XXHighEnd

My Audio PC (with XXHE and os-ram drive) is actually down, so I am actually using a Toshiba laptop that has some years under the belt (8GB ram, i5 (4 cores), USB 2 ports only. At least I can use a ramdisk like I was using prior to the os-ram drive, but I have to reduce the memory allocation to make all work. I use Windows 10 build 10586.0.

I use 2 Clairixa USB cables for the links between Laptop > Intona > NOS1, same as I do with my Audio PC.

To my surprise, there is something odd happening. Whenever I boot (same if I restart or do a shutdown then start Windows), I need to turn the NOS1 OFF then ON again. I would like to try disconnecting one of the two USB cables, but I feel better to turn OFF the NOS1 instead. Not that I think it is good, but I am quite sure that there is DC offset when playing with cables. So...

That was not happening with the Audio PC, but the big difference is that the Silverstone PCIe USB 3 card that I use (like many others) does not seem to require that kind of intervention. I never had to turn the NOS1 OFF then ON when booting.

I believe this has something to do with the Intona. In Computer Audiophile forum, there has been lots of reports about a certain sensitivity with the Intona USB 3 Isolator... It is also said that Daniel (from Intona) is looking for a solution about these situations.

But of course, as soon as I get my Audio PC back, all should be ok again.

I can't point the culprit - USB 3 vs USB 2 ? Has someone tried this with a USB 2 port right from the motherboard (not a PCIe USB card) ?

Regards,

Alain

Alain,

I've had problems, as I reported earlier, with the DAC being recognized while using the Intona isolator.  My problem was specifically related to using the short Clairixa cable on the PC side.  I have not had the problem using the long Clairixa cable on the PC side.

In addition to the NOS 1a not being recognized, I also have had problems with the PC suddenly shutting down while using the Intona box with the short Clairixa cable on the PC side.

Ramesh

Hi Ramesh,

This is strange... I did reverse the long and short Clairixa, but the problem was still persisting... I have tried with the long Clairixa and a blue USB cable (shorter, but still ~ 40cm) and the same was happening. I could have tried more USB cable (not that I have so many of them), but when shutting the NOS1 OFF then ON was the remedy (until the next boot).

I normally leave the NOS1 ON almost all the time, except when I leave for a few days or at least once a week, with the rest of the chain.

Not having this problem before made me wonder... The Silverstone PCIe USB 3 controller card does not seem to exhibit this kind of behavior. so I imagine that the power is more stable and strong to not act that way...

Anyway, this laptop is a temporary solution. I already miss not being able to load all in ram :) For the moment, while it seems to be sensitive to power, the Intona is an important addition to all the SQ that we get from XXHIghEnd, NOS1, Clairixa, the os-ram drive and Intona, I feel so comfortable "Lonely at the very top" like it is written on top of the forum :)

Regards,

Alain

Hey Alain,

When the DAC is on while connecting (or booting) then the power (current) needed will be more instant than when you switch on the DAC. Say that this is because there's no relais or anything for a power up sequence so it "makes use" of gradually filling the capacitors and say it starts to work slowly.
When the DAC is on while connecting, all is more sudden.

The current required is quite a lot while connecting and it will be close to what Intona rates (300mA IIRC) but no problem because only for a short while. I would worry more about the laptop, which usually is not so "powerful" on its USB ports, especially when it is somewhat older. At least that is my own experience.

What the analogy is with short and long cables and the Intona ... I don't know. But elsewhere I suggested that the impedance is not much under control anywhere. Not in the PC and if you ask me also not in the Intona. And someone telling "but it is !" ... I won't believe much until I see how.
I personally also don't care much, as long as it brings this sound, one way or another.

FYI : We tested all with a 1m80 Clairixa at the DAC side and "your" 30cm at the PC side, into the isolated Silverstone.
Those who also ordered a longer Clairixa lately (since I use the Intona), e.g. Ramesh, were tested with "your" longer run at the DAC side and at the PC side my own 15cm very short one.

Regards,
Peter

Hi Peter,

Since the only variable is the laptop temporarily replacing my Audio PC (until it is repaired), I suspect that the laptop is responsible for the situation.

But how about this: I also did the test with an adaptor (Sbooster USB Isolator) that cuts the 5V at the output USB port of the Intona and it will start when I turn OFF and ON the NOS1 ? This is really strange no ? My question is now "Is it the power or is it the signal that does this ?"...

Very strange...

Alain

Alain, it is the signal.
So the signal is drawing that 300mA temporarily.

Peter

Thanks Peter. I hate the need to turn the NOS1 OFF and ON each time I boot into Windows... But it should not take long until I get back my Audio PC. It will be at the store today for the repair.

Alain