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  3. 131208-2280

Looking for Better Jitter Reduction in a DAC

I'm looking to improve the jitter control in my digital setup, which hopefully will create a more analogue presentation. I own a PS Audio PW Memory Transport, which sports a FPGA, and a Nuwave DSD DAC with a scaled-down version of the gate array.

   I have owned a Chord which uses this technology and it was like listening to analogue recordings. I sold it only because it's soundstage was very forward, like sitting in the front row of a concert hall. My current PS Audio setup has wide and deep imaging, as does my Atma-Sphere preamp.
   I have auditioned the Schiit Grundir and it was a bit too fast in the attack and transients, but had the dynamics and deep imaging that I like. So, I guess what I'm looking for is a unit with a laid-back, realistic musical presentation.

The Mytek Digital Stereo192 DSD and Blue Circle DAC are in my price range, but there is no way to audition them.
  So any recommendation and advice is appreciated. DSD preferred, budget is about $1200 used.


128x128lowrider57
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
3,018 posts
 
@dlcockrum , the UltraCap LPS-1 looks like a great device. But what is the advantage of the LPS-1 over a traditional LPS with a toroidal transformer, e.g.; Teddy Pardo?
  According to the Uptone website, it has superior isolation to prevent AC leakage via the UltraCap™.  The Teddy also claims to have isolation thru its proprietary low pass filter and series of capacitors.
   Also, what is the LPS-1 using as a transformer?

If I can get a better understanding of this new LPS, I'd like to make a purchase.

dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,105 posts
 
Hi lowrider,

You have it right, the UltraCap LPS-1’s claim to fame is lower (none?) noise passthrough than the competition. I am disappointed to report that it uses a switching power supply as its "energizer". Alex at Uptone claims that the LPS-1 eliminates any noise from the latter, preventing it from entering the devices upstream/downstream via the digital signal.  Even if true, what about the crap that the switching p/s passes back to the AC line and via the air to other components... 

Seems to work as advertised to my ears with the ISO Regen. I have not tried it with other devices, although I plan to investigate using it with my router modem.

Dave

rodge827's avatar
rodge827
468 posts
 
My LPS-1 will be here on Saturday :) Will report back in a week on how it does with the spdif iPurifier.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
3,018 posts
 
Thanks, Dave. They display the pics of the LPS-1 including the PCB from both sides, so it seems they're proud of their design. I imagine they are filtering any leakage to a very small amount.

OTOH, the JS-2 LPS looks awesome. But that is some serious coin.
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,105 posts
 
Read a report from a JS-2 owner on another thread that the UltraCap LPS-1 beat out his JS-2 in sound quality. Could just buy 2,3 etc of LPS-1 and get a much better switching p/s to feed them all. FWIW.

BTW - I plug the two switching power supplies I have into a completely isolated AC Line (only "components" not plugged into my PowerCell UEF) and cover the bodies and the DC cords with RF/EMI cloth. Planning to order some of this and try in place of the cloth:

http://kgs-ind.com/wp-content/uploads/products/pdf/Absorber_Flyer-IM-02.pdf
  
Dave
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