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Itona Review

87.228.223.129
Posted on May 22, 2016 at 23:16:43
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 Excellent and puts pay to those who can't hear the Regen or iUSB3 at work.

The truth is that attention needs to be paid to power and cable to reveal the true potentials of these devices. They are not stock plug and play devices.

I have the Regen, battery powered, and the iUSB3 with various high quality LPS power supplies.

 

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RE: Itona Review, posted on May 23, 2016 at 08:11:35
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 "Excellent and puts pay to those who can't hear the Regen or iUSB3 at work."

Seem to recall most folks here think the Itona makes the most difference(improvement?) in SQ, at least when compared to the Regen (with various PS) and other devices like the Jitterbug(does little for me) and iUSB (haven't tried it).

Don't you feel that it is possible for the performance of these 'gadgets' to be somewhat source as well as DAC/Next-Gadget-In-The-Chain dependent?

Is the USB > I2S circuit in the GUSTARD DAC powered from the DAC or the Source?

In the case of the REGEN, if the USB > I2S circuit inside one's DAC is USB powered, wouldn't the PS of the REGEN be more critical to any improvement in SQ that if the USB > I2S circuit obtained its power from a LPS inside the DAC?






First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: Itona Review, posted on May 23, 2016 at 08:45:52
el34eh@yahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 1933
Location: Michigan
Joined: September 6, 2003
As someone whom has replaced his Regen with an iUSB 3.0 Power, and find everything comes across as more balanced sonically, I can't seem to understand why more isn't mentioned on said iFi Micro or Nano iUSB 3.0 devices..........., and while I'm still awaiting more insight on how the W4S Recovery might compete with the others, I'm riding this out, as to my ears it's some of the best sound I've had in home over the course of the last 7 years.

Yet, I'd like to ask..........., which Intona Review are you referring to?, as Steve's was the last one I spotted, and read between the lines upon what he had to say about said iUSB 3.0 Power being driven by a decent LPS, and concur.

 

RE: Itona Review, posted on May 23, 2016 at 09:04:29
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 I will be reviewing the Wyred 4 Sound Recovery after my review of the Playback Designs Merlot / Syrah / OpBox.

 

REGEN adds measurable noise...., posted on May 23, 2016 at 09:10:07
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46277
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 ...according to this article and screen shots from the Audio Precision analyzer.

"A device implying that it reduces such distortions actually increases them?"

Noise Floor at the DAC output
"The situation is even worse for the Regen!"


Jitter response
"Now lets look at the REGEN"

"Now this is really strange. We now have new distortion spiked in red once we inserted the Regen in the path!!! Again the levels are very low but what the heck? A device implying that it reduces such distortions actually increases them? The Regen uses a USB hub so it is possible that this chip has worse USB performance than one in my laptop."





 

RE: Itona Review, posted on May 23, 2016 at 09:10:46
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46277
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 Nice review, Steve. I just read it.

 

RE: Itona Review, posted on May 23, 2016 at 09:15:11
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 Sorry, I should have said Merman's

 

RE: Itona Review, posted on May 23, 2016 at 09:16:25
el34eh@yahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 1933
Location: Michigan
Joined: September 6, 2003
That's wonderful news, as I'm looking forward to how you rank it compared to say say Regen | Intona | iUSB 3.0 Power, as I'm trying my best to recommend these devices to friends of mine whom are new to the whole computer audio thing, much like I was 16 months ago, but they still rely upon my ears in assisting them in assembling a music server, so I'm more then willing to trust in your opinions on said matters more then most.........., after all you've lead me to some very very very nice SR devices which in my system preform quite nicely.........., can you say HFTs | ECTs and UEF Black AC Cords?.

I can............., thanks for your much in depth sharings.

 

RE: REGEN adds measurable noise...., posted on May 23, 2016 at 09:16:35
Bob_C
Audiophile

Posts: 2667
Location: NY
Joined: July 31, 2000
 That is simple meaningless trash created by an internet idiot. Amir has an agenda.

 

RE: Itona Review, posted on May 23, 2016 at 09:18:05
el34eh@yahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 1933
Location: Michigan
Joined: September 6, 2003
No harm, I had assumed as much.

Be well.
O_oh

 

RE: Itona Review, posted on May 23, 2016 at 09:27:53
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 I have both the Regen and iUSB3. When it comes to a comparison, the Regen sound different with different HQ power supplies but the best is battery power. The supplied solid adaptor is not good and I use a 7 cm Wireworld Starlight that I made up. The iUSB is similarly sensitive to input power but has a somewhat different, mellower sound signature. It is also cable sensitive.

Each to its own.

 

You're welcome !! (nt), posted on May 23, 2016 at 09:28:18
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 .

 

RE: Itona Review, posted on May 23, 2016 at 09:35:09
el34eh@yahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 1933
Location: Michigan
Joined: September 6, 2003
Hello fmak,

I can respect your ears as well, and while I'm not technically inclined enough to produce my own battery powered supplies, I've invested in a decent enough LPS to which I've used with both units before deciding to part with one, USB cable wise..........., I'm trying to go with the Curious Cable and JCAT Reference USB cables, along with your said WW Starlight 3.0 USB cable and be done with it.

As matters stand, I'm still learning about all of this myself, and am glad that some of you are more opted to share, whereas a few of the guys I've tried to PM questions to, seemingly couldn't be bothered, so once again I'm thankful to those of you whom are willing to share said concepts with others.

 

Thanks Abe (nt), posted on May 23, 2016 at 09:37:16
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 .

 

RE: REGEN adds measurable noise...., posted on May 23, 2016 at 10:47:04
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 Agree and those who repost it verbatim are just adding noise.

 

RE: Itona Review, posted on May 23, 2016 at 10:59:08
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 For the hell f it, I had just place the iusb2 in front of the Regen and rather like the sound.

But the Hydra Z via hdmi is even better.

 

RE: Itona Review, posted on May 23, 2016 at 12:02:18
ozzyboy
Audiophile

Posts: 334
Joined: April 4, 2002
 I own the Intona, Recovery and the Mutec-3 + usb. I first owned multiple Regens with linear power supplies and then the iFi USB3.

Once I heard the Intona I sold the Regens and the iFi usb3.
Then I tried the Mutec-3 +usb and it is by far the best.

At the present, I have the Intona > Recovery > Mutec-3+usb. Fantastic!

Mercman, you need to review the Mutec-3+ usb against all the others.

 

RE: REGEN adds measurable noise...., posted on May 23, 2016 at 12:36:40
Isaak J. Garvey
Industry Professional

Posts: 1207
Location: Hollywod, CA
Joined: January 7, 2016
 That guy is among the most vile heathens I was made aware of on the net. He is pure scum.

 

RE: REGEN adds measurable noise...., posted on May 23, 2016 at 13:37:10
Tony Lauck
Audiophile

Posts: 13629
Location: Vermont
Joined: November 12, 2007
 According to the lengthy and horrendous thread, the noise only appeared on the output of the DAC when the analog connection from the DAC to the analyzer used unbalanced connection. This proves that the problem was between the DAC and the analyzer or was, in some way, an artifact of the experimental setup.

There is plenty in the thread that demonstrates technical incompetence, not to mention toxic personality.
Tony Lauck

"Diversity is the law of nature; no two entities in this universe are uniform." - P.R. Sarkar

 

Abe, please stop...., posted on May 23, 2016 at 14:04:05
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 When I find myself agreeing with fmak, Bob_C, Tony Lauck AND Isaak J. Garvey, all in one thread....

Let's just say that's a painful experience.




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: REGEN adds measurable noise...., posted on May 23, 2016 at 14:47:57
Say
Audiophile

Posts: 184
Joined: March 18, 2009
 So many USB filter devices and I don't even have one yet. If anyone is doing a showdown please post it.

that thread over at the W'sBF was like watching an episode of The Outer Limits with a science guy not only narrating but playing the main role.

 

RE: REGEN adds measurable noise...., posted on May 23, 2016 at 14:56:37
Say
Audiophile

Posts: 184
Joined: March 18, 2009
 ^ a showdown with the Mutec MC-3+USB

 

RE: REGEN adds measurable noise...., posted on May 23, 2016 at 16:51:36
Bob_C
Audiophile

Posts: 2667
Location: NY
Joined: July 31, 2000
 A self appointed judge, jury and executioner.

 

I didn't write the article, posted on May 23, 2016 at 20:53:31
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46277
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 I just posted what I read.


 

RE: REGEN adds measurable noise...., posted on May 23, 2016 at 20:54:44
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46277
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 I'm not familiar with the author and just stumbled across the article and posted what I read. What agenda does he have?



 

RE: Itona Review, posted on May 23, 2016 at 21:00:51
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46277
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 I found the Intona to be more effective in my setup. Sold my REGEN too. I'm not familiar with the Mutec-3 +USB. How much is it?


 

RE: Itona Review, posted on May 24, 2016 at 02:46:30
DrN
Audiophile

Posts: 366
Joined: January 31, 2014
 The Mutec 3+USB is like 1k.
I sold 2 Regens the Itona seems more effective here too on my Yiggy.I know people are using both I hate all this BS addons!

 

If you want a stock plug and play device, posted on May 24, 2016 at 03:20:25
beppe61
Audiophile

Posts: 4705
Joined: January 29, 2004


Hi,
my feeling is that you have to look more at something like this ... and related peripherals.

Kind regards,
bg

 

DAC dependent?, posted on May 24, 2016 at 09:27:36
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 The REGEN makes a bit of improvement in my system, a bit more than the Jitterbug which does little or nothing.

I suspect that a better PS on the REGEN might make for some additional improvement, so that's my next step.

The USB > I2S converter inside my DAC is DAC powered not USB powered and that likely makes difference. I may replace the AMANERO board in my DAC with the newly release SINGXER XMOS F-1 card. That will require careful consideration as it will be powered by the USB source so most likely the REGEN with linear PS attached will stay.




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: DAC dependent?, posted on May 24, 2016 at 09:57:21
DrN
Audiophile

Posts: 366
Joined: January 31, 2014
 Yes DAC/system dependent as always.
The Regen worked very well on my Chord Qute HD when I had it. I also used the "el' Cheapo" PS. UpTone Audio has the new PS but at $398. Things get out of had quickly.

 

RE: REGEN adds measurable noise...., posted on June 2, 2016 at 11:27:38
jkeny
Manufacturer

Posts: 502
Joined: May 4, 2001
 Not only technical incompetence at the experimental level but also complete incompetence in understanding how asynchronous USB works & attributing this lack of understanding to John Swenson.

He states that these are Swenson's two theories behind the operation of the Regen & tries to say that Swenson told him this here where his arrogance is palpable http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?20641-Sonore-s-microrendu-is-out-the-first-audiophile-microcomputer&p=394601&viewfull=1#post394601

{quote}"He had two theories:

1. That a degraded USB signal causes the receiver to ask for retransmission of USB data. Therefore he thought by strengthening the USB signal through a Hub chip, would help. Well, that is not remotely a problem with our short USB connections. Data gets to our USB devices just fine, thank you very much. When I met with John, I asked him how often that was happening and he said it was not because it looks like newer USB silicon does not do this anyway.

2. The general lay notion that less activity is better. I explained to him that a periodic 8 Khz timer event is far more harmful than tons of activity because the former will stick out like a sore thumb in the forum 8 Khz jitter, or reference modulation and hence be more audible. Whereas random activity would just raise the noise floor which published listening tests show to be far, far less audible. Of course, both of these assume that such things are a) improved though his device (which they are not) and b) are passed through by the DAC. Without having measurement equipment he would simply be in the dark with no means of seeing if his theories are right."
{/quote}

Anybody who knows the first thing about USB audio would know that asynch USB has no retransmission function & to state this & attribute it to Swenson shows both complete ignorance & extreme arrogance - Swenson does not suffer from such ignorance

His next uninformed target is the MicroRendu which he again fails to show any technical understanding of it's operation

 

RE: REGEN adds measurable noise...., posted on June 17, 2016 at 15:36:54
jkeny
Manufacturer

Posts: 502
Joined: May 4, 2001
 "His next uninformed target is the MicroRendu which he again fails to show any technical understanding of it's operation"

And it didn't take long for this embarrassing thread of his on the MicroRendu
http://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/measurements-of-sonore-microrendu-streamer.577/#post-16699

 

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