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Part 1: The Holy Grail of Computer Audio
In “The Last Crusade” in a cavern full of cups, Indiana Jones had to choose the Holy Chalice used in the last supper.
In USB audio, similar propositions are abound as selecting the best device to improve USB computer audio presents a mind-boggling array of choices.
It is widely regarded that one of the most effective USB solutions is galvanic isolation. However, its scarcity reflects the technological hurdles that are not without their issues.
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Having spent the best part of two years researching, (hence why we did not bring it out earlier!), we wholeheartedly agree. The iGalvanic3.0 has been one of our more ‘technically challenging’ projects.
But the team at iFi Audio are NOW over the moon to announce the iGalvanic3.0.
It is one of a kind - able to deliver galvanic isolation on USB3.0 Super Speed.
In a sea of USB audio improvement devices, the iGalvanic3.0 really is the ‘holy grail.’
We could have stopped work there and just brought the product to market. Yet, this is not in the AMR/iFi DNA. From this starting point, we spent more time to develop additional features that truly make this product the ultimate solution for USB computer audio.
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We believe the iGalvanic3.0 will elevate the quality of the audio playback by an order of extreme magnitude.
What is the iGalvanic3.0?
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The iGalavnic3.0 is the one-stop USB audio enhancement solution for every computer audiophile. It offers the USB Trinity of:
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1) Audiophile-grade galvanic isolation
+
2) REclock2/REgenerate2/REbalance2
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3) Clean USB power supply*.
*Measured noise is 0.5uV(0.0000005V) @ 500mA load. Outclasses non-iFi USB devices. Bettered only by the micro iUSB3.0.
It is a ground-up, dedicated, stand-alone solution that elevates just about every computer audio system.
Who benefits from the iGalvanic3.0?
Everyone who uses USB for computer audio. More specifically, the iGalvanic3.0 is the ideal solution to:
1) Break ground loops
2) Avoid noise-coupling in applications that require hi-speed USB transfers.
Thus, the iGalvanic3.0 is the perfect solution for computer audiophiles through to recording studios seeking maximum sound quality from their USB digital audio system.
More to come! Stay tuned!
Part 3: How do the iGalvanic3.0 and iUSB3.0 fit together?
Most, who require the ‘holy grail’ of galvanic isolation, will use the iGalvanic3.0 stand-alone. Using the analogy of adding an external clock to a DAC, the micro iUSB3.0 compliments the iGalvanic3.0 in a similar vein.
Add the micro iUSB3.0 to the iGalvanic3.0 for those who wish for the last 5%-10% of sound improvement and additional enhancement options:
1. The absolute quietest power supply AND
2. Dual-headed outputs for audio + power transmission via Gemini USB cable AND
3. Dual-ports: for dedicated SSD/HDD and DAC transmission lines
For the absolute perfectionist with a reference class, money-no-object system with a +US$10,000 DAC striving for the absolute zenith and wishing to squeeze out the last drop of performance from their system, we recommend complimenting the iGalvanic3.0 with the micro iUSB3.0. This adds additional benefits outside of the scope of the iGalvanic3.0, such as Dual-Ports and a noise floor of 0.1uV(0.0000001V).
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The iGalvanic3.0 doesn’t really compare to others.
Other USB galvanic isolation devices are limited to Full Speed (12 Mbps) and Low Speed (1.5 Mbps) transmission.
By comparison the iGalvanic3.0 represents the next generation as it is capable of transmitting USB Hi-Speed (480 Mbps) and USB3.0 Super-speed (5Gbps) as well as the lower speeds while providing full galvanic isolation of both the data and the power/ground lines.
Where others have stopped at USB2.0 galvanic isolation, we started with USB3.0 galvanic isolation and absolutely turbocharged the device for the ultimate in USB audio:
1. USB3.0 galvanic isolation and specified it for high-performance computer audio only
2. REclock2/REgenerate2/REbalance2 stages
3. Power Station: Stealth Converter –ultra low-noise, regulated USB power throughout
Summary
We hope you enjoyed reading through the technical notes on how the iGalavnic3.0 came to fruition. For any and every USB computer audio user, the sonic improvement is not subtle. With its dedicated USB3.0 isolation developed from the ground-up for computer audio and Grounding settings, it is ready to be perfectly dialed into any and every computer audio system with advancements that others just do not have.
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It really is the holy grail of USB audio. (emphasis added by Pez :wink: )
Features
• Galvanic isolation of the USB bus (compliant with USB 3.0 & 2.0 at all Speeds (up to 5GBit/s) and all transfer modes)
• Supports High-Resolution Audio beyond 32Bit/768kHz and DSD512
• Embedded REclock2/ REgenerate2/REbalance2 technologies
• Discrete ultra low-noise high current linear regulator for isolated power output
• Aircraft-grade aluminum enclosure shields EMI/RFI
• Power Station: powered by USB bus, super low-noise yet no separate power supply required
• Transparent to host and device without added latency
• Wide compatibility with all operating systems (works out of the box, no drivers needed)
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