I'm wondering about the implications of using the isolated Silverstone USB with Intona?! Not the keyboard issue but with timing on Intona.  Has anyone tried it's removal...implications.

brunok

I would like to ask SinterKlaas to be put on Peter's list, and for Amerigo to please choose the faster route (HoHoHo).

Thanks,
brunok

This is a worthy view:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5S_DI99wd8

includes MQA.  If you're short on time, view from 45 mins on.

The speaker's talk and implications (in my view) support in large measure how/why XXHighEnd has done it right.

Regards
brunok

Proost!!

Hello all:
I'm in the process of redoing my PC in light of the new software and OS's. I have obtained the Silverstone USB3 (checked versions) and I own the NOS1.  I believe I've read through all the threads on how things evolved and where things are today in light of this usb adaptor but I wondered if some out there could help confirm that I understand things correctly.

1. The USB card (under win 7&8 and earlier software) made a slight 
difference in sound quality just plugged into the molex, but
2. Made a huge difference when ground wire moved (as per Bert's       photo) and isolated from the PC chassis with tape or plastic.
3. If I proceed with decoupling the ground I MUST make certain that the card is isolated or loud noises even damage might occur to the DAC.
4. Is this correct?
5. Is this still correct for both NOS1 and NOS1A?
6. Is this still correct for NOS1 in light of the new software? v2 (too early to say with Win10, I understand)
7. Would it be advisable to hold on for a bit (let the dust settle a little more on the recent advancements) before proceeding with the adaptor install?

 Thanks kindly,
 brunok

oops, 100W+ not dB.
TNX

Hi Peter:
Tell me if I'm on the right track with the new DAC/amplifier by way of this example.  Say I wanted to build my own speakers with three drivers in each:  tweeter, woofer, subwoofer.  I know the new DAC allows for 8 channels but my example above would only require 6 (3 X 2) channels.  The DAC along with a hardware DSP/crossover (presumably adjusted somewhat with software) would allow me to set the crossover frequencies digitally (primarily)as opposed to what I have seen by others done in analog.  Add to that the ability to amplify each driver separately up to 52W giving me a unified/integrated system.  Presumably the system is designed like this to enhance the overall sound quality. So fewer or shorter length cables, closer proximity to the drivers, hardware digital adjustments vs analog, external linear power supply, etc., all add up to a "No Holds Barred" NHB approach to the best sound quality you can come up with.  You stated the THD to be 0.00003% which is pretty incredible and I look forward to finding out other distortion characteristics and such as you give us more info along the way.
Would you say these amps are at least as good if not better than the gainclones in the Orelo MKII's?  Also I note that you mention that the system is modular meaning one could start with 2 channels and later add on up to 8 channels. So in my example above if I wanted to double up the channels to give more power to the subwoofer, I could do so (adding up to in total 8 channels with the subs @ 100dB+).  Not only that but on each channel itself I can choose how much power (up to 52W) I want to go to each driver.  So the tweeters obviously would need less power than the subs, requiring less from the linear power supplies resulting in "purer" sound. The one proviso is that the speaker or driver(s) should preferably be at 100dB or higher efficiency to benefit from this integrated approach.  Am I roughly on track or off base?!

Regards,
brunok

NOStradamos

Hi Peter:
I've been waiting a while to ask you what options, if any, would be a consideration for original NOS1 owners short of sending the unit in for a full upgrade.  For example, Clarisa and other cables by all accounts are great cables, but would its effects be noticed that much on the NOS1, etc.

Secondly, for those of us who live in the other part of the world, have you thought about someone (company) who could modify the NOS1 to a NOS1A over here or is that really not viable since some of the modifications are tricky?

Thirdly, man, you've got to stop making incredible improvements like this to the NOS1(A) or soon I'll have Diana Krall actually singing in my living room -- just to me -- while standing on the NOS1B. Yeah, my wife won't like it.  NOTE: NOS1B => NOS1 for Bruno => excellent planning, Peter!

Regards,
brunok

Tidal streaming HQ audio likely with new codec MQA.  See this link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxFafCO9khE  Interesting and balanced.

Regards
brunok

I'm curious what the implications will be for this MB and XXhighend for $35 USD.

http://www.engadget.com/2015/02/02/windows-10-is-coming-to-the-raspberry-pi-2/#continued

brunok

Peter, et al:

Just want to share some quick thoughts.... If I understand correctly, Peter, a major difficulty/problem with the "Dummies"  idea are all the
possible permutations and combinations of approach to the hardware/software of Phasure products, and the inevitable chaos of maintaining standards, etc..

Secondly, while I don't think it's been stated so far, the additional WORK required would add to your list of things to do. We all know you've been living in the ethereal Nether region where you have been granted 30 hour days while we slog through the standard 24 hours; nevertheless even your 30 hour days seem challenging for your considerable work load and all of our expectations.

On the other hand this website, this tombe of work is difficult to navigate for solutions especially in light of the many advances, over these past two years in particular.  A newbie could easily get lost in or confused by which of the evolutionary improvements to implement.  And I also find it difficult at times to find the most current information on a topic.

What to do?

1) Create a list of topics to address; consider working on the most   fundamental "topics" first and put this LIST in a section labeled   2)SUBMISSIONS; where various members can put their own lists.  Ultimately the lists would be combined/distilled down to say, the top 10 topics to tackle first. (this is all done by submission and resubmission until acceptance) 3) Once agreed upon (with you having the final call) submissions for those topics would be submitted by members in the "submissions" section where it would be corporately drafted/redrafted until the wording and info was satisfactory and then put it in the 4)"Dummies" section or whatever you want to call it: "Guides" or "Tutorials", etc..

The bulk of the work load could be done by others, Peter, while you maintain your focus on the issues at hand.

So the "Submissions" section is always changing, always dynamic, whereas the "Guides" section is static:  It changes only infrequently.

Once the top ten issues have been fulfilled a new round of topics could be voted upon (which don't have to fit the bill of next most important, but rather individual interesting topics for example) And the process continues in form.

ESOTERIC TOPICS:  ie. clock rebuild,  or whatever fits this definition could be discussed under a section entitled , Esoteric Section...with a fitting disclaimer.

VARIATIONS: By this I mean variations in hardware/software attributable to our own unique situations.  For example building a PC for XXHighend--some of us may use a _____MB or memory;  USB2 or USB3; a USB3 card; etc.  After establishing a "Guides" file on such a topic...ie. "building a PC for XXHighend" a VARIATIONS note could be added at the tail end of the guide listing the "one" variable and designating those members who have chosen such a direction.  And of course stating what the "perceived" difference in sound is like.  These "variations" too would first be put in the submissions section until finally added to the body of the topic in the Guides section.

Regards,
brunok

Wait a minute?!  You mean there is no "Sinterklaas"!!!
 

Could you not record some piece(s) of music through the NOS, through a preamp.  Swap out the various different cables and A/B the sound differences that are recorded to at least hear the differences between the cables. Might save time.

brunok

Hmmm, how to ask a question without (necessarily) expecting a reply?!  I know, a wish list.  It sure would be nice (timely?) to have up to 8 channels available for the NOS1a (daughtercard?).

Drats, I just threw out those big cardboard boxes saying to myself, "what's the likelihood of me sending this back to Peter".  Figures!   ...Let me know if/when you have a separate plan for the NOS1a upgrade for North America.  Perhaps swapping to a prebuilt NOS1a might work, etc.?

TNX