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Core Tech USBe Perfect

Core Tech USBe Perfect

I have never been shy about criticizing or complementing products in the audio industry. I have always been a tweaker and fascinated when creative minds search out ways to improve sound quality.

However, many of these items do not perform as advertised or if they do something is the cost worth it?

As I have found sometimes these innovations (tweaks) really do improve the sound quality and are worth the money. Such items as the Townshend Platforms, various Grounding devices, High Fidelity NPS-1260, fuses and the Add-Powr Sorcer X4.

Today, I received the Core Tech USBe Perfect. Now this is a little plug in usb that goes into your Dac, CD, Streamer etc. I think its claim to fame is based on using it with an usb cable from a digital device utilizing a usb cable to the Dac. Since my Lumin X1 is a Streamer/Dac combo and I use fiber cable to connect to the Lumin there is no usb needed in my digital chain. But I am using an 8TB external hard drive where all my music is stored that does connect to my Lumin X1 via an usb cable so that is where I used the USBe Perfect.

Man, I wish I had the ability to use such eloquent sonic descriptions like the rag mags use (lifting veils, Liquidity?) Etc. Best I can say that from the first installation (cold out of the box) I did hear a more solid image. I hear more presence; bass is stronger and just about everything I like sound quality wise improved. My .50c opinion is that the music sounds stronger.

It is listed for $299 without a usb cable. Since I already own Curious usb cables I didn’t need an additional cable. Is it worth the cost? I really do think so, and your milage will not vary.

I’ve got to state again that this is worth the cost for the improvement. Feel free to send me any of your excess money…

ozzy

128x128ozzy
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,197 posts
 

tump350,

Thanks for the update. I am always fascinated by the ingenuity of some of the products that are available. I am using the Cerious usb cable. I could use a longer one though, perhaps I’ll give the Core Power a try.

ozzy

sns
3,003 posts
 

At this point in my streaming experience I have to question the need for usb decrapifiers. Shouldn't audiophile servers and streamers have optimized usb outputs that wouldn't benefit from these added on devices. I'd expect highest performance at prices they charge, usb ports coming directly off motherboard isn't top tier.

ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,197 posts
 

You would think, but...it helps the in going signal.

ozzy

sns
3,003 posts
 

I'm not criticizing these usb decrapifiers, most effective in what they offer. My contention is why should I purchase music server that costs upwards of $3k and not get optimized usb out. Many of these server guys offer their own usb decrapifiers which they charge premium for, at this point you might be into $10K territory, if going this route just spend the $10K and get the server with optimized usb port built into it.

 

I see no point in purchasing any server with non-optimized usb out, you're spending too much now and further spending required down the road. Best choices as I see it are:

1. Single computer setup with OPTIMIZED usb port out direct into dac. Simple and effective usb setup.

2. Two computer setup, separate server/streamer. Advantages are not having to use relatively low grade usb out on server, can add audiophile network switch (don't have to with second ethernet port on server), choice to use optical or ethernet galvanic isolation post server, most streamers are usb renderers which means no add on devices, superior on board clocking with many streamers,  best to separate Roon core from endpoint for Roon users. Can also use combo streamer/dac with this configuration.

 

Based on my research the only servers I've discovered fitting needs of optimized usb outs are limited to the aprox. $10k servers or atx motherboard builds with Pink Faun or JCAT usb.

 

Two computer setups much greater flexibility and no need to spend $10k+ for what may be inferior performance for the single computer setup. With this setup streamer is the most important component, server only requires minimal processing abilities. Server does become more important if using high level dsp.

troidelover1499
253 posts
 

My Ifi USB cleaner works well, as I feel it improves the bass and overall smoothness of the sound.  FYI I use a MacBook to stream Tidal.

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