happy to share my experience hoping it would help others. I am going to continue running signal through the device 24/7 to see if there are any other changes with a longer burn-in. The Spdif iPurifier 2 was a piece of the puzzle my system was missing, I am very happy I tried it! Never would of thought the PC motherboard Spdif output was so poor. Suppose to be a high end motherboard (kind of old now though) and a expensive power supply.