DIY Project High Performance Audio PC with high quality wiring

[Marcin_gps]

2 hours ago, StreamFidelity said:

 

Today the USB Card XE arrived. As usual from JCAT in simple cardboard box and low & high profile bracket. The latter is pre-assembled.

 

For the first time, the JCAT USB Card has a heat sink.

 

As usual, there are two USB ports and one port for the external 5V/1A power supply that I use.

 

Of course I installed the new USB card right away and it worked. The card has been playing for several hours and I listen carefully. Although it burns in my fingers to write now something to the sound. 😄But I hold back as usual. The sound report and a comparison to the JCAT USB Card Femto will follow. 

Thanks for the report! Please keep us posted  

 

[Marcin_gps]

Thanks for the report @StreamFidelity 

 

I'm glad you like it. Even I didn't expect it will to sound SO MUCH better. 

[Marcin_gps]

In my experience, high quality DC cables are as important as a linear PSU for the PC. 

[Marcin_gps]

External linear PSU for the JCAT cards is a must as then the cards do not rely on PCIe power at all. This is one of the key benefits of the cards. 

 

Regards,
Marcin

[Marcin_gps]

@StreamFidelity nice report!

 

6 hours ago, StreamFidelity said:

When something is reproduced particularly well, the volume perceives to decrease. This is because the background noise is pushed further down, i.e. the so-called blackness increases. The LPS has a ripple noise of only <25uV RMS (0.025 millivolt [mV]). Added to this is the current strength of 23A on the 12V rail. That is full power reserves.

Actually 25uV is at full load. During normal use the noise is below measuring range. 

 

The PSU will show its full potential after 150 hours of use. 

 

Regards, 
Marcin