A novel way to massively improve the SQ of computer audio streaming

[TJHUB]

This SSD via USB HDD talk got me wondering.  So I did a little experiment this morning.

 

I spent the last couple of days getting Windows Server 2016 Core running.  I use Foobar2000, JPLAY, and Audiophile Optimizer 2.2b5 on a hibernated single PC.  And while 2016 Core has a major increase in clarity, I did not like the sound.  Treble was fantastic in clarity and tone, but the midrange lost tonal density, and the bass was horrible and buzzy sounding.  This all compared to Server 2012 R2 in Core mode.  

 

This morning, I cannibalized an old 320gb 2.5” portable drive to use the HDD as my OS drive.  I did an exact install on the spinner, which is powered by an HDPlex linear PS, and connected to a SATA 2 connector on my motherboard.  

 

The change in sound is staggering.  The entire presentation has changed, and from my first half hour of listening to my test Tracks, everything is much better.  The treble is extremely clean and tone is just great.  The midrange is clean and dense with layers, and the bass is tuneful and punchy.  It’s like everything sort of fell into place.  But the real change is in my connection to the music.  Clarity is not great sound.  I had no connection to the music like this before.  

 

It’s too early to claim awesomeness here, it’ll take me the rest of the week to really know, but so far this is just amazing for me.  I left spinning HDDs behind many years ago.  I find it strange that I’m back to one, only to find what I was missing.  I think my Samsung SSD is going in the garbage...(not literally, as it will find its way into a laptop).

 

BTW, my wav library is stored on a Synology NAS.

 

Thanks for this discussion!!

[TJHUB]

13 minutes ago, sandyk said:

 

You would have more than likely got the same improvement if you used the SSD the same way, which means no interaction with the internal PSU. In fact, if you markedly improve the power to an internal SSD you can obtain similar results.

It's actually easier to improve the power supply to an internal SSD than an internal HDD, because they don't draw so much current.They don't use the +12V supply either, unless you use this to regulate the power for the SSD down to the required +5V

as I am doing.

 

Sorry if I wasn’t clear, but the SSD was powered the same exact way.  I was trying to convey that the ONLY change was from SSD to HDD.

[TJHUB]

40 minutes ago, sandyk said:

 That suggests that the power supply used was not able to fully clean the power to the SSD where the current demand spikes are much more abrupt. The HDPlex PSUs are not very low noise, and I have made JLH PSU add-on PCBs for a couple of local members to further improve the power from their HDPlex to obtain the best from their SSDs. 

Incidentally, there have been quite a few problems with the HDPlex, where the 5V rail has failed with the voltage regulator going short circuit , applying +19V to the load ! Such a failure destroyed a friend's expensive USB card as well.

This can also happen if you set the adjustable voltage rail close to +5V with a reasonable load. Later models,( and repaired modules) have voltage and current overload installed/retro-fitted..

 

I did try the famous LT3045’s without success on my SSD, so I’m not certain what you stated is exactly the case here.  I have not tried the LT3045 on the spinner, but I might.  I didn’t like anything I got from my LT3045’s boards, so I should just sell them.  

[TJHUB]

Just now, sig8 said:

You are not alone.

 

Interesting...I thought I was alone.

[TJHUB]

56 minutes ago, lmitche said:

What devices did you power with the lt3045s?  Now we're they powers?  I am more than thrilled with the results here on USB things with clocks, like USB pcie cards, Regens, and USB powered dacs.

 

I have a 7v, 6v, and a 5v.  I tried them on the SSD, and on my Pro3z SPIDF converter.  Both sounded equally bad.