Going Digital!

[Kt77]

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

Hello Rich,

As my wife bought the 3.0 in about 4 hours ago, I can say that within as mentioned earlier all of 3-4 tracks I knew it's a keeper, in much the same way I've gone over to Audirvana + and have deleted JRiver all together, as in my mind there's no faking the fact that what I hear from both are more natural in how they present the notes as if everything has been lined up in a more uniform manner..........., much like a very very very well trained military marching band, where not only does the musician play in unison, but not a single strand of hair is out of place.

I'm once again inclined to think that upon the Regen's arrival.............., it's going to be extremely hard to beat what I'm hearing at this very moment as I'm typing this which sampling DXD 705.6 and all I can say is.................., OMG! X 10.

Yet I know that logically I shall hold onto the Regen either way, as I'd always at a later date merely give it to one of our children or friends as a gift, as I've to think about how this might enhance their listening sessions once they've decided to pursue this route............., as only my wife and I have heard the system with these last movements, but I believe once a few have set down for a listen................, it's going to be hard for them not to heard the remarkable musicality as laid before them.

And while my system isn't the most expensive I've encountered, it extremely well balanced enough for me to know that once I've finished adding say a couple more tweaks like the Audio Magic Premium Beeswax Super Fuses and Synergestic Research HFT X's and ECT's into the mix, I'm done................, bring on the music and tubes from this day fourth.........., components be damned, less something breaks that is.

I'm talking layers and layers and layers removed from the muck that was obviously underpinning the uppermost nature of stringed and brass instruments as if they weren't even recorded on a decent microphone............., everything sounds as if a rug..........., not a blanket was removed from the cabinet baffles, as every little hidden nuance shines through in a way that's like................., WTF just happened?, and why did it take so long to get to this point.

Once again, I'm not afflicted with iFi in the least and don't get a red cent for hearing or endorsing what I hear.........., nor am I a mister know it all, but I do have a set of very good ears as well as rely upon my senses to guide me, and after all these years..............., I'm totally happy with my system as it stands - Amen.

h

 

[Kt77]

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.

You're more then welcome Lee Harvey,

But as mentioned elsewhere, I've already sampled the 3.0 and found it mind blowing to say the least, please try to remember I was hired back in the day as the hardware buyer for our two audio shops back in the day as I impressed the owner of said shops while talking to someone whom I thought was another customer waiting to get into one of their rooms for a demo ( not knowing he was said owner ) whom asked me what I was hearing while listening to one of their systems.............., about 20 minutes later he offered me a job on the spot, so I'd have to say that my ears are rather accustomed to picking up on little details it might take others a few hours or days|weeks to catch upon, which is fine and dandy, as my intent is not to brag, in so much as point out the fact it doesn't take me long to know which tubes do this or that?, or the same with components - cables or cords for that matter.

But I respect your ears on all counts............, as I'd have to say that while I've only heard the videos of said ILO Integrated and Harbeth 5's, it was enough to impress me as one of the best matched systems I've heard in a long time, as I've always felt that these speakers sounded better with gear voiced closer to solid state | hybrid then with pure tubes, Leben or otherwise............., which to my ears compared to Shindo Labs stikes me as such, but then most tube gear falls short to my senses as heard afterwards.

So............., yes, you'll be heading in the right direction, not that you need me to tell you that having heard said tandem yourself..........., but I picked upon a word that I often use myself while evaluating components............., can I live with them?, and seeming that you've already answered your own question.........., it's settled then.

I can't see not enjoying this system with a iDSD Pro set as its front end source.

Life's to short to go back, so I'd then say........., go forward without a single regret.

More to come on the Regen next week.

 

[enginedr]

Hello Rich,

As my wife bought the 3.0 in about 4 hours ago, I can say that within as mentioned earlier all of 3-4 tracks I knew it's a keeper, in much the same way I've gone over to Audirvana + and have deleted JRiver all together, as in my mind there's no faking the fact that what I hear from both are more natural in how they present the notes as if everything has been lined up in a more uniform manner..........., much like a very very very well trained military marching band, where not only does the musician play in unison, but not a single strand of hair is out of place.

I'm once again inclined to think that upon the Regen's arrival.............., it's going to be extremely hard to beat what I'm hearing at this very moment as I'm typing this which sampling DXD 705.6 and all I can say is.................., OMG! X 10.

Yet I know that logically I shall hold onto the Regen either way, as I'd always at a later date merely give it to one of our children or friends as a gift, as I've to think about how this might enhance their listening sessions once they've decided to pursue this route............., as only my wife and I have heard the system with these last movements, but I believe once a few have set down for a listen................, it's going to be hard for them not to heard the remarkable musicality as laid before them.

And while my system isn't the most expensive I've encountered, it extremely well balanced enough for me to know that once I've finished adding say a couple more tweaks like the Audio Magic Premium Beeswax Super Fuses and Synergestic Research HFT X's and ECT's into the mix, I'm done................, bring on the music and tubes from this day fourth.........., components be damned, less something breaks that is.

I'm talking layers and layers and layers removed from the muck that was obviously underpinning the uppermost nature of stringed and brass instruments as if they weren't even recorded on a decent microphone............., everything sounds as if a rug..........., not a blanket was removed from the cabinet baffles, as every little hidden nuance shines through in a way that's like................., WTF just happened?, and why did it take so long to get to this point.

Once again, I'm not afflicted with iFi in the least and don't get a red cent for hearing or endorsing what I hear.........., nor am I a mister know it all, but I do have a set of very good ears as well as rely upon my senses to guide me, and after all these years..............., I'm totally happy with my system as it stands - Amen.

h

In a conversation I had with Ava

You're more then welcome Lee Harvey,

But as mentioned elsewhere, I've already sampled the 3.0 and found it mind blowing to say the least, please try to remember I was hired back in the day as the hardware buyer for our two audio shops back in the day as I impressed the owner of said shops while talking to someone whom I thought was another customer waiting to get into one of their rooms for a demo ( not knowing he was said owner ) whom asked me what I was hearing while listening to one of their systems.............., about 20 minutes later he offered me a job on the spot, so I'd have to say that my ears are rather accustomed to picking up on little details it might take others a few hours or days|weeks to catch upon, which is fine and dandy, as my intent is not to brag, in so much as point out the fact it doesn't take me long to know which tubes do this or that?, or the same with components - cables or cords for that matter.

But I respect your ears on all counts............, as I'd have to say that while I've only heard the videos of said ILO Integrated and Harbeth 5's, it was enough to impress me as one of the best matched systems I've heard in a long time, as I've always felt that these speakers sounded better with gear voiced closer to solid state | hybrid then with pure tubes, Leben or otherwise............., which to my ears compared to Shindo Labs stikes me as such, but then most tube gear falls short to my senses as heard afterwards.

So............., yes, you'll be heading in the right direction, not that you need me to tell you that having heard said tandem yourself..........., but I picked upon a word that I often use myself while evaluating components............., can I live with them?, and seeming that you've already answered your own question.........., it's settled then.

I can't see not enjoying this system with a iDSD Pro set as its front end source.

Life's to short to go back, so I'd then say........., go forward without a single regret.

More to come on the Regen next week.

I had a conversation with Avatar the U.S. distributor for IFI . They told me the first gen ifi usb was not optimum
For the IDSD micro . I see they stepped up to the plate and hit a home run with this combo. Total cost $ 900.00
The Schitt gungnir with multi bit is $ 1249.00 . I will sit on the one up DAC fence for a bit or multi bits
Waiting to here your REGEN review . Keep it real brother.

 

[Kt77]

In a conversation I had with Ava

I had a conversation with Avatar the U.S. distributor for IFI . They told me the first gen ifi usb was not optimum
For the IDSD micro . I see they stepped up to the plate and hit a home run with this combo. Total cost $ 900.00
The Schitt gungnir with multi bit is $ 1249.00 . I will sit on the one up DAC fence for a bit or multi bits
Waiting to here your REGEN review . Keep it real brother.

I most certainly will speak on it as I hear it Brotha, no doubt about it, and as I recall.........., the first couple of products from this company were the iDAC and iUSB Power as were designed as deck top units, whereas the other DACs came later, but it'd figure they'd correct their oversight with the original version seeming they actual started the ball rolling in these types of devices and Regen merely picked upon what was overlooked in my eye.

And corrected it big time!!!!!!!!!!!, as I've said before I don't miss vinyl in the least. But as it stands Rich................., if their iDSD Pro is going to better this tandem?, it's going to be killer and like these devices have some regretting spending more or on different brands I should say, yes.............., it's that good, more to come.

Until then be well Brotha.

 

[Kt77]

Brotha B,

Once again on the USB cabling matter, I'm waiting on a Cabledyne USB cable, and intend on pursuing both the Dual Headed Netural and said Curious Cable USBs and be done with it.

That article about using the Regen and 3.0 in tandem actually stressed a great point, that I'll have to try out next week once the Regen has arrived, but man oh man............., if there's a remote possibility that it's going to enhance what I've been listening to over the last 3 days?, then you better believe it shall be reported back here.

Maybe Lee Harvey can chime in on this one?, as he has both in house right now.............., different ears are always a blessing when one is trying to figure out the variables, what say you Lee Harvey?, would you care to share your findings on said matters?.

 

[Kt77]

Lest I forget, B ~ as I do have the Supra USB cable and 3.4S Speaker Cables as alternatives along with my CRL cables, I can say these cables are very very very nicely balanced, and that while said USB cable was recommended by the guts behind the Regen, it's of proper USB 3.0 standards down to a " T " and only goes for $47|1m, so in that light at least deserves ones attention.

It can't hurt.............., and who knows?, you might just like it?. As we both have learned there are times in one system where a combination of copper and silver or silver plated copper go a very long ways in performing the correct balancing act, whereas using to much of one or the other can throw that sense of resolution - detailing, and delicacy out of whack.

In my mind.............., transparency | resolution | neutrality and balance are the goals I strive to maintain throughout the entire sonic spectrum.........., YMMV, but isn't it all subjective?.

 

[slippers-on]

Id have to admit....never having the REGEN in my system kinda had me nervous as if the iFI iUSB3.0 was a few steps behind the REGEN. When It first landed on my door step and entered into the system, I was loving what I was hearing but had no clue its performance compared to the REGEN. I searched for others response to the 3.0 but none to be had. Finally 2 days ago and the consumer reviews started coming in with Lee Harvey being the real first one. Harvey gave a positive review and finally, I was able to exhail. After all. I was saying som great things about it before I saw any review. So now there are a few more reviews and they are all positive reviews with most saying it may be just a different flavor between the two...heck, one guy said he uses two REGENs Piggy backed out of the computer to do its job, and seeing the iUSB3.0 does more than the REGEN he added the 3.0 after the REGENs to squeeze the last bit of resolution and detail out before going into the DAC. He has tried all combinations and said this one was the best. And also , one of the founders of the REGEN said the iUSB does more than the REGEN and has circuitry not found in any other device of its kind. So I think those are some glowing reviews , my fellow audiophiles! You'd better getting while their hot!

 

[Kt77]

Id have to admit....never having the REGEN in my system kinda had me nervous as if the iFI iUSB3.0 was a few steps behind the REGEN. When It first landed on my door step and entered into the system, I was loving what I was hearing but had no clue its performance compared to the REGEN. I searched for others response to the 3.0 but none to be had. Finally 2 days ago and the consumer reviews started coming in with Lee Harvey being the real first one. Harvey gave a positive review and finally, I was able to exhail. After all. I was saying som great things about it before I saw any review. So now there are a few more reviews and they are all positive reviews with most saying it may be just a different flavor between the two...heck, one guy said he uses two REGENs Piggy backed out of the computer to do its job, and seeing the iUSB3.0 does more than the REGEN he added the 3.0 after the REGENs to squeeze the last bit of resolution and detail out before going into the DAC. He has tried all combinations and said this one was the best. And also , one of the founders of the REGEN said the iUSB does more than the REGEN and has circuitry not found in any other device of its kind. So I think those are some glowing reviews , my fellow audiophiles! You'd better getting while their hot!

Logical response and follow up on what has become an even more insightful thread then you'd have imagined eh Bro?, and as you know.........., once that Regen arrives once again I'll be using this in this same manner, as I can see where they'd in fact interact as a means of offering even clearer - quieter and have an even darker backdrop with increased resolution and spartan detail. In many ways like those AudioPrism QuietLines you're still overdue to introduce into your system................, while you've addressed power conditioning, you've still overlooked quiet power, as there is a different you know.

Get to getting what they're hot indeed, lest one likes going the way of cavemen and the dinosaurs whom weren't smart enough to evolve, unless one likes living in the past.............., as in billions of years ago. It's time to open the wallet and get onboard............, as the buck stops here.

 

[BeerCan]

I wish they would of made one of the outputs data only on the iUSB. My dac does not take power from the usb

 

[slippers-on]

You may be able to use the iUSB3.0

I wish they would of made one of the outputs data only on the iUSB. My dac does not take power from the usb

in conjunction with the iUSB iLINK

 

[slippers-on]

Bro...listening to "Nasty Letter" by Otis Tayor, and never heard it sound this great....there is great separation of the instruments...and it's coming in layers...wow!

 

[Kt77]

Bro...listening to "Nasty Letter" by Otis Tayor, and never heard it sound this great....there is great separation of the instruments...and it's coming in layers...wow!

Bro............., after putting around 35 hours on the 3.0 over the course of the last three days............., man everything is coming through with greater separation, weight, attack, brass instruments have a more extended, yet focused top end, while bass notes as heard to acoustic double bass and|or cellos have a more defined plucking effect that underpins the bottom most notes as one can hear whether or not the player has a hang nail or even the size of their hands..........., how's that for detail?, this is starting to seriously cause me many of earlier listening sessions, as I generally begin about 7:30AM and find myself looking up and it's nighttime once again.

But in all honesty................, you know our word right?.............., this **** is " clicking " as if each|every note finally serves a greater purpose and rendered in a manner that once again has gotten me beyond my passion for vinyl, but then again.........., having a shot knee doesn't help, so it seems fitting that I'm able to enjoy the sonic merits of this without the fear of excessive wear and tear on my once prized record collection as it stands, and then having every single track within fingertip reach does have its benefits as well.

Yes................, this is an something to behold, and I'm trying to get my friends and children to follow suit, as I see|hear this as well worth ones time and as mentioned earlier on elsewhere............., my iFi gear shall be buried along side me, unlike the Pharoahs of olde............, while it would be nice to have say 15 20 something year olde babes buried along side me to entertain me in the afterlife............, I'd also have to have music to assist in setting the mood just right with a little bit of Luther or Barry playing gently in the background.

Yes, I've it all planned out and life without women and music, doesn't a life make..........., or something to that effect.

Peace little Brotha.
scar

 

[Lee Harvey]

Brotha B,

Once again on the USB cabling matter, I'm waiting on a Cabledyne USB cable, and intend on pursuing both the Dual Headed Netural and said Curious Cable USBs and be done with it.

That article about using the Regen and 3.0 in tandem actually stressed a great point, that I'll have to try out next week once the Regen has arrived, but man oh man............., if there's a remote possibility that it's going to enhance what I've been listening to over the last 3 days?, then you better believe it shall be reported back here.

Maybe Lee Harvey can chime in on this one?, as he has both in house right now.............., different ears are always a blessing when one is trying to figure out the variables, what say you Lee Harvey?, would you care to share your findings on said matters?.

I am on the fence this morning on which device works better. The Regen has more warmth and fullness to the sound but the 3.0 is a brighter and may have a little bit more layering and detail. Maybe if I had a tube based amp instead of SS the 3.0 would be a better choice or Harbeth speakers instead of the B&W's? Damn! This is going to start my hunt for new major components again.

 

[Kt77]

I am on the fence this morning on which device works better. The Regen has more warmth and fullness to the sound but the 3.0 is a brighter and may have a little bit more layering and detail. Maybe if I had a tube based amp instead of SS the 3.0 would be a better choice or Harbeth speakers instead of the B&W's? Damn! This is going to start my hunt for new major components again.

Good afternoon Lee Harvey,

It's not as difficult as you might think, as I hear it with the Harbeth Speakers during an audition last year of their 30.1 model, I'm still inclined to say that regardless of what's been written about them playing well with tubes or solid state gear, I'd say they prefer solid state or a hybrid at the very least, once again it's subjective but the Leben Integrated's while extremely linear to " my ears " have a somewhat solid state presentation to them which also accounts for lots of shops and owners using this tandem, as more lush sounding tube components would be more or less of similar sonics and become overly smooth or a tad bit laid-back while lacking dynamic impact.

Case in point, was what I felt was the very best sound I had ever heard from them with the ILO (?) hybrid at a few of the shows as heard through the video clicks, yet was enough to convince me of what I've felt all along, and seeming that you're thinking of heading in this direction, the logical choice would be for the device that's more neutral, as in the long run something that's gloss over the detail as heard through the speakers needs to be addressed as to be the opposite of their particular sound, warm on top of warm doesn't cut it............., but add a little snap - crackle and pop to the mix can in fact correct the warmish balance without running you out of the room, likewise adding the right flavor of speaker cables that best emphasizes the strengths of your speakers once again is a worthwhile way of counterbalancing things enough to bring everything within that perfect blend where delicacy and resolution go hand in hand.

In other words.............., if in the end you'll need more detail?, the 3.0 would prove worthwhile, yet if a warmer more textured as well as more richer fuller sound is desired?, the Regen sounds as if it'd fit the bill perfectly. It's like the olde adage - " opposites attract ", in voicing ones system, it applies tenfold.

You'd always drag both of them out with you and hear them going through said speakers just for the sake of knowing which works best in said combination. Once again, an easy enough task if you've a Harbeth dealer near by?.

Nothing wrong with selecting wisely, and the only way to know is to listen.

 

[Kt77]

Lee Harvey,

A thought just crossed my mind that you might wish to consider, as I've about 5 different flavor a of USB cables that aren't being used, I can let you borrow a few of them for the cost of shipping, as you just might need one made of Copper to which I've a CRL OCC Cpper - the Black Cat Silverstar and Supra USB cables which I believe one of them might bring down that brightness you're referring to.

It's worth a try, but it's your call.

If need be?, just hit me up at

Ei6ca7@yahoo.com

We can go from there, once again merely a gesture that might prove worth looking into.

Be well.

 

[slippers-on]

Brotha B,

Once again on the USB cabling matter, I'm waiting on a Cabledyne USB cable, and intend on pursuing both the Dual Headed Netural and said Curious Cable USBs and be done with it.

That article about using the Regen and 3.0 in tandem actually stressed a great point, that I'll have to try out next week once the Regen has arrived, but man oh man............., if there's a remote possibility that it's going to enhance what I've been listening to over the last 3 days?, then you better believe it shall be reported back here.

Maybe Lee Harvey can chime in on this one?, as he has both in house right now.............., different ears are always a blessing when one is trying to figure out the variables, what say you Lee Harvey?, would you care to share your findings on said matters?.

Is the Cabledyne USB 3.0? I know the Netural isnt.

 

[slippers-on]

Lest I forget, B ~ as I do have the Supra USB cable and 3.4S Speaker Cables as alternatives along with my CRL cables, I can say these cables are very very very nicely balanced, and that while said USB cable was recommended by the guts behind the Regen, it's of proper USB 3.0 standards down to a " T " and only goes for $47|1m, so in that light at least deserves ones attention.

It can't hurt.............., and who knows?, you might just like it?. As we both have learned there are times in one system where a combination of copper and silver or silver plated copper go a very long ways in performing the correct balancing act, whereas using to much of one or the other can throw that sense of resolution - detailing, and delicacy out of whack.

In my mind.............., transparency | resolution | neutrality and balance are the goals I strive to maintain throughout the entire sonic spectrum.........., YMMV, but isn't it all subjective?.

Why arent you using it? It is 3.0...correct?

 

[slippers-on]

I am on the fence this morning on which device works better. The Regen has more warmth and fullness to the sound but the 3.0 is a brighter and may have a little bit more layering and detail. Maybe if I had a tube based amp instead of SS the 3.0 would be a better choice or Harbeth speakers instead of the B&W's? Damn! This is going to start my hunt for new major components again.

Bro..after run in time on the iUSB3.0 I put the Jitterbug back in....got the USB cable from the 3.0 going right into the JB which is plugged into the computer.....what I was hearing at first, glossed over sound and loss of detail is all gone now. But what I did notice, the presentation is a tad warmer. Its worth a try at $45.

 

[Kt77]

Is the Cabledyne USB 3.0? I know the Netural isnt.

Read it for yourself:

http://www.cabledyne.com/usb-cable.html

Than ask yourself, if you aren't having problems with the USB cables in your system now, does it really matter if it's 2.0 or 3.0 standard?, and if your response is that you wish to sample a true 3.0 USB?, then I'd say look through the ones available via the Cable Company and pay that small deposit ( that you aren't losing by the way ) and borrow 1-3 of them, as most local dealers aren't going to have half as many brands as they carry............, it's better to spend a little to know what fits, as opposed to buying blind and wasting more in the long run.

Yet, I'd wager that a LPS would improve sonics even more then said cabling..........., but I'd be wrong, I'd ask Lee Harvey and enginedr, what they both think after adding LPS to their iUSB or Regen's, I bet you'll be surprised by their findings.

In a minute little Brotha.

 

[Kt77]

Why arent you using it? It is 3.0...correct?

I purchased it as it was recommended to use along with the Regen, so I'll have it in the system next week and will try it on both units..........., as it stands I'm nit having any trouble using the Vertere Acoustics D-Fi V2 on the 3.0 and the Neutral USB between it into the iDSD.

Here it makes for a wonderful combination.