[WGH]

I did a simple test. The JCAT has two USB ports, one port has the jumpers and the other port has no jumpers. As in previous experiments the no jumper USB port didn't work. The HoloAudio DAC needs 5V through the USB cable.

The newest JCAT USB card eliminates the jumpers for $1,644 before tariffs.

Thanks again Larry for double checking the jumper application.

[Jon L]

The newest JCAT USB card eliminates the jumpers for $1,644 before tariffs.

Unless you add the optional Master OCXO Clock +1400 € 
It's a bit disappointing that the SMA connector for external clock is NOT on the USB card facing outside.  Connector is inside the computer case facing AWAY from outside..?  So if you already own expensive external clocks from other companies, some gymnastics will be required

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Dang, I am tempted but I think that I would prefer to get a new $1600 tone arm for my Pro-Ject Classic Evo TT.  That will be my last upgrade.  The Femto card was a game change for my system.  Maybe in a few years I can find one used for a good price.

The music is so vibrant and musical.  The tone is just fabulous.  If I did not know any better, I would swear that I am listening to good vinyl, it is so analog sounding.  There is more space between instruments, things just sound fuller with more depth.  There is a little added warmth in a good way.  $500 is a lot for a tweak but it is worth every penny. 

[WGH]

$500 is a lot for a tweak but it is worth every penny.

Have you listened to any of the Hapa Audio USB cables? I reviewed the original Aero USB in August 2021 and bought the review sample.

A year later in September 2022 I reviewed the AerØ Ag Aerogel USB, unfortunately this time I couldn't afford the review sample. I ended up reviewing an entire full loam of the best Hapa cables: AerØ Ag Aerogel USB, Haiku Aerogel RCAs and Torsion speaker cables. That was almost too much fun. As I substituted my older Hapa cables for the top-of-the-line I discovered that the one cable that made the most difference was the AerØ Ag Aerogel USB.

The improvement in clarity without harshness, spacial information and overall musicality has to be heard even if you can't afford it. The Hapa AerØ Ag Aerogel USB would be my upgrade choice before the JCAT XE EVO USB card, then the XE EVO card would be next upgrade.
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=183297.msg1924471#msg1924471 

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I use a WW Starlight Platinum 7 usb cable.  I love its slightly warmer and smooth sound without sacrificing detail.  I would love to try the Hapa cables but they are out of my price range.  I have other priorities.  I did switch my speaker cables, RCA and XLR to Duelund wire and they made a nice improvement in sound.  Again, it added slight warmth and midrange tone. My new Arendal speakers lean to the bright side of neutral and now they are just slightly warm and sound fabulous.
I was really on the fence with these speakers especially when I compared them to the great sounding Fritz Carbon 7 speakers which have my kind of sound.

The Femto card with the LPS is a game changer for me.  I highly recommend it for anyone that is using a desktop computer for music via usb.

[Rocket]

Hi Guys,

I am a little lost with all of this. Are you using the card installed in a  computer but using external power supply to run the Usb? and then transfer the signal to an external dac?

Thanks for the clarification.

Regards Rod

[WGH]

Yes. I use a homemade computer with an Intel processor. Computers use a noisy switching power supply so powering the USB card with a linear regulated power supply sounds better. Many USB cards have either a power jack next to the USB ports or a molex connecter on the card for 5 volts of clean power.

The audiophile grade USB cards cost more and are supposed to be better than a generic $15 add-a-port USB card.

An external DAC is needed. USB is used because it is capable of a wider bandwidth and send more data than SPDIF.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

What WGH said!

The Card plugs into a PCI Express slot on the MOBO.  The card comes with a 2.1mm barrel connector port.  Just plug in the LPS there.  If the DAC does not need the 5v power then you remove all the jumpers on the card for the best sound.

The external LPS does improve the sound.  It gets rid of any grunge and gives a cleaner, more detailed and airy sound.

[Rocket]

Hi Guys,

Thank you for the responses. I have a iMac so this would type of usb card would not assist me. In any case it was an interesting read .

cheers Rod