AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Empirical Audio => Topic started by: audioengr on 3 Jul 2012, 08:39 pm
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Feedbacks will come soon. Need to make sure its okay before I start selling them. Here is a photo:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=64688)
Steve N.
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Steve,
What precisely does this thing do again? For example, lets say we take even an older Off-Ramp and use this with it. What does it do to the sound? I remember hearing a rough example you had on hand, and I know I heard some definitive difference, but I cannot recall what precisely it was or what/how it may help older products (i.e. say an OR4)...in other words, does it take an OR4 and make it sound closer to an OR5 or not quite?
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Steve,
What precisely does this thing do again? For example, lets say we take even an older Off-Ramp and use this with it. What does it do to the sound? I remember hearing a rough example you had on hand, and I know I heard some definitive difference, but I cannot recall what precisely it was or what/how it may help older products (i.e. say an OR4)...in other words, does it take an OR4 and make it sound closer to an OR5 or not quite?
I dont know if it makes an OR4 sound like an OR5. I think it is a different effect, more of a 3-D presentation.
Steve N.
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What devices do you feel this will most benefit from besides the Off-Ramps/Empirical stuff?
I think the 3-D is a good way of putting it. Seemed to add that extra something to the sound when I heard the rough version of it. You know how much I liked it;).
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Linux compatible?
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Linux compatible?
The Short-Block can be used with any USB device that does not require +5V in the cable.
Steve N.
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Thanks . Will be interested in getting one to try out if the price is right . :D
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What is this device?
Any limitation of sample rate?
I have a Zodiac Gold whuich needs 5v only for handhshake.
Looks interesting...but what does it do?
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What is this device?
Any limitation of sample rate?
I have a Zodiac Gold whuich needs 5v only for handhshake.
Looks interesting...but what does it do?
Short-Block works will all sample-rates. Its a passive filter for USB cables. If you need 5V for anything, it will not work. Pricing is $199.00 plus shipping.
Steve N.
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So it's like this then? http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=96664.msg967242#msg967242
I'll ask again for this. Measurements?
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So it's like this then? http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=96664.msg967242#msg967242
I'll ask again for this. Measurements?
No, its different. A USB filter, not an isolator.
Why dont you buy one and make your own measurements? They will depend entirely on your system. This is a system effect.
If you purchase every component based on published measurements, I'm sad for you. Do you listen with your test equipment or your ears?
Have you read the latest $144K darTZeel monoblock review in Stereophile? Measurements are not great, particularly THD plots, but its probably the best sounding amp in the world.
Steve N.
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I've been beta-testing the Short-Block USB Filter with an Overdrive DAC for a few weeks now. I compared the following songs with and without the Short-Block: Alan Parsons - Inside Looking Out; Paul Simon - Graceland, Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes; King Crimson - Matte Kudasai; Chicago - Just You 'N' Me; Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros - Mayla, Dear Believer. There were all CD's ripped as lossless files. I also checked a 24/96 file: Paul McCartney's Bluebird, and a few 320's: John Jarvis - Whatever Works; Supertramp - School; and Sting - All This Time. What I noticed is that with the Short-Block, the soundstage appeared larger; it was as if I was sitting a few rows back from the stage as opposed to half way back. Further, on some of the more 'ambient' tracks (Alan Parsons) the children sounds appeared more three dimensional - I thought the chatter was in the chair beside me. To double check this I brought in my son Michael, who recently completed sound engineering and production at MetalWorks. He listened to the same tracks then asked for Layla (Dominos version) and a Metallica song "Don't Tread On Me." He confirmed the same thing, noting that the tracks I picked were pretty ambient anyways, but on Layla and Don't Tread On Me, the effect was even more pronounced. I'll be leaving the Short-Block in my system.
Stephen
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Steve, I've been listening to the Short-Block for several days now. When it arrived some time before that, I was playing with some Ncore amplifiers, so my digital amplifier was out of use. I plugged the Short-Block into this system to burn it in (whether it needs such I don't know), then promptly forgot I did so.
Several days later I replaced the Ncores with the Tact. The Ncores, I think, have greater potential than my Tact, so I was surprised when I switched the Tact back on how good it sounded. Then I remembered I had plugged the Short-Block into the Off-Ramp 5 feeding the Tact, which was, as I then confirmed, the source of my surprise.
The SB cleans the presentation in a way that's hard to otherwise come by, and a little difficult to describe, though the effect is quite apparent. The music sounds more continuous as if a layer of irritation has been removed in the listening, and by what I assume is a reduction of whatever kind of noise this device reduces. I hear a more finely resolved ambient presentation that gives the music a quieter spatial quality ... or continuousness.
Excellent stuff, Steve! :thumb:
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I should clarify that I didn't use the Off-Ramp in playing around with the Ncore amplifiers. I used a cheap DragonFly DAC. I've had a purely digital system for a few or several years now.
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So, would the next step be to crack the Short-Block open and replace capacitors and resistors? :wink:
Steve
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So, would the next step be to crack the Short-Block open and replace capacitors and resistors? :wink:
Steve
I thought short blocks only had pistons, rods, crank.... :scratch:
:rotflmao:
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Steve, have you tried two SBs in series?
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Steve, have you tried two SBs in series?
Not yet, but a good idea. I have to build some more.
Steve N.
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Interesting you mentioned DarTZeel. I haven't heard their mega buck flagship monos, but their standard line I thought was kind of average and pretty overpriced, impressions I've seen mirrored by some reviewers. BAlabo I thought was better on every level.
It's disappointing that so many USB audio devices rely on the 5V bus line. It's the lazy way out IMO. I had an argument with someone recently about Berkeley's decision to power the input stage of the Alpha USB with bus power. I think for $1895, they could've easily added a second linear supply.
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Say, I just plugged a second SB in series with the first. Sounding pretty good. :thumb:
I'll let things simmer and will give more considered impressions in due time.
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Wow, this thing is hot shit, Steve.
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Wow, this thing is hot shit, Steve.
I guess I'll have to try this.
Steve N.
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The Short-Block can be used with any USB device that does not require +5V in the cable.
Steve N.
Does that mean any USB DAC that runs off the +5V BUS power cannot use the Short-Block?
Would it then be possible to rig up a power input on the Short-Block to accept a 5V Li battery to power the USB input with something like this?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-12V-6500mAh-9V-8500mAh-5V-15000mAh-Super-Rechargeable-Lithium-ion-Battery-/261006145381?pt=Batteries_Chargers&hash=item3cc52db765#ht_3530wt_1368
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Does that mean any USB DAC that runs off the +5V BUS power cannot use the Short-Block?
Correct
Would it then be possible to rig up a power input on the Short-Block to accept a 5V Li battery to power the USB input with something like this?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-12V-6500mAh-9V-8500mAh-5V-15000mAh-Super-Rechargeable-Lithium-ion-Battery-/261006145381?pt=Batteries_Chargers&hash=item3cc52db765#ht_3530wt_1368
There is no access to bring out more wires on the Short-Block, however, I could maybe splice into the short output cable and have two wires be accessible for power. Its a little messy....
Steve N.
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Power injector for USB
(http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/unc32.ma9p6/v/vspfiles/photos/PS-USB-2.jpg)
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Also, this unit?
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=65921)
used on the input to USB-SPDIF converter?
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Thanks. These are much cleaner solutions, and already available.
Steve N.
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Power injector for USB
(http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/unc32.ma9p6/v/vspfiles/photos/PS-USB-2.jpg)
I've looked for exactly that, BUT with USB B connector instead of A, since most USB DAC's have USB B connector at input. I have not been able to find such a device yet :duh:
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Also, this unit?
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=65921)
used on the input to USB-SPDIF converter?
I've looked at that AQVOX power supply, but what I really need is just the USB B connector as pictured WITHOUT the actual wall-wart power supply. Would hate to buy the entire USB power supply just to use the adapter :oops:
If I don't find an easy solution, then I might be stuck buying various parts and rigging something up messy.
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Steve
are you planing to implant this technology in the future OR model?
if this device really improves the sound quality
it looks like it can easily go into the OR to make the better usb to S/PDIF converter
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Steve
are you planing to implant this technology in the future OR model?
if this device really improves the sound quality
it looks like it can easily go into the OR to make the better usb to S/PDIF converter
Probably not. I want to make it available for other USB interfaces, and it is difficult to imbed it. You would have to make the USB connector isolated from the chassis.
Steve N.
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Ordered one today, I’m changing my digital front-end a little. Moving to a DSD capable dac.
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Pete- How do you like it so far?
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I've looked at that AQVOX power supply, but what I really need is just the USB B connector as pictured WITHOUT the actual wall-wart power supply. Would hate to buy the entire USB power supply just to use the adapter :oops:
If I don't find an easy solution, then I might be stuck buying various parts and rigging something up messy.
You could also go a different route entirely. http://www.audiostream.com/content/ifi-iusbpower-taking-audioquest-draginfly-dac-notch (http://www.audiostream.com/content/ifi-iusbpower-taking-audioquest-draginfly-dac-notch)
I'm curious how the iUSB and the Short Block would compare to each other. They have different functions, but on a DAC that doesn't require a USB powered input it would be easy enough to compare one to the other. And I suppose you could always plug the Short Block into the output of the iUSB if you wanted to.
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Pete- How do you like it so far?
First, my Short-Block is going into a Sonore exD dac with no problems at all. The sound is cleaner with a big 3D sound even beside and behind you, there are other small changes in the sound (to the good) but it’s hard to put my finger on what they are. Mine will stay as well.
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Steve,
What is the consensus for two short blocks in series? Is it a worthy investment?
Thanks,
-j
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First, my Short-Block is going into a Sonore exD dac with no problems at all. The sound is cleaner with a big 3D sound even beside and behind you, there are other small changes in the sound (to the good) but it’s hard to put my finger on what they are. Mine will stay as well.
Thanks for your update. The Short Block is on my short list to buy! Sounds like a no brainer for $200.
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Steve,
What is the consensus for two short blocks in series? Is it a worthy investment?
Thanks,
-j
The first SB is worth it. The second one improves things a little, but not nearly as much as the first. I use one. I have one or two customers using two.
Steve N.
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I threw my hat in the ring for a Short-Block a few days ago. I'll write up my observations once it arrives.
In the interim, I still need to download the 1.88 upgrade for Pure Music.
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Steve,
I would like you opinion on whether the Short Block may solve an issue I have with the hum in my system. I used to run my iMac from a different outlet (breaker box line) than the OR5 and the rest of audio gear via: USB into an OR5 - I2S cable - W4S Dac2 - single ended tube preamp - Jensen Isomax RCA to XLR isolator (PI-2RX) - Solid state balanced amplifier. There used to be some hum but very low in level, it only could be heard with the ear close to the tweeter. Over the week-end I took your advice and connected my iMac to the same breaker line as the rest of my audio gear. The hum level can be heard from the listening positions and is quite loud. I isolated the problem to the connecting/disconnecting the USB cable form the computer. Even after I shut down the iMac altogether and the USB is still plugged into the iMac and OR5 the hum is still present. When the USB is unplugged, with or without the iMac powered, the hum is totally gone. The USB cable is 4 meters long and runs next to the power cable for the iMac. My question is, do you think the shortblock may solve this issue? I figure it may be caused by the shielding or grounding of the USB cable and since the shielding is not affected by the short block it may not have an effect. Thank you for all your great work!
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Try a different usb cable. Maybe it's a bum cable?
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Steve,
I would like you opinion on whether the Short Block may solve an issue I have with the hum in my system. I used to run my iMac from a different outlet (breaker box line) than the OR5 and the rest of audio gear via: USB into an OR5 - I2S cable - W4S Dac2 - single ended tube preamp - Jensen Isomax RCA to XLR isolator (PI-2RX) - Solid state balanced amplifier. There used to be some hum but very low in level, it only could be heard with the ear close to the tweeter. Over the week-end I took your advice and connected my iMac to the same breaker line as the rest of my audio gear. The hum level can be heard from the listening positions and is quite loud. I isolated the problem to the connecting/disconnecting the USB cable form the computer. Even after I shut down the iMac altogether and the USB is still plugged into the iMac and OR5 the hum is still present. When the USB is unplugged, with or without the iMac powered, the hum is totally gone. The USB cable is 4 meters long and runs next to the power cable for the iMac. My question is, do you think the shortblock may solve this issue? I figure it may be caused by the shielding or grounding of the USB cable and since the shielding is not affected by the short block it may not have an effect. Thank you for all your great work!
I also noticed a bit of hum through only the right speaker when using the W4S DAC2, but it was not audible in the listening position.
I believe this is a grounding problem in the W4S when using I2S.
The Short-Block will not get rid of this hum. The best thing is to use the same AC circuit for the computer and the Off-Ramp. Even without the SB, the SQ will improve. This may not get rid of the hum either, but it may reduce it enough so you dont hear it.
Steve N.
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Hi Steve
First thx for your unrelenting search for more natural sounding digital :) Without you and your " kind" we would only have Philips and alike to listen to , brr
I read: " Compatibility
The Short block is NOT compatible with the following USB interfaces:
Rega DAC
Off-Ramp 3
Berkeley Alpha USB converter
Audiophilleo
The audiophilleo converter does not use the 5v from the usb bus anymore if it is powered with PurePower a separate 5V battery feed power to the AP, that makes it I believe compatible?
Does it improve things in front of the OR5?
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Hi Steve
First thx for your unrelenting search for more natural sounding digital :) Without you and your " kind" we would only have Philips and alike to listen to , brr
I read: " Compatibility
The Short block is NOT compatible with the following USB interfaces:
Rega DAC
Off-Ramp 3
Berkeley Alpha USB converter
Audiophilleo
The audiophilleo converter does not use the 5v from the usb bus anymore if it is powered with PurePower a separate 5V battery feed power to the AP, that makes it I believe compatible?
Maybe it works now.
Does it improve things in front of the OR5?
Yes.
Steve N.
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Hi Steve
First thx for your unrelenting search for more natural sounding digital :) Without you and your " kind" we would only have Philips and alike to listen to , brr
I read: " Compatibility
The Short block is NOT compatible with the following USB interfaces:
Rega DAC
Off-Ramp 3
Berkeley Alpha USB converter
Audiophilleo
The audiophilleo converter does not use the 5v from the usb bus anymore if it is powered with PurePower a separate 5V battery feed power to the AP, that makes it I believe compatible?
Does it improve things in front of the OR5?
You can check with Philip, but I am pretty certain that the AP + PP combination still uses a small amount of bus power for the receiver circuitry, and if you cut that with the Short-Block, it won't work.
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you are right
For those who need still the 5V from the USB host bus for handshake or continues power this is an Steve Nugent's approved very very good USB cable.
Review: http://www.agoraquest.com/viewtopic.php?topic=39178&forum=51&start=15&select_page_number=2
Sry for the big picture could not find a smaller one with text
(http://www.agoraquest.com/editor/upload/2k1dbe5c3eb6.jpg)
I have bought one ( still in the mail) and look forward to it
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You can check with Philip, but I am pretty certain that the AP + PP combination still uses a small amount of bus power for the receiver circuitry, and if you cut that with the Short-Block, it won't work.
You can add Peachtree to that list.
I lost my webmaster and looking for a new one so these types of website updates are not currently possible.
Steve N .
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you are right
For those who need still the 5V from the USB host bus for handshake or continues power this is an Steve Nugent's approved very very good USB cable.
Review: http://www.agoraquest.com/viewtopic.php?topic=39178&forum=51&start=15&select_page_number=2
Sry for the big picture could not find a smaller one with text
(http://www.agoraquest.com/editor/upload/2k1dbe5c3eb6.jpg)
I have bought one ( still in the mail) and look forward to it
I sell this on my Off-ramp page and I have one in stock.
Steve N.
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I started running in my Shortblock last night, and my immediate impressions are extremely favorable. Even without a propper run in, I can agree with the comments about "tidying up" the sound. The image doesn't necessarily seem deeper, but it's certainly wider and with more specificity to images...particularly those beyond the speakers. Most importantly, it adds a few highly coveted inches of height to the stage. The impression that all of the performers were sawed off at the knees (or the the song is being performed by an ensemble hobbits) just kills the suspension of disbelief for me. I'll post more details later, but I can already tell that the price/performance ratio is highly favorable. :thumb:
Question: Is the Ridge Street Audio Alethias also a favored USB cable? I'm wafting back and forth between that and the RAL cable above shown.
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I started running in my Shortblock last night, and my immediate impressions are extremely favorable. Even without a propper run in, I can agree with the comments about "tidying up" the sound. The image doesn't necessarily seem deeper, but it's certainly wider and with more specificity to images...particularly those beyond the speakers. Most importantly, it adds a few highly coveted inches of height to the stage. The impression that all of the performers were sawed off at the knees (or the the song is being performed by an ensemble hobbits) just kills the suspension of disbelief for me. I'll post more details later, but I can already tell that the price/performance ratio is highly favorable. :thumb:
Question: Is the Ridge Street Audio Alethias also a favored USB cable? I'm wafting back and forth between that and the RAL cable above shown.
I've tried it. Didn't like it. Even Polestar was better. The Poiema is a great S/PDIF cable however.
Besides, RSA has fallen off the earth. Not answering emails or phone. Beware!!
Steve N.
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Thank for the heads up, Steve! I had my heart set on an Axis USB cable, but did not realize that Lee had passed away. So, that obviously didn't work. His friend who is monitoring the inbox sent a very nice message, though. I messaged Brad at RAL last week, and got no reply. I've also heard nothing but radio silence from Robert at RSA. It looks like I may end up with an AudioQuest Diamond, simply because they are around to take my money :?
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His friend who is monitoring the inbox sent a very nice message, though.
Josh is good dude!
http://www.sonicweld.com/
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Here are a couple of USB cables with separate lines for data and +5v that I have used so far.
http://www.acoustic-revive.com/english/pcaudio/usb_cable_01.html
and
http://www.doublehelixcables.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=8
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Thank for the heads up, Steve! I had my heart set on an Axis USB cable, but did not realize that Lee had passed away. So, that obviously didn't work. His friend who is monitoring the inbox sent a very nice message, though. I messaged Brad at RAL last week, and got no reply. I've also heard nothing but radio silence from Robert at RSA. It looks like I may end up with an AudioQuest Diamond, simply because they are around to take my money :?
This is for sale at the moment: http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f20-buy-and-sell-audio-and-computer-components-no-dealers/revelation-audio-labs-prophecy-dual-conduit-usb-cable-14263/
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That's a tasty deal on that RAL USB cable. Unfortunately, I need a 5 meter cable to get back to my laptop from the rack. (Nobody ever said this hobby was cheap!)
I'm really stoked up about getting a USB cable, too. I just installed the Shortblock and it made a big difference, a big difference in areas that matter most to me, too. Then I put my plain old Belkin Gold USB cable up on Cable Risers. While not night/day, it was certainly worth the $120. Another trick I found that shouldn't matter as much as it does; disconnecting my MacBook Pro from the wall charger. It mattered more before the Shortblock was installed, but I still think things are a little more relaxed with the computer running on its battery. Clearly, I've gone about as far as I can go without shelling out the cash for an uber cable.
Anyway, PM if anybody sees anything. I feel a little guilty about hijacking this Shortblock thread. (Buy a Shortblock, it's awesome!) :thumb:
Jake
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You should check out the JPlay forum if you're looking for advice on USB cables. The guys there are fanatics, and I think Marcin from JPlay posted what he thinks are the best cables, he's described them as miles ahead of the Acoustic Revive.
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I just installed the Shortblock and it made a big difference, a big difference in areas that matter most to me, too.
What areas matter most to you?
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Across the board improvements in imaging, but particularly in image height. Width is also improved, particularly the specificity of images beyond the width of the speakers. I didn't feel like my system imaged poorly, but it was the area I was most interested in improving. Upon further listening, textures are also more realistic, i.e., brass instruments have more bite while paradoxically being less grating. Minor details in the mix are now more readily audible. Not that they are forced on you, but they just emerge naturally out of the mix. Overall, its nothing life-changing but lots of little improvements with seemingly no drawbacks.
The shortblock is so inexpensive compared to some of the other items on a USB audio shopping list, that there's really no reason not to try it. I would most definitely pick one up before I even thought about swapping one expensive USB cable for another expensive USB cable.
As I said in my previous post, I used it in tandem with Cable Elevators under the USB cable for an outstanding low-budget step forward.
Cheers!
Jake
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You can check with Philip, but I am pretty certain that the AP + PP combination still uses a small amount of bus power for the receiver circuitry, and if you cut that with the Short-Block, it won't work.
The Short-Block does not work with the AP+PP combination.
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It will work with the generation usb cables where power and data are on two separate usb cables. The data usb cable will benefit from the SB USB filter
no application will benefit from the dirty usb power anyway, therefore a must is this substantial filtering happening at the application side. or better a clean and good linear 5v injection. For handshake 5V ( audiophilleo) use the SB filter is not needed
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It will work with the generation usb cables where power and data are on two separate usb cables. The data usb cable will benefit from the SB USB filter
I don't think so. The "B" connector at the device has no connection to +5V.
I did make one prototype SB with a 5V power umbilical on it for one customer. Have not heard back from him though.
Steve N.
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I see.. I too automatically assumed I could put the filter between USB host (PC, MAC) out and any USB cable at the A male part. But it filters at the end ( B side) of the cable not the beginning, which does make sense : )
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Steve,
I'm interested in trying one with my Mac Mini and Lynx Hilo setup. Do you have a return policy on this item? I would only return it if there wasn't much of a positive sonic change.
John
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Steve,
I'm interested in trying one with my Mac Mini and Lynx Hilo setup. Do you have a return policy on this item? I would only return it if there wasn't much of a positive sonic change.
John
My return policy is for those USB interfaces where it does not work. Make sure it will work before ordering.
All returns I;ve had were because it did not work. If it works, it works well.
Steve N.
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Ok How can I make sure it will work....
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I saw you mentioned that it does not work with Peachtree products. Is the Peachtree Nova included on this list of incompatible products?
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I saw you mentioned that it does not work with Peachtree products. Is the Peachtree Nova included on this list of incompatible products?
I'm pretty sure it will NOT work with any Peachtree async USB interfaces, or Ayre/Wavelength for that matter.
Steve N.
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Ok How can I make sure it will work....
Determine if the +5V in the cable is necessary for the function of the USB interface. This is on the website.
Steve N.
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I did make one prototype SB with a 5V power umbilical on it for one customer. Have not heard back from him though.
Steve N.
Hi,
Steve was very kind to build a "special" SB for me to test with my older Off-Ramp Turbo 2 (I know, I have to try a newer OR-5 someday, but priorities in a family are often on so many other "useful" acquisitions...). So I have tested it by connecting a USB cable to a nettop PC (Shuttle XS35GT) running XP and a laptop MacBook Pro under Win7 (great piece of hardware!). With 5m Belkin gold USB cable I get some detection errors on the laptop, but with a shorter 1.8m it works well. I feed 5V to the small connector at the end of a custom short umbilical on the SB output side using an external power supply with success on the nettop but without success on the laptop (actually the device is in the list but the driver does not load properly). For the laptop, I need to use a USB power only cable (one side USB-A, other side DC-jack) connected to a second USB port of the same laptop in order to have the OR-2 recognized.
After OR-2 detection, I can pull the 5V power cable without major effect on sound quality and it continues to work for a few songs, but when fiddling with playlists under Foobar with different file locations, formats or bit rates at some point the connection gets lost and I have to reconnect the 5V cable and power cycle the OR-2 to get it to reconnect. This connection loss also occurred (although rarely) when the 5V was still connected but in an unpredictable way (I have no clue). When I2S signal is lost, my DAC automatically selects the alternate SPDIF input.
In my setup, using the SB generates a more "relaxed" sound, but the downside is that it doesn't create a totally bullet-proof solution with my OR-2 (read bad WAF when no sound can be heard and read potentially dangerous when the volume knob on the amp gets frenetically turned all the way to max and inadvertently left there...).
Maybe I should mention that I recently discovered the real potential of Steve's Synchro Mesh in my setup (with upgraded power supply and good SPDIF cable) which allows me and my entire family to enjoy first class sound quality from virtually any source including highly functional and ergonomic media center software solutions, simply by re-clocking the TV's optical output (which means no more critical USB connection for audio and its mind-nagging performance sensitivity to USB cable, software player, file format converter, interference from spinning hard disc, CPU load, thread priorities, services running in background, power supply noise, common-mode data noise, etc. that sadly and audibly affects most USB converters and DACs).
Thumbs up, Steve, for a nice solution to a properly identified and unexpected source of jitter, although I wouldn't recommend to add OR-2 to the list of fully compatible devices, even with the custom modification that you so kindly implemented for me.
Best, /patrick
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Steve do you know if it will work with the PSA PWD II, I can't find anything on their site.
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Steve do you know if it will work with the PSA PWD II, I can't find anything on their site.
I dont know, sorry.
Steve N.
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The audiophilleo converter does not use the 5v from the usb bus anymore if it is powered with PurePower a separate 5V battery feed power to the AP, that makes it I believe compatible?
Can't help but wonder if this style of ShortBlock improves the AP with PP. Anyone have both to try?
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Has anybody used the Short Block with DacMagic Plus? It's been difficult to get confirmation from Cambridge Audio that it doesn't require the 5V from USB input.
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Has anybody used the Short Block with DacMagic Plus? It's been difficult to get confirmation from Cambridge Audio that it doesn't require the 5V from USB input.
You can easily test yourself if 5V is required for your DAC. Here you can see the image with the pin out. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Serial_Bus Use a little piece of scotch tape to block +5V pin on either side of the cable. If it works without 5V and you hear big improvement, keep the scotch tape there and replace it as needed. This opens a new field for experimentation. Block 5V on A or B side of the cable, perhaps both... And the best part, it cost you nothing but your time (assuming you already have scotch tape) :D
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I am using a SOTM USB to I2s board.
I tried taping the 5V and it still works - I guess this means its a good candidate for this filter?
Update: ordered one and excited to try out!
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So is there a lot more than just blocking the 5 volt pin as the one guy suggests doing with scotch tape. Also is the cord flexible so you could turn the to the direction that the cable is coming into the DAC?
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Is this something you could use between a Mac Mini and a M2TECH EVO?
Thanks,
Greg
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is the cord flexible so you could turn the to the direction that the cable is coming into the DAC?
To me it seems like it's best to run it straight from the DAC with perhaps a small series of bends to make up the height differences between the DAC and the SB. I wouldn't think you would want to put a 90 degree bend in it - but that's me - others might feel differently about it.
If Steve was willing to make you one with a longer cable than perhaps I wouldn't be so hesitant about putting a large bend in it.
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Does this work with a NAD M51?
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Is this something you could use between a Mac Mini and a M2TECH EVO?
Thanks,
Greg
Only if the EVO USB is not powered from the cable voltage.
Steve N.
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To me it seems like it's best to run it straight from the DAC with perhaps a small series of bends to make up the height differences between the DAC and the SB. I wouldn't think you would want to put a 90 degree bend in it - but that's me - others might feel differently about it.
If Steve was willing to make you one with a longer cable than perhaps I wouldn't be so hesitant about putting a large bend in it.
I can make the cable longer. Its not the best quality, so I like to keep it short.
Steve N.
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Does this work with a NAD M51?
Not sure. I believe I have customers using this with SB....
Steve N.
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I can make the cable longer. Its not the best quality, so I like to keep it short.
Steve N.
so is it OK to have the SB hanging from the USB input on the DAC or does it need to be supported? I have my DAC situated to the right side of my computer and so ideally I would be able to angle the SB towards the computer to plug into the USB cord. I was just mostly wondering if the cord was flexible or it had to stay straight and if the weight of the box was OK hanging from the USB input on the DAC?
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so is it OK to have the SB hanging from the USB input on the DAC or does it need to be supported? I have my DAC situated to the right side of my computer and so ideally I would be able to angle the SB towards the computer to plug into the USB cord. I was just mostly wondering if the cord was flexible or it had to stay straight and if the weight of the box was OK hanging from the USB input on the DAC?
Hanging box is fine.
Steve N.
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Steve, I'm getting PS Audio's new ADC/Phono amp, should I try my SB between it and my Mini or is it not designed for this ?
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Steve, I'm getting PS Audio's new ADC/Phono amp, should I try my SB between it and my Mini or is it not designed for this ?
If it does NOT require the +5V in the USB cable, it will work..
Steve N.
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If it does NOT require the +5V in the USB cable, it will work..
Steve N.
By work I guess you mean it should improve SQ ?