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guzmanatm

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  1. For me it was absolutely worth it adding the microRendu. I have a (relatively) modest setup: LPS-1, IsoRegen, iFi micro iDSD, and Neco v5 amp. I got slick deal on a used MR to replace my dedicated MBP as a source and the difference is dramatic . . . Substantial SQ improvements across the board-- more so than I was expecting. Probably just as dramatic as replacing my USB Regen with the IsoRegen, which was itself a considerable improvement. Right now I'm powering both the IsoRegen and MR from the same LPS-1 using a DC Y-cable. I have the UpTone USPCB adapter between the MR and IsoRegen. This setup works like a charm and sounds outstanding. I'm now considering an additional LPS so the MR and IsoRegen each have their own power supply and I can do away with the Y cable. I'm still not sure what LPS to get, but I'm trying to keep it in the $100 range. However, my system sounds great right now so I'm really not in any rush. I am also considering sending the MR back to Sonore to receive the 1.4 upgrade, but I'll probably hold off until next year when I plan on replacing my DAC.
  2. I'm interested! I'd like to compare the iDSD BL to my standard iDSD micro. I've been curious about upgrading to the iDSD BL; this opportunity for a "test deive" could help me decide whether it's worth it in my case to upgrade.
  3. Thanks, Larry. This is another good point and possible solution. I was suggesting the red isolation switch on the ISO Regen as a starting point to see whether grounding is indeed Alan's issue. If the red switch alleviates the dropouts Alan was experiencing, its safe to say that he should look to ground one of his other components and re-enable the ISO Regen's isolation switch. Unfortunately, given the nature of my system - USB-bus powered DAC and battery powered headphone amp - I don't really have an option to ground any of my components. I'm going to try bypassing my Topaz isolation transformer with one or more of my components to see how it sounds with the ISO Regen now in the picture. I'm curious to see how that might affect the SQ. I did notice a solid improvement when I added the Topaz to my system last year . . . I guess we'll see!
  4. Not sure if you've read Alex's most recent post above regarding the ISO Regen's red switch which turns isolation off/on. You may want to try disabling the ISO Regen's isolation to see if the dropouts still occur. I had an issue with dropouts until I flipped the isolation switch to the UP position on the back. I'm only commenting because you mentioned that the sound is good, and you haven't heard the "crackling" described by others who received a bum unit. In any case, best of luck and happy listening.
  5. I've had the ISO Regen in my system now for almost a week. It replaces a USB Regen which I've owned for over a year. My initial impressions with the ISO Regen been VERY positive. Listening to Kamasi Washington's 'The Epic' and I'm impressed at how involving and organic the sound is. The best way I can describe it is having a more natural presentation. At the same time it sounds more neutral and musical, with extension at both ends that I have not heard previously. Several 'WOW!' moments to be sure. Listening to another favorite of mine, Matthew Bengtson, Scriabin piano sonatas, and the realism, subtlety and finese is as good as anything I have heard. Definite improvement in dynamics over the USB Regen, which in itself was a big improvement in my setup detailed below: Windows 10 Pro (Fidelizer Pro > Foobar2000 [bitperfect]) > ISO Regen powered by LPS-1 > iFi Micro iDSD > Neco Soundlabs V5 > Audeze LCD-X Both LPS-1 and computer are plugged into a 500 VA Topaz isolation transformer. I've never tried an Intona in my otherwise relatively modest system, and unfortunately I haven't had a chance to test the USPCB connector that comes with the ISO Regen because my micro iDSD has the unusual USB A-type input. One interesting note: it turns out I'm one of the few who will set my ISO Regen to disable the galvanic isolation. I have a USB-bus-powered DAC (micro iDSD) and battery-powered headamp (Neco V5), and apparently due to the lack of grounding in my system - as described by Superdad elsewhere in this thread - my micro iDSD spontaneously shuts off after several hours of listening. However, once I switched off ("defeated") the ISO Regen's GI as instructed, the random shutoffs haven't occurred. I've yet to do any serious A-B comparisons with the ISO Regen's GI on vs off. My very early impressions are that the ISO Regen with GI off seems to result in somewhat less depth and clarity. But the difference is very minor and system dependent so YMMV. Don't get me wrong, even without GI or being properly burned in, this ISO Regen is still a major improvement and thoroughly smokes any other USB widgets/"reclockers" I've tried.
  6. We're about a week or so away from the first ISO Regen units shipping and . . . The hype is real! I'm happy to be getting one from the first batch. Looking forward to seeing what kind of improvements the ISO Regen brings over the USB Regen. I'm especially interested to see how much of an impact the ISO Regen has in my particular system. I have a "portable" setup that doubles as desktop audio system at home: Windows 10 w/ Fidelizer Plus (foobar2000; bitperfect mode) > Supra USB > Uptone USB Regen (LPS-1) > Curious Regen Link > iFi Micro iDSD > Zenwave D1 > Neco Soundlabs v5 > Audeze LCD-X The iDSD Micro and Neco v5 are both battery powered, and the USB Regen runs off of the LPS-1. Both my LPS-1 and computer are plugged into a Topaz isolation transformer. I've never tried an Intona in my system, so I have no idea how much my system will benefit from galvanically isolated USB. I guess we'll find out in a couple of weeks-- I'll be sure to report back with my impressions.
  7. Very attractive deals right there . . . Too bad I already have an LPS-1 and no need for another, otherwise I might be tempted!
  8. I ordered that exact cable with 2.1mm C+ jack to feed my Regen from the LPS-1. Worked like a charm. For me I plugged the "kimber kable" end into the LPS-1 and the other end into the Regen. It didn't seem to be as snug a fit the other way around (YMMV). For me I wanted an affordable shorter cable-- 50mm vs the standard 70mm that came with the LPS-1. I also wanted a cable without all of the coil memory that came with the stock LPS-1 cable. The Powerpak Pro link works very well to accomplish both goals. As for SQ improvements, quite frankly I'm not sure it made a difference one way or the other. Perhaps there was a slight improvement in upper frequency response, but I haven't bothered to do a proper A-B test. Either way for my purposes I'm satisfied.
  9. If this comment was in response to me, I do in fact have a USB Regen powered by LPS-1 in between my DAC and laptop. Both devices made a substantial improvement to my ears-- such that I wouldn't want to listen to my setup without either in place! Hard to say which made the bigger improvement in my system between the Regen and LPS-1. If I had to go with one it probably be the Regen as it really seemed to transform my DAC with major improvements to clarity and musicality. Whereas the LPS-1 did much to increase pace, space, and a tighter more extended bass (poet and I don't know it ?!?). I'm considering a microRendu, but I need to do a bit more research before investing to make sure it is a good fit for my setup. Right now I'm looking at a Topaz unit to help clean up some of the noise from my apartment building which was built in the 1960s . . .
  10. Forgive me if this is a silly question . . . Let's say I have a Topaz unit with duplex outlet, and I only need to power two devices-- an LPS-1 feeding a bus-powered DAC/amp, and a laptop. Would it be better to connect both devices directly to the two outlets on the Topaz, or connect a power strip to the Topaz and plug both devices in to the power strip? I'm asking because I've read posts stressing the importance of connecting all devices to one strip. I'm not sure whether connecting both devices directly to the Topaz would defeat some of the purpose of using the isolation transformer to begin with.
  11. My understanding is that yes, if run on battery the iDSD micro will still take current to charge the battery.
  12. Wow, I almost missed out on the initial 150. For some reason my credit card was being declined. I switched cards and finally my order went through at 12:07 EDT. The email confirmation states "If your order was for the UltraCap™ LPS-1, congratulations on being among the first 150 to be receiving this revolutionary new power supply" ... So it looks like I'm good to go! Edit// Alex just confirmed those with orders under 4175 are getting the first shipment. I'm order 4166. Barely made it!
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