Gigabyte DAC-UP motherboards

[Leonard]

Gigabyte has a range of 'audiophile-grade' motherboards that contain the so called USB DAC-UP technology. According to their website these kind of motherboards are able to provide clean, noise-free power delivery to a DAC. The technology is supposed to take advantage of an isolated power source that minimizes potential fluctuations.

Does anybody have experience with this and knows if this is a step up from a standard computer USB port and how this compares to a separate SotM USB card?

 

Has somebody been able to put a USB DAC-UP motherboard into a fanless Streacom FC5 case? For example the Gigabyt GA-B85N?

[EuroDriver]

The last time I looked, the GIGABYTE mobo's that had the independent USB power supply for audio, also had very powerfully graphics, as well as a heavy duty sound card, which influenced me to look at other simpler boards

[Leonard]

Hi EuroDriver, I know that there are also several gamers editions of this mobo series. Are these the ones you referring to? The Gigabyte GA-B85N that I am interested in is not too hefty regarding graphics & sound I think.

[EuroDriver]

The spec of the GA-B85N looks suitable.

 

If you build one we can meet up and compare to the H97M-D3H ;-)

[Nikhil]

If you build one we can meet up and compare to the H97M-D3H ;-)

 

EuroDriver,

 

I am looking at some mother boards as well. Do you recommend the H97M-D3H?

[Nikhil]

Update: I have a new 64 bit machine installed this afternoon and I like the sound.

Question to others on here, how important is the change to a 64 bit environment over 32 bit?

 

I looked up the boards that were mentioned above but I realized that this meant additional ordering time. Another factor for me was that by using a locally available board I had access to local service. I have to say we are lucky to be able to get very good service here. I had a technician with me all afternoon and he installed everything for me before leaving.

[REShaman]

Update: I have a new 64 bit machine installed this afternoon and I like the sound.

Question to others on here, how important is the change to a 64 bit environment over 32 bit?

 

I looked up the boards that were mentioned above but I realized that this meant additional ordering time. Another factor for me was that by using a locally available board I had access to local service. I have to say we are lucky to be able to get very good service here. I had a technician with me all afternoon and he installed everything for me before leaving.

 

Hello Nikhil,

Congratulations! And Mazel Tov! Use your new system in good health. How important is 64? Very. Mostly the processing for software that is growing in its complexity for delivering better performance and output and the hardware that can deliver and drive these programs. The future advances the evolution of hardware/software in a dance you will shortly experience as worthwhile the effort and expense.

 

Good fortune,

Richard

[sgr]

Gigabyte has a range of 'audiophile-grade' motherboards that contain the so called USB DAC-UP technology. According to their website these kind of motherboards are able to provide clean, noise-free power delivery to a DAC. The technology is supposed to take advantage of an isolated power source that minimizes potential fluctuations.

 

Does anybody have experience with this and knows if this is a step up from a standard computer USB port and how this compares to a separate SotM USB card?

 

Has somebody been able to put a USB DAC-UP motherboard into a fanless Streacom FC5 case? For example the Gigabyt GA-B85N?

 

 

Hi,

I bought one of these boards with the DAC UP USB circuits. It does sound better than normal USB. I hoped an additional USB board unneeded. My setup was PC DAC UP to Lampi USB TranspOrt via Clarus Crimson USB then Lampi TrasnpOrt AESEBU to BigI7 AESEBU. I had hoped that Iwas done. NOT!

 

Curiosity required further experimentation.

 

I added a Paul Pang USB V2 card and there was really no contest between it and DAC UP USB. The Pang was just more natural and musical.

Then I upgraded to Paul Pang USB version 3. Even better. I usse the HD Plex Linear Power Supply for power.

Next I added the Uptone Audio REGEN. For those that think their set up is so good the REGEN will do nothing, I'd say give it a try. I'm almost 100% it will be a keeper.

My USB recipe?

REGEN + Paul Pang USB V4 + CLarus Crimson USB Cable + HD Plex Linear Power Supply + Lampi USB Transport = MUSIC

[Nikhil]

That is great feedback sgr. I am looking at the Paul Pang Card along with a friend.

Reading your feedback really gives me a good feeling.

 

Did you look at the SOtM card as well?

[sgr]

That is great feedback sgr. I am looking at the Paul Pang Card along with a friend.

Reading your feedback really gives me a good feeling.

 

Did you look at the SOtM card as well?

 

Yes I considered the SoTM. I'm sure it sounds great. I originally went with the PPand V2 USB because it was $125. It is a outstanding purchase and bargain. When Paul Pang brought out his new V4 it was a no brainier.

That is the only reason I did not try the SoTM.

By all reports the SoTM sounds great as well. Many like the JCat card as well. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

Steven

[Leonard]

Hi sgr, thanks for your interesting response! Never heard of this USB REGEN but it sounds very promising! Quick research showed only positive reviews. And the company seems to ship to the Netherlands as well :-)

Do you think, using this Regen and having a Gigabyte DAC-UP, that it's still worth investing in a PPA or an expensive SotM? Or would it be better to spend this money on a HDP LPS instead?

[Nikhil]

Leonard, the Regen is a great product. Highly recommended.

And the guys behind it are regulars on here.

 

This is the thread for all the info you need:

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f10-music-servers/uptone-audio-regen-22803/

[firedog]

Leonard, the Regen is a great product. Highly recommended.

And the guys behind it are regulars on here.

 

This is the thread for all the info you need:

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f10-music-servers/uptone-audio-regen-22803/

 

Oh boy, now you are going to get Leonard lost in that super long Regen thread.

I think if you just want to get beginning knowledge about the Regen, you're better off going to the site: USB REGEN – UpTone Audio

 

Also there is some pertinent info there in the FAQ.

[Kelly]

I haven't followed too closely, but is the Regen supposed to be a markedly better product than the Schiit Wyred? Seems that they attempt the same thing but Schiit does it with less fanfare, cheaper, and no wait. What am I missing?

[JakovH]

Never heard of this USB REGEN but it sounds very promising! Quick research showed only positive reviews. And the company seems to ship to the Netherlands as well :-)

Do you think, using this Regen and having a Gigabyte DAC-UP, that it's still worth investing in a PPA or an expensive SotM? Or would it be better to spend this money on a HDP LPS instead?

 

What I'd suggest is that you try the DAC up vs the standard USB port on the motherboard first. If you feel the DAC up is better, then grab a Regen. You may find that is enough.

 

Remember that those members here using Apple products are using standard USB ports, no PPA/SOtM/JCAT usb cards and most seem pretty satisfied with the results without spending hundreds of local credits on a USB card.

 

And report back too. It is an interesting MITX board that were out of stock when I built my passive PC.

 

Regen supposed to be a markedly better product than the Schiit Wyred?

 

Let's keep this on topic. There are at least 3 threads here with other users asking just that question

[YashN]

Gigabyte has a range of 'audiophile-grade' motherboards that contain the so called USB DAC-UP technology. According to their website these kind of motherboards are able to provide clean, noise-free power delivery to a DAC. The technology is supposed to take advantage of an isolated power source that minimizes potential fluctuations.

 

Has somebody been able to put a USB DAC-UP motherboard into a fanless Streacom FC5 case? For example the Gigabyt GA-B85N?

 

Very cool find, Leonard!

[WMW]

Dear Eurodriver,

I cannot specifically answer the OP’s question, however he raises issues relevant to my situation as I am considering a Gigabyte board with DAC-UP technology.

I am in the middle of building a combined high-end audio(hopefully)/HTTP server. Data input will be media NAS (custom) to server to DAC (Audiobyte Black Dragon) to desktop music system (headphones/2.1 nearfield speakers). The server will interface with the DAC via I2S (Pink Faun bridge) and USB (SOtM tX-USB). (I need USB to play DSD on the DAC.). HTTP (HDMI + 5.1 audio) will be via motherboard outputs (“…very powerfully graphics, as well as a heavy duty sound card…”) to 4K monitor and 5.1 speaker system. Power to server motherboard via HDPLEX linear PSU and probably battery PSU to ssd. I was not anticipating any decrement in sonics from the motherboard’s audio (or video) circuitry when using the Black Dragon (be it I2S or USB input) which are PCIe (northbridge). Currently I’m planning on using the Gibabyte GA-Z97MX board (fits my Streacom fc9 alpha, has enough PCI slots for my Pink Faun, SOtM and Ceton tuner cards and has reputedly great sonics for a (gaming)motherboard that is!). Am I making a big mistake?

 

Thanks in advance and for your other many valuable posts on this site!

[EuroDriver]

Dear Eurodriver,

I cannot specifically answer the OP’s question, however he raises issues relevant to my situation as I am considering a Gigabyte board with DAC-UP technology.

I am in the middle of building a combined high-end audio(hopefully)/HTTP server. Data input will be media NAS (custom) to server to DAC (Audiobyte Black Dragon) to desktop music system (headphones/2.1 nearfield speakers). The server will interface with the DAC via I2S (Pink Faun bridge) and USB (SOtM tX-USB). (I need USB to play DSD on the DAC.). HTTP (HDMI + 5.1 audio) will be via motherboard outputs (“…very powerfully graphics, as well as a heavy duty sound card…”) to 4K monitor and 5.1 speaker system. Power to server motherboard via HDPLEX linear PSU and probably battery PSU to ssd. I was not anticipating any decrement in sonics from the motherboard’s audio (or video) circuitry when using the Black Dragon (be it I2S or USB input) which are PCIe (northbridge). Currently I’m planning on using the Gibabyte GA-Z97MX board (fits my Streacom fc9 alpha, has enough PCI slots for my Pink Faun, SOtM and Ceton tuner cards and has reputedly great sonics for a (gaming)motherboard that is!). Am I making a big mistake?

 

Thanks in advance and for your other many valuable posts on this site!

 

I am always leary about heavy video processing on the PC when you are trying to achieve the best sound possible for your down stream components. So my suggestion is to look at a two PC setup built around HQ Player.

 

Then you have two choices, using HQ Players NAA on the second PC or using JPlay on the second PC. HQ Player will do a very nice job on upsampling your redbook tracks to DSD 128 with the filters and modulators of your choice

 

For OS, I would suggest Win 10, by the end of this month, the full version should be released and that should be able handle your video needs

 

Just my 2 cents, and please note I have no relevant experience of playing 4 k video from an audio centric PC

[WMW]

Dear Eurodriver,

Thanks kindly for the advice. The 2 PC setup you describe makes some theoreticalsense and as I’m currently using Audio Optimizer (on my now ancient CAPS 2build) I’m aware of Phil’s high regard for said setup. I also do plan on trying W 10 (and ‘Optimizerwhen available) and will also dabble in HQ player upsampling redbook to DSD(hence the DSD-capable DAC). I’ve beenencouraged by some members positive results with single PC, ‘Optimizer and newJPlay however and was hoping to avoid the added cost and pain of acquiring newskills (I’m ‘computer functional’ not ‘computer literate’!) in setting up thedaunting (to me) 2 PC-core system. Also(and I’m way over my head here) I thought most of the video processing occursin the CPU (e.g. Intel Haswell) and not in the motherboard per se. Perhaps you refer to ANY video processing asmany are using Intel XEON CPUs (which appear to be Haswell minus videoprocessing) to power their audio computer systems? I also am encouraged that Mr. Pang is usingHaswell CPUs and Gigabyte motherboards in his highly regarded computer audioequipment. I do realize much is notknown with a high degree of certainty in computer audio. This is unfortunate as it appears manyfactors could be worked out with the application of basic science by changingone variable at a time then listening, measuring, ABXing, etc.,. (Not to open a can of worms, but anecdotalevidence, ‘series of ones’, uncontrolled ‘studies’, conformational biases, etc.,. are thenorm.). I’m guessing cost of such forwhat appears to be a relatively small market limits study. I was excited to read your comments in the “PaulPang Audio Motherboard clock upgrade” topic about plans to evaluate sonics withand without the upgrade. We need MUCHmore of that!

 

Thanks again!

 

[WMW]

Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?

[Leonard]

Hi sgr,

Totally agree with you! Used the DAC-UP USB port for a while which indeed has a big advantage compared to a regular USB port and was quite happy with it. Until I tried a SotM card a friend loaned me last evening. The SotM card is for sure a huge leap forward!

 

Haven't tried the Regen and the Jitterbug yet....