This is what I have learned. “Galvanic isolation blocks DC and many forms of conducted AC noise (including ground loops), but it does not eliminate all noise. High-frequency interference can still couple capacitively or radiatively. Most modern Ethernet interfaces already include galvanic isolation via isolation transformers.”. Ultimately we all hear what we hear. Plus I know for a fact all systems behave differently.
Correction: I misunderstood Mike on the demo units.
I found even more positive feedback on the Ultra today. Thanks again to Dan for his kindness. For those of you considering, we’re putting my order in now. Give Mike at Suncoastaudio a call when you’re ready for yours.
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Hi Dan,
Nice hearing of your great upgrade. I am a user of MSB Select II DAC with Digital Director and Pink Faun Ultra 2.16. Now I am connecting the 2 devices through PF Ultra USB bridge and MSB USB input module (to DD), with a Siltech S10 Double Crown USB cable. May I check with you about the following in terms of your experience?
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Did you compare the sound difference on connection through Pro ISL bridge between with DD, and passing through to the DAC directly? Theoretically, If the PF Pro ISL connected to the DD firstly, another MSB Pro ISL input module would be needed. I am wondering if the effect will be better if the DD is involved, or there is no difference if the PF Pro ISL connected directly to MSB DAC (no extra input module needed).
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Based on the connection way like yours now, does the clock signal also transfer through the Pro ISL fiber cable, together with the audio data?
To other MSB and Pink Faun users:
Kindly anyone compare the sound difference between the new PF Pro ISL bridge, and the PF ultra USB bridge, for connecting with the MSB DAC?
Thank you all in advance.
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For context…keep in mind that my approach to noise and distortion is belt and suspenders and I love to tinker.
I have the Pro ISL (i.e. fiber) module in my Pink Faun. I also use the Renderer over Ethernet.
I’m using the AOC fiber cables on both the DD and the connection to the Pink Faun.
I use ethernet port 2 on the Pink Faun to connect to the Renderer.
My internet is all commercial switches, 1G and 5G RJ45 ports and 10G fiber backhaul to my router. Certainly overkill for a home network. Speedtest on my Mac Studio reports a 3ms ping and 2.3 Gbs download. I doubt there is ever a dropout, or slow response on it.
I have a DJI Activ Ethernet EMI filter on the input to the Pink Faun. I also have a DJI Activ Ethernet EMI filter on the input to the Renderer. Note that @Vince_Galbo point out this device to me.
The Pink Faun gets its AC power from an Audioquest Niagra 5000 power condition that is on a home run (i.e. on one receptacle l on the run). The Cascade gets it AC power from an Audioquest Niagara 7000 which is also on a home run.
I use both the Pro ISL and Render. I haven’t done exhaustive tests, but I find the Pro ISL better.
When I am sitting down just to listen to music I use the Pro ISL connection.
When I am working around the house I use the Renderer. I do this because I can adjust the level from my iPhone, and raise or lower it depending on where I am.
When I first got the Cascade I was using a Roon Nucleus and had almost no other special stuff in my system. It was a mind-blowing upgrade to my previous DAC. I’m always tinkering around with my system and got it to where is now. But I think that it doesn’t matter what you hook uo to the Cascade, the results will be spectacular. Even though the upgrades I have done a consistently improved the audio, to a large extent I think I am just gilding a lilly…
Dan
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Dan,
Your post intrigued my interest in other solutions to manage noise on the digital side of my system.
Which of the five Ethernet filter models posted in your link do you have? I see the ACTIV 10G and the ACTIV AUDIO, as well as three other options that do t seem to fit.
Much appreciated.
It’s the Active Audio Streaming Audio Ethernet EMI Filter. I power it with a linear power supply, The iFi IPower Elite 12 volt instead if the wall wart that comes with it.
Dan
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