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USB Galvanic Isolation?

Hey now.
Curious about the effectiveness of galvanic USB isolation - in particular JCat USB Isolator vs iFi micro iUSB 3.0. And also about what the comparative sonic impact difference between cables to the device and from the device to the DAC might be.
Thanks for your input and sharing your experience.
budburma
budburma OP
345 posts
 
I’m a cable believer for sure. I just picked up a Sablon Panatela Reserva. The Final Touch Callisto looks interesting, but the JCAT seems like the best fit for me.....and the reference has a separate power leg that I can leave unplugged. Sablon has a signal only cable, too.


budburma OP
345 posts
 
Looks like JCAT uses Intona tech. Good to know they have their own isolator too. Thanks for that.
budburma OP
345 posts
 
@antigrunge2 have you explored the impact of the USB cable from the server to the isolator vs. the one from the isolator to your dac?
antigrunge2
1,331 posts
 
I run the Intona Reference from Isolator to Dac and an Oyaide Pure Silver Continental 5s from Server to Isolator. If I swap them around, things go pear-shaped: loss of soundstage, harshness and bass. FYI the Intona is only 25 cm and the Oyaide 50 cm long. Length matters a lot. I use a WA Quantum cable chip on the Oyaide which helps a lot in terms of clarity. Server is InnuOS Zenith Mk3 and DAC is Antelope Zodiac Platinum with 10M clock. Without the Intona Isolator, the two don‘t even tslk to each other.
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