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OPTIMO nano - power supply upgrade set for JCAT cards & SSD offering exceptional performance.


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#1 Marcin_gps

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Posted 03 September 2021 - 01:51 PM

Attached File  L1007152.jpg   363.46KB   0 downloads

 

 

OPTIMO nano

 

ELEVATE YOUR COMPUTER AUDIO TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

 

Filter and enhance power coming from computer or so called ‘audiophile grade’ switching power supplies. It will revitalize JCAT cards and allow them to express their full potential.

During development of OPTIMO nano we tested many computer like power supplies and we’ve seen noise level even up to 30 – 40 mV. OPTIMO nano drives this into uV range – close to more or less not measurable value.

SPECIFICATION:

  • 5V DC / 2A power supply active filter and buffer
  • Designed to buffer and filter typically very noisy 5V DC power supply coming from computer or so called ‘audiophile grade’ switching power supplies.
  • Features linear low impedance output stage based on design of JCAT flagship linear power supplies
  • Input voltage is filtered by active stage and buffered on top quality low impedance capacitors vastly improving dynamic response
  • Comes with high-quality teflon insulated, silver plated 18AWG DC cable, with both LP4 MOLEX and SATA connectors cables. 
  • Plug & play; connect cable from computer PSU on one side of OPTIMO nano and clean power goes out on the other side of OPTIMO nano which you can use to power JCAT card &/or SSD via included premium cables.
  • Superb build quality: 70oz gold plated PCB, top quality components, design optimized for low impedance and short signal path

Available now: https://jcat.eu/product/optimo-nano/


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#2 Marcin_gps

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Posted 03 September 2021 - 01:51 PM

FAQ:

Who is OPTIMO nano for?

For audiophiles looking for serious sound quality improvement and:
a) don’t want to invest in INITIO, OPTIMO DUO or OPTIMO S ATX power supplies.

B) have already ‘audiophihle grade’ power supply and don’t want to replace it with a different product.

c) don’t have room for adding a separate box power supply – OPTIMO nano is installed inside PC and takes no extra space.

How to install OPTIMO nano?

Simply connect between your computer power supply and a device (e.g. USB Card):

  1. Connect LP4 molex cable from your computer PSU to the input on the right side of OPTIMO nano.
  2. Use the included high-quality DC cable that comes with OPTIMO nano; connect LP4 molex to the output of OPTIMO nano on the left side.
    The other end of the DC cable goes into a device (e.g. SSD or JCAT card)
  3. You can put the OPTIMO nano loose inside PC enclosure or use the self-adhesive tape that is in the baseplate of OPTIMO nano

    Which devices can be powered by OPTIMO nano?

    All JCAT cards; USB Card FEMTO, NET Card FEMTO, USB Card XE & NET Card XE.

SSDs and HDDs (models using 5V voltage only)

How many devices can I power with a single OPTIMO nano set?

One JCAT card and one SSD. Powering two JCAT cards requires two OPTIMO nano sets.


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#3 Carlosoptico

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Posted 13 September 2021 - 06:03 PM

FAQ:
Who is OPTIMO nano for?[/size]
For audiophiles looking for serious sound quality improvement and:
a) don’t want to invest in INITIO, OPTIMO DUO or OPTIMO S ATX power supplies.
B) have already ‘audiophihle grade’ power supply and don’t want to replace it with a different product.[/size]
c) don’t have room for adding a separate box power supply – OPTIMO nano is installed inside PC and takes no extra space.[/size]
How to install OPTIMO nano?[/size]
Simply connect between your computer power supply and a device (e.g. USB Card):

  • Connect LP4 molex cable from your computer PSU to the input on the right side of OPTIMO nano.
  • Use the included high-quality DC cable that comes with OPTIMO nano; connect LP4 molex to the output of OPTIMO nano on the left side.
    The other end of the DC cable goes into a device (e.g. SSD or JCAT card)
  • You can put the OPTIMO nano loose inside PC enclosure or use the self-adhesive tape that is in the baseplate of OPTIMO nano

    Which devices can be powered by OPTIMO nano?[/size]

    All JCAT cards; USB Card FEMTO, NET Card FEMTO, USB Card XE & NET Card XE.
SSDs and HDDs (models using 5V voltage only)
How many devices can I power with a single OPTIMO nano set?[/size]
One JCAT card and one SSD. Powering two JCAT cards requires two OPTIMO nano sets.
Is there any benefit if we use 1 Optimum Nano for SSD and JCAT card even if it is associated with the new Optimo ATX? What differences does this combination have with the Optimo 3 DUO? Carlos


SERVER - HDPLEX H5 Chassis, with ASUS P10S WS motherboard and Intel Xeon E3 1235L V5 processor with 16GB ECC Apacer RAM (extended temperature range). 2 M.2 FEMTO NVME SSD (in Pseudo - SLC mode). JCAT NET XE and USB XE cards with OXCO Master clock update. 2 JCAT Enhancer USB (on motherboard and USB XE card). 1 JCAT USB-LAN Ground Conditioner.
LPSU - Plixir Elite BDC - 5 Volts -4 A with Y cable, with Quad-Star architecture, GSSS360 shielding made with monofilament thread, silver-gold alloy (1%) that powers the library SSD and the OXCO Master clock.
JCAT S ATX OPTIMO - Which feeds the 24-PIN connector on the motherboard and the 8-PIN connector on the CPU. The 12-volt auxiliary socket powers an Idovr DXP- IA5S regulator and through a shielded Quad-Star cable with external connector to plug into the ground socket of the Ubiquiti Edgerouter-X and from there to the wall ground socket.
JCAT OPTIMO 3 DUO with Quad-Star cables with silver-gold (1%) Mundorf wire and shielding to the ground terminal of the connector. 1 line for the OS SSD and the other line with a Y cable, for JCAT XE cards. All terminations with straight or 90-degree Oyaide connectors.
JCAT IOS UPNP control APP on iPhone 11 via cable through the Lightning adapter + 3 m Supra RJ-45 cable. + JCAT NET Isolator + FTA Metis 1 m. + Ubiquiti Edgerouter X + Supra cable 1 m. + JCAT NET Isolator + FTA Metis 1 m. + JCAT NET card in the Server.
AMPLIFIER - 2 Devialet 200, configured as Devialet 400, with 100% SAM program from Audio Physic Cardeas Plus, interconnected with 4Music silver-gold alloy digital cable, 1 m Osiris model.
SPEAKER CABLES - Kimber Kable Select 3033 2.5 m. SPEAKERS - Audio Physic Cardeas Plus Black Glass with Threader Stud Glider from Herbie's Labs Audio. FURNITURE - 2 Artesania Audio KIT.
AC ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION - 48 volt Solar System with Victron 5,000 W Pure Sine Wave Inverter.
AC POWER CABLES - Oyaide EE/F-S2.6 V2 Cuper 102 SSC FEP with Furutech F1-50 E / F1- 50 NCR R connectors. OPERATING SYSTEM - Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC, JPLAÝ Femto, KS Devialet, Ultrastream, DAC Link 700 Hz, Hibernate activated, Throtlle activated, 0.5 ms. , JPLAY IOS UPNP , Fidelizer 8.11 PRO .
PAGE FOOTERS - STACK AUVA EQ below all the electronics.

#4 Marcin_gps

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Posted 17 September 2021 - 04:36 PM

Carlos, these are very good questions!

 

I can't give you a definitive answer now, because we need to test these combinations :) 

 

I will keep you posted. 

 

Regards, 

Marcin


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#5 Marcin_gps

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Posted 12 October 2021 - 08:03 AM

Install Guide – XE-series and Optimo Nano

 


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#6 ellisdj

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Posted 12 October 2021 - 05:10 PM

A quick bit of feedback for anyone who might be interested in these - I have just started playing with two of them - lucky me!!  

 

I have just installed them with one 5V feed from the original JCAT 400w Linear Power supply the HD Plex one - this single 5v is going into both Optimo Nano from a Molex splitter with one Optimo Nano feeding my OS SSD and the other my Music Storage SSD - and I haven't listened for very long but this is an instant wow that's much better upgrade!!

Previously the one 5V feed was powering both my SSD's from the 400w Linear - so it still is but its going through two Optimo Nano for the much better filtering first.

 

No surprise on this one really as Marcin never lets us down and the reason I am messaging this here is because this could be a very cost effective upgrade for those who are doing similar to me and the new big linear the Optimo ATX will be too expensive for.  Well worth considering these well done Marcin!! 


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#7 ellisdj

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Posted 07 December 2021 - 06:48 PM

https://youtu.be/IXzcOlDx_Ao For those who might be interested 


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#8 Marcin_gps

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Posted 08 December 2021 - 10:00 AM

Wonderful work, Terry

 

Thank you! 

 

Best regards, 

Marcin


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#9 Patatorz

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Posted 12 December 2021 - 02:04 PM

Hello, if i read well, the LP4 can be cabled with 12 and 5V. To make the Optimo Nano work, would it need also 12V or only 5V ? 

I ask this question as I’m building a specific cable : Molex 4pins to LP4 and wonder if i need to use the 4pins or only 2 of the 5V ?

 

Would the pin out for the Optimo Nano should be like that for the input LP4 connector ?

 

https://ibb.co/cTFMZps



#10 Marcin_gps

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Posted 07 February 2022 - 04:48 PM

Hello, if i read well, the LP4 can be cabled with 12 and 5V. To make the Optimo Nano work, would it need also 12V or only 5V ? 

I ask this question as I’m building a specific cable : Molex 4pins to LP4 and wonder if i need to use the 4pins or only 2 of the 5V ?

 

Would the pin out for the Optimo Nano should be like that for the input LP4 connector ?

 

https://ibb.co/cTFMZps

Only 5V pins are used. 


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#11 Marcin_gps

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Posted 07 February 2022 - 04:51 PM

Attached File  OPTIMO NANO awards.jpg   1.35MB   2 downloads

 

OPTIMO nano, our power supply active filter and buffer, received 2 awards!

And it's finally back in stock: https://jcat.eu/product/optimo-nano/

 

 


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#12 Ove

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Posted 06 April 2022 - 09:50 AM

I have installed one Optimo Nano for my XE usb card, after an advice from Marcin.

 

5V feed coming from a MPAudio hpuln, but now through the Nano to the XE card.

Sound has more punch and dynamics, and the little micro details in sound, is much clearer, (not analytical) but like in a very musical way. 

More dept to the soundstage, and notes that ring out are easy to follow. Like you get more time with the notes, if that makes any sence. 

This is a very good upgrade.

 

The Nano has only been running a couple of days, and maybe it gets even better after some burn in. Lets see  :)


Asus Prime-P z590 MB. Intel Core  i5 11400 , Jcat usb XE Pci-usb card. Samsung Evo 970 Plus m2.

Jcat Femto Netcard. HDPlex linear w200, HDPlex 400 atx, HDPlex H5 case. Windows 11, JPlay Femto. JPlay app beta. 

MPAudio SLS-hpuln with JCat Nano Powering the Jcat XE pcie-usb card. And MPAudio SLS-hpuln Powering the Netcard femto.

Audiowise SRC-DX usb to DX Bridge. Chord Qutest DAC. Farad 3 lpsu powering the Qutest DAC.

2 Buffalo 2008 switch. One stock, and one Buffalo 2008 switch with NewclassD Neutron star Clock powered by MPAudio SLS-hpuln,

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#13 Marcin_gps

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Posted 06 April 2022 - 10:26 AM

Hi Ove,

 

Thanks for the report. The capacitors and LDOs have a long burn-in period. It will reach full performance after 10 days. 

 

Enjoy!

 

Best regards, 

Marcin


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#14 timd

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Posted 29 June 2022 - 12:43 PM

Hi all,

 

Just a bit of feedback from my Optimo nano power supplies. I installed 2, 1 serving both SSD's & 1 to the USB XE card. These are powered from exiting HD Plex PSU. It's difficult to quantify, but the sound has just improved overall. More satisfying listen generally, regardless of music type or quality of recording. Happy days. :)  :)

 

A couple of points to note, the burn in period is quite long for these as to my ears, things continued to improve over quite a long time. At least a couple of months with approximately 20-30 hrs use per week. Also, & this maybe just me, I think the USB XE sounds better with the nano powering the jack connector as opposed to the LP4 connector. No idea why but as mentioned, it could just be me. Now all has settled in, I may try powering the USB XE from the LP4 again, but as things are sounding so good, I may leave as is.

 

Overall, really pleased with both nano cards installed & the fact you can install them in the case is a big benefit where space for bigger external PSU's is tight.  


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#15 Marcin_gps

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Posted 29 June 2022 - 07:01 PM

Thank you for sharing! Yes - burn in is long, but it should sound good right away. 

 

Regarding LP4 / DC barrel connector - I think it is a matter of cable / cable length. 

 

Anyway, enjoy! :) 

 

 

Best regards,

Marcin

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#16 timd

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Posted 01 July 2022 - 11:36 AM

Thank you for sharing! Yes - burn in is long, but it should sound good right away. 
 
Regarding LP4 / DC barrel connector - I think it is a matter of cable / cable length. 
 
Anyway, enjoy! :) 
 
 
Best regards,
Marcin


Thanks Marcin,

I'm definitely enjoying the best sound to date that my system has ever produced. It's been a journey and will continue to be so. Much appreciated
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#17 sj46

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Posted 03 March 2023 - 12:12 AM

@Marcin any plans to make a 12v version of the Nano? Would be a great addition to power the CPU via the EPS connector

Audio PC - Asus P10S WS | Xeon E-1235L v5 | 16GB Hynix Unbuffered (4x4GB) | 256GB Samsung 850 Evo SSD - Music storage (Powered by Jcat Nano) | Jcat Femto XE USB (Powered by MP Audio ALS-HPULN PSU)

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#18 Marcin_gps

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Posted 06 March 2023 - 01:34 PM

@Marcin any plans to make a 12v version of the Nano? Would be a great addition to power the CPU via the EPS connector

I'm afraid that wouldn't work, because NANO current output is 2A and CPUs need a lot more than this.

 

Best regards,

Marcin

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#19 ksalno

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Posted 22 October 2023 - 03:24 AM

Only 5V pins are used. 

 

Can you provide the Pin assignments for the 4 pin molex input connector on the Nano? I am making up a cable to use the SATA power connector from an HDPLEX internal 400W DC-ATX Power-Supply to supply 5v to the Nano. I have an already made cable with SATA power 6-pin connector on one end and a 4 pin molex connector on the other. The 4 pins coming from the ATX supply carry GND, 3.3V, 5V, and 12V. The pin out on the molex connector is Pin 1 - GND, Pin 2 - 3.3v, Pin 3 - 5v, Pin 4 - 12v. If the Nano only needs 5v, I can cut the other two cables. But without now which pin on the input should be ground and which should be 5v, I'm not sure the molex side is wired properly.



#20 Marcin_gps

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Posted 23 October 2023 - 11:51 AM

Can you provide the Pin assignments for the 4 pin molex input connector on the Nano? I am making up a cable to use the SATA power connector from an HDPLEX internal 400W DC-ATX Power-Supply to supply 5v to the Nano. I have an already made cable with SATA power 6-pin connector on one end and a 4 pin molex connector on the other. The 4 pins coming from the ATX supply carry GND, 3.3V, 5V, and 12V. The pin out on the molex connector is Pin 1 - GND, Pin 2 - 3.3v, Pin 3 - 5v, Pin 4 - 12v. If the Nano only needs 5v, I can cut the other two cables. But without now which pin on the input should be ground and which should be 5v, I'm not sure the molex side is wired properly.

 

 

Pinout 220px-Molex_8981_male_connector_pin_out. Male pins (female connector) Pin Color Type Pin 1 Yellow +12 V Pin 2 Black Ground Pin 3 Black Ground Pin 4 Red +5 V

 

Please refer to the pin-out on Wikipedia. It is a standard LP4 molex pin-out according to ATX specs:

The nano uses only two pins: Pin 3 and Pin 4. 


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