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In AO 3.00 the ServiceTool's DriverHelper brings a new sub-module -> Install HD-Audio drivers. If you follow this procedure before you install your DAC driver chances are very high that you will have to install it only once and no longer have to uninstall and reinstall it. Also, if you are facing issues with driver signature enforcement (you have to press F8 and disable driver signature enforcement on each boot), this will help your DAC driver to get working at all and also remove the need to press F8 and disable driver signature enforcement on each boot. Before you can use this feature, you have to press F8 during boot and disable the driver signature enforcement manually, this needs to be done only one time but it is absolutely crucial you do it before you run the Install HD-Audio drivers feature. Once booted you have to launch ServiceTool, then choose the DriverHelper and then select "Install HD-Audio drivers". Once you started the installation you must be prompted 4 red windows warnings about the installation of unsigned drivers. If and only if you see these 4 warnings and accept them, the HD audio drivers will be correctly installed. You do not need to press F8 again on the following boots, it's just for that one boot before you use that feature. If you cannot get it to work, disable the Secure Boot feature in your BIOS/UEFI! Enjoy it, AudioPhil

Part 1: iFi Audio iGalvanic3.0 - The Holy Grail of Audio In “The Last Crusade” in a cavern full of cups, Indiana Jones had to choose the Holy Chalice used in the last supper. In USB audio, similar propositions are abound as selecting the best device to improve USB computer audio presents a mind-boggling array of choices. 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 difficulty. 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 ‘technically challenging’ projects. But the team at iFi Audio are NOW over the moon to announce the iGalvanic3.0. It 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 invested more time to develop additional features that truly make this product the ultimate solution for USB computer audio. We believe the iGalvanic3.0 will elevate the quality of the audio playback by an order of 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: Audiophile-grade galvanic isolation REclock2/REgenerate2/REbalance2 Clean USB power supply*. *Measured noise is 0.5uV(0.0000005V) @ 500mA load. Outclasses non-iFi USB devices. Bettered only by the micro iUSB3.0. It is a ground-up, dedicated, stand-alone solution that elevates just about every computer audio system. Who benefits from the iGalvanic3.0? Everyone who uses USB for computer audio. 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. Stay tuned, next section coming soon! Part #2 High-Tech & High Spec.

Hey CA, As of today I pulled the trigger on this new USB -> IIS/AES/Coax interface from Matrix (literally as in the past week or less, purchased from Shenzen Audio): MATRIX X-SPDIF 2 32Bit/768kHz DSD512 Hifi Audio USB Interface From their (Matrix) website, this is under pre-release / first batch status as of this month. I couldn't help grabbing one to try after reading the spec sheet and the native power topology - meaning the default method of supplying DC is external. Searched around on here and could only find impressions of the V1 (matrix x-spdif), so I'd thought I'd start an impressions, thoughts, etc thread on the latest rev.

Hi there, this post may be a bit controversial but .. I am a user of Hiface Two for around 2 years. I was getting tired of this Windows 7 lately and I also happen to be SW developer, thus running Linux would fit me better. Here you go, I installed Ubuntu 15.10 on my laptop and to my great surprise I noticed the Hiface Two suddenly sounded terrible. I tried to fiddle with ALSA, etc but I just could not fix this. The sound was very harsh and space feel presented by Hiface on Windows was lost. Please note that I was using Hiface for 2 years and there was obviously a big difference. I was really disappointed but I really wanted to get rid of this Windows 7 in my home setup, so I was thinking .. OK, let me treat myself with Mac Mini. And to my great surprise, the same problem was present on Mac Mini (model from summer 2015). Guys, do you have experience with Hiface Two testing this on various platforms? I am not sure what is going on here because I also have HRT Headstreamer and this one also sounds worse on Linux. I know there is no driver needed for linux and USB audio is a standard and whatever but I seriously hear big difference and Windows 7 clearly sounds superior with Hiface and HRT also. Could you share your experience? Thanks, Peter

I am so happy to introduce the latest product of CLONES to you. CLONES audio founded on 12/12/12, is a Hong Kong based workshop whose one goal is creating affordable components bringing you closer to the soul of music. The SHAAR is an audiophile grade PCIe to USB audio gateway. Ultra low noise regulators for digital chips, clock, USB power. Power input noise filters. Extreme low noise master clock module with the precision 1ppm TCXO. -USB portUSB 3.0 controller -Support for super-speed, high-speed, full-speed, and low-speed -Over current protection -Ultra Low Noise Regulator -Ultra low phase noise clock with 1ppm TCXO Internal power input Input voltage : +5.0Vdc(+0.5V, -0.5V) Input current : 2A max 4 pin IDE power connector USB port output power Output voltage : +5.0V(+0.5V, -0.25V) Output Current : 600mA/each at 20 degree C Recommended output current 0.5A > OS support Linux (kernel with high speed USB 2.0 support) Windows 7 or higher Price: HKD1,399 (USD181/EUR162) + shipping CLONES audio SaveSave

Hello everyone! Recently I purchased Musical Fidelity V90-DAC. Besides other inputs, it's connected to PC through USB asynchronous. Cable is QED USB performance graphite. Everything would be fine, but the connection between PC and DAC constantly terminates. That is, signal doesn't go through the DAC. Luckily, it's never when playing music. But always when I clear and then set new playlist, оr just stop playback for a little time. If I then turn playback on, I hear only silence, which, probably, in terms of MF engineers is the best music. Cure is to switch DAC off and then back on. It's not critical, but it's annoying. My computer setup is: foobar2000 (WMP acts the same), WP8.1x64. USB Audio driver is standard Microsoft, and I haven't found any alternative. MF provides their own technical support only by phone, two hours in business days, but I'm going to call them (in fact, I've already called once, but it was Easter Break and they did not work). They strongly suggest to contact their local dealers, in Russia, where I live, it's CTC-Capital company, I've sent them three emails, but they gave me no reply. I suppose they are too busy with choosing new Maybach (joke). Anyway, any suggestions would be highly appreciated on my situation. Maybe someone faced the same issue with other USB Audio DACs and (hopefully) knows the workaround.

DA-250 USB DAC, Class A Preamp & Headphone Amp ($2500) Luxman’s DA-250 is a Class A Preamplifer, Class A Headphone Amplifier and a USB capable Digital Audio Converter packaged in a slim & compact B4 form factor. It delivers a wonderfully musical rich tone that will provide countless hours of fatigue-free listening enjoyment. The DA-250 is the successor to the DA-200 which launched in 2010 and proved tremendously popular among desktop audio users. Luxman’s sales team and engineers have continuously listened to end users’ comments carefully and exchanged opinions about applications and styles on how best to enjoy computer audio. Now Luxman is introducing this new USB D/A Converter DA-250 which is much improved over the DA-200 by focusing on upgrading its sound quality and adding new features and incorporating the latest technology. Digital Circuit USB input is compatible up to 192 kHz/32bit PCM data and DSD data (2.8MHz and 5.6MHz). S/PDIF input handles up to 192 kHz/24bit PCM signals. In addition to USB input, the DA-250 has a coaxial input and two optical (Toslink) inputs to enable connection with a CD player and / or DVR, satellite radio etc. The Texas Instruments PCM1795 was selected for the DAC, which contains a 32 bit digital filter, digital signals are up-converted internally to 352.8k or 384kHz/32 bit. Two different kinds of tone filter setting are provided and switchable to your taste (32bit digital filter for PCM and analog FIR filter for DSD). Low phase noise clock modules are mounted independently on both 44.1 k and 48kHz channels to reduce noise around the oscillating frequency and to generate highly accurate low jitter clock signals. By using asynchronous communication for the USB input and a DAIR high accuracy clock for S/PDIF, low jitter reduction is possible. Analog Circuit The configuration of D/A converter and high quality pre-amplifier circuit has been considerably upgraded in terms of both sound quality and performance. Output signal can be selected between Fixed and Variable modes. Variable position is convenient for a direct connection to a separate type power amplifier or a powered speaker system. For example a matching LUXMAN M-200 stereo amplifier can be used to drive the loudspeakers of your preference. Analog Input / Vinyl Recording One analog input is available. Analog signals are converted into the digital realm by way of a built-in A/D converter TI PCM9211/DAIR. For example, the matching Luxman E-200 / 250 phono stages will allow a turntable to be connected to the DA-250 and output to 24/96 for easy recording. The power environment of high inertia from a large power transformer to large capacity block capacitors and each circuit’s independent regulator is designed to provide a great drive impetus to the signal output, delivering large dynamic swings and maintaining image specificity across the sound-stage regardless of the listening level. Specifications: [TABLE=class: spec, width: 100%] [TR] [TH]format[/TH] [TD] 2-channel D / A converter[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] Sampling frequency[/TH] [TD] USB input (PCM): 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz (16,24,32bit) USB input (DSD): 2.82MHz, 5.64MHz (1bit) OAX / OPT input: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz (16,20,32bit)[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] Digital input[/TH] [TD] USB1 system, COAX1 system, OPT2 system[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] Digital output[/TH] [TD] COAX1 system, OPT1 system[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] Analog output[/TH] [TD] Unbalanced 1 system, balance 1 system, headphone 1 system[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] Line output voltage / impedance[/TH] [TD] Unbalanced: 2.5V / 300Ω, balance: 2.5V / 600Ω[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] Headphone output[/TH] [TD] 130mW + 130mW (600Ω) 400mW + 400mW (32Ω), 200mW + 200mW (16Ω)[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] Frequency characteristic[/TH] [TD] 2Hz ~ 50kHz (+0, -3.0dB)[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] Total harmonic distortion rate[/TH] [TD] 0.001%[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] S / N ratio (IHF-A)[/TH] [TD] 118dB[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH][/TH] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] power consumption[/TH] [TD] 19W (in accordance with the provisions of the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law)[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] External dimensions[/TH] [TD] 364 (width) × 81 (height) × 279 (depth) mm Depth includes front knob 14mm, the rear terminal 8mm[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] weight[/TH] [TD] 5.4kg (body), 7.5kg (standard packing)[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] accessories[/TH] [TD] Remote Control (RD-24) Power cable (JPA-10000: with polarity mark)[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] This product qualifies for Free Shipping and 5% back in points when you register for Club Ciamara Membership Rewards Program 1.844.CIAMARA (1.844.242.6272) High End Audio Store NYC - Experience Ciamara

The Peachtree Audio family of stereo integrated amplifiers, speakers and DACs all follow their modern sound design philosophy. Make it sound great, make it simple and make it beautiful. They achieve a unique balance of these qualities to offer what we believe are the best integrated amplifiers with DACs, headphone amps, power amps, speakers, and USB DACs for computer audio. A Peachtree stereo system complements any environment, whether it's used for desktop audio or as the HiFi in your living room. The unique look and sound of a Peachtree is as easy on the eyes as it is to your ears. Peachtree Audio nova150 - First of a New Generation In 2007 Peachtree Audio introduced a new integrated amplifier that immediately and forever changed the amplifier landscape. This amplifier - our original Decco - was groundbreaking for its time. It had a unique industrial design with an aluminum front panel, a simple button and knob user interface and a rounded wood case finished with beautiful veneers. Inside, it housed a class A/B power amplifier, a tube buffer visible through a window in the front panel and, most significantly, a USB input with built-in DAC to accept a direct connection from a Mac or PC! "Computer audio" was born, with Peachtree's Decco and Nova amplifiers on the leading edge, and with computer audio a defining part of Peachtree's identity. We now introduce nova 2.0 . . . a completely new generation of Peachtree integrated amplifiers that reimagines the original concept and takes it to an even higher level. Nova 2.0 is the culmination of everything Peachtree has learned as a leader in computer audio, plus a few new things they hadn't gotten to - until now. To take full advantage of the new engineering team, Peachtree moved the nova from a reputable manufacturer in China, to one of most skilled in micro and macro electronics manufacturer Canada. Peachtree will still have product like deepblue, remote controls, BT1 and the like manufactured in the far east, but the most complicated and important core product like nova have the advantage of the new factory. Peachtree PCB’s have been very nice the last few years, but by electrical standards, the new PCB’s are like electronic jewelry. And the grounding system is now better than ever allowing totally silent circuits to do their job. The new factory actually specializes in high-end medical equipment. The kind of equipment that if there’s noise on the line, or if it fails, people die. As detailed and complicated as the 2.0 circuits are, this facility was the perfect choice. The Integrated Amplifier… Reimagined Highlights ESS Reference 9018K2M Sabre DAC 32-Bit/384kHz PCM and 5.6MHz DSD (double-DSD) compatibility New generation ICEPower amplification - 150 watts per channel Extensive internal grounding Designed by a world-class engineering team Asynchronous USB, Coax and (2) Optical inputs Asynchronous iOS input for direct digital input from Apple Lightning devices Phono (MM) input Home Theater Bypass Loop feature to add an external tube buffer, EQ or other processor into the signal path Discrete, custom-designed headphone amplifier Optional Wi-Fi module to be announced Available in Gloss Ebony Mocha, Natural Santos Rosewood and Piano Black Made in North America Stunning Results Peachtree Audio takes great pride in what they have accomplished with the new nova150. It accommodates virtually every type of music source people use today, from spinning vinyl at home to streaming audio from the cloud. They've ushered in an impressive new suite of technological advancements - from the DAC through the power amplifier and at every step in between. This new nova is designed around tried and true audio engineering philosophies to ensure exceptional sound quality and superb measured performance across the board. The new novas - there are more to come! - are truly the most beautiful and exceptional sounding products Peachtree Audio has ever made and are every bit deserving of the designation nova 2.0. We hope you choose to make one a part of your musical life. We are confident that if you do, you will love it! "Simply stated, If you haven’t heard Peachtree 2.0, you haven’t heard Peachtree." This product qualifies for Free Shipping and 5% back in points when you register for Club Ciamara Membership Rewards Program 1.844.CIAMARA (1.844.242.6272) High End Audio Store NYC - Experience Ciamara