CESY’s USB 3.0 Isolator

[Purité Audio]

Julia from CESYS just dropped me a line to introduce their new USB 3.0 Isolator.
Why the ISO-U30?

• Optimal Sound Quality: Our USB 3.0 isolator ensures interference-free transmission, eliminating unwanted noise and hum.
• High Transfer Speed: Enjoy fast and reliable data transfer with USB 3.0 speeds of up to 5 Gbit/s.
• Versatility: The ISO-U30 is compatible with all USB 3.0 devices, making it suitable for various environments, from professional recording studios to home recording setups.
• Powerful: Due to its very efficient power isolation the ISO-U30 can supply up to 650 mA to connected devices without the need for external power supplies.
• Easy to Use: Plug-and-play functionality allows for quick and easy setup without complicated installations.

I have asked for a unit to evaluate, I have been recommending Intona , they work but only if the component is not properly designed in the first place.
Keith

 

[Sal1950]

It could be valuable to isolate ground loops, etc.
How much $ Keith?

 

[Purité Audio]

They have one on their site, but I am not sure if that is the 3.0?

CESYS B2B eShop | USB-ISOLATOR | purchase online

USB-ISOLATOR - Delivery without cable, please order separately. The CESYS USB ISOLATOR gives you back peace of mind in harsh environments by protecting your PC and your USB devices. It isolates both s

shop.cesys.com

Keith

 

[Sal1950]

They have one on their site, but I am not sure if that is the 3.0?

CESYS B2B eShop | USB-ISOLATOR | purchase online

USB-ISOLATOR - Delivery without cable, please order separately. The CESYS USB ISOLATOR gives you back peace of mind in harsh environments by protecting your PC and your USB devices. It isolates both s

shop.cesys.com

Keith

If so then approx $90 is plenty reasonable for the user with a problem

 

[Purité Audio]

Intonas versions more expensive, this is the 3.0,

 

[Vincent Kars]

I am not sure if that is the 3.0?

Specs say low speed and full speed so USB1.
What you need is high speed as this is what is needed for UAC2 (USB Audio Class 2). USB2 supports high speed.
For audio USB3 is overkill as UAC2 will use high speed.

This one wil do https://shop.cesys.com/PC-technology/ISO-U20.html

 

[pkane]

Got his USB 2.0 high-speed (480Mbps) isolator, inexpensive ($30). Works well, had it for 2-3 months now. Doesn't heat up, breaks up ground loops, and seems not to affect sensitive measurements:

https://www.amazon.com/DSD-TECH-SH-G01L-Isolator-Isolation/dp/B0CSYNSZ3K

Replaced Topping HS01 which ran hot, and eventually let out tons of acrid smoke after overheating (all while sitting idle!)

 

[Matias]

Topping HS02 is also an alternative.

TOPPING HS02 USB2.0 Isolator

Descriptions: Fully lsolated Design The HS02 has a fully isolated design, which does not introduce new interference when the auxiliary power supply is used whi

shenzhenaudio.com

Reviewed here.

MEASUREMENTS: Topping HS02 USB 2.0 isolator. (This works with the E1DA Cosmos ADC; and the Topping + Intona "double isolation" of DAC and ADC.)

A blog for audiophiles about more objective topics. Measurements of audio gear. Reasonable, realistic, no snakeoil assessment of sound, and equipment.

archimago.blogspot.com

 

[Dunring]

I just use an optical USB cable extender, or a C to C to a powered hub. They've come down so far in price. Also you can use short USB cables to a DAC for best performance if the hub is next to it.

These extenders are for sale used for $43

Amazon.com

Another for $49

Amazon.com

I've bought those and using a Fibbr cable to the hub now. They either go on 50 percent off sale frequently or used always worked the 3 I bought that way for $33-$36 instead of $100. The new generation are better than the first gen Corning optical, these carry optical for data but also USB 3.0 for power. The demand from people with VR headsets created more competition and also adding power to charge the headsets in use. You just can't use adapters with optical cable or it causes timeout errors. With a hub it's not a problem, just the C to A or C to B adapters will cause problems.

 

[audio_tony]

They have one on their site, but I am not sure if that is the 3.0?

CESYS B2B eShop | USB-ISOLATOR | purchase online

USB-ISOLATOR - Delivery without cable, please order separately. The CESYS USB ISOLATOR gives you back peace of mind in harsh environments by protecting your PC and your USB devices. It isolates both s

shop.cesys.com

Keith

Specs state:

USB Modes

low-speed (1.5 MBit/s) full-speed (12 MBit/s)

That isn't even USB2.0
No wonder it's "cheap"...

 

[audio_tony]

Replaced Topping HS01 which ran hot, and eventually let out tons of acrid smoke after overheating (all while sitting idle!)

I bought an HS01 earlier this year and I noticed it runs hot, so I've mounted it in the air stream of my case fan - seems to keep it a lot cooler.

Hopefully it doesn't self destruct, as I could barely afford to buy the HS01 as it is!

 

[cesand]

Hello everyone!

Allow me to jump in and clarify some things:

Specs say low speed and full speed so USB1.
What you need is high speed as this is what is needed for UAC2 (USB Audio Class 2). USB2 supports high speed.
For audio USB3 is overkill as UAC2 will use high speed.

This one wil do https://shop.cesys.com/PC-technology/ISO-U20.html

You got it right, Vincent. Regarding USB transfer speed the ISO-U20 would be sufficient in this case. Besides the fact that the ISO-U30 also galvanically isolates the USB 3.0 differential pairs, however, it can deliver more current and therefore is an easy plug&play solution if a specific audio equipment is a bit more power hungry. So no need for external powered USB hubs or something alike.

You can find more information about the ISO-U20 and ISO-U30 on the ISO-Uxx product page.

Kind regards
Andreas

 

[Purité Audio]

Welcome Andreas.
Keith

 

[cesand]

Thank you, Keith! Feel free to ask if you have any questions regarding the ISO-Uxx.

 

[Ra1zel]

Replaced Topping HS01 which ran hot, and eventually let out tons of acrid smoke after overheating (all while sitting idle!)

Topping's reliability reputation at this point is just amusing.

 

[kchap]

Most times isolators do not improve performance, but they are occasionally helpful when there is an earth loop problem. For those occasions I would rather have the cheaper Topping HS02 in the desk draw than the more expensive ISO-U20. Also, the HS02 has more power supply options.

 

[cesand]

You are right kchap, from my experience the main reason to use any usb isolation devices in audio is to avoid ground loop problems. But in what aspect do you expect "improved performance" from such a device?

As our ISO-U20 was not developed as "audio isolator" but rather with industrial applications in mind, I guess our focus was different than Topping's. Most important for us were:

• a sturdy aluminum enclosure
• non-slip rubber seals ensuring a firm stand
• high retention force USB connectors to make unintentional unplugging more difficult (therefore they are orange instead of the standard black)
• compact form factor

 

[kchap]

But in what aspect do you expect "improved performance" from such a device?

None at all, but some contributors to this forum would advocate using an isolator between the PC and DAC as a matter of course. It's my view if you have problem with hum and noise then it is worth trying an isolator, but don't bother is there is no problem.

For me the HS02 is good enough, when required. However it is only rated to 1.5kV.

 

[Music1969]

You are right kchap, from my experience the main reason to use any usb isolation devices in audio is to avoid ground loop problems. But in what aspect do you expect "improved performance" from such a device?

As our ISO-U20 was not developed as "audio isolator" but rather with industrial applications in mind, I guess our focus was different than Topping's. Most important for us were:

• a sturdy aluminum enclosure
• non-slip rubber seals ensuring a firm stand
• high retention force USB connectors to make unintentional unplugging more difficult (therefore they are orange instead of the standard black)
• compact form factor

Uses ADUM3165 ?

 

[pkane]

Topping's reliability reputation at this point is just amusing.

I've only ever owned three devices from Topping. Two out of the three are now defunct (HS01 and PA5). HS02 is still functional.