Your System’s Silent Hero: iFi launches LAN iPurifier Pro under new SilentPower brand!

[pompon]

Whether the IPP is better before or after a switch surely has to depend on the switch + PS combo and the PS used with the IPP, so one’s mileage may vary - switch downstream/just before the streamer isn’t always going to be best, but it’s absolutely what I’d expect in @alafu ’s case with his custom switch w/ precise oscillator and segregated power supplies. I found the pecking order of my switches, FMCs and LAN isolators was clear enough, but not something you could ‘science’.

Switch netgear gs108v3 with uptone js-2 power supply on the switch and IPP (ifi purifier pro) with ifi Usb power for the IPP.

before / after / without switch ... very similar.
Will need time and attention because on a quick tests, they sound "same"

 

[SHXMD]

Switch netgear gs108v3 with uptone js-2 power supply on the switch and IPP (ifi purifier pro) with ifi Usb power for the IPP.

before / after / without switch ... very similar.
Will need time and attention because on a quick tests, they sound "same"

Sir, just to be clear-you are using a Netgear 50 dollar switch with a Uptone js-2 linear power supply (with two outputs) at 1000 dollars with the IPP using the provided wall wart?

I look forward to the testing results!

 

[pompon]

I have Uptone JS-2.

I am using the 2 output : 1 -> My exaSound Sigma streamer, 2-> Netgear GS108v3
I am using IFI Usb Power on my IFI Purifier Pro.

I want test all the combinaisons:

Supply Uptone JS-2 on Purifier vs IFI USB Power
Switch before and after the Purifier.

 

[SHXMD]

Sorry to bug but any results?

 

[TheR0v3r]

Update
I’ve decided to cancel my order for the iFi Elite and instead focus my efforts on the Keces P6. It’s nothing against the Elite it’s just that the Keces P6 is actually really, really good and it because it can power both switches I only need to add one power cord (instead of two which would be the case with Elite).

I’ve noticed that the DC cables included with the Keces is holding it back so those will have to be upgraded. On top of that some minor modifications to the Keces P6 itself: upgraded fuse and isolation footers. In a couple of weeks we’ll see how well the iPP performs with an upgraded LPS and what the difference is vs the iFi iPower X.

After a long wait most of the components have finally arrived (not the fuse!). In the end I also ordered an iFi Elite to use with the streamer, not the iPP. So with everything connected the networking part of the chain looks like this:

FTTH -> IFi LAN iSilencer -> Router -> Ethernet Cat6 -> iPP w/Keces P6 & GhentAudio DC cable -> Ethernet Cat6a 1.5m -> Netgear ProSafe GS105 w/Keces P6 & GhentAudio DC cable -> Ethernet Cat6 1.5m -> Streamer w/iFi Elite ->

Now the waiting game; allowing time for everything to settle before it’s time to check the results.

 

[pompon]

For me, just IFI Purifier, the sound is little too much dry/unvolvoving.
If I put my switch Netgear GS108v3 BEFORE the IFI, the result is very appreciable.

Sound is MUCH fuller and juicy and more wide.

The RJ45 at the input of the IFI Purifier is important ! I test the one coming with and linkup 30cm and I prefer much more the linkup.

 

[SHXMD]

Tested the iFi Power 2 against the iFi Power X in the iPP and actually did hear a very small difference in my system. Did not have my test subject available so will retest again to make sure. I also have a new 5 volt LPS destined for elsewhere in system and will try that against both also.

Will see…

 

[pompon]

I tested my IFI Purifier Pro with IFI USB Power as 5 volts power supply
vs
Silent Angel Bonn N8 with Forester 1 power supply with Luna Orange DC cable.

Well ...

N8 is much better, more texture, more expansive stage, more evident reverb.
When I put a standard switch before the IPP, it's a important step up but with N8 I didn't hear improvement.

Not the same price 4-5x higher ... of course but for sure a switch like netgear before the IPP is pretty much required IMO to bring some texture.

 

[TheR0v3r]

After a long wait most of the components have finally arrived (not the fuse!). In the end I also ordered an iFi Elite to use with the streamer, not the iPP. So with everything connected the networking part of the chain looks like this:

FTTH -> IFi LAN iSilencer -> Router -> Ethernet Cat6 -> iPP w/Keces P6 & GhentAudio DC cable -> Ethernet Cat6a 1.5m -> Netgear ProSafe GS105 w/Keces P6 & GhentAudio DC cable -> Ethernet Cat6 1.5m -> Streamer w/iFi Elite ->

Now the waiting game; allowing time for everything to settle before it’s time to check the results.

Update
Focusing on the SilentPower LAN iPurifier Pro (iPP) I’ve switched the power supplies (iFi iPower X 5v and Keces P6) around with some interesting observations.

I’m actually prefering SMPS vs LPS on the iPP. Even though the Keces is running with a topnotch power cord ($$$) and excellent DC cable the iPP comes across as somewhat less agile, ”slower” than when using the iPower X. (The LPS however works much better on the streamer than the SMPS so it’s situation specific).

Just extrapolating from this the upgrade path when it comes to power supplies for the iPP might be from the iPower X to the iFi Elite and not a LPS. I have no way of testing this because my iFi Elite is the 12v version (but my Netgear GS105 uses 12v so there I can do a comparison between the iFi Elite 12v and the Keces P6).

P.S. Try Andy Akiho ”Pillar 1” from the album ”Seven Pillars” or Charly Antolini ”Cha Cha Bonita” from ”Knock Out 2000” to get a sense of what I mean. These are two great test tracks for dynamics, impact, ”slam” etc.

 

[audiobomber]

Try Andy Akiho ”Pillar 1” from the album ”Seven Pillars” or Charly Antolini ”Cha Cha Bonita” from ”Knock Out 2000” to get a sense of what I mean. These are two great test tracks for dynamics, impact, ”slam” etc.

I own iFi iPower, iPower2 and iPower X supplies. I had the iFi Elite in-house for a couple of weeks and compared it to a Zero-Zone 2020 SS LPS, on my PlayPoint streamer and e32 II DAC, EtherRegen and router. Linear power was better in each case; smoother highs, warmer sound, with significantly more bass power. My best supplies currently are Teddy Pardo MiniTeddy, which provided a further upgrade over the Zero-Zone. I am not suggesting that linear power is always better. I have experienced situations as you have, where either LPS or SMPS was preferred.

I have recently heard advice that testing for digital noise is most clearly shown by listening for sibilance in vocals. I find "The Wind Song" from the Patricia Barber album "Smash" highly useful for this test. Apparently Hans Beekhuyzen suggested a Jennifer Warnes song, but I haven't found which. I would be interested to hear whether there is any difference in sibilance with your Keces and Elite powering the iPP.

 

[SHXMD]

I own iFi iPower, iPower2 and iPower X supplies. I had the iFi Elite in-house for a couple of weeks and compared it to a Zero-Zone 2020 SS LPS, on my PlayPoint streamer and e32 II DAC, EtherRegen and router. Linear power was better in each case; smoother highs, warmer sound, with significantly more bass power. My best supplies currently are Teddy Pardo MiniTeddy, which provided a further upgrade over the Zero-Zone. I am not suggesting that linear power is always better. I have experienced situations as you have, where either LPS or SMPS was preferred.

I have recently heard advice that testing for digital noise is most clearly shown by listening for sibilance in vocals. I find "The Wind Song" from the Patricia Barber album "Smash" highly useful for this test. Apparently Hans Beekhuyzen suggested a Jennifer Warnes song, but I haven't found which. I would be interested to hear whether there is any difference in sibilance with your Keces and Elite powering the iPP.

My review of the information/literature/testing/blogs/etc seems to confirm that the upgraded SMPS “sound better” where speed is the issue (e.g. switches). LPSs seem to shine when clean steady stable current is required (e.g. DACs, streamers).

The device at issue here is the iPP which is a powered isolator or specialized type of relay (?). As function is proprietary I can only discover the best source of power by trial and error. As noted-Tested the iFi Silent Power 2 and iFi Power X and did hear a very small difference but need to repeat to confirm since I did not have a test subject.

Also as noted will test both against LPS (Small Green Computer). Just arrived and passing the 3rd hour (going for 20) of burn in.

To be continued…

 

[TheR0v3r]

I own iFi iPower, iPower2 and iPower X supplies. I had the iFi Elite in-house for a couple of weeks and compared it to a Zero-Zone 2020 SS LPS, on my PlayPoint streamer and e32 II DAC, EtherRegen and router. Linear power was better in each case; smoother highs, warmer sound, with significantly more bass power. My best supplies currently are Teddy Pardo MiniTeddy, which provided a further upgrade over the Zero-Zone. I am not suggesting that linear power is always better. I have experienced situations as you have, where either LPS or SMPS was preferred.

I have recently heard advice that testing for digital noise is most clearly shown by listening for sibilance in vocals. I find "The Wind Song" from the Patricia Barber album "Smash" highly useful for this test. Apparently Hans Beekhuyzen suggested a Jennifer Warnes song, but I haven't found which. I would be interested to hear whether there is any difference in sibilance with your Keces and Elite powering the iPP.

Appreciate your input, thanks.

My current and somewhat convoluted chain looks like this:

FTTH -> IFi LAN iSilencer -> Router -> Ethernet Cat6 -> Netgear GS105 w/iFi Elite 12v -> iPP Ethernet Cat6 -> iPP w/iFi iPower X 5v-> Ethernet Cat6a 1.5m -> Netgear ProSafe GS105 w/Keces P6 at 12V & GhentAudio DC cable -> Ethernet Cat6 1.5m -> Streamer w/Keces P6 & GhentAudio DC cable ->

There is some minor sibilance in my system - I’m just not sure what causes it! Digital noise is actually what made me look at the network part of my system in the first place and, in the end, what lead me to the iPP. And listening for sibilance in (female) vocals is a great way to unearth digital noise; thanks for suggesting an excellent test track.

Taking a step back, the noise floor in my system is at an all-time low. It’s easy to hear tape or background noise, pick up on spatial cues etc. Right now I’m looking forward to some other changes in my setup (first and foremost inserting a DDC in the chain) than I’ll circle back and see what I can do with the iPP’s power supply.

Edit: BTW, a really fun test track is ”The Race” by Yello.

 

[audiobomber]

My review of the information/literature/testing/blogs/etc seems to confirm that the upgraded SMPS “sound better” where speed is the issue (e.g. switches). LPSs seem to shine when clean steady stable current is required (e.g. DACs, streamers).

Not always. I use linear supplies on my Silent Angel N8 and EtherRegen. I didn't try the Elite powering the N8 because the voltage was too high, but an inexpensive Welborne Labs PS-REG was definitely preferred over the iPower 5V and the medical grade PSU that came with the N8.

The device at issue here is the iPP which is a powered isolator or specialized type of relay (?). As function is proprietary I can only discover the best source of power by trial and error. As noted-Tested the iFi Silent Power 2 and iFi Power X and did hear a very small difference but need to repeat to confirm since I did not have a test subject.

As I understand it, the iPP converts electrical to optical and back again. You could do the same with two FMCs, two SFPs and a fiber cable.

Also as noted will test both against LPS (Small Green Computer). Just arrived and passing the 3rd hour (going for 20) of burn in.
To be continued…

 

[TheR0v3r]

Update
Focusing on the SilentPower LAN iPurifier Pro (iPP) I’ve switched the power supplies (iFi iPower X 5v and Keces P6) around with some interesting observations.

I’m actually prefering SMPS vs LPS on the iPP. Even though the Keces is running with a topnotch power cord ($$$) and excellent DC cable the iPP comes across as somewhat less agile, ”slower” than when using the iPower X. (The LPS however works much better on the streamer than the SMPS so it’s situation specific).

Just extrapolating from this the upgrade path when it comes to power supplies for the iPP might be from the iPower X to the iFi Elite and not a LPS. I have no way of testing this because my iFi Elite is the 12v version (but my Netgear GS105 uses 12v so there I can do a comparison between the iFi Elite 12v and the Keces P6).

P.S. Try Andy Akiho ”Pillar 1” from the album ”Seven Pillars” or Charly Antolini ”Cha Cha Bonita” from ”Knock Out 2000” to get a sense of what I mean. These are two great test tracks for dynamics, impact, ”slam” etc.

After testing LPS vs SMPS on the Netgear GS105 I’ve decided to stick with SMPS (iFi Elite and iPpwer X) for my network switches. Initially a LPS impresses but in the long run there is a lack of dynamics and energy that just makes everything sound ”pleasant”. The problem is that a band like ”Rage Against the Machine” is not supposed to sound pleasant!

 

[audiobomber]

After testing LPS vs SMPS on the Netgear GS105 I’ve decided to stick with SMPS (iFi Elite and iPpwer X) for my network switches. Initially a LPS impresses but in the long run there is a lack of dynamics and energy that just makes everything sound ”pleasant”. The problem is that a band like ”Rage Against the Machine” is not supposed to sound pleasant!

There is no pat answer; different systems, different music, personal preference. The main thing is you tested and have what you want.