UpTone JS-2 Power Supply Listening Impressions

[Re-tread]

Greetings all,

 

Just a brief report on my Listening Impressions from my new JS-2.  Although I inserted a few ancillaries simultaneously (see details below), I will try to focus primarily on the JS-2.  Right out of the box, the JS-2 is really stunning.  Heft, build precision, and top fit & finish.  No slouching here.  [Even the double-boxed parcel and reusable packaging is noteworthy.]  My JS-2 break-in period came in 2 staggered stages, and the scientific method (1 change at a time) was *not* followed, however, I can try to describe my journey and ultimate aural elation.

 

Scope of Delivery/Installation:  JS-2, eRen, 2 DC cables, 1 stock Power Cable, and two (un-related) new ethernet cables.

Note:  I ordered 1 wrong DC cable of 2 from Alex (I specified a 2.1mm for my ISP Modem device, but really needed 2.5mm on device side)

 

Day 1.  Installing the First rail of JS-2 with eRegen:  I had one correct DC cable ship with the JS-2 for my new eRen, which was all [itemized:  JS-2, eRen, ethernet cables, power cord] installed/inserted at the same time.   Here are my observations:

• Amazingly, right out of the gate, the JS-2 & eR combo invited in so much more information into the soundscape
• The highs had much more energy, clarity, strength, poise, and delineation.  Super improvement..!
• Soundscape became deeper, clearer.  Just more clarity in everything.
• My system came to life. A really nice audible uplift, more than I expected 😀.

Day 7.  Installing the Second rail of JS-2 with Modem:  Alex exchanged the incorrect DC cable I specified (dumb me! - but that is what the OEM manufacturer specified, so I thought 😇) very promptly.   Note:  Alex did a great job exchanging and resending me the proper DC cable ASAP.  Thank you, Alex..!    🍻 Two cheers for Alex..!!  🍻

 

When I finally connected Rail 2 to my Modem, Rail 1 already had 146-hours of continuous play time (break-in time).  Here are my observations when installing the 2nd Rail to my ISP Modem.

• The LED lights on my Modem instantly became a brighter color, and emitted more of a 'solid' color (SMPS was removed, with JS-2 inserted)
• With the SMPS removed from my Modem, the noise floor fell further, and a predicted but previously unrecognized irritation went away.  Images seem to shake less.  Less fuzz.
• I got a real sense of the JS-2 output "newness" when connecting the 2nd rail.  The dynamics were a bit rough on the first 2-days (maybe 3).  At first, I thought the 12v output was overdriving my Modem, so I lowered the output to 9v after the first day.  I got a little worried, but I found this quote from JS (in this thread on Sep-6, 2015) stating, "Small transient behavior WILL change overtime during the first couple of days. For example when driving a computer the highly transient load will cause some voltage noise on the output (the JS-2 is very good at minimizing this, but it isn't perfect). The exact details of this noise will change during the first few days of use."  So 6-hours later, I moved Rail 2 back to 12v, and never looked back.  It all smoothed out after a few days. Thank you, John...!

As of tonight, I have 723-hours on Rail 1, and 577-hours on Rail 2.  I would say the entire scope is all settled-in now.  Together, the whole package has really taken my system to new heights.  A really nice uplift.  The JS-2 is never too warm, and has plenty of headroom (amperage) on reserve for my low duty device.  I suspect this reserve is 'good to have' for the maintaining the output sweetspot (but that is my speculation).

 

In closing, I would really like to thank Alex for his support, and excellent communications.  Really stand-up and stand-out.  And, to Alex and John on the special products.  I am really looking forward to see what UpTone releases next.

 

Re-tread

[Re-tread]

Greetings Alex, I just happened to have a spreadsheet at my desk that tracks that info, based on calendar and insertion time.  Modern technology lends itself for such self indulgences w/o much effort.   I tend to track new items for the first 600-hours, so I know where it is (I am) in the break in process.  😎   Thanks again!