That said I have a DIYinHK Pro3z coming soon to compare to the F-1. XU216 vs XU208. NDK SD clocks vs Crystek CCHD-575 clocks - lower noise on board regulators.
So that will be interesting.
http://www.diyinhk.com/shop/audio-kits/111-xmos-192khz-high-quality-usb-to-spdif-with-ultralow-noise-1uv-regulator-wmanual-power-switch.html
You're waiting for it ! Lucky you because they run out of stock... and I just planned to test it.
I sent them a mail to know about availability. I'll post the info whan I got it.
This is the info I got from a guy on a french forum who's testing the F-1 vs the Pro3z :
First : he did not test both according to the "rule". He tested the F-1 with power from the PC, and powered the Pro3z with an ifi power 5V. As power supply is critical, conclusion might not be definitive.
His result is :
- the Pro3z offers more clarity, more "air"; more définition than the F-1 ; but the Pro3z tends to lead to a more tiring listening over time.
This is rough conclusion because the Pro3z was not completly burnt in.
Let's wait for your own tests.
Regarding your comments about the Corning 3.Optical, I'm not as strict as you are :
ok, on CA forum some people faced reliabilty issue, that's old story now ; it was dure to a wrong batch. Mine works still perfectly after 3years...
Regarding isolation with the Corning :
- if you use it as such, I'm OK, SQ can be slightly harsh.
- to overcome this harshness (light), I use it that way :
1. the Corning is basically a USB link (30ft in perfect for me) between PC & the USB>spdif interface.
2. I cut the power from the PC at the 1st end, and power the Corning with a stabilized PS. By doing so, I give proper current to the end tip of the Corning the do the conversion optical>USB. This PS brings a lot & calm down the slight harshness
3. also, I cut the current that leak from the Corning at the end tip (USB interface side), and provide clean power from another stabilized PS. I have to do so becasue the Breeze interface requires power for the handshake. This 2nd PS at end tip brings much less than the 1st one.
That's jst to say that this Corning can be a very good cable.
I trust you when you presents your great USB chain, for sure it is pretty efficient ; but the Corning can be another option, maybe less efficient, but less expensive & less tricky to implement.
Rgds & thanks for your reply & your great inputs !