JDS Synapse & Neutron V1 USB Isolators Review

[dmitrykos]

Aside eventual power supply issues, the isolation performance could be considered similar? (in relation to capacitive coupling)

Yes, of course.

How much power can the ext 5Vdc microUSB input deliver?

If you mean Isolator V1 then you can provide up to 3A, so your scenario with additional external 700 mA is quite ok. I personally use 750 mA Samsung's mobile phone charger to deliver additional power to the DAC.

I use USB power DAC that needs USB 3.0 port (needs 700mA)

USB DAC does not need USB 3.0 unless it is a kind of DAP with internal file storage where USB 3.0 would make sense (for quick file transfers), otherwise USB DACs do not need anything above High Speed USB 2.0.

 

[Music1969]

USB DAC does not need USB 3.0 unless it is a kind of DAP with internal file storage where USB 3.0 would make sense (for quick file transfers), otherwise USB DACs do not need anything above High Speed USB 2.0.

I am talking about my specific DAC - it actually uses 700mA. I can view it in macOS System Report.

If you mean Isolator V1 then you can provide up to 3A, so your scenario with additional external 700 mA is quite ok. I personally use 750 mA Samsung's mobile phone charger to deliver additional power to the DAC.

You mean maximum input power of V1 is 3A ? - but how many amps can it output at 5Vdc ?

 

[dmitrykos]

You mean maximum input power of V1 is 3A ? - but how many amps can it output at 5Vdc ?

Isolator V1 generates own isolated DC power up to 400mA (nominal) + you can provide external DC power via Micro-B USB jack up to 2.6A, so in total output power output can reach up to max 3A. You can check details in its Specification.

 

[JasonC331]

Isolator V1 generates own isolated DC power up to 400mA (nominal) + you can provide external DC power via Micro-B USB jack up to 2.6A, so in total output power output can reach up to max 3A. You can check details in its Specification.

Grabbed another one, any working on a V2 yet? I gave the cables a try this time, decent price, and they look and feel nice.

 

[dmitrykos]

Grabbed another one, any working on a V2 yet?

I am glad that you like Isolator V1 I personally use it 24/7 for radio streaming and development. For example, currently working on THD Compensation for Neutron HiFi DAC V1 and without USB isolator measurement results would be coarse due to ground-loop induced noise (PC -> DAC V1 -> Line-in of PC's ADC).

Treat V1 similarly like a car model, let's say BMW X1. It is small, nice and highly performing for its size. V2 would be different device with different capabilities which do not replace V1's. Just like in the car world. There are no plans for another model yet as V1 has great design and performance already, so it is stable model. Perhaps in the future could consider V2 with more power output (for example continuous regulated ultra-low noise 800 mA) if there is demand for it but it will make device bigger due to bigger PCB due to more components required. But again, V2 would not replace V1.

I gave the cables a try this time, decent price, and they look and feel nice.

It's great that you noted these qualities of the cables, that was exactly the intention during their design stage.

 

[Music1969]

Perhaps in the future could consider V2 with more power output (for example continuous regulated ultra-low noise 800 mA) if there is demand for it

800mA isolated power output would be really nice

 

[TRDK]

@dmitrykos - It would have been nice, if the V1 would work from PC USB-C. Maybe next time

Torben

 

[dmitrykos]

@dmitrykos - It would have been nice, if the V1 would work from PC USB-C. Maybe next time

Torben

Hi Torben! Yes, in the new iteration (already addressed it). So far USB-C OTG cable can be used for USB-C host port -> Isolator V1:

Neutron HiFi™ USB Cable, OTG, USB-C → USB-C | Nylon-braided with 24K G

This is a special USB-C cable with USB OTG function. Get this cable If you plan to connect Isolator V1 to USB-C port of USB host. It is also fully compatible for any USB-C → USB-C connection. Neutron HiFi™ USB Cable is a custom-made High-Speed USB cable engineered to provide a reliable...

store.neutronhifi.com

 

[TRDK]

800mA isolated power output would be really nice

A small Q: Why would that be needed?

Torben

 

[staticV3]

A small Q: Why would that be needed?

Torben

To use USB-powered accessories that draw more than 0.4A, without having to attach an external power supply.

 

[TRDK]

To use USB-powered accessories that draw more than 0.4A, without having to attach an external power supply.

THX, I know. Could you give an example of products that need more than 0.4A?

THX

 

[staticV3]

Could you give an example of products that need more than 0.4A?

E1DA PowerDAC V2.1

 

[dmitrykos]

Yes, for PWM and R-2R DACs clean power is a must, the cleaner the power supply the better sonic performance.