Naim DAC V1 - PC Isolation
Posted by: Fernando Ribeiro on 04 August 2018
Hi,
My DELL Laptop is 2 meters (6.67 feet) away from my Naim DAC V1, connected with a 3 meters (9,10 feet) Supra USB Cable.
Is it benefic to use a device like PS Audio Lanrover, Schiit Wyrd, iFi iGalvanic, or any other form of galvanic isolation?
a) Is it benefic the usb isolation-cleaning-regeneration these products can give in the following setup:
Dell Laptop ---> 1.5 meters usb ---> signal cleaning and regeneration ---> 1.5 meters usb cable ---> Naim dac V1
instead of the 3 meters direct connection i´m using)?
b) Is the Naim DAC capable eneough at eliminting the eventual laptop electric noise?
Some of my friends are using devices like these with de advantage (with the PS Audio lanrover) to place the laptop and it's alegadly noisy SMPS on another room.
Forgive my bad English.
Many thanks,
Fernando
It all depends what you are after! If you want more resolution (low level, fuller note decays, sound stage focus quiet backdrop, etc) then cleaning up the USB signal and noise mitigation in general can provide tremendous rewards with the DAC-V1. There are many ways to attempt this but many ( I included) are opting for a low power audio optimized microcomputer (e.g. microRendu,ultraRendu) to feed the USB DAC. This isolates the noisy PC/laptop while still using it as a server. You can have a look at the thread linked to below - there are a couple of other DAC-V1 users there. I have a great sounding set up on this page:
https://forums.naimaudio.com/t...of-streaming?page=15
You can find more info on isolation and USB regeneration over at the computeraudiophile forums.
Fernando
I agree with Brilliant's comments above but just a few thoughts of mine on the topic:
1. Your DAC-V1 already has galvanic isolation so I think it's about cleaning up the date stream that the DAC-V1 receives.
2. To be of maximum benefit any "component fix" needs to be fitted as close to the DAC-V1 USB input as possible.
3. Unfortunately a lot of these "fixes" are "suck it and see" but I did have some success using the Uptone USB Regen.
4. A network solution, such as Sonore's microRendu or ultraRendu will, potentially, give a greater uplift in system performance.
Dave
Before you commit a lot of money to a microRendu type solution try an Audioquest jitterbug in line between your usb device and DAC. The jitterbug has had good reviews and does seem to be based on electronic theory rather than quackery.
Put it at the DAC end of your USB cable but be aware it’s a USB2 device - Shouldn’t matter. It’s around £35.
I hope you realise that DAC V-1 was actually concieved to do exactly what you expect it. Without any fancy cables or gadgets.
The signal is isolated and cloced using DAC’s clock rather than computers.
Agree with Adam - sound from my Mackbook Pro running Roon into Dac V1 is great without any additional jiggery pokery in between. However, I do plan to investigate an ethernet solution such as an Allo USB bridge running Roon or possibly a Rendu.
Tog
????TOTALDAC USB Cable,...Please read about this.There is a lot of info on the net.
The positive thing is,that it also beats the Audioquest Diamond usb cable on the fingers of the Soundquality.
Supra's USB cable is no real big shot,...in this area it is test,test and test that apply.
Ignore all the theoretical facts and advice.
I have always been very skeptical about all types of mesh filters,galvanic differentiators etc,etc....expensive or not.
You usually lose more than you win,if you prioritize the musical message.
Have lost count of how many products I tested over the years in this category.
But TotalDac USB cable is interesting,it works very well in my setup.
/Peder ????
???? FERNANDO RIBEIRO,...Some information and a picture link,to complement my post above.
◾TOTALDAC D1-usb kabel,the filterbox is now black instead of grey.But all components are the same....????????????
https://i.imgur.com/vobOafN.jpg
????USB cable/filter..????????
The USB filter/cable is a Totaldac exclusivity which improves the sound of any DAC or music server using a USB link.
A shielded aluminium box embeds high performance filters to suppress digital pollutions coming from the computer or the music server.
The sound is then more natural,more transparent and without harshness,the result is surprising and helps to improve playback quality from a computer based source.
It can even be used to connect a CD-drive to a computer a rip CDs with a better sound.
The USB cable/filter is USB1 (12Mbit/s) and USB2.0 (480Mbit/s) compatible,it can carry pcm in synchronous or asynchronous mode or anything else,under Windows,MAC or Linux.It is obviously bit perfect.
The filter box embeds also a circuit to better protect your DAC from the possible over-voltages coming from the computer.
The filter/cable is made of more than 30 components and it is available in different length.
/Peder????
If you're thinking of going down the USB filter route as described by Peder it may be wise to try a Jitterbug first as it's 1/10 of the price of the TOTALDAC cable. I'd make a guess that if you hear no benefit from the Jitterbug you won't hear much, if anything, from the TOTALDAC as your USB probably isn't all that sucesptible to the issues they deal with.
Note I'm not trying to run down the TOTALDAC - I can hear a difference with a Jitterbug so I'm sure the TOTALDAC also makes a difference, but my experience is that the Jitterbug hasn't made a difference on all equipment/connections I've tried it on so the TOTALDAC may not either.
????TALLGUY,FERNANDO RIBEIRO,....Vincent at TotalDac is very good to have to deal with.As well,..he has an incredible experience as a designer when it comes to digital technology.
They have a probationary time,so you can take home and test the cable,if you are not satisfied so just send it back.
I do not remember how long the trial period is, but take a look on their website.
As I wrote earlier,I'm incredibly hesitant about this stuff...but always try to be "openminded".
And have taught me,that with that mindset,never say no to anything without having tested.
As probably most people know here....theory and practice can vary alot when it comes to our hobby????.
And in my setup,this TotalDac D1 works superbly,...and I am an extreme "Attention To Detail" man....Say my friends ????.
This is just a tip,dare to try...if it does not work in your setup,so just send the cable back.
/Peder ????
The AQ Jitterbug (and/or the Uptone Audio USB Regen) didn't do much for the DAC-V1 in my PC setup- YMMV. It is true that the V1 has a nice USB interface as is. However you can exploit its sound USB DAC design farther by using the more elaborate solutions described in @DAVE4JAZZ and my posts above . In fact I do not believe I have got to its max resolution yet. That is my happy experience anyways. All that depends on what one wants out of it and how much effort they are willing to go to- compared to its standalone performance or what else may be available out there .