I was reading this review, and it mentions the AqVox USB isolating power supply:

The ‘correctly fettled’ part is key, though. Used straight from your computer’s USB host controller, this is a perfectly serviceable, perfectly blah DAC. It will not offend, but neither will it set the world alight. It’s a bit ‘meh!’ This is because it draws 480mA from a line that tops out at 500mA. Put it through a powered hub (even a cheap powered hub) and you begin to see the glint in its eye. Put it through something like the AQVOX isolated linear power supply for USB and five seconds into the next track, you have achieved computer audio nirvana.

A strong statement.  But after looking around, there appears to be some controversy -- so...what it is?  Have you tried it?  Did it make a difference?

 

It sounds like I should at least try it, but the AqVox appears to be geared towards the European market -- so is there a North American equivalent?

 

I'd be particularly interested in Justin's thoughts since he has probably already put some thought into this.  Justin?

It's a pretty bold claim. Hearing is believing, right?

Edited April 16, 201313 yr by HiWire

There are a couple reviews of the iFi USB power supply.  Basically offers a power-only USB output (as well as power + signal) that supposedly is cleaner than normal combined signals.  Generally positive reviews....I think Art Dudley said some nice things (going on memory, may be wrong; but I've always liked Art's reviews, going back to Listener days).

More examples of devices who gain performance with optimum USB-power quality

- external USB hard drives 
- external CD/DVD drives

 

Holy crap. $129 just for a half decent 5V power supply soldered to a USB pin. I'll  go make one from a cell phone charger for less than a dollar. I'm going to try this maybe: http://glass-ware.stores.yahoo.net/hps1.html

 

I have an H-PS-1 at home already populated.

Edited April 16, 201313 yr by manaox2

Pete also has a PCB for a simple LV reg that looks like it'd work well for this application too, or even something like a TREAD is likely to work better than a generic wallwart.  Shit, I think I used to sell the sigma 11's that I built for a few folks for way less than $129. 

 

And I love the part about flip the plug around to determine the correct polarity and which sounds best.  Major WTF.

Why not just install digital transformers between the output of the USB covnerter and the DAC? 

Mmmmmm! Digital transformers.

I like mine with strawberry syrup on top.

Holy crap. $129 just for a half decent 5V power supply soldered to a USB pin.

Yup, I did understand that it's not much more than that.

 

 

 

Yeah, I saw that too.  But what the hell, they're already paying for the webspace, why not try to expand the market to gamers and computer geeks?

Oh, and it's not $129, it's $156 (EU120).  :\