Using the ISO Regen with Phasure LUSH USB Cable

[lmitche]

40 minutes ago, austinpop said:

I'm still burning in my Lush cable, but I am currently operating on the principle that assuming it sounds better, it needs to be the last USB cable in the chain before the DAC, or a DDC like a Singxer or Mutec, if that's what you're using.

 

Specifically wrt to the ISO-R, to honor the OP's intent, I am assuming the Lush should go from the output of the ISO-R to the next component? Or are you guys finding that it is better to put it before the ISO-R? That would be truly puzzling to me.

Rajiv, I have the Lush between the ISO Regen and DAC replacing one of the two USPCBs previously in use here. I have tested the Lush alone, and Lush then ISO Regen. This is with the ifi microIDSD black label DAC. Like you, I find the Regen to Lush order most intuitive and I started, and ended there after proving this best through listening.

 

It will be curious to hear where you end up.

 

[lmitche]

3 minutes ago, soupdujour said:

The Lush, however, defeats the regeneration of the USB signal.  

I don't think so. Why would you say that?

[lmitche]

4 minutes ago, Doak said:

 

I have tried the Lush both before and after my ISO Regen while using the USBPC as the second connector.  

Contrary to what "should be",  I have a distinct preference for the sound with the Lush BEFORE the ISO Regen. 

I will also add that with the configuration, I prefer the setup with my DIY shorty connector. It adds another "dollop of lush" that appeals to me, while the USBPC puts things in sharper focus - two different flavors either of which may be chosen according to personal preference. 

Funny, I have a feeling the ideal position for the Lush will be a "taste" thing.

[lmitche]

Yes better then the USPCB, which was better than any cable I used before.

 

My PC is now in a more natural physical position in relation to the DAC.

 

I am finally satisfied with the quality of the music produced by my system.

[lmitche]

Just now, soupdujour said:

 

Perhaps I phrased that a bit incorrectly.  By having the Lush as the last pathway between the ultraRendu and the DAC, my understanding is the Lush is able to "influence" the USB signal.  

 

Yes indeed. Over here the ISO Regen seems to increase the density of the image, and then the Lush makes it more musical, adding PRAT(Pace, Rythym and Timing), depth and harmonics galore.

[lmitche]

24 minutes ago, Doak said:

 

"Systemic preference" too, maybe? 

Lol, yes maybe.

[lmitche]

3 hours ago, BigAlMc said:

Wow! Quite a statement. I've read quite a few of your posts so this is saying something. 

Yes, well I spent yesterday afternoon listening to the system of one of the best known and longest practicing audiophiles in the Northeastern US. We know each others systems quite well. Each system has evolved over many years. For reference, to purchase similar components at retail today would be in the $40 to $50k range.  Don't worry, neither of us paid retail or anywhere near it.

 

We agreed that my system is on par with his,  and this happened despite completely different choices of components and approaches, mine CA, his CD and LP. While individual sound characteristics of each system varies in strength or weakness, taken as a whole there is a sameness in the level of musicality and engagement. It is a very high level.

 

The digital side of my system is well documented here.  With one exception, it uses commodity, off the shelf computer, not audiophile, components. Not until the signal leaves the PC does it meet audiophile components, the USPCB, ISO Regen (powered by LPS-1), and Lush cable. The ISO Regen adds clarity and density to the signal, the Lush cable adds PRAT(Pace, Rythym and Timing). World class audiophile software Audiophile Optimizer and Hqplayer complete the picture.

 

Together one gets music worthy of an audiophile that competes with the best non-CA systems in the world. That is pretty satisfying.  Is it perfect? No. But perfect is the enemy of good and this is really good.

 

I feel grateful to Alex Crespi, John Swenson, PeterSt and Jesus R. for their world class, high value digital audio components and Jussi and Phil for their software. Their entrepreneurial efforts allow the rest of us to enjoy these innovations.

 

Chris has enabled a global, crowd sourced Research and Development team for digital audio, which is funded a Regen, microrendu, USB cable, AO and Hqplayer license at a time.  Together much progress has been made and it is a remarkable achievement that this approach is at least as fruitful, if not more so, as R&D from any traditional audio company out there.

 

At this point, I only wish that we had the time and money to figure out how this stuff really works! It seems to me that any progress is made through trial and error, and not a clear understanding of the fundamental mechanisms at work.

 

Nevertheless it is good to know there is much more to discover and many more achievements ahead.

 

Larry

 

 

 

 

 

[lmitche]

1 hour ago, kennyb123 said:

Relative to the USPCB, there is a very slight smearing of the upper frequencies with the Lush.  High hats are crisper and more "right" to my ears with the USPCB.  Has anyone else noticed this?  And if so, might I expect further burn-in time to help?  I have only 5 days on the Lush so far.

 

(For my comparisons, the ISO REGEN was left feeding my DAC via a USPCB.  I swapped only what connected my microRendu to the ISO REGEN).

Kenny, did you try the Lush between the ISO Regen and DAC? That is the sweet spot for most of us.

[lmitche]

On 9/14/2017 at 11:42 AM, Doak said:

I experienced the same thing ..... at the beginning. 

Then after at least a month of use I tried the "Lush 1st" placement and now prefer that configuration. Go figure?!?!

Doak,

 

I think you are right!  Just tried it here.  Go figure indeed!

[lmitche]

Yesterday, I moved my ISO Regen back behind the PC and before the lush cable. The image improved with a big, and wonderful, increase in density.

[lmitche]

4 hours ago, jamesg11 said:

So that setup of device sequence is now ...?

PC>ISO Regen>Lush Cable>DAC

[lmitche]

My setup is PC>USBPC>ISO REGEN>Lush>DAC.  A few weeks ago I ran without the ISO REGEN for a day or two.  Reinstalling it yielded a terrific increase in SQ.  Sometimes you take things for granted and should not.