Going Digital!

[Lee Harvey]

Yea! The site is back up! I picked up a new iUSB 3.0 this past weekend at RMAF and got it plugged into the system this morning. The Regen & LPS are sidelined for now as I give the iUSB a chance to burn in. My iFI Rack is full now with the iDSD, iTube and iUSB 3.0. I had one problem getting things hooked up this morning as 1/2 meter Pangea silver cable was not passing power to the iDSD. For now I have a 1 1/2 meter silver plated copper cable between the iUSB and the iDSD. I will probably wait a while before I search for a new USB cable as I want to give the iUSB time to settle in before throwing another variable in the mix. So I won't be giving any impressions at this time.

Now for some iFI news from RMAF. They were showing their new fully balanced headphone/pre amp iCan and I snapped some pictures of it as they were pulling out of the box. This is the first piece from their new Pro line gear. It uses a 5670 JAN tube as a buffer and discreet transistors instead of op-amps.

That's not the biggest news. In January iFI will be releasing the Pro iDSD that will be fully balanced. It will feature twin 5670 JAN tube output and also be able to switch to solid state output with discreet transistors on the fly so you can choose what flavor of sound output for your particular music files. It will also feature using four DAC chips besides the discreet circuitry and tubes. Expect about $1700 for the price. It will use the same case design as the Pro iCAN shown above. It will basically be a hot rodded iDSD and iTube in one case.

Since Byron has a friend with some Lamizator gear I am including this. Lampizator was there with Vapor Audio speakers. Hands down this was the best sounding room of the show!!!! Wilson, Mark Levinson, VTL, Magico and the other big boys there pack your gear and go home and lick your wounds. You are not competitive anymore. The Man from Poland has put you to shame! I got to speak to Lukas and he is a super nice guy. He wanted to know what I had heard that I thought that sounded good so he could go check some of the other rooms. The Lamizator/Vapor room was loud and clear and never showed any strain to the sound. This is the best system I have ever heard in my life. Lukas brought the $18K+ Golden Gate DAC and his big 7 but the big 7 was just for show and not hooked up. Next door to Lampizator was ELAC room with Andrew Jones and his new affordable ELAC speakers and the new Audio Alchemy electronics to drive them. I sat in the room while Andrew Jones was talking about his new speakers and I had Lukas setting next to me and also David Chesky of HDtracks was there listening to Andrew. Pretty Cool!

The Golden Gate:

And the rest of the Lamizator gear and Vapor Audio Speakers:

I spent a lot time in this room Friday and Saturday it was so good.

 

[slippers-on]

I'm waiting for your observation of the IUSB ......how does it stand up to the REGEN? It's more transparent and detailed than the old iUSB.

Yeah...the Lampi is a great DAC....they can be a little of a head ache but once you get it set up and left alone it's a great sound.

With the sound I'm getting from the new iUSB/ Micro. I don't know if I'd go for the new Pro model....if I did, it would be to use in the SS mode as I have tubes already. I'd hate to pay for something I'd never use. I removed the JB from the System as its masking some detail and resolution.

 

[slippers-on]

You know...Vapor audio is like 50 miles from me. I've to get over there and take a listen...he has several rooms set up I'm told.

 

[Kt77]

Good evening Lee Harvey,

Great report as usual, and I to am awaiting to hear your verdict on the iUSB 3.0, but more then likely with be pursuing one blind as I believe it's going to be that much better as compared to the Regen, but I know that you're going to put the truth out there as you hear it. I'm also happy to hear that the Pro iDSD is right around the corner, as well as seemingly how much you enjoy Lampi's room, which is very very very reassuring as to what Brotha B, and another friend of mine whom owns the Big 7 have both sworn by.

Let the partying continue............, I'm all ears|eyes.

 

[Kt77]

I'm waiting for your observation of the IUSB ......how does it stand up to the REGEN? It's more transparent and detailed than the old iUSB.

Yeah...the Lampi is a great DAC....they can be a little of a head ache but once you get it set up and left alone it's a great sound.

With the sound I'm getting from the new iUSB/ Micro. I don't know if I'd go for the new Pro model....if I did, it would be to use in the SS mode as I have tubes already. I'd hate to pay for something I'd never use. I removed the JB from the System as its masking some detail and resolution.

Bro............, is the combination moving you that much, where you can seriously call it a day?, then color me very impressed. But you know what?, I believe you.

 

[slippers-on]

Man...my rig was clicking before...had lots of bass slam as you know I have hybrids. I had a great tube sound as well. very nice warm mids, I must say the system was always clicking once I got right cabling, tubes ect.

The new iUSB added a darker background which leads to more detail I didn't know was missing....well I shouldn't say was missing, but with the new 3.o, it fleshed it out more so. The bass is more defined and the sound stage is wider and seems tone/texture/timbre is spot on and the dynamic is much better. Seems to have added a little pep in its step!

The iUSB certainly cleaned stuff up and put certain wrongs to rights. As you know, my system takes to every change I do, no matter how subtle it is, it will be heard in my system with ease. I removed the Jitter Bug as it seemed to smooth the sound a tad and hide resolution and some detail in the highs. I may add it back, but the iUSB is still running in, so I will wait a bit and then put JB back in and see how I like what it adds/subtracts from the presentation, which now is so effortlessly making a huge impression in my listening sessions. Did I add that there is lots of romance/emotion from the artist no matter who it is? I'm loving it! And lest I forget, let me add....certain songs seemed a little off as far as signal balance is concerned....well the 3.0 even fixed that problem....it really sounds great!

 

[Kt77]

Man...my rig was clicking before...had lots of bass slam as you know I have hybrids. I had a great tube sound as well. very nice warm mids, I must say the system was always clicking once I got right cabling, tubes ect.

The new iUSB added a darker background which leads to more detail I didn't know was missing....well I shouldn't say was missing, but with the new 3.o, it fleshed it out more so. The bass is more defined and the sound stage is wider and seems tone/texture/timbre is spot on and the dynamic is much better. Seems to have added a little pep in its step!

The iUSB certainly cleaned stuff up and put certain wrongs to rights. As you know, my system takes to every change I do, no matter how subtle it is, it will be heard in my system with ease. I removed the Jitter Bug as it seemed to smooth the sound a tad and hide resolution and some detail in the highs. I may add it back, but the iUSB is still running in, so I will wait a bit and then put JB back in and see how I like what it adds/subtracts from the presentation, which now is so effortlessly making a huge impression in my listening sessions. Did I add that there is lots of romance/emotion from the artist no matter who it is? I'm loving it! And lest I forget, let me add....certain songs seemed a little off as far as signal balance is concerned....well the 3.0 even fixed that problem....it really sounds great!

Little Brotha,

As I was so moved by what you and Lee Harvey have both said, I placed an order for a 3.0 yesterday, and it should arrive today, with the Regen being shipped off to me this Friday, so you best believe I'll be putting both through the paces, and may the best device win............, but like you, my ears|systems are both more then capable of allowing me to pick upon said differences within 3 tracks, so I'd imagine then that after the settling process it only gets better.

Next stop............, the Curiuos Cable USB, at which point I don't think I'll need to listen to any others and my journey has come to its end, lest I forget to add one of those nice LPS within the next two months that is............, admittedly, I still have lots to end on thus whole CA thing, but have found it most exciting to say the least.

Thanks for sharing your quest with me|us, as it has proven to be one of the best ventures I've in years.

 

[slippers-on]

That's great! I know the REGEN is the stuff from all I've heard. I'd love to know where the 3.0 stands in comparison. But I can assure you....it's miles ahead of the older iUSB. Keep me posted!

 

[slippers-on]

Bro...one of the things I like about the iUSB3.0 is the fact it's not over making any part of the instruments more powerful than what they are. You feel me? Bass doesn't become boomy all of a sudden, but is more detailed and correct. The JB seemed to make it more than what it was, not so with the 3.0. It's as if it's a cleaner more transparent presentation. Spacing and 3d depth are also noticed.

 

[slippers-on]

Also...there is rave in the air....seems that software program that's been around for a few years out of Japan..."bug heads" is starting to catch on with some cats...reports are it makes JRiver and HQ Player seem hi-fi-ish.

 

[Kt77]

That's great! I know the REGEN is the stuff from all I've heard. I'd love to know where the 3.0 stands in comparison. But I can assure you....it's miles ahead of the older iUSB. Keep me posted!

You got it. I'm listening now between JRiver and A+, and once again have to stress that with the Mac gear the latter has a more responsive nature where the notes come across as better integrated, with a lighter feel that's not as forced and seems more natural.

So I'm definitely trying to prep my ears in advance to take on both, either way............, it'll be reported here. Watch this space.

That's great! I know the REGEN is the stuff from all I've heard. I'd love to know where the 3.0 stands in comparison. But I can assure you....it's miles ahead of the older iUSB. Keep me posted!

Bro.........., you know that I'll.

 

[Kt77]

Bro...one of the things I like about the iUSB3.0 is the fact it's not over making any part of the instruments more powerful than what they are. You feel me? Bass doesn't become boomy all of a sudden, but is more detailed and correct. The JB seemed to make it more than what it was, not so with the 3.0. It's as if it's a cleaner more transparent presentation. Spacing and 3d depth are also noticed.

But of course I feel you............, and I'll judge both accordingly, as I'm preparing myself for the arrival of the 3.0 as I'm listening very closely to the differences once again between A+ and JRiver, and have to agree with the findings of late that with Mac gear............, A+ comes across as more nimble - transparent - more responsive to shifts in transients and has a more natural flow to the notes themselves.

This has been a joyous ride indeed.

 

[Kt77]

Also...there is rave in the air....seems that software program that's been around for a few years out of Japan..."bug heads" is starting to catch on with some cats...reports are it makes JRiver and HQ Player seem hi-fi-ish.

Yeah.........., I caught them discussing this one a few months ago, it seems that nothing should be judged without first being listened to, especially when it's free.

And once again A+ has proven to me that it's not a joke either, at least in tandem with said Mac products as mentioned earlier........., live and learn as I'd always say. Because as the term went in X-Files............, the truth is out there.

 

[Lee Harvey]

Also...there is rave in the air....seems that software program that's been around for a few years out of Japan..."bug heads" is starting to catch on with some cats...reports are it makes JRiver and HQ Player seem hi-fi-ish.

When I was at the show I would say 95% of the playback software in use was JRiver MC. Even some of the music server appliances were using JRiver on Linux. The other 5% were a mix of iTunes and the others out there. This was true in both the 2-channel rooms and at Can Jam. The next most popular format was Vinyl. Most of the rooms I visited were playing computer files. There were a very few CD Players in use in the rooms I visited.

I can say after having the iUSB 3.0 hooked up and powered on for 24 hours that it matches the Regen's performance with a little less Bass boom. Probably in a couple a weeks as the 3.0's circuitry settles in it will pull away from the Regen w/LPS. I am hanging on to the Regen for a while but it may go up for sale.

Full Rack for now:

 

[enginedr]

Bro...one of the things I like about the iUSB3.0 is the fact it's not over making any part of the instruments more powerful than what they are. You feel me? Bass doesn't become boomy all of a sudden, but is more detailed and correct. The JB seemed to make it more than what it was, not so with the 3.0. It's as if it's a cleaner more transparent presentation. Spacing and 3d depth are also noticed.

I had a feeling that combo would be the bomb . I will have to wait till Oscar compares the regen to iusb 3.0
I have the regen going into my ifi I link . I am using a PCM based software Chanel D audio pure music and up sampling
To 192khz . For now I am very pleased . But as we all know that is usually short lived . Until the next tweak

 

[slippers-on]

When I was at the show I would say 95% of the playback software in use was JRiver MC. Even some of the music server appliances were using JRiver on Linux. The other 5% were a mix of iTunes and the others out there. This was true in both the 2-channel rooms and at Can Jam. The next most popular format was Vinyl. Most of the rooms I visited were playing computer files. There were a very few CD Players in use in the rooms I visited.

I can say after having the iUSB 3.0 hooked up and powered on for 24 hours that it matches the Regen's performance with a little less Bass boom. Probably in a couple a weeks as the 3.0's circuitry settles in it will pull away from the Regen w/LPS. I am hanging on to the Regen for a while but it may go up for sale.

Full Rack for now:

That's great news about the performance comparison! With the JB in place the bass becomes artificially huge. Without it the bass is more refined and detailed..I feel due to cleaning (re-clocking, re-balancing and Re-generating) the signal as well a packet noise and jitter suppressing, it's close to how it's suppose to sound. I've about 30 hours on her. I've never left it run while I wasn't listening. Today I noticed a greater transparency and detail more so than yesterday. I love what it does for DSD128!

 

[slippers-on]

When I was at the show I would say 95% of the playback software in use was JRiver MC. Even some of the music server appliances were using JRiver on Linux. The other 5% were a mix of iTunes and the others out there. This was true in both the 2-channel rooms and at Can Jam. The next most popular format waas Vinyl. Most of the rooms I visited were playing computer files. There were a very few CD Players in use in the rooms I visited.

I can say after having the iUSB 3.0 hooked up and powered on for 24 hours that it matches the Regen's performance with a little less Bass boom. Probably in a couple a weeks as the 3.0's circuitry settles in it will pull away from the Regen w/LPS. I am hanging on to the Regen for a while but it may go up for sale.

Full Rack for now:

I see you are using the side USB connectors! Is that just a chunk of metal up top?

 

[Lee Harvey]

I see you are using the side USB connectors! Is that just a chunk of metal up top?

I figure using the side connector will make less of a bend and strain on the USB cable and its connectors. Yes, that's about a 2 pound hunk of steele to wait down the iRack and couple it to the bamboo board its setting on.

 

[Lee Harvey]

Good evening Lee Harvey,

Great report as usual, and I to am awaiting to hear your verdict on the iUSB 3.0, but more then likely with be pursuing one blind as I believe it's going to be that much better as compared to the Regen, but I know that you're going to put the truth out there as you hear it. I'm also happy to hear that the Pro iDSD is right around the corner, as well as seemingly how much you enjoy Lampi's room, which is very very very reassuring as to what Brotha B, and another friend of mine whom owns the Big 7 have both sworn by.

Let the partying continue............, I'm all ears|eyes.

Thanks Oscar! Yes, that Lampazator gear is to die for. Also my next favorite room was the Vinni Rossi ILO integrated, VR 120 amp and the new Harbeth 40.2's. That's a system I could live with for years. I have already started hinting to the Wife about the ILO integrated and posibly a new set of Harbeth speakers. I would have to put my Exposure amp and B&W speakers up for sale first. I still interested in getting the iDSD Pro when it comes out next January. I think that's going to be iFI's big release at CES?

So you have both a Regen and a iUSB 3.0 on order? We will have to see what we think after couple of weeks as that gear settles in.

 

[Kt77]

Nice to know....

Hi Dave,

No hard feelings on that matter regarding the Oppo's, as I've to learn to be neutral on somethings, my bad.

scar