USB REGEN

The last hype in the digital domain is the USB Regen. It's inserted between computer / streamer and DAC and many audiophiles write in the forums worldwide about ab big sound improvement. because anybody knows, that computers generally and USB especially are EVIL. So, why should we not believe they found an exorcistic device.
But what does it do? The manufacturer says, that

Citação :

it takes the digital audio stream from your computer or other music streaming device, and generates a completely new USB data signal to feed to your DAC.

Ok, this sounds technically comprehensible and so there should be no problem.

But, wait a minute.

It improves even the sound of the "big DAC's" from manufacturers with the highest reputation worldwide. Virtually all of these manufacturers claim to use the best available USB input technology, for example they say:

Citação :

The USB module is of a highest level... . It is asynchronous and uses two internal clocks for re-clocking. It also is self powered from internal power supply which we build into our DACs. No power is taken from the computer and the noisy computer line is PHYSICALLY interrupted and insulated.

Others argue quite similar. So, how can this be improved by a small external box? Are the claims of the DAC manufacturers BS? Are the audiophiles victoms of a new mass suggestion?
To be honest, I'm totally clueless.

Anyone an idea?

Cheers
Manfred

I've read a bit about it.
It seems that Regen is addressing "packet noise", something that until now had not been described/characterized/recognized/etc.
A bit like what happened when people started talking about TIM or jitter.

It's not expensive and it will feed your D/AC with it's own clean power, not the power coming from the computer via USB.
That by itself is a bonus.

R

Some similar products are springing up in the market; hopefully the prices will come down:

http://intona.eu/en/products

http://usbdisruptor.com

R

This one doesn't filter the digital signal but only replaces the "dirty" computer-fed 5V current with a new one provided by an externa PSU:

http://www.audiophonics.fr/en/various-adapters/cable-adaptateur-usbb-pour-alimentation-jack-5521mm-femelle-p-8332.html

And it's cheap too...I might buy one and give it a try.

R

Actually I was searching for a USB to spdif (or AES/EBU) and came across with those devices.

The cheaper one that I found is this:
http://www.audiophonics.fr/en/hi-fi-power-supply/audiophonics-isolator-usb-linear-power-supply-p-7127.html

In audiophile world, I guess I'll need:

• USB to spdif or AES/EBU converter
  
• Power supply if the converter is powered by the computer
  
• Proper cables
  
• Now, the regenerator and more cables!
  

Damn! Isn't digital supposedly simpler than analog?

You wish (and so would I)...
But unfortunately computer audio is huge multi-component system that's just as complex as a vinyl record playing system.

One needs a computer that has a "clean" power supply and an optimised OS, high fidelity music playing software and a "clean" connection to the D/AC.

R

mannitheear escreveu:

The last hype in the digital domain is the USB Regen. ...
Anyone an idea?  

...Although the REGEN does not eliminate all sound quality differences between USB cables in a high-end system, it significantly reduces those differences....

These words extract from the USB REGEN site, afraids me... cos with a (no serial) Henry audio DAC, there's no difference between 10 different USB cables, or with other DAC's there is!

Maybe the problem aren't the cables, neither the USB's... but the dac interfaces ! ... or maybe i don't have a high-end system, so i can't listen the differences !!!

TD124 escreveu:

mannitheear escreveu:

The last hype in the digital domain is the USB Regen. ...
Anyone an idea?  

...Although the REGEN does not eliminate all sound quality differences between USB cables in a high-end system, it significantly reduces those differences....

These words extract from the USB REGEN site, afraids me... cos with a (no serial) Henry audio DAC, there's no difference between 10 different USB cables, or with other DAC's there is!

Maybe the problem aren't the cables, neither the USB's... but the dac interfaces ! ... or maybe i don't have a high-end system, so i can't listen the differences !!!

That's what they are saying: differences between cables are more noticeable with bad interfaces (USB input and D/AC end).
I would try the Regen if I lived in the US because it would be easy to return but from here...

R

ricardo onga-ku escreveu:

... differences between cables are more noticeable with bad interfaces (USB input and D/AC end).
I would try the Regen if I lived in the US because it would be easy to return but from here...

And to add a new interface and another cable, gives better results ???... Why not, after all digitalmaniacs have the right to play as the analoguemaniacs with their system !!!...

TD124 escreveu:

ricardo onga-ku escreveu:

... differences between cables are more noticeable with bad interfaces (USB input and D/AC end).
I would try the Regen if I lived in the US because it would be easy to return but from here...

And to add a new interface and another cable, gives better results ???... Why not, after all digitalmaniacs have the right to play as the analoguemaniacs with their system !!!...

They cut the power coming from the computer and replace it with "clean power" (although they ship the unit with an SMPS wall wart which should be replaced with a high performance LPS for better performance) and they also filter the digital stream being fed to the D/AC input.

Did you have a look at these eye-patterns taken by John Swenson?



Without Regen



With Regen


http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/showthread.php?p=2680112#post2680112

From what I understand (I haven't read the whole thread) one yet seems to know how to interpret these measurements but many people can hear the improvement...

The blueish background in the first image is supposed to be noise from the 5V power lead coming from the computer.

R

ricardo onga-ku escreveu:

...
They cut the power coming from the computer and replace it with "clean power" (although they ship the unit with an SMPS wall wart which should be replaced with a high performance LPS for better performance) and they also filter the digital stream being fed to the D/AC input.

My friend Patrick, also bought a dedicated power suply from FiiO(and the special Furutech cable), to replace the computer usb 5v supply. Well, beside the high transparency of his system, it was very good before and it was very good after... so he kept him (it was already paid...), but the difference was audible speaking none...

I'm going to make the experience with a battery 5v and the Henry DAC (totally feed by the computer actually) and make my own idea... but by the moment it seems to be more smoke than fish...

Now, i finally got a used UpTone Audio REGEN to try it with the fabulous Henry DAC - and to a great success. I have to admit that the sound improves in every aspect, the notes are more articulate (better dynamics and especially micro dynamics) and the sonic stage is more organized. In decays the timbres remain consistent until silence.
The Henry keeps his power and drive but now sounds more refined. The extremes of the frequency spectrum are more present, the bass even more controlled and powerful. Paradoxically the sound seems minimally brighter but some occasional harshness and edginess is much lower and almost absent.
It's interesting that the improvements are very audible even with normal and non-audiophile recordings. They sound more natural and the layering and complexity is more transparent.
I think the USB-powered Henry benefits from a isolation from the computer and I could imagine that the replacement of the serial switched PSU with a good linear PSU could be even better.

Cheers Manfred