[CanadianMaestro]

I think there is some truth to this, as much as it bothers me to think about this.

I've used a G-drive (USB, spinning rust @ 7200 RPM), a Samsung EVO SSD and a pair of Corsair thumb drives (GS and GTX models, 256 and 512 GB).

The thumb drives draw less power and likely insert less electrical noise back into the device. I can't say I would be able to reliably distinguish the thumb drives, in a rigorous DBT, but I noticed a difference in sound with MPD playback when I moved to the Corsair drives.

For what it's worth, I am using AES/EBU output for playback into my DAC.

As always, YMMV...

That's perplexing. I've always used G-Drives (they're quiet on my rig), and have never thought drives could "sound" different (any more than cables "sound" different). 

So, does your Corsair stick sound more neutral and transparent, and do you recommend it over the other drives? last thig I want is any coloration. 

[Mag]

I describe the Corsair as 'warm & transparent pleasant sound' whereas the typical thumb drives sounds neutral & transparent.

As we know audiophiles haven't reached a consensus on what the term 'warm' means.

[CanadianMaestro]

I describe the Corsair as 'warm & transparent pleasant sound' whereas the typical thumb drives sounds neutral & transparent.

As we know audiophiles haven't reached a consensus on what the term 'warm' means.

Thanks. I shall stick to my usual sticks (USB drives). 

Warm: Good bass, adequate low frequencies, adequate fundamentals relative to harmonics. Not thin. Also excessive bass or midbass. Also, pleasantly spacious, with adequate reverberation at low frequencies.

 http://www.stereophile.com/content/sounds-audio-glossary-glossary

[Mag]

That's a good definition of 'Warm'.

I'll add that its the difference in sound from my $70 cdn Sony cdp and my $1700 cdn Sony cdp.

[Krutsch]

So, does your Corsair stick sound more neutral and transparent, and do you recommend it over the other drives? last thig I want is any coloration. 

I am not suggesting that thumb drives sound different from one another; only an anecdotal observation vs. SSD and traditional USB HDD.

What I like about the Corsair flash/USB thumb drives is a.) their high capacity and b.) their performance - they are relatively fast with both USB 3.0 (for loading music) and USB 2.0 (playback in the BDP); especially the newer "GTX" models, which are SSD-like in performance.

But, I kid you not, these sticks restore the BDP magic in my system. I've never heard my head-fi rig sound this good.

[James Tanner]

HI Krutsch

I am going to try one of those drives - thanks.

james

[CanadianMaestro]

I am not suggesting that thumb drives sound different from one another; only an anecdotal observation vs. SSD and traditional USB HDD.

What I like about the Corsair flash/USB thumb drives is a.) their high capacity and b.) their performance - they are relatively fast with both USB 3.0 (for loading music) and USB 2.0 (playback in the BDP); especially the newer "GTX" models, which are SSD-like in performance.

But, I kid you not, these sticks restore the BDP magic in my system. I've never heard my head-fi rig sound this good.

Nah, I don't believe it. 

[James Tanner]

Nah, I don't believe it. 

LOL   - No I have an open approach to these kinds of things and usually try myself to see what I think.

   



james

[CanadianMaestro]

No worries. Do let us know what you hear (or don't hear...). 

did you buy the 256GB version? 

[Anonamemouse]

[James Tanner]

No worries. Do let us know what you hear (or don't hear...). 

did you buy the 256GB version? 

I think so - it was around $100 

james

[CanadianMaestro]

 

[James Tanner]

You know this is a strange hobby in that there is a tendency to take sides based on a particular belief or opinion.  But I have learned that you really have to be open minded about it.  So many times in the blind listening tests I have taken part in over the years I go in with a specific opinion and get proved wrong.

So  I know I am stepping on thin ice here and maybe even suicidal saying this but I have found thumb drives just seem to sound better as well.  I always use thumb drives at shows and I did that initially to highlight the sound as people would say ' that sounds terrific and ask me what source I was using".  I always got a look of disbelief when I would say "Thumb drive" .   So I was using thumb drives for marketing effect but then when I would switch to the larger rotary type drives I felt the sound lack some of the transient and clarity information I was hearing with the thumb drives.

I really have no explanation for this other than my antidotal experience but I have always gone with what draws me in emotionally to the sound. I just think there is a difference between rationalizing what you think technically and legitimately your response should be. Sometimes you just have to go with what you 'feel' is correct.

Anyway I will probably be drummed out of the "measurements are all that matter society"  and the "digits are digits club" but right or wrong without the emotionally attachment when I listen I tend not to listen and evaluate instead.

james

[Anonamemouse]

No worries James!
As long as you reach your verdict in a truly blind ABX test without any possible way of knowing what you are actually listening to I am with you.

[zoom25]

James, I'd like to hear back from you on the thumb drives when you get them.

FWIW, this summer I tried 3 different portable hard drives along with 5 thumb drives. I found my WD portable hard drive to actually sound the best and give the quietest background. Might repeat it sometime.

[CanadianMaestro]

Not as a concession or anything, but I will try a simple experiment. I have several folders of identical FLAC music, on a thumb drive and on a G-Tech pocket hard drive. Both attached to my BDP-1. I shall line up some tracks into a playlist, one after another, back-to-back, from the two "sources". Then play them back. I will listen with open ears and open mind. (Don't I always?  )

Will get back here with my impressions, uncolored.

[zoom25]

Might as well do the WAV vs FLAC test if you haven't done that before.

[Krutsch]

Not as a concession or anything, but I will try a simple experiment. I have several folders of identical FLAC music, on a thumb drive and on a G-Tech pocket hard drive. Both attached to my BDP-1. I shall line up some tracks into a playlist, one after another, back-to-back, from the two "sources". Then play them back. I will listen with open ears and open mind. (Don't I always?  )

Will get back here with my impressions, uncolored.

Cool. But make sure you disconnect the G-Tech drive before listening to the thumb drive. I know that makes it hard to switch back-and-forth quickly.

[CanadianMaestro]

Cool. But make sure you disconnect the G-Tech drive before listening to the thumb drive. I know that makes it hard to switch back-and-forth quickly.

All my drives are plugged into a powered hub, which then connects to one of the two USB-A jacks rear of BDP-1. Never need to disconnect any single drives, as their is no "crosstalk" or power-draw issues.

Also, I play back from a playlist, consisting of alternating FLAC files from the two drives. So:

Track-A G-drive
Track-A thumbie
Track-B G
Track-B thumbie
etc


cheers

[CanadianMaestro]

Might as well do the WAV vs FLAC test if you haven't done that before.

Yes, done years ago. I prefer FLAC in my system (they sounded identical to my ears, so smaller file size wins...).