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hrooo2002

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  1. The following experience based on: iMac 2011 >-- ifi iUSB power (Aqvox usb PSU) >-- Supra USB 2.0 cable >-- Meridian Director >-- Chord Cobra Vee3 >-- Earmax Pro >- Sennheiser HD800 (with DIY single ended cable). Now I have 2 well known usb power supply in front. One is Aqvox power supply, borrowed from my friend. I have listened to Director with Aqvox for nearly 2 days so have a basic idea how the sound is with this combo.The other PSU is ifi iUSB power, which I received about 2 hours ago. I would say, both of them, give significant improvements in every aspect. Really huge impact, very easy to distinguish. Darker, wider, smoother, better extension, more 3D stage, more detail. The improvement is just so big that you can't miss. If you want to me quantify the improvement, I would say, 25% at least. That is huge amount in hifi world. But that is just my point of view, maybe someone else has another opinion. Between those 2 PSU, the difference is not that easy to tell. After 2 hour listening, I would say, the winner is ifi iusb power. For my system, it appears that, with ifi, the background is slightly darker, not too much, just a little bit. That is hard to distinguish. The dynamic seems to be a little better, but I am not sure if it is just my imagination. But one thing I am sure. With ifi, the sound is smoother, more natural, more musical. Apart from those, I can't tell any difference, in terms of detail, sound stage, extension. Just to clarify myself, This conclusion is not bias because ifi is a little more expensive. You can find a cheap ifi iusb in asia for something like £115. And Aqvox PSU is 97 Euro. £35 difference is really nothing in hifi. And this conclusion is drawn from my personal hearing and my setup. It may vary with different person and setup.
  2. Sorry for any misleading. The DAC I bought is Meridian Director, not Explorer. Forgot to specify it. Although Director is much larger than Explorer, it is still quite portable. Because I travel a lot, what I need is a relatively portable device, which can be easily put in suitcase. And I 've already got Earmax Pro as my amp. I just love it so much and wouldn't even think about giving it up at all. I have tried some desktop DAC/amps before, some really good ones, like Antelope Zodiac Gold + Upgraded PSU (£3000 plus). They can still be carried around with a suitcase, but to be honest, the sound was not as enjoyable as my current setup. I am quite happy with my current "portable' system, in terms of money saving and sound quality. At the end, to avoid any further misleading, I would like to specify my system: iMac/macbook air >-- ifi iUSB power >-- ifi double head usb cable >-- Meridian Director >-- Chord Cobra Vee3 >-- Earmax Pro >- Grado RS1i. Looks a lot devices, but really easy to fit in a suitcase.
  3. Thanks for the review. Just got a second hand Meridian DAC for £225. Have ordered a iusb power, wonder how much improvement it will make. Can not wait now.
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