Gigabyte DAC-UP motherboards

[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

[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