USB Extenders as galvanic isolators

[michael123]

Hello

 

Question if something like this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-com-Port-2-0-Over-Cat5-Extender-Cost-effective/dp/B00T9RTT2U/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

 

.. will work with the modern USB dacs like XMOS based or Amanero ?

 

Computer is Windows 10 with JRiver 23

 

Thanks in advance

 

[esldude]

I have not used those.  I see no reason they wouldn't work just fine. The data on USB gets thru, and they have power for the USB 5 volt lines at both ends.  

 

I have used these extender cables and they work with no problem on USB DACs or other devices.   I would think the Star Tech type product would be even better. 

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005LJKEXS/ref=psdc_949408031_t1_B00T9RTT2U

 

[Ryan Berry]

We've had success using some extenders with Ayre products, which uses XMOS.  While we haven't had the opportunity (ie. time) to test many brands of these extenders, we have used various models of Icron fairly extensively with no problems. 

 

I cannot comment how effectively it would actual be to providing the isolation your title suggests you're looking for, or how well an externally-powered USB device will sound using the wall wart power supply provided since our products are internally isolated with an separate internal power supply which minimizes these outside influences; but I can verify it will let you send a USB signal further!  I can also say that we could not hear a noticeable difference in the audio back when we were testing these several years ago, but YMMV depending on what you're connecting it to.

 

Best,

Ryan

[rickca]

@Ryan Berry welcome to CA.  You were very helpful when I needed some tech support with my QB-9 DSD a couple years ago.  Glad to have you here.

[Ryan Berry]

@rickca

Thank you very much!  We're always glad to help!

[One and a half]

I’ve used the Icron for a few years with a variety of DACs and they work. It’s USB without the length limitations.

 

they don’t claim to be galvanic isolators.

[michael123]

Thank you, guys

[Speed Racer]

These (this specific model) appears to be what you want if you want isolation:

 

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-330-Feet-Ethernet-Extender-USB2G4LEXT2/dp/B00HFGQESY

 

There is a massive thread over on US Audio Mart created by a guy named Rob where these are the critical components in his best chain.

[Required]

Hi
I am not from the Audio Stuff but I have an similar Problem. Its noise over an Electric Cable. In my case I will receive Signals from an "Radio" Receiver who cover the hole Amateur Radio Band. The Problem with existing Technology is the are creating noise like an Raspberry Pi2 and that reduce the received Packed. ? I searched a lot online and I found an IT Distributor who offer Products from "icron". So I saw that here some people talk about there Products.

 

So my Question is can someone who own a icron USB -> Fiber Set Test something for me?

Thanks

[Kirbyt]

I've got experience with icron USB-fibre converters, happy to answer questions if I can

[Audio]

I have been using this (Ircon 2324) for several months and I can say this is very good.   You can also tell that consumers are all buying the fiber units which had maintained their high prices.  You can look into eBay, you find many but very seldom would you see fiber USB extenders being offered and when they do, it come at a high price (US$800 to $1,200).

 

But very careful about USB extenders that does USB 3.0.  They can just do USB 3.0 and is NOT downward compatible with USB 2.0 standard which is what most DAC uses.  Avoid this at all costs, I am a victim and you will find those USB3.0 fiber USB extender going at very low prices.....you now know why.

 

Ayre need to incorporate a LC fiber Ethernet socket at the rear of the QX-5.

 

(Audio)

 

 

[Kirbyt]

Been down that exact road (USB 3 fibre extender) big oops. That said the USB 2 versions are a game changer for me and I've been around the block with intona, ISO regen, Ethernet switches, allo bridge etc etc. Supprized that these fibre converters are not talked about more because they handedly beat out a lot of stuff that has come into my listening room. Right now there's a guy on eBay selling evertz ( rebadged icron) for reasonable price, he's got 45 of them and I know for a fact he takes offers at a much reduced rate from his asking price.  Really ought to be a thread about the icons (fibre versions) 

[Required]

3 hours ago, Audio said:

You can look into eBay, you find many

Here in Europe I cand find any Icron and import from US cost to much import fee and Tax.

3 hours ago, Audio said:

QX-5.

What is that?

2 hours ago, Kirbyt said:

Right now there's a guy on eBay selling evertz

 

Link?

I contact Icron and the will test what I want to do. Its simple put some RF Receiver (who are nothing else than a Analogue to Digital Converter -> Digital to USB Chip)  near the Antenna and connect the other End to my Server.

Does anyone try to connect it to the ESXi?

[Required]

So I will buy soon that. Its not cheap but it will hopefully work.

[Albrecht]

On 11/30/2017 at 12:18 PM, michael123 said:

Hello

 

Question if something like this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-com-Port-2-0-Over-Cat5-Extender-Cost-effective/dp/B00T9RTT2U/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

 

.. will work with the modern USB dacs like XMOS based or Amanero ?

 

Computer is Windows 10 with JRiver 23

 

Thanks in advance

 

Hi,

As Speed Racer correctly pointed out below, - you definitely need to buy the Gigabit Extenders with the isochronous chips. The Icron & Startech and also the PS Audio all do this. The lower models do not work, - so you need $420+ ones.

 

https://www.icronshop.com/icron-brand/icron-ranger-2304ge-lan

 

Yes, - they do galvanic isolation, they are two boxes a LEX and a REX. One of their biggest benefits is to allow one to remove the computer far from the audio rack.

Cheers,

 

[Required]

Is the Shop legitimated?

The Price is MUCH lower than what my Local Distributor offered me!

[Kirbyt]

That's the price for Ethernet based extender not fibre, it's much more expensive if I reading all this right.

[Albrecht]

2 minutes ago, Kirbyt said:

That's the price for Ethernet based extender not fibre, it's much more expensive if I reading all this right.

Hi,

Yeah... some people have used the non-fiber Icron/Startech isosynchronous versions in conjunction with FMCs, - but that's a PITA with all of the boxes and their power supplies. For my applications, my MAC Pro is already in the basement and I run fiber with FMCs from the basement to my dining room where my NAS is, - then fiber to the audio rack, and my digital file players already have isolation and signal integrity tech built in. All that being said, - I am very surprised, - especially with the PSAudio device, - that more people aren't getting their computers out of the audio rack.

[Audio]

And before Ayre could do anything in the department of fiber ethernet...Lumin X1 appears.

 

Now fiber goes right in..., no media concert or necessary.

 

It is so good!!

 

(Audio)

[Required]

What do you mean with? In my Case I need the USB Data in my Server System to process them.

[Audio]

I just found out that the Lumin X1 has a USB output.  This will do nicely for anyone who has a USB DAC to feed.

 

(Audio)

[Albrecht]

On 11/30/2017 at 12:18 PM, michael123 said:

Hello

 

Question if something like this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-com-Port-2-0-Over-Cat5-Extender-Cost-effective/dp/B00T9RTT2U/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

 

.. will work with the modern USB dacs like XMOS based or Amanero ?

 

Computer is Windows 10 with JRiver 23

 

Thanks in advance

 

 

duplicated

[ALRAINBOW]

On 12/1/2017 at 2:59 AM, Speed Racer said:

These (this specific model) appears to be what you want if you want isolation:

 

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-330-Feet-Ethernet-Extender-USB2G4LEXT2/dp/B00HFGQESY

 

There is a massive thread over on US Audio Mart created by a guy named Rob where these are the critical components in his best chain.

Hello Steve post the link when you can. 

[ALRAINBOW]

How does it iso late ? There was a a few made that did  it not made anymore. The ones I see use a chip and claim iso. But the few tried were not good in sound.  Paul’s and others do alow ext.  but why not use  humming bird or Nuc 

on a cheap lps supply.