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DAC Regenerator and Reclocking Devices

Hi,
Recently I've been looking at a few different devices to upgrade my signal between my Mac and my Ayre QB 9 DAC DSD. SOtM makes a reclocking / regenerator as does Ideon Audio and IFI. The IFI micro 3.0 is apparently the newest of them and looks like a great price when compared to the SOtM tx USBultra. The Ideon 3R USB Renaissance is the more affordable and was engineered strictly for sound quality. Does anyone have experience with these devices? Also, I want to mention that I've been adding Akiko Audio tuning sticks and tuning chips and I prefer their additions so far. Some good orderly direction would be greatly appreciated. 

goofyfoot
dgarretson
2,588 posts
 
Thanks for patience. It’s early. I’m also experimenting with USB cables for SOtM. The mR doesn’t need a USB cable, as that unit is supplied with a hard adapter that directly couples the mR to the DAC. There are a fair number of variables in this comparison.
goofyfoot OP
1,316 posts
 
Dave,
I did read a review about the ISO Regen and that made me think about purchasing the Regen and then work towards adding the SOtM USBultra. I also read a recommendation for the Regen linear power supply. Anyhow, the recommendation about getting the ISO Regen first seems enticing. But I still want to know more about the Ideon and ifi devices before making a decision. Both the Ideon and ifi get good reviews however reviews are limited. The review that I read in 6 Moons about the SOtM was critical but incomplete.
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
982 posts
 
Do you know anything about the new ifi micro 3.0 or Ideon Renaissance?
Hi goofyfoot,

I have had the iFi Micro 3.0 for some time now with it connected between the Aurender 100H music server and the Esoteric N-01 dac(silver Oyaide usb cable from the Aurender to the 3.0 and iFi’s own Gemini bihedral usb cable from 3.0 to dac’s usb input).

The difference with the 3.0 in and out of the chain is indeed night and day, the 3.0 elevating sytem performance to a whole other level.

I find it to be a truly indispensable component for my usb audio set-up. Reviews have placed this higher than the Regen products. Also, a very big bang for the buck.

J. :)
goofyfoot OP
1,316 posts
 
Thanks Jon,
I’ve been having results with the Akiko tuning sticks and tuning chips however I’m looking for a product that will flesh out the sound and render a greater analogue image. My digital source is detailed and transparent, even holographic but there exists a degree of digital edginess. The newest version of Audirvana Plus is a blessing of sorts but I am still ramping up the resolution to achieve better presence.
The attractive thing about the ifi is that it’s affordable and it’s a well regarded device all by itself. Thanks again for the feedback!
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
982 posts
 
The 3.0 will most certainly flesh out your system sound very nicely. It did for mine making it sound balanced throughout the frequency range. Also, the soundstage opens up in all dimensions. But the one trait that I have come to value most about the 3.0 is the musicality - lots of foot tapping and head bobbing every single time.
Lastly, no more digital edge, hash, glare, etc.

Enjoy the music!
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