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It appears the video---which was only 12 minutes long fwiw--has been removed by the user. In the other discussion I linked to, there was some posting that "the same thing more or less" may be already available for under $200 (just reporting what was stated there).

Apologies for the misstep. Another learning experience. I will share my stumble with some folks at another site who will have a field day with it lol.

Great topic, great cartoon, Chris. I'm not surprised Jud knew of the Dunning-Kruger effect---knowledge of the pantheon of cognitive biases---"thinking habits" (cognitive behaviors; relevant to but not the same as "cognitive behavioral" theory/therapies)---has grown considerably. I wear three hats when I visit here and other audio sites---audiophile/former professional (1st career); semi-retired mental health professional/teacher (2nd career); and senior moderator the last 12 years of a special interest internet community of about 80,000 registered members. Among its sub-forums is a very active open topic forum (politics/religion/social issues/entertainment/etc). I joke about trademarking a phrase I coined long ago in the classroom and have used on "my" site about a dynamic I labeled "ignorance plus arrogance." The cartoon says it another way. It features basic oppositional, obsessive/compulsive, and "passive-aggressive" characteristics that show up frequently in many in-thread squabbles. In connection to the aforementioned characteristics, most of the more extended sturm und drang in some thread discussions is (of course) usually driven by "ego issues", or in more current lingo, self-identity "needs" <insecurities in myriad forms, denial/lack of awareness notwithstanding> that are usually further hampered by various social developmental factors relating to all forms of communication/interactions. I always appreciate those who have the willingness to work on and practice competent self-awareness/self-assessment with an eye to minimizing the self-indulgent (basically "immature") and unproductive behaviors most of us share to varying degree. I know I come up short (sometimes outstandingly so) often enough in such matters that understanding others doing the same becomes a little easier. Other times, not so much. I encourage applying all sorts of humor to all things re: "arguing on the internet", and even when waxing at the peak of personal or professional eloquence in all one's glory, to not take oneself too seriously on almost any given matter. Per CA, while I don't post much, there are such a number of exceptional contributors here that I really enjoy it the most out of all the well-known audio specialty sites, and I compliment Mr. Connaker on the achievement of developing and maintaining such a great website. All the very special members of the industry and very skilled/experienced "amateurs"who post here are a wonderful (and often entertaining) source of valuable info, sometimes quite "colorfully" presented. It certainly "offsets" all the inevitable "other" stuff IMO, and we humans will always be human no matter where we go. That went a bit long in these tl;dr days, but the good news is I don't post here much lol.

New and interesting video from PS Audio on another usb-improvement device. I didn't want to start another thread as I have had few listening experiences with these "improve your usb signal" devices. After searching, this seems like the best place for this post, but as it is a curated thread, if the caretaker finds it amiss I am happy to be corrected. [video=youtube_share;TUl9fJNyfbo]http://youtu.be/TUl9fJNyfbo (added---I see there is already a discussion on it at Head-fi--I'll link it, but will edit it out of that's inappropriate in this thread)--- http://www.head-fi.org/t/803111/xmos-xu208-usb-bridges-the-latest-gen-has-arrived/675

So Mr. Moffat's working on a magic gadget---based on decades of well-earned technical cred and his career-consistent distaste for over-hyped/misleading/manipulative/outright dishonest marketing BS, that's exciting! Making low cost high-value products for the "audiophile" on a budget is truly serving the community of gear/music lovers, and I've appreciated that ever since comparing products (in their day, at the audio retailers I managed) like the original Advents and Advent receiver, NAD 3020 (orig) Apt/Holman preamp, DCM Time Windows, Phillips 212 turntables, HK 2000 cassette, etc etc. Indeed, very high-value is even widely and credibly attached to Schiit's most expensive product, currently. I'm reminded of having always liked Paul Klipsch's attitude towards some of the more "technically colorful" forms of audio hype, and I think he'd have really liked the Schiit guys (I have no idea if they ever met). Paul would wear this large yellow button pin under his lapel that said "Bullshit" on it and would flip the lapel up to reveal it at times when some manufacturer's rep would start talking such--in his views--even at CES. Klipsch used to provide the buttons to their dealers back in the day. In our currents times, he'd likely have to pass as the number he'd have to give out to match the level of need would notably reduce profit. I love Schiit's identity as embodied by Mike & Jason and their stated mission. I respect what Mike says about being caretakers of the hobby and just having fun amid all the...unfun...so many bring to the table. Love that Stoddard-driven blog, too, both as a former businessman and "audio enthusiast." It's a real bonus to me when I can actually think/feel as uber-positive about the company's identity/mission and the people involved as I do about the products they offer.

If this has already been posted, I missed it in my scan and apologize for any repeat. And given the different Regen threads, I am assuming a review will fit fine here, given the thread title. It's such a nicely laid-out review (focused on the subjective side) and as usually the case, gives a hearty endorsement of the little guy. I'm still stacking up shekels for a new DAC and then most likely a Regen. Sometimes "patience" isn't really patience for me, but more a graceless and grudging acceptance of inescapable budget restraints lol. Mono and Stereo High-End Audio Magazine: UpTone Audio USB REGEN review

Just want to add another "thank you" for sharing your succinct and expert summarization, Yuri. I assume there are many like me who may not post often but derive a great deal of value from the efforts of the more experienced and technically proficient members of the forum.

This thread at AA-- Computer Audio Asylum --reports JB measurements taken by HiFi News (no link to test/article cited in the AA post). There is also some interesting commentary (to me) from AQ and Gordon Rankin regarding design credits. Measurements taken (per the post) in bold text below: With a 'standard' 2m usb cable in their rig, rise time was reduced from 22 to 15 nS, with jitter being reduced on the Dragonfly from 220 to 165 pS. Before and after, the square shapes showed the effects of band limiting due to filtration. The jitter spectra also showed the differences before and after.

What a great informative post, Jud--I wish I had the "head" (willingness/energy) and more competence in even the basic skills to get into DIY, or even some of the more wonky side of CA (like you software gurus). I had done similarly so in the past, in TT set-ups and just general good old audiophile 2-ch systems with all sources other than a PC. I have made my attempts at DIY, and my failures are literally at my ongoing expense, but I still like knowing what's happening in those areas and the knowledge often still benefits me.

Not to take on fanboy trappings, but Jud is one of the major reasons (there have been a handful of such contributors) I've decided to join, habituate, and participate a bit in this forum. I even PM'ed him (once, and with due consideration as such is rare for me) for a very pedestrian (I'd assume especially to him) piece of advice, which he graciously provided and I followed. Per expertise, one of my relevant hats here is having been a senior moderator on a staff of seven on a very dynamic message board with a > 80,000 membership for over a decade. When I find regular posters who display humility, an open mind but with discernment and accountability, while still projecting an obviously high level of intelligence in general along with specific areas of serious expertise via both education and direct experience, I consider them resources I really appreciate. More ego-driven and troublesome "personality" (developmental) behaviors in communication often (and greatly) undermine whatever useful content might be otherwise available. A little humility and mutual respect as a default position can go a very long way in terms of achieving the most productive results when communicating with others---assuming that's what actually desired, and while it's not as colorful to some readers as being some form of ass.

As a relatively (and appropriately) "quiet" reader of this site, who can still wear several pertinent hats in these matters, this is certainly my take. I am actually going to unplanned lengths (inc. $$), hoping to be able to properly utilize Jussi's efforts. And I have finally heard a system other than my own where I was satisfactorily (for me) able to compare appropriate playback software.

Thank you, Ted--makes perfect sense. I will do that and report back. It may be about a week or so. I'm hoping such software as Jussi's will work with it, because that lenovo in its current state is going to have to be my "all in one" source for streaming/ripped audio file playback for some time. Funny, while I wanted a laptop for more than one reason, the first year I had it I figured I'd "over-bought", especially for my actual audio needs. And I was probably right, prior to discovering the whole "convert redbook to dsd256 with cpu-draining software" dealio.

Gentlemen, a brief aside if you will---I've been reading the thread since its inception, and since both HQ player and Roon Labs have piqued my interest for awhile (love what these guys are all about), let me just ask this straight up: Will an i5 3230m (lenovo thinkpad) with (as of now)12 gig of RAM be sufficient for Roon/HQplayer, integrated or separated, with a primary goal being listening to aiff redbook files converted to play at dsd 256?

Thanks for your clarification--- I meant "ipurifier"---I do sometimes stumble with the ifi product naming---and just keeping track of competing products in several categories on CA/Head-Fi--including lately the (nuprime) udsd v idsd... lol

Ah, that brings back memories of when custom install was beginning its more widespread boom. I remember some of those early days installers and other stores dipping their toes in, often quite incompetently. It was reminiscent of when high-dollar after market car audio went through the same explosion years before---some installers really were comedic caricatures (of both skilled and terminally unskilled variety) with some of the incompetent ones not much exaggerated by that clip. And some of course were amazing craftsman of very diverse talents, often learning as the demands grew. Great clip! (and fun show/great city)