iFi Audio iGalvanic3.0 - The Holy Grail of Computer Audio

[AMR/iFi audio]

 

 

[AMR/iFi audio]

USB is in the AMR/iFi DNA - part #9
Over a decade of development

2016. The micro and nano iUSB3.0. Super Speed ahead.

The original iUSB Power used USB2.0. Our experience told us that the writing was on the wall for USB2.0 which we had by now, considered obsolete. We made the strategic decision to focus our resources on developing USB3.0 and maximizing its potential for computer audio.

 

Mid-2016 saw the launch of the second generation, the micro iUSB3.0 and nano iUSB3.0. Both featured the critical REclock/REgenerate/REbalance tech but with different levels of feature sets to suit different DACs. All on the USB3.0 platform, naturally.

From the get go, the micro iUSB3.0 was one of a handful of US$1k components to be awarded a ‘Greatest Bits’ by AudioStream who wrote,

“I then compared the iUSB3.0 with its iPower adapter to the XXX Audio XXX with its power adapter. Keep in mind that I used the USB3.0 cable supplied with the iUSB3.0. The sound of these two devices was quite different in their stock form. The XXXXX was lighter sounding with less warmth than the iUSB3.0.

I found the performance of the iFi Audio iUSB3.0 to be not only impressive in my system, but a significant improvement over iFi Audio’s previous efforts with the iUSB Power and the iPurifier.“

 

http://www.audiostream.com/content/ifi-audio-micro-iusb-30#hmhDVD5eZcMEJM1y.97

iSilencer3.0 and iDefender3.0. Small. Serious.

Later that year, we brought out the iSilencer3.0 and iDefender3.0. The iSilencer3.0 is suited to ALL PCs as it ‘silences’ the noise of each USB port it is inserted into by up to 100x or 40dB.

The iDefender3.0 performs two specific duties - breaking ground loops and injecting a new, clean power supply.

 

2017. iGalvanic3.0. The holy grail of computer audio.

We are over the moon to announce the iGalavinc3.0. In many ways, it represents the synthesis of all we know about USB for computer audio. It contains 10 years of research, know-how and experience of over 10 different products (from $10,000 down to $50). We are quietly confident we are at the forefront of extracting the max from USB.

Full galvanic isolation on USB2.0 is still not completely trouble-free. Yet with our latest product, the iGalvanic3.0 our R&D team has attained unhindered, full galvanic isolation on USB2.0 and USB3.0 (both using our own platforms), that offer an unsurpassed level of audio performance for the computer audiophile.

 

This ‘brief’ history of AMR/iFi and USB technology has shed some light on why, how, and what we do with USB audio. We hope that when you try the iGalvanic3.0, you will hear the difference and arrive at the same conclusion as we did - it is the holy grail of computer audio. With this DNA, it bloomin should!

And that's it, folks! Our USB related ride is over, hopefully you enjoyed it. But wait, there's more, in the upcoming days we will reveal additional iGalvanic3.0 details. For now the most important thing is that:

The 25th of August 2017 is the premiere of iFi audio iGalvanic3.0

Stay tuned!

[AMR/iFi audio]

Folks, iGalvanic3.0 is getting closer and closer. As per usual, we have some things we'd like to share with you before that happens. The very first is a long look years back, to the dark ags of USB isolation in audio. May we present to you...

 

A short history of USB Isolators & USB improvement Devices - Part 1/2

 

Why Isolation?

 

Due to the fact that the USB connection path carries a ground link, which cannot be defeated (or USB will stop working), it is common for USB connected audio systems to have noise problems created by ground loops.

 

Why USB improvement Devices?

 

USB was never specifically designed and optimised for audio. It was designed for hard drives and printers – hardly USB Audio Class devices!

 

As a result, a number of technical problems arise that may negatively influence sound quality. In addition to ground loops, which may be addressed by isolation or other means, USB can suffer from:

 

1. Ground/Earth Loops. Where modern power supplies lack ground and are of multiple Grounds. Both are undesired.
2. Poor signal integrity and noise transfer. Specifically of the frame & microframe noise.
3. USB Power Quality. The power available on USB connections is also often of limited quality, plagued by noise, which can influence dowstream USB powered equipment

 

Hence devices that address ground loops through means other than galvanic isolation, improve signal integrity, provide clean power and have the potential to substantially improve both objective and subjective performance of USB audio devices.

 

Note: The following is a historical overview of the devices that were launched (stands to reason they follow a chronological order). We are thus only listing them based upon the timeline and their specs/functionality. It is not a sonic assessment.

 

1st Generation

 

First generation USB isolators used USB isolation chips with 12Mbps limit speed and thus fail to allow high resolution playback or the use with multi-channel recording systems in studios.

 

The isolator chips used create massive amounts of jitter. The power isolation systems tended to be noisy and of very limited current, precluding the use of USB powered devices.

 

As a result, these first generation USB isolators were generally not used in audiophile or studio systems.

Example - Acoustic Revive USB Isolator (2011)

 

 

https://www.acoustic-revive.com/english/rui1/rui1_01.html

 

As an alternative, in 2012 iFi introduced the iUSB Power. This device allowed a different approach to break ground loops and thus eliminate the noise It also povided low-noise power for USB-powered products. The iUSB Power allowed full USB 2.0 speed at 480MHz and was widely applied to audiophile and studio systems.

 

 

While not offering galvanic isolation, the IsoEarth/IsoGround system applied by iFi solved the ground noise problem by different means.

 

2nd Generation

 

As it was not possible to create USB isolator chips that isolated at 480MHz High Speed required for many modern USB devices, a number of systems were developed, which in effect fully decoded USB signals using commodity grade USB chips and passed as a parallel stream across cheap commodity grade isolator chips. After this the USB signal was re-encoded and sent out via another commodity grade USB chip. The power isolation systems generally are very current limited and have comparably high noise levels.

 

The involved processing, latency etc. caused extensive compatibility issues as such devices in effect "break" the USB standard. The included USB transceiver chips allowed no better signal integrity than a generic PC USB port.

Nevertheless, these second generation USB isolators did get adopted into audiophile and studio systems as the allowed high resolution and multichannel audio streams and offered full galvanic isolation. In many cases other devices were added to supplement the galvanic isolation with solutions to poor signal integrity and poor power quality.

 

Example - JCAT USB Isolator

 

 

http://jplay.eu/jcat/#manual2

 

A number of devices using external power and "USB regeneration" circuitry were introduced as an alternative. These improved signal integrity but lacked galvanic isolation.

 

 

By combing the USB regeneration circuitry with a low noise power supply, IsoGround and even despite lacking galvanic isolation, iFi's iUSB 3.0 micro offered a comprehensive solution to USB's main problems; ground loops, power quality and signal integrity.

 

That's it for now, but stay tuned, there's more!

 

[AMR/iFi audio]

A short history of USB Isolators & USB improvement Devices - Part 2/2

 

3rd Generation

 

The 3rd generation are more recent and came about when finally isolator chips capable of supporting 480Mbps USB 2.0 speeds, direct and transparent USB 2.0 High-Speed capable isolators became available. Just like the chips employed in 1st generation isolators, high jitter caused problems. The solution was to add-on or incorporate ‘USB regeneration’ circuitry downstream from the USB isolator to reduce this jitter.

 

Such devices are just appearing in the market and generally fail to incorporate isolated low-noise power supplies for downstream devices and instead require expensive linear power supply add-ons to operate at their best.

 

Example - CoolGear USB Isolator

 

 

https://www.coolgear.com/news/usb-isolator-high-speed-debut.html

 

There is also an inexpensive DIY design with the Silannia chip that runs on USB2.0:

 

 

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/high-speed-usb-isolator/msg1197100/#msg1197100

 

So as one can see, there are quite a few of these 3rd generation USB2.0 galvanic isolation devices.

4th Generation

 

At iFi we felt that the solutions applied in 3rd generation USB isolators held promise, however USB 2.0 is a massively outdated system (HDDs moved on aeons ago), superceded by USB 3.0/3.1 Superspeed system - which offers ten times the data rates of USB 2.0 High Speed introduced in 2008.

 

With the iGalvanic3.0, iFi audio is offering the final generation of USB isolation, with full USB 3.0 Superspeed support. In our evaluation of USB isolation solutions, we found that downstream USB regeneration was required for a reliable connection.

 

 

HOWEVER, by applying USB regeneration also on the upstream link gave a substantial further boost in signal integrity and sound quality, hence the iGalvanic3.0 not only incorporates USB 3.0 isolation but also the ‘REgenerate2’ system that removes USB jitter and improves signal integrity not only on the downstream connection but on both directions of the USB Link (it is bi-directional after all).

 

Leveraging iFi's experience in modern power supply technology, we further incorporated a fully-isolated, extremely low-noise power supply capable of delivering full USB specification levels of current with noise levels comparable to our externally powered iUSB 3.0 nano/micro range.

 

The iGalavnic3.0 offers:

 

I. REclock2/ REgenerate2/ REbalance2
II. Audiophile-grade USB3.0/2.0 Galvanic Isolation
III. Super-low noise USB power*

 

*Measured noise is 0.5uV (0.0000005V) @ 500mA load. Outperforms non-iFi USB devices. Bettered only by the micro iUSB3.0.

As result, the iGalvanic3.0 delivers a fully galvanically-isolated next generation single box solution to USB audio's bugbearers of ground loops and noise transfer, USB signal integrity and USB power quality.

 

It is a ground-up, dedicated and stand-alone solution that elevates computer audio.

 

Stay tuned, some big news coming up tomorrow!

[AMR/iFi audio]

Coming with a BIG Package

We were as dismayed as our customers that the iGalvanic3.0 launch was delayed. But the AMR/iFi way is to not launch a product unless we are COMPLETELY satisfied it is the very best it can be. If that meant missing out sales from pushing the launch date back, so be it.

 

Good things come to those who wait. And our Skunkworks has delivered. The iGalvanic3.0 (US$349-ex tax) is now on the launch pad. We have a special ‘thank you’ for our customers.

 

The pre-launch bundle will be priced at US$368 (ex-tax) as this includes the iDefender3.0 and iPOWER (5v). This means the iDefender3.0 + iPOWER worth $94 come for $19.

 

iGalvanic3.0 & iDefender & iPower.

This offer is available to those who pre-ordered and any further pre-orders up to the global launch date on 25 August 2017.

Note: this special package is for the first tranche ONLY. Afterwards, the iGalvanic3.0 will revert to the STANDALONE product of $349 (ex-tax).

 

With great performance comes great flexibility

     Q - Why package the iDefender3.0 & iPOWER (5v) with the iGalavanic3.0?

     A - Because our customers asked!

 

From the queries fielded, we saw the diverse combinations of computer audio systems and given the VERY broad range of setups, we decided to let you optimise YOUR system, YOUR way.

The following are four different combinations to maximize each and every system:

 

Configuration 1. DAC is self-powered.

 

Place iDefender3.0 & iPower at the PC side, disconnect the PC power completely. This reduces software jitter at the PC for better PC playback.

 

 

 

Configuration 2. DAC is USB-powered (with HIGH power headphone output).

 

Place iDefender3.0 & iPower downstream of iGalvanic3.0 provides higher current than normal USB and lowers noise even further. Eg: DAC with 500mW+ headphone output

 

 

 

Configuration 3. DAC is USB-powered (with normal headphone output).

 

Place iDefender3.0 upstream and cut-off PC power. Supply clean power for upstream side of iGalvanic3.0 & DAC. eg. iDAC2. (Try both sides of iGalvanic3.0 and stick to the side that sounds best).

 

 

 

Configuration 4. Use elsewhere, on external HDD

 

Lastly, use iDefender3.0 & iPower elsewhere (eg external HDD) as iGalvanic3.0 delivers essentially similar noise performance. Removes load from hard drive placed upon the computer.

 

 

That's it... for now.

 

P.S. Here it is for the taking: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074TWFHNL

 

[AMR/iFi audio]

21 hours ago, rickca said:

What?  You said earlier that the price was $299.  See your post in this thread dated 3/24.  So your bundle offers $94 worth of components for $69, not $19 as stated.

 

Also, does the iGalvanic3.0 come with a USB 3.0 A => B cable to attach it to the PC?  If so, how long is this cable?

 

 

Yes, the price increased but there's a very good reason why. We upped the ante by A LOT, we used better parts in several important areas and some we had to manufacture on our own. In the upcoming days we'll explain exactly what we did and why we had to. These changes, although costly,  make quite a difference.

 

[AMR/iFi audio]

21 hours ago, rickca said:

Please clarify.  How does this 'remove load from hard drive placed upon the computer'?  Are you talking about the hard drive bus power requirements?

 

Yes, bus power exactly. 

 

21 hours ago, rickca said:

 

What do you mean by 'iGalvanic3.0 delivers essentially similar noise performance'?  The same noise performance as what?

 

iGalvanic3.0 is on the same performance level in this regard than our nano iUSB3.0 (0.5uV noise floor), but below our micro iUSB3.0 (0.1uV noise floor).

[AMR/iFi audio]

9 hours ago, Janis said:

What about pair with iDSD black? Any benefits?

 

Yes, but not night and day difference. iGalvanic3.0 for iDSD Black Label is quite an overkill. You can put racing breaks and tires to a Prius, that's doable. But doesn't make too much sense

[AMR/iFi audio]

12 hours ago, simonklp said:

 

Is the bundle package in the above Amazon website limited to delivery in some areas only, e.g. USA? I cannot order it for delivery to HK. This is sort of discrimination for customers in different area. Could you please kindly advise?

 

Please ask your local dealer, there shouldn't be an issue.

[AMR/iFi audio]

3 hours ago, richard kimber said:

 

Where is the UK pre-order webpage?

 

We don't run a shop, we sell our goods via distribution network, hence please ask your local dealer about iGalvanic3.0 bundle.

[AMR/iFi audio]

3 hours ago, Quasar said:

Hello.

 

I would like to ask some questions about the IGalvanic3.0 and the Nano IUSB 3.0, that I have with very good results.
¿If the two components have REclock, REbalance, REgenerate systems, which of the two is of better quality in this sense?
¿What reason would I have to get rid of Nano IUSB3.0, if IGalvanic3.0 does the same in addition to galvanic isolation?

 

Thank you. A greeting

 

Our tech does not overlap in an obvious way, the difference is in how powerful it is and this varies from one device to another. For instance, both nano and micro iUSB3.0 have our proprietary 3 x RE tech, but micro does all these things better. The same story is with iGalvanic. Although it does 3 x RE as well, this is not its main function, galvanic isolation is. We simply added 3 x RE because we could. When we develop some tech, we implement it everywhere it makes sense to do so.

 

In short, iGalvanic3.0 does things nano iUSB3.0 doesn't and vice versa. These devices are complementary, even despite of the fact that some tech they share. 

[AMR/iFi audio]

21 hours ago, rickca said:

So what do you think is an appropriate device to use with iGalvanic3.0?  

 

Every USB based audio device will work with it. It does not matter whether it's a small $150 DAC or a product of similar functionality sold for $50000. The real question is when it's reasonable to use it. You can fit racing brakes in Prius if you like, but is this reasonable? 

 

Here's a scenario that we think is very reasonable: picture a USB oriented $300000 setup. At level this high, it's very probable that even the smallest upgrade cost a lot of money, upper four or five figures. Probably even cables. Then iGalvanic3.0 jumps in and makes the outcome better. It matters not whether the improvement is big or small. What matters is that our ~$300 device can elevate the experience and for its asking price it doesn't hurt to try it out, no matter the setup value.

 

 

[AMR/iFi audio]

1 minute ago, Quasar said:

Thank you very much for answering AMR/ifi Audio. I'll think about it.

The question was rather, because I am currently combining a Startech extender together with the Nano iUSB3.0, iPurifier, iDefender etc. And I worry more oscillator quality, in case i could replace the Startech and the Nano, by the iGalvanic3.0 and improve this detail.

 

 

 

Our iGalvanic3.0 won't do nano iUSB3.0 job better. It will do less of its work and it will provide galvanic USB isolation above all else.

[AMR/iFi audio]

4 hours ago, agladstone said:

This is actually NOT what I asked, I asked that if using the iGalvanic WITH the iMicro USB 3.0 after the iGalvanic (in a chain - iGalvanic -> iMicro -> DAC) - where would you or should you put the iDefender w/ the 5V iPower, OR do you even need the iDefender with this chain at all since the iMicro is Powered?? 

 

Simply because this is an answer given to another forum user. Please take a look who we quoted.

 

Now to answer YOUR question, please stay tuned, we have a separate publication regarding iGalvanic3.0 and micro iUSB3.0 interaction.

 

 

 

[AMR/iFi audio]

Folks, in the upcoming days we will introduce iGalvanic3.0 to you in as much details as possible. Some of these writings were posted a while ago, yet several things have changed. We'll talk about iUSB3.0 interaction and we'll reveal why you had to wait for iGalvanic3.0 longer than we initially assumed. Stay tuned!

 

Part 1/3: The Holy Grail of Computer Audio

 

In the cavern full of cups scene (“The Last Crusade”), Indiana Jones had to choose the Holy Chalice used in the last supper.

 

 

In USB audio, similar propositions abound when selecting the best device to improve USB computer audio. The array of choices is mind boggling.

 

It is widely regarded that one of the most effective USB solutions is galvanic isolation. However, its scarcity reflects the technological hurdles that are not without issues of their own.

 

Having spent the best part of two years researching, (hence why we did not bring it out earlier!), we wholeheartedly agree. The iGalvanic3.0 has been one of our more ‘technologically challenging’ projects.

 

But the team at iFi audio are now over the moon to announce its arrival (albeit a tad later than expected).

 

The iGalvanic3.0 is one of a kind - able to deliver galvanic isolation on USB3.0 Super Speed. In a sea of USB audio improvement devices, the iGalvanic3.0 really is the ‘holy grail’.

 

We could have stopped work there and just brought the product to market. Yet, this is not in the AMR/iFi DNA. From this starting point, we spent more time developing additional features that truly make this product the ultimate solution for USB computer audio.

 

 

We believe the iGalvanic3.0 will elevate the quality of audio playback by an extreme magnitude.

What is the iGalvanic3.0?

 

 

The iGalavnic3.0 is the one-stop USB audio enhancement solution for every computer audiophile. It offers the USB Trinity of:

 

 

I. REclock2/ REgenerate2/ REbalance2
+
II. Audiophile-grade USB3.0/2.0 Galvanic Isolation
+
III. Super-low noise USB power*

 

*Measured noise is 0.5uV (0.0000005V) @ 500mA load. Outperforms non-iFi USB devices. Bettered only by the micro iUSB3.0.

It is a ground-up, dedicated, stand-alone solution that elevates computer audio.

Who benefits from the iGalvanic3.0?

 

Everyone who uses USB for computer audio but more specifically, the iGalvanic3.0 is the ideal solution to:

• Break ground loops 
• Avoid noise-coupling in applications that require hi-speed USB transfers

Thus, the iGalvanic3.0 is the perfect solution for computer audiophiles through to recording studios seeking maximum sound quality from their USB digital audio system.

[AMR/iFi audio]

7 hours ago, rickca said:

You raised the price by $50 a week before launch and you are reviewing what you announced 5 months ago.  Please explain what's new.

 

As we've said before, we will. Please keep your eyes at upcoming parts of our iGalvanic3.0 publication.

[AMR/iFi audio]

12 hours ago, simonklp said:

 

The local dealer doesn't know anything about this. Could you please reply how to handle in this case?

 

Please write us your location and your local dealer via PM.

[AMR/iFi audio]

Part 2/3: Some are created Extra-Ordinary

 

There are three special aspects of the iGalvanic3.0 that in our opinion are unsurpassed:

 

I.            ‘Double’ REgenerate²/REclock²/REbalance² before & after galvanic isolation.

II.            USB3.0 and USB2.0 Galvanic Isolation on the iFi USB platform.

III.            Power Station° Stealth Converter super-low noise audiophile USB power with Panasonic OsCons.

 

These are the three standout features of the iGalvanic3.0 but there are more which are covered in detail in this section.

 

I. ‘Double’ REclock²/REgenerate²/REbalance²

 

 

From the development of the iUSB3.0 devices, we have the leading in-house know-how to improve the USB signal (and power). This is reflected in the iGalvanic3.0. Every data flow is regenerated subject to the iGalvanic3.0’s own precision master clock system.

 

We did not stop there. Internal and external auditions - with ONE and TWO stage REgeneration versions of the iGalvanic3.0 – saw listeners unanimously prefer TWO sets of REgeneration.

 

Not being able to settle for one stage, the iGalvanic3.0 has TWO stages (before & after galvanic isolation) hence ‘REgenerate²/REclock²/REbalance^2’ which goes ‘above and beyond’ other commercial projects.

 

This is clearly more expensive to implement and to the best of our knowledge, the iGalavanic3.0 is the only galvanic isolation product that has DOUBLE REgenerate²/REclock²/REbalance² because this was the ONLY way in our book.

 

II. All-new USB3.0 galvanic isolation AND USB2.0 galvanic isolation

 

 

 

The iGalvanic3.0 is the only product in the world to offer USB3.0 galvanic isolation. With separate transmitting AND receiving lines, it is superior to USB2.0 at handling high data volumes and is future-proofed.

 

The iGalvanic3.0 is the only galvanic isolation product suitable for Pro audio use where multichannel recording systems sees bandwidth ‘hit the buffers’ on USB2.0.

 

The iGalvanic3.0 is fully USB3.0 (and 2.0) standard compliant, with support for all speeds (from 1.5Mbps to 5Gbps) and all transfer modes (including isochronous audio streaming).

 

 

The iGalvanic3.0 features two distinctly separate galvanic isolation stages - one for USB3.0 and the other for USB2.0. They CANNOT be the same because the fundamental architecture is different:

 

-          USB3.0 has separate transmitting AND receiving lines.

-          USB2.0 is bi-directional on one SHARED line.

 

Both USB3.0 and USB2.0 galvanic isolation stages are ground-up, new platforms dedicated for computer audiophile systems and available to no-one else. 

 

USB2.0 Galvanic isolation technology (1st Gen) vs USB2.0 (AMR/iFi implementation)

 

 

 

The 1st generation is based upon SerDes (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SerDes). This de-construction and re-construction of the USB signal is far from ideal. Latency (timing), amongst other things, suffers.

At an early stage, AMR/iFi considered, then discarded, the SerDes platform - and developed a brand new platform. In our opinion, this is technologically superior.

 

An Analogy: USB2.0 First Gen vs USB2.0 Next Gen

 

First generation implementation - SerDes

Imagine for a moment, selecting a route that has a bridge (galvanic isolation) that is too narrow for a lorry (USB audio signal) and cannot handle the weight of the lorry. At the bridge the lorry needs to be dismantled into pieces, the pieces need to be carried across and re-assembled on the other side.

 

The Next Generation - AMR/iFi implementation

The lorry takes a totally different route, one of a quiet, modern 4 lane bridge where the lorry just cruises across effortlessly.

 

 

The advantages over first generation USB2.0 are:

 

1. 100% transparent isolation - free from all the deconstructed and reconstructed, compatibility issues/challenges involved with the SerDes (USB2.0 bi-directional) approach.

1. Just 3 stages of USB Upstream/Isolation/Downstream - instead of 7 compared to 1st Generation USB2.0 isolation.

 

III. Audiophile power supply section, onboard.

 

 

For ease of use and utility, the iGalvanic3.0 operates from USB Bus Power. A USB3.0 port is preferred as it is better constructed and supplies more power, 0.9mA (compared to 0.5A on USB2.0).

 

When operating from a USB3.0 or higher port, the iGalvanic3.0 can deliver up to 0.9A isolated low-noise power.

Measured noise is 0.5uV (0.0000005V) @ 500mA load. This is bettered only by the micro iUSB3.0 and comprehensively outclasses other non-iFi USB devices.

For the ultimate, we do not recommend an LPS as they are very costly yet offer little to no better noise performance. Instead, we recommend the iDefender & iPOWER (5v). Depending upon the type of system, it is possible to place the higher power supplied by the iDefender3.0/iPOWER combination BEFORE or AFTER the iGalvanic3.0 (see later for more details).

 

IV. GroundLink to Major Hum.

 

 

 

Computer audio systems are a diverse lot. Different grounding schemes require different configurations. Knowing this means the iGalvanic3.0 is dedicated for serious computer audio use – it is able to suit different Ground/Earth setups to remove hum/buzz issues. From start to end, it is a ‘ground-up design’ (pun intended).

Specifically, the Ground link switch* is to optimize isolation in systems where:

 

·         Full Isolation                                   (default – centre position)

·         DC to RF soft ground-link              (avoid hum in systems without Ground/Earth – up position)

·         RF soft ground-link                         (avoid audio drop-outs in systems without RF Earth – down position)

 

*Earth/Ground loops are commonly found and this switch deals with NO or Multiple Earths.

It is best to start in the center position and then to try the other settings.

 

IV. Unobtanium component? Let AMR sort.

 

The iGalvanic3.0 launch was delayed by several months because we could not produce in volume one atypical but integral component; a High-Frequency Power ‘HFP’ Transformer.

 

This is the actual ‘HFP’ Transformer in the iGalvanic3.0:

 

 

It is no ordinary power transformer because:

 

        I.            Operating at high frequencies, it offers the best capacitance-to-noise ratio. ie. Being 10x smaller, it filters 10x better.

      II.            Its noise floor is second-to-none; negligible compared to regular-sized counterpart.

 

Our German supplier could not produce them to the tight tolerances required. We spent the past few months searching for a transformer that met our strict requirements but it seems it does not exist.

 

Given the AMR/iFi philosophy, we were undeterred. When the going gets tough, the tough gets…..making. So we purchased the materials, equipment and hand-wound them in-house.

 

              

It is very difficult to manufacture:

 

I. Pure 6N OFHC wire must be used.

 

II. The winding MUST be hand-wound to a special configuration. Machine winding is nigh on impossible (yup, we tried).

 

III. With the wire core complete, the shield is fitted and a special resin is injected.

 

IV. Then oven baked at 120° C for five mins. Here are some we made earlier.

 

With a width of 10mm only, it is tiny and therefore difficult to handle.

 

We had to call upon our considerable experience with audio transformers (starting way back with the AMR 77 transformers through to more recently, the Pro iESL) to make a power transformer that would work at the frequencies required for the Stealth Converter Technology.

 

The result is the AMR High-Frequency Power Transformer which measures very nicely indeed.

 

V. Panasonic OSCONs – if good enough for AMR…

 

For the iGalvanic3.0, we have pushed the sonic envelope just that ‘little bit’ further compared to the pre-production units that made the rounds.

 

At AMR starting from the CD-77 Compact Disk Processor in 2006, we have more than a decade of experience with components including the Panasonic Os-Con.

 

Digital Engine from the AMR CD-77

 

 

Trickling down from the AMR, the iGalvanic3.0 is the latest to receive a ‘sprinkling’ of Panasonic Os-Cons.

 

The original and best. Sanyo/Panasonic Os-Con.

 

Panasonic/Sanyo Os-Con (Organic Semi-Conductor) – are the original made by Sanyo (subsequently acquired by Panasonic in 2009) and are widely regarded as the ultimate capacitor for digital circuitry. We concur. Visibly, they have a distinctive purple marking and being the best (in our opinion) they are also the most expensive. Often costing many times the price of normal electrolytic capacitors, they are seldom found in +US$5,000 products, never mind the iGalvanic3.0 at <US$400.

 

 

 

Os-Cons have been around for a good while. Among the larger value capacitors useful in power supplies, they hold a special place.  In a ground-breaking series on capacitor performance published in the late Nineties and early Noughties in Wireless World, Cyril Bateman showed they persistently outperformed all alternatives at high frequencies and were second in low-distortion only to the Elna Silmic.

 

After the Panasonic takeover, supply chains were changed and they became difficult to obtain. Further, only more recently have Os-Cons become available in the small values/voltages/sizes needed for the relatively miniature equipment in the iFi range.

So despite their steep cost, (around 10x that of common electrolytic capacitors), the micro iDSD Black Label was the first to feature them.

 

There are Os-Cons and there are Os-CONS.

 

As a side note, a few years ago, when the ‘Organic Semi-Conductor’ patent expired, other manufacturers jumped on the ‘Organic Semi-Conductor’ bandwagon with their own attempts. We have tested these alternative ‘Os-CONS’ offered by other manufacturers. We were surprised to find they were little better then generic electrolytic capacitors and dramatically inferior to the original Sanyo product. It is reassuring to know that we have been tempted, but never switched and stayed true to Panasonic Os-Cons.

 

And here’s how they look like both inside and out. Purple = good, whereas anything else = mediocre at best.

 

 

A sprinkle of the purple magic

 

It is only logical that Panasonic/Sanyo with a 16-year start over their less costly imitations, is in our opinion still the best which is why the iGalvanic3.0 features the real Os-Con in certain areas:

 

2 x Power Supply for the downstream REgenerate²/REclock²/REbalance² section.

1 x for the Output Power supply.

 

 

VI. Aircraft-grade aluminium for EMI/RFI shielding

 

The iGalvanic3.0 features the iFi trademark aluminum block. This enclosure acts as a shield against harmful electromagnetic interference (EMI/RFI) to further minimize noise. Blocking all the noise coming from a PC results in vast sound quality improvements. Non-aluminium designs offer little to no shielding from EMI/RFI.

 

[AMR/iFi audio]

On 23.08.2017 at 2:50 PM, richard kimber said:

What clock does it use? Is it the Crystek CCHD-575?

 

The answer is a 'no', simply because we don’t implement stock. The Crystek internals are precisely the same as you would find in any on-chip oscillator circuit. The technical performance is also similar. There are other and better options.

 

From AMR, we have a history of having our own clocks made to our specification and needs - audio. We use those in all of our products, including the iGalvanic3.0.

[AMR/iFi audio]

3 hours ago, audio.bill said:

B&H still shows it available for $299 as a preorder: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1350004-REG/ifi_audio_0304007_nano_igalvanic.html

 

 

We reported your feedback to our sales team. In addition, we have extended the bundle time until the 10th of September! 

 

B&H have got a bit mixed up. We have asked them to correct their listing. They said they will do this ASAP!

 

In addition, iGalvanic3.0 is now officially in our on-site portfolio, please take a look here: 

 

https://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/nano-igalvanic3-0/

 

 

And for those who think the tune used in our vid sounds familiar, the theme music is "Weekend in Tattoine" by the Unicorn Heads.

[AMR/iFi audio]

15 hours ago, rickca said:

I got a Fedex shipping notice from B&H today and so far I just have a pending $299 charge on my credit card.  So now my iGalvanic is going to be here sooner than the USB3 devices I want to use with it!

 

Amazon is showing the iGalvanic + iDefender + 5V iPower bundle for $349 sold by Beach Camera.  I'm not sure whether this is a mistake.  The bundle is supposed to cost $368 and iGalvanic itself is supposed to cost $349.

 

We already notified Beach Camera that their pricing was different from what we announced recently. The web team thought the bundle was the standalone product. Hopefully this clears the pricing matter for everyone.  

 

15 hours ago, rickca said:

Still no answers to my questions here from iFi.  Maybe they don't like me.

 

The USB3.0 cable is 0.5m. Customers prefer a shorter one as most already have the regular 1m - 2m runs.

 

Please see here:

 

 

15 hours ago, rickca said:

Maybe they don't like me.

 

We like EVERYONE as we have no reason not to. It's a friendly community here and everything's dandy 

 

Though it's worth to know that we operate on several forums answering questions and we try our best to get the correct technical answer which includes having it checked by a senior. So if we miss any, do PM us or flag to us and we will reply. Absolutely no issue. We do read what people here and in other places have to say, including complaints. 

[AMR/iFi audio]

56 minutes ago, simonklp said:

 

I have PM you again. Kindly please reply.

 

Please check your PM.

 

Edit: you did, all good then!

[AMR/iFi audio]

4 hours ago, rickca said:

What is the rationale for placing the iDefender/iPower before vs after the iGalvanic3.0?  Under what conditions would you want to place it before, and under what conditions would you want to place it after?  Could you please explain?

 

It says see later for more details, but there are no further details in your post.

 

I asked this question previously on 8/23.  I'd appreciate some clarification.  Thanks.

 

It was already explained. The answer is in diagrams we posted several days ago, on the 16th of August: 

There are two clear examples when iDefender3.0 and iPower combo goes BEFORE and when it goes AFTER iGalvanic3.0. 

[AMR/iFi audio]

43 minutes ago, Techland said:

I don't get it. Unavailable at amazon.com. Couldn't care less, as for me Amazon UK and Amazon Germany are relevant, nothing else. Not even listed with these two! And the official German dealers have no clue either. For me the Launch bundle is just Fake News, and the whole half year long introduction  (299...) just a scam!

 

We do understand that there is some mix up with our resellers and distributors. But as far as the price goes, please take a look at what we did here (part 2/2 of our tech file):

 

 

...in order to not only make iGalvanic3.0 the real thing, but even better than the early ($299) version. The bundle offer should be available this week.

[AMR/iFi audio]

15 minutes ago, simonklp said:

 

Bundle offer purchased. But I have just tried to connect the iGalvanic3.0 to the T+A DAC8DSD, and it didn't work. I used HQPlayer with NAA. Before I have tried the iGalvanic3.0, I was using the Intona. It works without problem.

 

Now, I use iGalvanic3.0 to replace the Intona, which is connected between the NAA and DAC. When running the network audio daemon on the NAA and the HQPlayer on the Control PC, the message of "ASIO format selector not supported" was shown on the monitor display of NAA. I  have tried to uninstall the DAC driver on the NAA and re-install it again. But it still didn't work. I have tried many times without success.

 

Could you please advise how to solve this problem? Thanks.

 

It's for the best to use our Support Ticket Platform system, to be found here: http://support.ifi-audio.com

 

We're sure that our staff there will be able to help.