JDS Synapse & Neutron V1 USB Isolators Review

[PO3c]

I believe you can get USB-C to USB-A or USB-C to USB-B adapter.

If user case is field use as in pro audio where isolation is sought after the A and B connector and cables hold up much better over time when reconnecting multiple times each day. Rehousing of course is an option but quickly double the price of the device.

 

[Joe Smith]

It works!

In my main desktop system, connected to my older Modi 3 Schiit DAC, Synapse had no noticeable sound improvement. But I just tried it with my old Schiit Fulla v1, which was basically unusable because of all of the electrical noise it would pick up from any computer I tried it with (on top of the volume pot sometimes being a bit scratchy). Well, I just used it with two different laptops, the Synapse eliminated the USB noise completely and the old Fulla sounds pretty good.

So for DACs that are prone to pass-through noise, the Synapse can make that problem go away for $54 shipped (in the plastic case model).

I had to order a USB-C to USB-Micro cable to get connected to the Modi, as this older DAC version unfortunately uses the Micro jack and JDS does not have a USB-A to Micro adapter in their package. No biggie.

 

[jimmyjames8]

If one end of this thing is labelled HOST, shouldnt the other end be labelled PARASITE? Got mine yesterday and it took me about 10 mins to find something on line directing me how to do the hook up. Granted I am the product of a public education but...damn.

 

[pablolie]

I hear zero difference with a JDS Labs Element 4. Guess my setups are clean enough to not need anything like that, but yeah, I got one (Synapse).

 

[Joe Smith]

I hear zero difference with a JDS Labs Element 4. Guess my setups are clean enough to not need anything like that, but yeah, I got one (Synapse).

I know it works only because of the test I did with my very noisy Fulla v1. Could not hear an audible difference with other dacs, like you, I think my usb out is fairly clean.

 

[neutroncode]

It is more about ground-loop elimination rather than cleaning up the noise over D/VBUS paths of USB port.

If ground-loop is not present then USB isolator will have zero effect on audio quality. For example, Isolator V1 has internal power filter for smoothing the voltage and the result of voltage smoothing is confirmed in the lab but in my audio tests, without ground-loop issue audio quality is not affected (noise floor is the same). But, if ground-loop is present then nothing will help and isolation is the only way out.

 

[Joe Smith]

Well, fine, it certainly made the flawed Fulla sound better in my rig.

 

[neutroncode]

Well, fine, it certainly made the flawed Fulla sound better in my rig.

Yes, indeed and that is interesting fact. If you connect only headphones to Fulla then it does not form a ground loop with PC but likely disconnection of grounds of USB DAC and PC by USB isolator led to a positive consequence (just guessing), and of course some additional power filtering made it even more positive.

 

[JasonC331]

Yes, indeed and that is interesting fact. If you connect only headphones to Fulla then it does not form a ground loop with PC but likely disconnection of grounds of USB DAC and PC by USB isolator led to a positive consequence (just guessing), and of course some additional power filtering made it even more positive.

Any word on a newer version?

 

[neutroncode]

Any word on a newer version?

Do you mean another version with more DC power output? Because Isolator V1 is the smallest possible for the specs it has and its design is optimal already in respect of capabilities.