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Sonicweld Diverter HR, etc...

At present, I'm running a Locus Design Cynosure USB cable into a modified (by Parts Connexion) Benchmark DAC 1. The signal goes through Kimber Select 1036 to active Mackie monitors, and I'm pretty pleased with the sound.

I'm considering a Sonicweld Diverter HR, which then of course means buying a S/PDIF cable, and it would have to be one reasonably commensurate with the quality of the Cynosure, and then maybe I would buy a better and more advanced DAC like the Bel Canto 3.5.

So my question is, what kind of improvement should I expect from the Diverter and associated cables and a new DAC? I'd be in for SEVERAL thousand more dollars in that arrangement, and it would never be worth it for a 5-10% improvement in sonics. But if the upgrade were more like 30-40%, I could deal with it a little easier.

Can anyone weigh in on this conundrum?
thedautch
audiofun
799 posts
 
The alogorythm does in fact make a huge difference and the BADA USB does is in fact re-packaged Streamlength tech which Wavelength purchased from the original developer of the code (not that there is anything wrong with that). This whole "as long as it is Asynch thing" has gone on for too long. I have owned a good number of these units and the best BY FAR is the Diverter HR and number 2? it was a Kingrex UC192 running the Synchronous version of there firmware. The whole Asynch thing was a marketing ploy and judging by the way people have taken to it.., a successful ploy at that. All I am saying is that regardless of synch or asynch if it is done correctly it can sound very very good indeed. If you really want to up the ante, add the ifi iUSBPower interface between your computer and USB/SPDIF converter of choice. You will be shocked!
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Audiofun - the Async thing like any other marketing is carried too far, I agree. However, given that I have done 5 generations of USB interfaces (some Adaptive and some Async), more than any other manufacturer, I can guarantee you that you can NEVER achieve the same level of jitter with Adaptive that you can with Async, given the same designer and clock quality. This is simple physics. Free-running clocks will always be a better solution.

Async is a breakthrough technology for USB, there is no doubt.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audiofun
799 posts
 
Steve I do not disagree with you. What you have stated in no disagrees with anything I wrote (or vice versa). I did not discuss jitter (too many people blame bad sound on jitter anyway). I simply stated that one of the best sounding USB/SPDIF converters I have been privy too just happens to be adaptive (synchronous).
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Audiofun - My older Off-Ramp 3 actually crushed a number of early async converters as well, but async opens up totally new doors. You are missing it if you dont try one. Adaptive is ancient technology now.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audiofun
799 posts
 
Not missing anything :) as i've previously mentioned that I owned the Sonicweld Diverter HR which is asynchronous; as well as other asynch converters. The HR with the Octave was some of the best sound to which I've been exposed.

My AMR Dac currently contains a state of the art in-house designed asynch self powered USB converter :)

Again their is no argument here, I made a point, you made a point and I pretty much agree with you. I don't have much more to say on this matter :) as I think we are at a consensus.
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