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About Me

Found 9 results

  1. For product details and ordering please visit JCAT: https://jcat.eu/product/optimo-nano/ Background Like many others here on Audiophilestyle I have followed the experiments and subsequent wisdom that has been freely shared on the forums with great interest. It’s been a real eye opener for me. My first attempt at a DIY music server back in 2016 turned out to be more of a basic media server to be honest. I used: A cheap gigabyte motherboard (I thought that “DAC-UP” would guarantee supreme audio!). A low power Intel processor. Generic RAM Pico PSU and external laptop power brick. It sure looked the part, in its fancy Streacom case, but I had lost everything I loved from my beloved CD transport. So, my first attempt at moving over to digital audio was an absolute sonic failure. 5 years on and the solution to the lifeless hazy digital sound that I was presented with can now be explained and overcome. One of the greatest experiments I undertook was bringing my gaming PC down into the living room. Now it was never meant for permanent residence, but when you hear what high end CPUs (e.g. Intel K series) and the right software (which was Audiolinux at the time) are capable of then there is no turning back. ‘Wow’ I thought to myself, the advice on the forums is right! The dynamics where back. Why did my Gaming PC sound so good? You learn that it’s a multitude of factors, the lower latency and performance of gaming class CPUs, the improved layout and lower impedance of traces on the gaming motherboard, the improved voltage regulation on the motherboards VRM. Very quickly you start to understand the recipe that works. Several iterations later and you reach the point where you start to consider adding dedicated hardware… you question yourself if €800 on a JCAT PCIe card for improved USB output is worth it. You read the early opinions on the forums, which are glowing, but then you hesitate because you are worried that you might not achieve the same results. Luckily I have found that the sonic impressions posted here on every component and tweak I have tried has been reliable – it’s great that everyone on Audiophilestyle seems to have golden ears! JCAT Optimo Nano So, I followed the glowing reviews and purchased a JCAT USB XE and despite my initial doubts it did make a very noteworthy improvement to sound quality. But then I had the dilemma of how to power it. The JCAT USB XE card in isolation is a good jump up in performance because even if you use a standard ATX/SFX power supply the card still filters this power through LT3045 linear regulators and filters (reducing the noise floor). But, I knew that isolating the USB XE card from the other demands that are placed on my music server’s power supply would bring further improvement. I had previously owned a Paul Hynes SR5 that I used to power a NUC, and had also heard a Sean Jacobs DC4, so I had a reference as to what I should expect in terms of better solutions for powering the USB XE card. My first attempt at powering the JCAT USB XE was using a 5v MCRU power supply, not bad by any means, but certainly not the improvement I was looking for. Next up was a Teddy Pardo 5v 3A linear power supply – the same one that I used in my daisy chaining experiment with the JCAT USB XE and a Chord Qutest. Now that sounded good. However I lusted after a one box solution without the need for extraneous power supplies. I did purchase an Ian Canada Ultra Capacitor Conditioner Board, but ultra-capacitors did not seem to impart the same sonic benefit as regular high grade audiophile capacitors. So when the JCAT Nano was announced I was quick to order as it matched my aims. Review system and installation of the JCAT Optimo Nano I have been running a Asus ROG Maximus XI Apex z390, Intel 8086k, APacer Ram, Intel Optane M2 SSD and HDPlex 800DC-DC with their 200watt switched mode power supply for a while. Network is a completely unmodified Buffalo BS-GS2016 switch running optical to a Solarflare card. I run Windows 10 LTSC (Taiko Audio use this as well) which despite lacking any form of optimisation or tweaks on my part sounds remarkably good – it imparts good body to the sound compared to linux based solutions. I have directly compared my DIY music server to a ‘tricked out’ Innuos Zenith and there was not much in it in terms of sonic performance. Happy Days. Surgery on my DIY music server was pretty straight forward, even though it is a little crowded, I decided to place the JCAT Optimo Nano on top of the HDPlex 200w power supply using its 3M self-adhesive backing. JCAT Optimo Nano installed. JCAT provides the molex cable that takes 5v out from the Nano to your JCAT PCIe card/SSD. But they do not include a fancy power input cable. There is a good reason for this – every make/brand of power supply has a slightly different pinout, so if you are using modular cables you have to use the manufacturer supplied one – otherwise you might accidentally create an electrical short! Alternatively you can very careful crimp your own, or do as I did if you want a good quality cable and purchase a Ghent audio Molex-6P to LP4 Gotham OFC Power Cable using JSSG360 shielding which is designed specifically for the HDPlex 800w DC-DC (not shown in the above photo!). The Ghent audio cable made life really easy. Once this is done, make sure all of the power connections are secure, close the lid, remember(!) not to re-connect the now outmoded external power supply and boot up! Easy. Sound Reviewing power supplies can involve a lot of carefully powering down and switching of connections, but helpfully everything else stays constant, unlike evaluating speakers or amplifiers there is no need for level matching here! Thus a subjective impression can be gained without much fuss. In a nutshell here are my findings for the JCAT Optimo Nano: The €375 asking price is absolutely warranted, despite its small size the JCAT Nano performs as well, if not better, than an external linear power supply of the same retail price. The JCAT Nano provided an increase in resolution compared to my Teddy Pardo, whilst provided the same soundstage height and width. The increase in resolution was also not at the expense of body and warmth, which I find impressive. The Teddy Pardo with its super regulators sounds dryer and leaner in its presentation. The Teddy Pardo tries to pull apart the images within the soundstage, this is what makes it sound leaner but somewhat more open. Yet, image localisation with the Nano seems to be better – you get clearly defined outlines and rock solid imaging. The Nano has a slightly more front row (forward) presentation with both vocals and music existing on a similar depth plane, but it is not significantly removed from the performance of the Teddy Pardo. Bass response and frequency extension feel subjectively the same, but the JCAT Nano has more subjective weight in how it delivers music. I don’t know if it could be differences in transient response, power supply impedance or power reserves, but I find that the more powerful presentation that the Nano delivers music more intelligible / easier to follow. I would also like to give you another example to aid your understanding of how the JCAT Optimo Nano sounds. If the Teddy Pardo sounds like a First Watt flea powered amplifier, then the JCAT Nano sounds like the grunt you get from a large Class A muscle amp… it is more easily able to fully flesh out the performance. Another parallel would be what I experienced moving from a low power CPU to a gaming CPU. If you have experienced either of these scenarios then you will have a good understanding of what the JCAT Optimo Nano brings to the table. Conclusion The Nano has been specifically designed to work with JCAT products, there is therefore a synergy there just like if you purchase a pre-amp and matching amplifier from the same supplier. There should be no doubt that it performs well, equalling the performance of similarly priced external linear power supplies, but with a guaranteed synergy. What is also impressive is that it achieves this level of performance without its own toroidal transformer, instead sipping power from your music server’s power supply which already has a number of demands placed upon it. In my opinion, the JCAT Optimo Nano provides me with the better rendition of the recording. It has a smoothness to its delivery, just like a car with the right sized engine, and every sonic note is fully formed and complete. It will be very interesting to see if the INITIO 3 or OPTIMO 3 DUO would sway me to move away from my ideal of the clutter free one box solution I have always wanted. The technical specifications suggest yes!
  2. I just received this new unit, ordered via Amazon.com yesterday. So far, I have been listening to DSD64 files (DSF's) purchased online - plus those ripped via PS3 from my SACD collection. Headphone listening only thusfar - with my Schiit Valhalla/Senn 650 combo and my Grado RS-1/Grado RA-1 amp. Very good sound; better than my Schiit Loki, for sure. I haven't placed it in my big system as yet since my wired network is in a different spot, and still have a lot of files to move over. Speaking of which - the Sony "HAP Music Transfer" application leaves a lot to be desired, in my opinion. You can only sync a folder - rather than select subfolders (i.e.: albums) to transfer. And since there is a 100 subfolder limit on each sync - and I have over 300 albums each in it's own folder, it has turned into as bit of a pain. Any other HAP-Z1ES owners out there with suggestions, tweaks or other relevant comments? Would love to compare notes. Thanks. Merko
  3. OK, so I am a complete newbie to CA. I still listen to my large collection of CD's. But want to create different playlists/ mixes from my CD's. I do have a not-so-old Mac Mini sitting around at home, which, I believe, could be used as the brain of computer audio system. The thing is I do NOT want to have a computer in my Living Room. So I need something quiet and without a monitor like the Mac Mini. But the Mac Mini lacks the much-needed ripping ability. Would I get an external ripper? If so from where? The other option would be to get an Audiophile VortexBox unit from Small Green Computer. The thing is this machine costs some $1,099. Their standard machine is much cheaper, but horrendously ugly!! On top of that I would need to buy a USB DAC (HRT Music Streamer HD, $515). So I am looking at over $1,500+ worth of investment. I do want to explore computer audio. But $1,500 seems like quite a bit of investment. So I just want to get some much-needed advice here. Instead of replacing my CD player, I would want to have the CD player along side my new computer audio gear. My hifi system has the following components: 1). Audia Flight 3 Integrated Amplifier 2). Heed Enigma speakers 3). Sony CDX-5000 CD Player Thank you very much in advance guys!!
  4. Perhaps this has already been discussed, but I am trying to decide if it is worthwhile for me to invest in a dedicated server, e.g. Melco, sonictransporter, for my system. I have about 350 albums, mostly classical, on my computer's hard drive, including 30 or so DSDs (with sampling rates as high as 512), but lately, I have been using Qobuz the majority of the time. I installed a Jcat Net Femto card on my Dell computer and inserted an EtherRegen 1 foot from my Auralic Vega G1 streaming dac in the effort to reduce noise transmitted over ethernet. I imagine that a dedicated server would improve the sound quality of those albums which I am currently streaming from my computer's hard drive, but would it have any beneficial effect on the streaming I do from Qobuz? Or is that unlikely given my present set up and the use of the EtherRegen?
  5. I wasn't sure whether to post this in the networking or music server section, as it involves both, but I am looking for a solution to allow me to: Store music files on a network, to be managed by an iMac that will not be in the audio chain. Media management preference is iTunes+Audirvana or JRiver for mac I would like to keep multiple libraries (one for me, one for my wife, maybe one that includes holiday songs) [*]If management is by JRiver, I want libraries to sync between JRiver and iTunes, so I can still add music to iDevices using iTunes [*]Storage can be by NAS or PC server + external attached storage [*]Files must be able to be accessed by at least one main room media renderer of some sort (either a custom PC, Mac Mini, or audio company built network streamer) - perhaps more rooms later. I do not want to have to turn on the media management computer. [*] Files also need to be accessed over network by an iphone to pass along to portable DAC/headphone amp(s). in hi res formats [*]Control of playback should be easy through iPhone and/or iPad. Any advice? Soundwise, I am unsure of whether to money is better invested in a network streamer with built-in DAC, or a cheaper network streamer (or perhaps a Mac Mini) and a higher end DAC. Setup wise, I am lost. Thanks! Edit: To aid in any device recommendations, I am using a Prima Luna Dialogue Two integrated AMP and will likely be upgrading my NHT Classic Three speakers to Sonus Faber Venere 2.5, PSB Imagine T2, GoldenEar Triton Two, or Nola Contenders pending demos next weekend. For my digital source, I am currently using a Wadia 170i iDevice Transport and Cambridge DacMagic DAC, which doesn't sound that good and is not convenient - hence this thread!
  6. Friends, Geeks, Audiophiles, lend me your expertise! Specifically, what do you think the best options are for a $1k music server? Preferences: 1. No need to crack the box. 2. Don't need to install more than 3 software products. 3. Supports 24/192 and DSD formats 4. iPad playback control 5. Expandable USB drive storage Does anyone all something like this, or is a Mac mini the best option? Many thanks, and happy holidays! Ps. I'm sure there will be many different opinions, but please, let's disagree without being disagreeable-
  7. Thanks to you guys and Computer AudiophileI have started to really explore the boundaries of computer audio. My search started due to my recieving computer bighting the dust. Right now my system consists of an upstairs computer streaming flac to a down stairscomputer wirelessly. The down stairs system consists of an Ayre QB-9 24/96 dac playing into an Audio Research SP-11MK2 to a McCormack DNA 500 to a pair ofAerial 20Ts. Over the last several weeks I have been using my personal HP laptop in the system. I use JRiver MC 19 and have used Asioforall for a few years. I have been auditioning several new settings including wasapi, Jplay and fidelizer 4. All of these have made differences, now only if I can figure outwhich is the best combination. All in all my sound has changed drastically andI have enjoyed the results. This where I really need some advice, I have to putsome sort of new hardware in the system to replace my personal laptop. I havecome up with the following options: 1. New PC vs. Mac vs.C.A.P.S. · A new WindowsPC will put me exactly where I am now. · I have seen that many of you are using a Mac Mini for your system using MC with some otherMac compatible items like Audirvana, etc. I am not a big fan of Apple productshowever. · A new C.A.P.S.Zuma, I have read a lot about the builds, etc. I have never heard one though. Question Number One; what is the general consensus to which would be the best source? Question Number two; all of the above can be modified. How much modification is necessary? Whereis the line of diminishing returns? How many of you are taking apart yourcomputer and adding different components, new usb cards, new filters, newstorage drives, new power supplies, etc. I realize that that this is a hobby, Ihave made a significant investment in the system that I have? How far do you go?I have read about the Zuma and Paul Pang components including custom handmadecabling, linear power supplies, etc. A linear power supply costs approximately$1,000.00, without hearing it first puts me at a disadvantage of making adecision. Of course this is true about everything above, except for yourstandard PC. I have always believed in trying to buy once. Nothing distresses me worse thanbuying something that I don’t like. The other problem is I realize that moreexpensive does not necessarily mean better and I guess that is where I needhelp. If any of you have any advice, please chime in and thanks beforehand.
  8. I have been offer Synology - DS411+II & Seagate 2TB SATA III Mod. ST2000DM001 - 7200 RPM 64MB for 1,300US$ in Spain. Any other models/configuration that would cost less? I need 6TB for storage. Thanks
  9. ELAC DISCOVERY MUSIC SERVER (DS-101-G) - $1099 Discover the world of computer audio without the computer. With their latest release, ELAC continues to set the bar for more affordable high-performance audio equipment. Their latest entry is the Discovery Music Server, which at $1099 offers a high-end music server solution at a much more accessible price than most of what's available on the market. With its Tidal and AirPlay integration, ability to be used as a Roon endpoint, as well as multi-room support with synchronized audio, the Discovery Music Server looks to be a great solution for music lovers of all types. The Discovery Music Server is designed to be the heart of a serious music system, offering playback of local and streaming music, rich multi-dimensional metadata and multi-room audio, all with an interface that anyone can master in a few minutes. Keeping in line with quality music, the lossless, high-fidelity music streaming service Tidal® has been tightly integrated into the Discovery’s software*. Content from your local collection and content from Tidal are presented in the same beautiful, easy-to-use interface. It’s really very simple The Discovery Music Server lets users open their personal music vault from another computer, Apple iPad or Android tablet. Whether your choice is a full ELAC system, powered by an ELAC integrated amplifier and running an ELAC loudspeaker system, or a pair of ear buds, you can listen in one room or around the house with other Discovery-compatible products. ELAC has slated the Discovery Music Server for an early July release. For more information or to reserve yours, please visit us here CONNECTIONS Analog outputs (independent zones): 2 Coaxial output (independent zone): 1 (192kHz 24-Bit Max) Optical output: 1 (192kHz 24-Bit Max) USB port (mass storage class): 1 USB 2.0 Ethernet port: 1 Gigabit Ethernet END POINT SUPPORT Discovery AirPlay Roon End Point CONTROL & USER INTERFACE ROON Essentials Control app: For iOS (64-bit Devices), Android (4.4 and higher), Windows (7, 8, and 10) and Apple OSX (10.8 and higher) FORMAT SUPPORT Supported Audio Formats: WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, OGG, MP3, AAC 192kHz 24-Bit Audio Formats: WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC Native Support for SPDIF/COAX: 24kHz – 192kHz INTEGRATED STREAMING SERVICES: Tidal Track Limit: 15,000 Tracks (Combination of Personal and Tidal Content) PLAYBACK MODES Gapless, Crossfade, Shuffle, and Repeat MULTI-ROOM SUPPORT Type: Wired and Wireless Synchronized Audio: Yes This product qualifies for Free Shipping and 5% back in points when you register for Club Ciamara Membership Rewards Program 1.844.CIAMARA (1.844.242.6272) High End Audio Store NYC - Experience Ciamara
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