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JCAT USB Isolator


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#21 Marcin_gps

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Posted 13 August 2016 - 01:47 PM

Got it - thanks! :)


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#22 scirica

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Posted 13 August 2016 - 02:26 PM

Got it - thanks! :)


Sweet! Can't wait to test it out!

#23 ellisdj

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Posted 14 August 2016 - 11:27 AM

Feedback on it plz when you can ...  :lol:



#24 scirica

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Posted 17 August 2016 - 04:04 PM

Feedback on it plz when you can ...  :lol:

 

Definitely!



#25 kaka

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Posted 20 August 2016 - 01:14 AM

Hi Marcin

 

What happens if you run a reference USB to the isolator, given that current will be travelling with the signal again on the leg to the dac?

I've got a 2m standard jcat usb so I'm thinking about combinations

 

Thanks


Linear+battery power supplied WS 2019 server - Jplay Femto, AO 3.0, Fideliser - Jcat XE USB board+Optimo Duo - JCat Sign.USB - Chord MScaler- Stereolab/Blackcat Tron spdif - Chord Dave


#26 Marcin_gps

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Posted 20 August 2016 - 07:27 AM

Both cables are important, but the one between USB Isolator and DAC has more impact


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#27 scirica

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Posted 23 August 2016 - 03:15 PM

Quick initial review after having the JCAT USB Isolator in the system for about 16 hours. I let it run overnight to accelerate the break-in/burn-in process, but according to Marcin it probably will settle in further after many more hours of use.

Look and feel:

My initial reaction was "impressed" regarding the build quality. This little unit (and it is little) is beautifully built in a solid brushed metal case. Packaging was top-notch; would look right at home in a retail store environment.

Installation:

Following a beta trial of the PS Audio LANRover product, I was somewhat expecting to have similar ASIO driver compatibility issues. Imagine my shock when I just unplugged my USB cable from my Esoteric K-03X DAC, added a shorter run from the Isolator to my DAC and BOOM! I was up and running with zero setup issues. We were off and running.

Initial Listening Tests:

My system is already quite revealing without a galvanic isolation device. However, my initial reaction was that an additional level of detail was immediately present. One example of this were some backing harmony vocals on one song on Ray Lamontagne's CD "Till The Sun Turns Black". I honestly did not realize there was a second background vocal on this track until last night. I also tested out an SACD with great dynamics and live sound, Hugh Masekela's "Hope" album. Cymbal decay appears extended, and drums took on a more "real" sound. The impact of those drums was more visceral than I remember previously.

I can go into more detail once I spend more time with the JCAT USB Isolator, but I can say unequivocally that this unit is staying in my system. It is sleek, elegantly presented, and takes little room in my equipment rack. Taking the Intona industrial build and repackaging it for home use and display was a stroke of genius. It's not cheap, but given the amount some of us spend on digital/computer audio, it is a no brainer. If you are on the fence, give it a try in your system...You won't be disappointed!

Associated Equipment:

Computer: Purpose-built Windows 10 based media server "Silenzio GEN 3". Music stored on Synology 214+ NAS. Gigabit switch for wired LAN to media rack.
USB Cables: Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 (1.0m and 0.5M)
DAC: Esoteric K-03X
Preamp: McIntosh C2500
Amp: Bryston 14bsst2
Speakers: Revel Salon 2
Cabling: Speakers - Audioquest Aspen; Power - Wireworld Silver Electra 7
Software: Roonserver and JRiver MC22 both installed on Silenzio.
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#28 Marcin_gps

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Posted 23 August 2016 - 03:19 PM

Thank you for sharing! :)


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#29 edn4x4

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Posted 24 August 2016 - 04:54 PM

Marcin,

Any thoughts of selling the case by itself for jplay customers that have already purchased the Intona?

I really like the look of the JCAT case, and not a fan of the '70s look of the Intona case.



#30 Marcin_gps

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Posted 25 August 2016 - 07:10 AM

Let me think about it. This is not the first inquiry 


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#31 gerardhn

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Posted 25 August 2016 - 10:03 AM

HI,

 

how would it compare to the commercial origin, the standard of this tool ...

 

http://www.audioques...erbug/jitterbug

 

 

A comparison must be made! As this is the standard for some time.

I have this thing already sometime. Can the JCat be one level higher??

 

 

 

 

 



#32 Marcin_gps

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Posted 25 August 2016 - 10:18 AM

HI,

 

how would it compare to the commercial origin, the standard of this tool ...

 

http://www.audioques...erbug/jitterbug

 

 

A comparison must be made! As this is the standard for some time.

I have this thing already sometime. Can the JCat be one level higher??

Definitely. Jitterbug is a passive filter. It does not reclock/regenerate USB signal. JCAT USB Isolator does and guarantees galvanic isolation too.

 

Regards, 

Marcin


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#33 edn4x4

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Posted 25 August 2016 - 08:18 PM

Let me think about it. This is not the first inquiry 

Thanks!



#34 holydio

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Posted 26 August 2016 - 08:02 AM

the isolator is an interesting piece. obvious improvement. The Jitterbug works in a different well on any usb port not used. If you use a jitterbug between intona and pc is not working properly.



#35 Ilkka

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Posted 27 August 2016 - 08:35 AM

I have a Bladelius USB DAC. It's USB powered. I plan to put a JCAT USB Isolator in between the DAC and the PC. Will my Bladelius DAC continue to get power, if I do?


#36 Marcin_gps

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Posted 27 August 2016 - 11:12 AM

 

I have a Bladelius USB DAC. It's USB powered. I plan to put a JCAT USB Isolator in between the DAC and the PC. Will my Bladelius DAC continue to get power, if I do?

 

Yes


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#37 signature8

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Posted 30 August 2016 - 06:02 PM

What is the reason for going with a metal case instead of plastic as Intona uses. Any SQ benefit? 



#38 Marcin_gps

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Posted 30 August 2016 - 08:49 PM

Plastic enclosure does not provide any shielding. Yes, alluminum enclosure does provide sonic benefits. 


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#39 kindval

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Posted 03 September 2016 - 05:50 PM

Have the isolator breaking in now for about 80 hours...and this thing needs breaking in for sure..have an ordinary pc with lessloss powercord, fidelizer pro and jplay. I am listening mainly through very revealing audeze headphones. The isolator is connected by a jcat usb cable to a zodiac gold dac. The improvement of sound quality is huge....more focus, more depth, better timbre etc etc. It sounds so much more like real music. It reminds me very much of the sound my high end vpi aries turntable is producing. Cannot give a bigger compliment than that.


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#40 Marcin_gps

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Posted 03 September 2016 - 06:35 PM

Great to hear - enjoy! :)


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