Jplay / JCAT weighs in with a USB isolation device

[DavidZ]

There must be something in the air in 2016, because these devices have been spreading like crabgrass. I see by the promo language that Jplay has worked with Intona on this... sounds promising. though I'm not sure I want/need anything between my microrendu and my DAC.

 

JCAT – reference computer audio accessories | JPLAY

[firedog]

Seems like it's just a rebranding of the Itona in a different case. Nothing against it, just an observation.

Capitalism: make a product that succeeds, and others copy you.

[Distinctive]

I wonder if it is Intona's Industrial version that is used?

[juliocat]

I wonder if it is Intona's Industrial version that is used?

 

I think is the Industrial version, both have 2.5kV isolation

[Distinctive]

I like the casing of the JCAT a lot better than Intona's own.

I reckon the software troubles are dealt with now and that the programming tool is obsolete (?)

[Marcin_gps]

I wonder if it is Intona's Industrial version that is used?

 

Yes, it's based on the industrial board.

 

Cheers,

Marcin

[scirica]

For those in the know how does this or Intona differ in technology from W4S Recovery, Regen, or the latest, PS Audio's LANRover? I'm intrigued that this requires no external power.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile

[Distinctive]

I think the whole point is to galvanic isolate all pins on the USB plug, inclusive of the +5VDC power (and nothing more)?

[scirica]

And of those I mentioned, I believe only the LANRover provides galvanic isolation, but unfortunately it has proved incompatible with my Esoteric K-03X DAC.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile

[Ben-M]

And of those I mentioned, I believe only the LANRover provides galvanic isolation, but unfortunately it has proved incompatible with my Esoteric K-03X DAC.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile

The Intona does as well, that's what makes it different than all the rest.

 

From what I gathered, after finding this and comparing the boards, they're exactly the same. The Jplay one is just in a 1000 times better looking and better matching case. Plus, with the Jplay member discount it's basically the same price as the Industrial version of until Intona, otherwise it's +$70 usd.

 

I like Jplay's angle, they work with the best private manufacturer of a given product in a field, then make a Jplay version. They've made some awesome collaborations so far, so I'm happy with this one and I've really got to think it over vs. other AOIP solutions that are building steam.

 

Sent from my SM-N9200 using Computer Audiophile mobile app

[scirica]

I hear great things about Jplay. If and when I return the LANRover (currently in beta program) I think I'm going to bite the bullet and go with the Jplay version of the Intona industrial isolator. Are they shipping yet?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile

[Marcin_gps]

I hear great things about Jplay. If and when I return the LANRover (currently in beta program) I think I'm going to bite the bullet and go with the Jplay version of the Intona industrial isolator. Are they shipping yet?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile

 

Yes, already shipping

[scirica]

Thanks!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile

[Distinctive]

The Intona does as well, that's what makes it different than all the rest.

 

From what I gathered, after finding this and comparing the boards, they're exactly the same. The Jplay one is just in a 1000 times better looking and better matching case. Plus, with the Jplay member discount it's basically the same price as the Industrial version of until Intona, otherwise it's +$70 usd.

 

I like Jplay's angle, they work with the best private manufacturer of a given product in a field, then make a Jplay version. They've made some awesome collaborations so far, so I'm happy with this one and I've really got to think it over vs. other AOIP solutions that are building steam.

 

Sent from my SM-N9200 using Computer Audiophile mobile app

I believe the LANRover isolation is actually the media conversion to Ethernet which intrinsically contain galvanic isolation as part of the Ethernet standard.

[scirica]

I believe the LANRover isolation is actually the media conversion to Ethernet which intrinsically contain galvanic isolation as part of the Ethernet standard.

 

Absolutely correct!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile

[Elberoth]

Great news. I have the Intona industrial (cannot recommend it highly enough !), but I'm gonna buy the JCAT USB Isolator simply because I like the case 100x better.

 

Plus, beeing made of metal, not plastic, I think it should offer better protection against RFI/EMI.

[scirica]

Just ordered mine!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile

[r_w]

I lined my Intona Industrial inside with copper RFI/EMI shielding tape. Agree the new box is nicer but mine is hidden from view so I'll stay as is.

 

 

 

Great news. I have the Intona industrial (cannot recommend it highly enough !), but I'm gonna buy the JCAT USB Isolator simply because I like the case 100x better.

 

Plus, beeing made of metal, not plastic, I think it should offer better protection against RFI/EMI.

[mordante]

The more items like these pop up the more I ask myself if USB is suited for audio. Maybe I'll stick with coax or optical.

[wwaldmanfan]

The more items like these pop up the more I ask myself if USB is suited for audio. Maybe I'll stick with coax or optical.

 

There aren't many options with a hard-wired computer as your server. USB/S-PDIF converters are becoming extinct, and optical has its limitations. Everyone's one the USB bandwagon now, but there's already talk of USB itself becoming obsolete.

[mordante]

There aren't many options with a hard-wired computer as your server. USB/S-PDIF converters are becoming extinct, and optical has its limitations. Everyone's one the USB bandwagon now, but there's already talk of USB itself becoming obsolete.

 

Not so long ago I bought an Auralic Arie LE. It has spdif, optical, aes/ebu and usb outputs. Currently I use aes however I want to replace my dac. Many new DACs within mu prices range do not support aes. So given the other choices what output would you use?

 

I'm look at the Musette and Gumby.

[wwaldmanfan]

Not so long ago I bought an Auralic Arie LE. It has spdif, optical, aes/ebu and usb outputs. Currently I use aes however I want to replace my dac. Many new DACs within mu prices range do not support aes. So given the other choices what output would you use?

 

I'm look at the Musette and Gumby.

 

You didn't say what your price range is, but if you don't need DSD, this one is similar to my M51 (a nice unit), for under $900. You can connect AES/EBU, also HDMI:

 

nadc510r NAD C 510 Refurbished - DACS and Transports

[Hailey]

$400?!

 

Is it really three times as "good" as a Regen? Is it twice as good? Half again as good?

 

10% "better"?

[Elberoth]

$400?!

 

Is it really three times as "good" as a Regen? Is it twice as good? Half again as good?

 

10% "better"?

 

Those tweaks are very system dependent. Even the Regen is not a bullet proof solution - some love it and some ... not so much.

 

In case of my system, Intona have brought a significant improvement - much bigger than changing the PC or USB cable. It was money very well spent.

[Hailey]

Those tweaks are very system dependent. Even the Regen is not a bullet proof solution - some love it and some ... not so much.

 

In case of my system, Intona have brought a significant improvement - much bigger than changing the PC or USB cable. It was money very well spent.

 

Fair point.