USB power supply

[mordante]

I was thinking of buying a USB power supply. Something like the Sciit Wyrd or iFi Micro iUSBPower. The Schiit is a bit cheaper. But I was wondering are they really that usefull.

 

My digital setup is:

NAS

windows XP laptop with Foobar (wired, no wifi)

Hiface (not the evo, first model BNC)

Wadia 12

 

Would a USB power supply like the aforementioned model improve my digital play back? Or would it be pointless? Also beside the Schiit and iFi are there any others that are affordable?

[[email protected]]

I had a challenge feeding my Meridian Explorer with a 15 foot USB cable. I inserted the iFi iUSB power supply and noticed an improvement in the sound quality. Subtle, but better resolution.

[firedog]

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f8-general-forum/schiit-wyrd-universal-serial-bus-industry-standard-cables-connectors-and-communications-protocols-between-computers-and-electronic-devices-decrappifier-22085/

[mordante]

I know of 3 USB power supplies.

 

1) Schiit Wyrd €119

2) ifi iUSBpower €199

3) Teddy Pardo PSU for USB €308

 

Is there a performance difference between any of them? Or are they all the same with only a different price tag?

[Nico]

There is also the AQVOX USB audio power supply

[andrex99]

I used to have audiophilleo with aqvox power supply..great improvement, easy use. Try windows 8.1 if possible, better than xp soundwise.

You could also go for hiface 2 for the money, and sell the 1..

[Picklgreen]

How rich are you? Meridian Prime Power Supply. $1250. Probably the best USB power supply available. And depending on the quality of your dac upgraded power supplies ALWAYS improve the sound. Upgrade your power cables and get a quality AC line conditioner too. My favorite is the Hydra from Shunyata. But be careful. That stuff is expensive!!!

[johndoe21ro]

I have used the AQVox USB Linear Power supply with an Audiophilleo 2 and was very pleased with the combo (this was with a Lite DAC83). Definitely a big improvement! For this money, I don't think you can find anything better, by far.

 

P.S. Mine was tweaked - the stock AC cable was replaced with an Audioquest NRG-5 cable and the crappy 'box' was replaced with a small aluminium box for RFI/EMI protection, better heat dissipation and for a better connection of the new power cable.

[hytechrednek]

Would like to add my recommendation for the AQVOX USB power supply. I bought one recently for my Audiophilleo 2. I was not expecting much improvement if any, since my AP2 uses the Pure Power battery pack. Much to my surprise there was a distinct improvement, especially with regard to vocals and solo instruments, which now have a more natural quality to them. Without the AQVOX they have an edginess that I equate with a hard "Digital" sound. The AQVOX even improves an old M2HiFace I have.

 

Perhaps other products are better, but I did not try them. The AQVOX is much less expensive and I did not anticipate any significant improvement, so I chose it for cost and even managed to find a second-hand unit at a reduced price.

 

BTW, the Audiophilleo can also be improved by using Connectronics brand BNC / RCA adapters in lieu of those provided with the AP unit. The Connectronics adapters sound much better and are very inexpensive from a company that sells online called Markertek. They are sometimes listed as TecNec brand made by Connectronics. If you need the adapters for connection to your DAC, they make a nice SQ difference for less than $10. If you already own the AP, you have not really heard it until you upgrade the adapters. They look nearly identical to the ones AP provides but are less magnetic.

[Man in a van]

[quote name=mordante;359844

My digital setup is:

NAS

windows XP laptop with Foobar (wired' date=' no wifi)

Hiface (not the evo, first model BNC)

Wadia 12

[/quote]

 

 

 

Another recommendation for the Aqvox.

 

Also; the original hiFace has a very high output.

 

I made up a cable from 75 Ohm satellite co-ax, with good quality 'f' connector plugs and experimented with in-line attenuation (got the idea from J Kenny's site).

 

This, imho ,made the greatest improvement with the hiFace (removed a hardness to the sound I thought).

 

atb

 

Ronnie

[Richard Dale]

Another recommendation for the Aqvox.

 

Also; the original hiFace has a very high output.

 

I made up a cable from 75 Ohm satellite co-ax, with good quality 'f' connector plugs and experimented with in-line attenuation (got the idea from J Kenny's site).

 

This, imho ,made the greatest improvement with the hiFace (removed a hardness to the sound I thought).

 

atb

 

Ronnie

 

I'm another AQVOX user - I have one powering a Bel Canto uLink USB/SPDIF converter. I haven't compared it with other PSUs, but it is cheaper than the others.

[hytechrednek]

Sort of amazing the AQVOX does not have much in the way of reviews in the US. It's not very classy looking but sure seems to make a difference in my system. I linked to one of the few I have found. Has anyone heard it compared with similar products?

 

The Gentleman Audiophile: Enter the AQVOX!

[EuroChamp]

I use that one to my satisfaction:

http://www.squeeze-upgrade.com/index.php?language=en

 

They have different voltages and connection options in their portfolio.

[bogi]

My solution is similar to AQVOX. I am using STONTRONICS power supply STONTRONICS - S2226ST - AC-DC LINEAR PSU, 5V 1A UNIVERSAL | eBay and home made Y type USB cable.

Additionally, I am using Weiduka power filter New Weiduka AC2 2 Advanced Audio Power Purifier Lightning Protection | eBay

I am satisfied with the sonic improvement of both parts.