USB Nervosa Thread Decrapifiers, pro interfaces, and bears oh my

I have heard about people running multiple Jitterbugs/Regens/Wyrds in their system. I cannot see the value in this. Every added component is another point of complexity that could color the signal, right? I can understand why you might need to add one, the benefit to the system outweighing the cost of adding a component (presuming it's doing what the manufacturer claims), but adding multiples? Unless you're doing multiple cable runs (i.e. more than one source), I don't see why someone would choose to do that.

 

I connected just the Wyrd, to test, then just the Inotna High-Speed Isolator, then I conected both the Schiit Wyrd and Intona USB High-Speed Isolator in my chain to see if there was any differences/improvement in any of those configurations - I didn't notice a negative difference or added color with the two connected or just one or the other (at least in my case, that is not to say someone else might - however the Intona being first in the chain and directly connected to the USB host, if there is any coloration or noise etc, the Intona High-SPeed Isolator being first in the chain seemed to eliminate that (if there was any) at least in my setup. I make no claims that it would do the same for someone else's setup.

With both connected, it didn't add any extra noise or cause any additional issues although the Inotna did help with buffering issues and improved buffering and round-trip latency, as well as eliminate any noise from the host USB, like the Wyrd does. One or the other in the chain would be fine, but the Intona has a few more features. If the Schiit Wyrd solves your USB issues and you do not have USB latency or buffering problems, then the Schiit Wyrd is much cheaper, but if you do have USB latency, dropouts, or a lot of jitter and/or host software crashes, the Intonia might be the better choice. It all depends on the type of USB issue(s) you may be having. If you can get your USB issues solved with the Schiit Wyrd, then that is the much cheaper option. If you use the Wyrd and still experience latency, buffering issues, or host software crashes, then the Intona High-Speed USB Isolator would be something to consider. In my case it solved issues the Wyrd did not. My suggestion is go with the gear that is the cheapest option that solves your issue(s).

Here is how I had them setup in my chain:

Host PC (Using J-River MC21)->Intona High Speed USB Isolator->Schiit Wyrd->Bifrost (Usb Gen2)->Valhalla 2->HD800 (Z28 Mod)

I also tried, as explained above, using just the Schiit Wyrd in the chain, and just the Intona USB High-speed Isolator. But Even when using both, it did not have any negative effect on sound or latency. In my opinion, having them both in the chain really helped, but if you can solve your issues with the cheapest option, I would suggest going with that, althouh the Intona does offer extra features the Wyrd does not, but with an extra $158.00 price difference for the standard version with shipping for the standard version and an extra $248.00 with shipping for the industrial version of the Intona.

For specifications and features of the Intona, please visit their website below and you can compare it to the Schiit Wyrd's features.

Intona USB High-Speed Isolator Product Page:

http://intona.eu/en/products

Schiit Wyrd Product page:

http://schiit.com/products/wyrd

Intona High-Speed USB Isolator Feature rundown from Intona:

USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Isolator withstands up to 2.5kVRMS
This product is an ideal solution to break ground loops, avoid noise coupling and protect ports from power surges and voltage spikes in applications which require high speed USB transfers. The galvanic isolation barrier withstands potential difference up to 2500VRMS.

Features

• Provides galvanic isolation to the USB bus
• Compliant to USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (480 MBit/s)
• Backwards compatible to Full Speed and Low Speed
• Isolation withstands up to 2.5kVRMS
• Advanced ESD protection (15kV IEC Air-gap Discharge)
• Works out of the box, no drivers needed
• Transparent to host and device: wide compatibility to all operating systems, embedded systems and devices
• Works also with hubs and extenders
• Supports all USB-specific transfers and modes
• No additional round-trip latency
• Powered by USB bus, no separate power supply
• Ultra-quiet power rail isolation, linear regulation
• 300mA nominal (500mA max.) output current on isolated side
• Connectors: host-side USB-B; device-side USB-A
• Status LED for each port showing bus state and speed
• Impedance controlled high-speed circuit design
• National compliances: FCC, CE, RCM, ICES-003
• IP 54 ABS housing
• Dimensions: 105 x 76 x 36 mm
• Engineered and manufactured in Germany

Schiit Wyrd Feature Rundown from Schiit:

It seems like USB decrapification is really becoming a thing these days. Of course, other people call it different things, but let's face it: Wyrd was the first device to combine both a low-noise, linear power supply and USB hub chip (or "regeneration," if you want to be fancy) with a precision crystal oscillator. What does all this tech talk do for you? Simple. It can solve some sticky USB audio problems.

The Cure for Noise and Glitches
Have you ever heard strange noises from your USB DAC? Or have you had it “drop out” after the computer goes to sleep? Or does your computer have trouble recognizing your DAC at all? It could be due to noisy USB power, or USB port power management. Wyrd has you covered—Wyrd is the only USB decrapifier that includes a linear power supply (not a noisy switcher) and precision 2.5uV LM723 regulators with discrete pass elements for up to 200,000x less noise than what comes out of your USB port, up to 500mA—the full USB 2.0 spec.

Improves Sound, Color Printing, Data Stability
Yes. Some listeners say Wyrd improves the sound of their system. We won't make any such claim to sonic nirvana—sorry, creating expectation bias and neuro-lingustic programming ain't something that we do. Sonic improvements are for you to decide. The rest of it—color printing and data stability—that’s like saying charging your iPhone off Wyrd makes the battery last longer. Have fun with that one.

Works With Any USB DAC
Wyrd isn’t limited to working with Schiit products. You can use it with any USB DAC—2.0, 1.0, 32/384, DSD1024, whatever—it doesn’t care. All it’s doing is cleaning up the USB connection, and it supports all USB Audio Standards.

Specifications:

USB Ports: 1 in (Type B) and 1 out (Type A)
USB Mode: USB 2.0 (480Mbps), backwards-compatible to USB 1.1
USB Packet Repeater: Controlled via 20ppm crystal oscillator
USB Power Current Capability: Over 500mA (full USB 2.0 spec)
Power Supply Type: linear, with precision low-noise (2.5uV) voltage regulators
AC Power: 9VA 6VAC wall-wart
Power Consumption: 6W maximum, <1W typical (depends on power draw of USB device)
Size: 5 x 3.5 x 1.25”
Weight: 1 lb

As you can see by the respective manufacturer's features and specifications, the Intonia High-speed Isolator offers more features and solves more issues, however the price tag is also significantly higher than the Schiit Wyrd. Like I said, depending on your USB issues, in my opinion go with the cheapest option that solves any USB issues/problems you are having.

 

Small update now that I've been playing the Intona for almost 3 days.

I wouldn't promise you that it was true, but I think it might sound even better than the first night I fired it up. More fleshed out, more nuanced, more dynamic range... just more involving. First day I played over the speakers, and it was extremely likeable from the start. Second day I paired it with my Vali + HD650. And suddenly it started becoming very clear that I've never heard that combo sound quite this good. I was listening at lower volumes than ever before and feeling no need to turn it up at all. Even at super super low volume, everything remained distinct and clear.

Now I'm back on the speakers for today and it's just sounding super nice. Easy on the ears yet super punchy too.

I think anyone who listens a lot over a USB DAC needs to try one. Especially if you have a system you've put a lot of care and listening into. But I'd say give it a good week of exclusive play before making your decision. Just in case it really DOES get better with a little play.

 

Related to this thread:

 

Why would you have both the Wyrd and the Intonia in the chain?

 

Wyrd to act as the Good USB Hub for the Intonia as described here:

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f...puters-and-electronic-devices-isolator-26815/

 

I'm surprised you don't see increased jitter from your Corning Wire as that is basically a TOSLINK in between the USB connectors... If TOSLINK has jitter due to converting light to and from voltage, then I expect the Corning Wire to do the same thing. Is your cable run so long that optical beats out a well made USB cable? Or even going the network cable route?

 

Archimago did a jitter test comparsion between standard usb cable and corning optical usb cable:

Maybe there's other electrical reasons that the corning usb is better than standard usb cable.

The slow and aged TOSLINK only does 96Khz/192KHz(at best), which I don't think the Corning USB is based off since it needs to be able to deliver USB 3.0 speeds (100MBytes/sec+++)

here's an article on the optics material and science inside the corning cable:
http://www.tm-eetimes.com/en/test-a...ction.html?cmp_id=71&news_id=222919958&page=1

 

Thank you for all the posing.

I would indeed love to see some objective measure given that you are making specific claims. Sustained transfer speed tests are simple enough. You also have specific numbers for latency. I am intrigued by your impressions and that is indeed a solid motherboard. Thanks again and I look forward to Marv's impressions.

 

I am shipping the unit out to Marv tomorrow via Priority 2-day mail, he should receive it this Wednesday January 13th. While I can post transfer speeds and the reduction in buffering and latency, (with my own system) I do not have specialized measuring equipment like Marv and some of our other members do. So hopefully Marv can add more info and measurements to the Intona.

 

Today I received the Intona, and I wanted to post my initial impressions for all who are watching this item. I won't go on about it too much because I want to give it more time, but so far, my initial impressions are very positive. The major observation here is that it definitely lowers the noise floor. This is an area I've been wanting to improve on for awhile now, so I'm very happy so far. I'll keep on listening and probably provide more updates again later.

 

Thank you for starting this chain, I'm sorry I'm just seeing it now. Your post, overtly acerbic - not sure why you are angry - has lead to a chain of product bashing that has simply mislead many USB DAC owners from being able to make a fundamental improvement to their systems. We back our claims with scientific evidence, we have many happy customers, truly happy. We did not makeup our testimonials or forge our credibility. We offer a fully money back guarantee. The pictures posted here, protected by my copyrights and my artwork - yeah, the space between notes picture, which attempts to visualize the effect along with instructions for replicating the very same effect on your home system, conveniently absent from the posts, that is my work and you guys laugh at me for being creative. I can't believe other high end audio fans like me, devotees and slaves at times, would actually be moved by your posts to attack my very intriguing product. You guys rip on the power supply so casually, the workmanship involved, but you know nothing nor do you care to know.

Do you know why some USB cables electrify the outer metal fittings? Hm, maybe you guys shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Maybe you should read the testimonials and the white paper before you condemn and deride our hard work.

I'm going to say this straight up, because this kind of bullying and trolling is harmful to people who have spent a lot of time and money on their USB DAC's only to be DENIED the true capability because of poor USB implementation - it's piss poor - running a USB cable from a computer to a DAC is piss poor. Our product changes the game, it truly does, and it renders most of the mumbo-jumbo exactly as it should be - mumbo-jumbo.

And because deep in your heart you know this to be true, that is why you attack us so cowardly and without any shred of balance or fairness.

And I give my name and affiliation: Rob Priore, USB Disruptor Inventor, Artist, Software Executive, Phi Beta Kappa, Boston strong.

I have good taste, I know what sounds good, I know what sounds great. You can trust my judgement. And I give you a guarantee to boot.

 

Finally someone is offering a game changing audio product! If only more companies would follow suit. Just open your heart - the truth is in there.

 

But yeah... www.computeraudiophile.com. Cya, you aren't going to get any traction selling a product like that in this forum buddy. I'd recommend computer audiophile if you intend on snatching $79 from peoples hands

 

We've just released a new product, our DaBigGenius(TM) No 5 Volt Audio Grade USB Cable - $35

The cable disrupts the 5 volt power and works with DAC's that function without 5 volt computer power. It's a low cost option for folks that don't have the tools, time, expertise, or inclination to build their own cable.

 

Maybe USB Disruptor is just a parody site like Machina Dynamica?

 

Calling radio head!
Should use those as his finger prints when the karma police put this fool in jail.

 

and... here... we.... go...

http://lightharmonic.com/revive/

 

We knew this day would come. I'll get the Scotch...