NVMe SSD designed for audiophiles

[darkforce]

Almost a year in the making, the world's only NVMe M2 SSD designed for audiophiles and music lovers. Designed from ground up, co-develop with controller manufacturer using 3D NAND flash with pseudo SLC mode, external clock oscillator, 200% more PCB copper isolation, milspec PCB stiffness, 300% grounding surface, 5u gold plated connectors, plus external power input, additional capacitor filteration. These results to real 3 demensional souding, sense of vinyl and dynamic sound no other SSD currently can offer or even close to.

 

We are currently offering 2 test samples for experienced CAT users who willing to share your experience and feedbacks, if you are willing to participate in the experience, please send private message.

 

Audiophile NVMe M2 SSD specification

• 1TB 3D NAND flash in pseudo SLC mode = 333GB
• Crystek Crystek CCHD-957 Femto clock ossilator
• Audionote Kaisei 2x 220uf capacitors
• External 5V DC power input 2.1mm or Internal MB power with capacitor pass through
• 2oz copper 8 layer PCB
• Milspec PCB stiffness
• 300% grouding area
• 5u gold plated connectors
• CNC copper heatsink

 

 

 

 

[ASRMichael]

Wow! Love it! Especially having external psu input! Looking forward to hearing about it & price point. 

[ASRMichael]

@Exocer

[RickyV]

Really wow, looks very good. Curious to know how it’s SQ is.

I only would have used a different power connector because it total height. It wouldn’t fit in my case, I only have have about 5mm or so.

[Exocer]

I

5 hours ago, ASRMichael said:

Wow! Love it! Especially having external psu input! Looking forward to hearing about it & price point. 

Ditto! Very cool idea!

 

I would not mind being a tester!

[AudioDoctor]

Other than an NAA image from Miska, what Audiophile OS can you fit on a 1GB M.2 drive?

[darkforce]

Sorry for the typo, the size specification should be

• 1TB 3D NAND flash in pseudo SLC mode = 333GB

[kelvinwsy]

Interesting product. My question is as follows:
1. With the Capacitors and Power input socket, how would this fit into the MB NVMe Slot if there are heat sink covers to fit ontop. 

2. Or will the SQ benefits be reduced if we use this with a USB - C adaptor or an external PCie riser extension card ? 

3. I TB capacity will fit an OS as well as quite a sizeable music library. Will partitioning the NVMe drive affect the SQ if we load music files onto the other Non-OS partition.

Kelvin 

[kelvinwsy]

Love to try it too. But I am out in the Far East.

Just letting you know.

[kelvinwsy]

Love to try it too. But I am out in the Far East.

Just letting you know. 

FYI

I have Samsung 860 SSD, Intell SLC SSD (X-25E - 64gb model), Sandisk SSD, Intel Optane 64gb NVME, Samsung 960Pro NVME, an economical chinese branded SSD, as well as a traditional Toshiba HDD as a baseline test unit

and 

I have in my kit, the NVME USB-C adapter as well as the PCIE riser NVME adaptor. 

 

So I am ready to go as  a tester... Just saying it.

[darkforce]

2 hours ago, kelvinwsy said:

Interesting product. My question is as follows:
1. With the Capacitors and Power input socket, how would this fit into the MB NVMe Slot if there are heat sink covers to fit ontop. 

2. Or will the SQ benefits be reduced if we use this with a USB - C adaptor or an external PCie riser extension card ? 

3. I TB capacity will fit an OS as well as quite a sizeable music library. Will partitioning the NVMe drive affect the SQ if we load music files onto the other Non-OS partition.

Kelvin 

 

1. yes it will fit fine. it will come with copper heatsink in future production. however the current test samples does not come with heatsinks and does not affect performance or operation.

2. yes, i believe so, we have not tried with any sort adaptors but general rules are adaptors will reduce performance.

3. its 1tb 3D NAND flash in pseudo SLC mode means SSD in SLC operation mode so real capacity would be 333GB and life span will increase 300% vs standard 3D flash. This SSD is designed to used as system drive which has the most affect on music play back performance. Recommend to store music files to other drives.

 

Will PM you product and testing information later , thanks.

[davide256]

pm sent. Curious how this will compare to Optane OS drive in NUC

[AudioDoctor]

15 hours ago, darkforce said:

Sorry for the typo, the size specification should be

• 1TB 3D NAND flash in pseudo SLC mode = 333GB

 

 Thanks, that makes a lot more sense. 

[Dev]

Really cool. Paul Pang offered audiophile grade sata based ssd drives with OCXO (or TCXO) based a while back. I never had a chance to try one but those who did definitely had to say good things about it. In current generation, the M.2 based NVME is a great performer for audio, especially the Optane drives for OS which has extremely low latency. This seems like a great solution. I am assuming both the NAND and OCXO is powered through the external power connector ? How is the latency compared to Optane ? Would love to try one in any case.

[darkforce]

4 hours ago, Dev said:

Really cool. Paul Pang offered audiophile grade sata based ssd drives with OCXO (or TCXO) based a while back. I never had a chance to try one but those who did definitely had to say good things about it. In current generation, the M.2 based NVME is a great performer for audio, especially the Optane drives for OS which has extremely low latency. This seems like a great solution. I am assuming both the NAND and OCXO is powered through the external power connector ? How is the latency compared to Optane ? Would love to try one in any case.

 

When the jumper is switched to DC in, all components will no longer be powered by the motherboard. We currently send out all samples (including Optane users), will notify you in the next wave of testing, thanks.

[NewOldman]

have anyone tested this one yet ?

[Topk]

On 4/24/2021 at 11:17 AM, darkforce said:

Almost a year in the making, the world's only NVMe M2 SSD designed for audiophiles and music lovers. Designed from ground up, co-develop with controller manufacturer using 3D NAND flash with pseudo SLC mode, external clock oscillator, 200% more PCB copper isolation, milspec PCB stiffness, 300% grounding surface, 5u gold plated connectors, plus external power input, additional capacitor filteration. These results to real 3 demensional souding, sense of vinyl and dynamic sound no other SSD currently can offer or even close to.

 

We are currently offering 2 test samples for experienced CAT users who willing to share your experience and feedbacks, if you are willing to participate in the experience, please send private message.

 

Audiophile NVMe M2 SSD specification

• 1GB 3D NAND flash in pseudo SLC mode = 333GB
• Crystek Crystek CCHD-957 Femto clock ossilator
• Audionote Kaisei 2x 220uf capacitors
• External 5V DC power input 2.1mm or Internal MB power with capacitor pass through
• 2oz copper 8 layer PCB
• Milspec PCB stiffness
• 300% grouding area
• 5u gold plated connectors
• CNC copper heatsink

 

 

 

 

What’s the difference between 3DNAND flash with pseudo SLC mode, and SLC?

[darkforce]

1 hour ago, Topk said:

What’s the difference between 3DNAND flash with pseudo SLC mode, and SLC?

 

Available space becomes 1/3, and the technically confirmed advantages are better life and reliability. Even though we get the full support of the memory factory, we can no longer obtain large-capacity real SLC products.

 

The sound quality is just our test experience, this test is performed under the same standard product (PCB, external power jack, crystal oscillator, capacitors, etc. have not been modified)

 

TLC mode: It sounds like background music, no features and powerless, everything is flattened, lacks extension and density.

pSLC mode: There is a special natural feeling, it becomes more smooth and calm, the thickness is slightly increased, and overall it is more resistant to hearing but still slightly dry.

[NewOldman]

has anybody test this one yet,

and what is the impression

[davide256]

10 hours ago, NewOldman said:

has anybody test this one yet,

and what is the impression

Still trying the drive out, just received 2 days ago. Initial impressions are positive, this is easy/pleasant to live with as OS boot drive, unlike the Samsung 970 Evo plus NVME

I tried last. Seller recommendation is use for OS, not media storage; I concur.

 

Will take to end of the week as swapping it in place of Optane boot drive caused Euphony hardware signature change so I need to finish listening, then revert back

to Optane HW license to complete comparison, share observations.

 

Note that if you have a normal height NUC as I do, you can remove the SATA drive enclosure for the card to fit. External NVME power is a little trickier because of case clearance,

I've left the case bottom off for my testing but a right angle DC jack adaptor/extension would be better option for permanent installation.

 

[NewOldman]

so how will you describe the sound signature

[kelvinwsy]

Super NVME M2 drive in my main rig

Gigabyte Aorus Z490 Ultra / 10700k

Pins in 2,3 position to take power injection from external 5v source - min 2.5amp needed

 

Running Windows Server 2019 GUI version with Hqplayer 3.25 and 4.10.3

 

initial impressions very favorable..

Tests will be as below:

One vs the following:

1, Samsung 860 Pro 256gb on 1.5amp LT3045 running Win Server 2019 Core / AO3 

This is the reigning Champion

2. Optane 64gb NVME Express  -Win Server 2019 GUI on MOBO power

3. Samsung 970 Evo Plus 512gb WonServer 2019 GUI on Mobo power

4. Intel SLC 64gb SSD 1st Gen  - Windows LTSC on LT 3045 

5. Sandisk SSD 120gb - Win 10 Pro on LT3045

6. Toshiba 2TB with 12v and 5v external power injection running Win Server 2019 Core 

as Base case

 

My main rig is pretty much optimized with full external fan power and PWM bypass using half speed resistors.. Fully damped chassis and fans are flexible mounted. Case and 860 Evo and Samsung Music SSD earthed and Mumetal shielded outside PC case

3 ATX psu's all Corsairs.. RM550 powering fans AIO  and fan controller. RM650 poweing 12v EPS to 10700k CPU.. HX850 on 24 pin ATX Connector

2 units of Elfidelity PCie power filters on PCie slots.

All fans are on Elfidelity fan filters

 

I am lucky as the Power Company 440v 3 phase supply line comes into my house then 220v single phase enters my house DB.

I had my electriciisn run 2 dedicated lines from my DB into my music room

1 dedicated circiut 30 amp to HP amps and tube preamp, tube monobloc power amps.

DAC is SMSL VMS D1 and Gustard A22 and iFi Micro BL 

Main HP amps 2 x 30 watt pure Class A direct Resistor equipped speaker tap connection. to Abyss AB-1266Phi/CC

 

Spkr System - 45 Tube / 6n1p Double C Transformer equipped Preamp driving 2 Audionote Quest Silver 300b Monoblocks on 2 x LOTH-X Aura Back Loaded Horns with Tannoy ST-50 supertweeters

 

Happy testing ahead

 

 

 

 

 

 

[kelvinwsy]

A point of clarification .. I paid for OS Win 10. Pro and LTSC and I need these for my day to day work ! So I cannot do everythingnon Ein Server 2019 as a common datum.

Also Win Server 2019 Core mode is PITA to work with for Drivers, and MS add on's to

make Hqplayer and JRiver MC26 to work.

I hv thought about What Am I Really Testing?

My idea is to hv

1. WinServer Core or GUI as the OS basis

2. Outboard power as far as possible

 

So at the end of the day this NVME M2 for audiophiles will be tested for:--

a. Effectiveness of capacitors onboard to block nasties ftom Mobo power

b. Improvements from direct clean power injection

c. Improvements to SQ from SLC technology on this NVME pcb

d. Impact  on Crystek CCH-957 Femto clocks

e. Test  of better Grounding of this NVME design

Note that my new 5v PSU is 3.5amp ultra low distortion (LT3045 levels manuf claim) 

AND

H as ISO OR normal Ground selection to test Grounding feature of this M2 card

 

Happy Testing days ahead😅

 

[davide256]

FEMTO NVMe Drive review

=======================

     Drives are an essential part of an audio server. They hold the OS and they are needed for music storage.

Ideally they should be transparent, not affect playback of music. But in my experience that ideal is difficult

to achieve. Media storage drives in the USB audio out server seem particularly difficult to solve for the DIY builder...

I've tried internal NVMe, SSD,HD,SDXC and USB3 attached variations, in the end NAS solution prevailed

for cleaner, better sound.

     But the OS can't be outsourced, has to be physically attached/bootable. OS drives do affect sound,

in particular (a) media player speed,(b) transient attack and (c) digital irritants. With Euphony I've traveled

the usual path of first using USB3 boot, then SSD, and for some time now Ive used Optane M.2 memory

as the best drive option for OS storage. My recent attempt to better Optane using a Samsung 970 Plus NVMe

drive didn't pan out for me as (c) got worse with no appreciable benefits vs Optane.

    Enter the FEMTO NVMe drive as something different to try; I was intrigued as my recent purchase of

a Denafrips IRIS DDC with FEMTO clocking had been a success, perhaps FEMTO clocking on board would matter

for a drive also? The ability to power the drive externally was also promising given how NUC audio output

improved with better main-board power supply. The FEMTO NVMe drive has a nice set of features,

feel free to check the features posted earlier and there is anticipated addition of a heat sink option

 

 

    My installation was in an 8i7BEH NUC with 16GB Crucial RAM, powered by an Uptone Audio JS-2.
The NVMe board horizontal dimension is standard for M.2 but the DC power jack and added capacitors  make it taller.

I had to remove the SATA cage to be able to close the case  and using the DC in jack on the board required

leaving the case bottom off as I had no right angle DC jack adaptors that would allow closing the bottom.  
Digital out was Lush 2 USB to Denafrips IRIS over AQ Eagle Eye coax to Metrum Octave DAC

 

 

 

 

     For some reason this drive changes hardware signature with Euphony, did not experience this with

the Samsung drive. So a period of waiting for license transfer before one can transfer OS from boot
stick to new NVMe drive.

    First impressions of sound using main-board power is that this is something different. It's quite soft for sound using

the  Metrum Octave.  Worries start, is this damping transients? A quick swap to a Chord Mojo says no, plenty of transients

here and criticism of the Metrum has been its softer transient response

    Over longer period of time what sinks in is that this is headed in a better direction; the sound I was used to before with

Optane was exaggerating transients. But more importantly the digital irritants have been greatly reduced, listening gets closer

to the analog experience of even if its wrong, it doesn't irritate.

    A system deficit I recognized over the last several months was choral music, couldn't enjoy it when played as I was hearing

wrong harmonics, kind of a glaze on the sound with poor word intelligibility regardless of whether the OS resided on Optane or

in RAM. Had me agonizing over what could fix it...problem solved using the FEMTO NVMe drive

    Have always been on the fence about running OS in RAM vs off the Optane drive... RAM was more incisive
but Optane was smoother. But neither in my testing is as easy to live with as running the OS on the FEMTO NVMe drive.

What surprises me is that 44.1/48k rates in my setup benefit more than 96k and above rates for digital irritant reduction

    The DC power jack is an interesting feature, sound character seemed more solid when I switched to using an iFi 5V power

supply, switching to the second JS-2 output helps further smooth out irritants. But it kept nagging at me that the JS-2 was

also driving the NUC so this was less than perfect electrical isolation.
    The seller has advised that 5v/2.5A is recommended PS but I was able to get this working with an Uptone Audio
LPS 1.2's lower amperage with even cleaner sound and better transient attack on a 96/24 recording, probably
because native Stylus doesn't demand much. So it looks like the DC jack is helpful/necessary for best sound
with a separate good quality isolated supply.

Overall, I'd recommend this to the DIY crowd who use a NUC or PC server capable of M.2 boot if you are struggling

with digital artifacts, and edgy sound.YMMV if you lack a good quality power supply.

 

Per Darkforce they are finalizing channel arrangements at this time, including sale w/wo heatsink,
small batch availability only at the moment. Expected price somewhere in ~ $700

PM @darkforce if interested in early purchase

[kelvinwsy]

I am also testing this NVME M2 drive on behalf of @darkforce.

My unit  came a little late, too early to tell, but the capacitors and regulators on the PCB needs to burn in.

The initial SQ on casual listening is clean, clear but a little soft and lacking in bass - all the signs of necessary burn-in

 

More findings in next update.