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iFi iSilencer (USB "jitter reductor")

SIY

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Do you have an identified problem with USB-caused noise?
 

SIY

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"I don't have any problem with the same DAC with 2 other pairs of headphones!"

That would lead me to believe that the USB port is not your issue. Did you try the same headphone/DAC combo on a different computer?
 
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daftcombo

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"I don't have any problem with the same DAC with 2 other pairs of headphones!"

That would lead me to believe that the USB port is not your issue. Did you try the same headphone/DAC combo on a different computer?

You are right, I wasn't clear enough.

I tried that DAC on my laptop with 1 pair of headphones at home. No problem spotted.

Then I brought it to my office for my desktop computer, and plugged the 1more Triple Driver which was waiting in my drawer there. The nasty sound appeared. I plugged my Sennheiser MX365 little 15$ IEM, also in my drawer, and there was no problem.

I brought 4 ferrites to the office and the problem with the 1More has diminished but I think it's still there, at a much lower level.

Now I heard about that iSilencer. Is it just a USB to USB surrounded by a big ferrite, or something more?
 

amirm

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I am happy to test it if someone buys it. For now, there is not a single measurement showing the output of any DAC is improved by this at ifi. Surely it is easy to show that if it can do that. So be prepared for yet another device from them that caters to audiophile anxiety than reality. :)

The proper solution for USB noise issues is full galvanic isolation. You can get this in some high-end DACs and USB to S/PDIF converters.
 
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daftcombo

daftcombo

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I am happy to test it if someone buys it. For now, there is not a single measurement showing the output of any DAC is improved by this at ifi. Surely it is easy to show that if it can do that. So be prepared for yet another device from them that caters to audiophile anxiety than reality. :)

The proper solution for USB noise issues is full galvanic isolation. You can get this in some high-end DACs and USB to S/PDIF converters.

A Toslink connection should kill all noise issue of the USB, right? If so a USB to optical converter (like a Topping D10) would be the best solution.
Or can it be that USB noise is carried by optical cables?
 

amirm

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A Toslink connection should kill all noise issue of the USB, right? If so a USB to optical converter (like a Topping D10) would be the best solution.
Or can it be that USB noise is carried by optical cables?
Yes, Toslink will also work. And you could use the D10 that way.
 

Shadrach

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A Toslink connection should kill all noise issue of the USB, right? If so a USB to optical converter (like a Topping D10) would be the best solution.
Or can it be that USB noise is carried by optical cables?
There are various isolators on the market and not surprisingly an interesting range of prices and claims.
I think most are based on the industrial ADUM chip. I haven't used one for many years.
For example,
https://hifimediy.com/high-speed-usb-isolator-480Mbps
 
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daftcombo

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A USB to
There are various isolators on the market and not surprisingly an interesting range of prices and claims.
I think most are based on the industrial ADUM chip. I haven't used one for many years.
For example,
https://hifimediy.com/high-speed-usb-isolator-480Mbps

Seems interesting despite the chip name ("ADD-HUM").
I won't take the risk before I see it tested by someone trustful though, given the price of this gadget.
 

Shadrach

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A USB to


Seems interesting despite the chip name ("ADD-HUM").
I won't take the risk before I see it tested by someone trustful though, given the price of this gadget.
That's one of the cheap ones.:D
The principle is sound enough. They work like a transformer essentially. Current fed to primary winding induces a current in the secondary windings.
I tried a couple out years ago when trying to ensure I got a 5 Volt supply to a dac independent from the USB port. It was fine for redbook but 24/96 wouldn't work.:oops:
It seems things have moved on since then and USB 2 is now supported.
 

LTig

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From your description I conclude that the amplifier in the DAC oscillates when it feeds the 1more Triple Driver. I assume this DAC gets it power over USB. It could be that the supply voltage is not stable with this load and oscillates as well, and the ferrites on the USB cable tame this oscillation. If this is the case a better supply may be the best solution (use another USB port, try a port replicator). An elcap at the input of the supply voltage could help, but could also make things worse.
 

DDF

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Its based on a Silanna chip:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/...PSESSID=88tulnpbh7fo14e9jkjqih7so2#msg1197100
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/10/prweb12995871.htm
Looks legit!

If you can live with 96kHz sampling rate limit, I can personally vouch for these (own both, use unpowered), based on the AD part:
https://www.olimex.com/Products/USB-Modules/USB-ISO/
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2820983768...il&pgrp=main:email&e=op&mchn=em&s=ci&mail=sys
The ADUM part adds a bit of jitter but I doubt its audible

I can also vouch for this (own two and use them with a couple ancient MSB link dacs), if you'd rather use a toslink input to the dac. Allot cheaper than the Topping, and small
https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-U-Control-UCA202-Ultra-Low-Interface/dp/B000KW2YEI
http://nwavguy.blogspot.com/2011/02/behringer-uca202-review.html
 
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