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Author Topic: Great PC Tweak - A Bert "Must Have"  (Read 112683 times)
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PeterSt
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« Reply #75 on: January 13, 2014, 10:14:31 am »

The LPS that I am using is my cheap lab supply and as Peter would say, it helps "get out the Ssss's" [...]

Yes I also find that sssss in the Silverstone and those hard highs are the bad part of the card, for the rest the sound is fantastic.

Anthony, Juan,

If this goes on a few posts more it will start to live its own life. I mean, the suggestion is put forward that I don't like the S'es (or something) about this card. Well, it is the opposite. I use the card *because* of it. Not S'es in particular, but the separation the card brings forward and what I describe as "more rough highs".

There is much more to this than what can be explained through words and possibly nobody will ever "see" what I'm after with this, nor might you be able to achieve it. But I'll try to give a few hints :

First of, take it that I am capable of more SPL in the highest regions than anyone else, unless you have the same mid-high horn as I use. For the tweeter this is 80W continuous power (over 300W peak). This is not to show off or anything, and it is also not about absolute qualities, but it IS about that I am really utilizing this power and that you can bet that if something is/goes wrong, it will express more easily than elsewhere and it will slamm you in the face.

What's already from quite many years ago (5 or so ?) is that a roughness in the higher regions (say 1000-2000Hz up to maybe 5000Hz) can be (or has to be) smoothened (filled up) with higher frequencies normally lacking. So, without this filling up you can perceived holes in the sound. This will be nothing strange or unusual, but notice that first all must be very speedy to perceive that in the first place; say that when the speed is not on par the sound will be more grey.

Side note : When I must listen to a paper cone driver for the higher regions this is totally unbearable. This is because paper is not fast enough and you will hear ... paper.

So when the speed is there, all is able to follow those 1K-2K frequencies, but because of the less energy in the way higher frequencies (5K and above) these holes appear. So, what I do is linearly increase the power to the tweeter so the higher frequencies present (in that same sound/music which implies the holes) now fills up those holes and sound gets smooth and how it would be in real life. In the mean time the highest regions of the tweeter are fed with close to 20dB more of energy; can be less and depends a but on other circumstances, like the operating system. Btw, I think it just have been the first W7 version where I explored this, because that was an OS with "holes" (SP1 solved that). And notice that W8 goes to a kind of extreme to the other side, where too much highs kills the cymbals; you know my stories about that.

You can already see that I'm operating in "illegal" areas.
But maybe not, because the energy of the high frequencies just *is* more low. Way more. This is because of microphones being less capable in that area and also because of how "digital" works. Well, never mind my (or the) reasons, but this is how I try to improve things, which normally are not even attacked by, say, loudspeaker manufacturers.
And let's not forget Fletcher-Munson curves, which is another reason. Ok ...

Without me changing those curves anymore, the sound of especially W8 is too silky. I can bring this down to the sort of fact that those holes are now overly filled, or better put in the realm of today : the output of the tweeter is too high.
Notice that it is not easy at all to "just" say that, because change a few dials in XXHighEnd and all goes to a very other direction. So, it is about what I perceive from it as a general characteristic and maybe it took those 5 years I apply the tweak to learn that the tweak itself is still OK. IOW, when I remove it, sound becomes quite "bad". Stuffed ears like.

What this Silverstone card does is bring back the holes but now to the extend it should. Maybe I shouldn't repeat myself, but it is about how "separation" is better, where "separation" actually is about resolution but at a somewhat lower frequency. So, on/off gets better of it (off is a hole). In the mean time, 1.186 is able to let the transients better "flow" and where previously a transient was a "one go bang", it now has a slope. This too is resolution, but of another kind and of the highest frequencies.

Still there ?

Although it wil be pure coincidence, what this card does is just right. I could add "to my system", but I don't want to say that because my system tries to do everything and all right and part of it is (thus) that a speaker should not show a flat frequency response curve.
Before we think that I now thus can not judge what will happen to your music reproduction - don't worry because so many other things are different, and this counts for everybody. For example, we could also say that what I am doing is not fair because of a 115dB sensitive speaker which you won't have. And if you only know how immensely much that does to speed ... If I turn this 115dB into 112dB it is already unlistenable for me because sound gets completely dull because of it.

Point could be that possibly I am better capable of judging this all (the higher frequencies) because if it goes wrong it goes wrong with me first. I mean, I just have way more output there and you can imagine that if e.g. an S is expressed wrongly in the base (say the software) over here this is amplified vastly and I will hear it before you ever can.
In the mean time, of course, you can wonder how my "S" won't get way more loud, but it does not work like that. So say the fundamental of an S is a fairly low frequency more square sound and that low frequency is not louder at all in my speaker. This is how the S won't get louder. However, because "square" means "high sine frequencies" it is exactly those higher frequencies needed to let develop the S and wonder oh wonder, how holes would exist with those lacking higher frequencies (of sufficient SPL). So because of the higher high frequency output my S is more smooth.

Got that a bit ?
This is all quite opposite from what intuitivity might tell you.

The Silverstone allows for better separation in the lower frequencies which sure makes the S more rough. Still this works for the better because in those holes now there, there's the opportunity to have higher frequencies sing. I know, this can't be explained by means of S-es but in the end you should be able to perceive them more real. Mind you, when these higher frequencies are there and a means of it is the Q3,4,5 = 1,1,1 setting. But what I told about a few weeks ago with cymbals, is the better example; while the more flattened grey sound is taken out and is turned into "holes", the singing of a ride cymbal comes forward, and right in the middle of smashing rock. This really is totally obvious and the card does it. And funnily enough, this does NOT need those higher frequencies to be louder because which cymbal could be represented well even on cassette tape ? the ride cymbal (hitting it in the middle as intended with a ride). So all that needs is this separation and this card does that.

Long story eh ? Well, it is meant to tell you that you should explicitly NOT try to smoothen that separation, but seek the solution elsewhere. Or just don't use the card of course.
But I think it is already clear from the reports so far that generally the card performs better, but you (or I) may wonder how, if in the mean time it is pereived harsh on the S-es. I don't mean "that is thus impossible" and I merely mean : so what is better then ?". So be careful because at least I never like to be subjective and better is only better when each of the technical elements is better. Each = all of them. And if one is not (could be an S) then this should express throughout though in other elements.

Ok, I'll stop here.
Peter
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XXHighEnd Mach III Stealth LPS PC -> Xeon Scalable 14/28 core with Hyperthreading On (set to 14/28 cores in BIOS and set to 10/20 cores via Boot Menu) @~660MHz, 48GB, Windows 10 Pro 64 bit build 14393.0 from RAM, music on LAN / Engine#4 Adaptive Mode / Q1/-/3/4/5 = 14/-/0/0/*1*/ Q1Factor = *4* / Dev.Buffer = 4096 / ClockRes = *10ms* / Memory = Straight Contiguous / Include Garbage Collect / SFS = *10.13*  (max 10.13) / not Invert / Phase Alignment Off / Playerprio = Low / ThreadPrio = Realtime / Scheme = Core 3-5 / Not Switch Processors during Playback = Off/ Playback Drive none (see OS from RAM) / UnAttended (Just Start) / Always Copy to XX Drive (see OS from RAM) / Stop Desktop, Remaining, WASAPI and W10 services / Use Remote Desktop / Keep LAN - Not Persist / WallPaper On / OSD Off (!) / Running Time Off / Minimize OS / XTweaks : Balanced Load = *62* / Nervous Rate = *1* / Cool when Idle = n.a / Provide Stable Power = 1 / Utilize Cores always = 1 / Time Performance Index = Optimal / Time Stability = Stable / Custom Filtering *Low* (16x) / Always Clear Proxy before Playback = On -> USB3 from MoBo -> Lush^3
A: W-Y-R-G, B: *W-G* USB 1m00 -> Phisolator 24/768 Phasure NOS1a/G3 75B (BNC Out) async USB DAC, Driver v1.0.4b (16ms) -> B'ASS Current Amplifier -> Blaxius*^2.5* A:B-G, B:B-G Interlink -> Orelo MKII Active Open Baffle Horn Speakers. ET^2 Ethernet from Mach III to Music Server PC (RDC Control).
Removed Switching Supplies from everywhere (also from the PC).

For a general PC :
W10-10586.0 - May 2016 (2.05+)
*XXHighEnd PC -> I7 3930k with Hyperthreading On (12 cores)* @~500MHz, 16GB, Windows 10 Pro 64 bit build 10586.0 from RAM, music on LAN / Engine#4 Adaptive Mode / Q1/-/3/4/5 = 14/-/1/1/1 / Q1Factor = 1 / Dev.Buffer = 4096 / ClockRes = 1ms / Memory = Straight Contiguous / Include Garbage Collect / SFS = 0.10  (max 60) / not Invert / Phase Alignment Off / Playerprio = Low / ThreadPrio = Realtime / Scheme = Core 3-5 / Not Switch Processors during Playback = Off/ Playback Drive none (see OS from RAM) / UnAttended (Just Start) / Always Copy to XX Drive (see OS from RAM) / All Services Off / Keep LAN - Not Persist / WallPaper On / OSD On / Running Time Off / Minimize OS / XTweaks : Balanced Load = *43* / Nervous Rate = 1 / Cool when Idle = 1 / Provide Stable Power = 1 / Utilize Cores always = 1 / Time Performance Index = *Optimal* / Time Stability = *Stable* / Custom Filter *Low* 705600 / -> USB3 *from MoBo* -> Clairixa USB 15cm -> Intona Isolator -> Clairixa USB 1m80 -> 24/768 Phasure NOS1a 75B (BNC Out) async USB DAC, Driver v1.0.4b (4ms) -> Blaxius BNC interlink *-> B'ASS Current Amplifier /w Level4 -> Blaxius Interlink* -> Orelo MKII Active Open Baffle Horn Speakers.
Removed Switching Supplies from everywhere.

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« Reply #76 on: January 13, 2014, 10:50:09 am »

Peter, I've always liked the "Ssss's" from the Silverstone...that was the big difference between it and the PPA card...a more realistic and resolving reproduction of the higher frequencies...and I don't think that I have ever described them as harsh...I think they are a decent step forward. 

For whatever reason, the "Sssss's" are just better with a LPS into the Silverstone, and on that card I don't even know what the LPS powers.  Since I changed the grounding of the external clock board on the PPA card (thanks to Coen), and am powering the external clock on that card with my LPS I am getting an even better result than when I power the Silverstone with the LPS.

To further my experiments in this area, today I ordered a PCIe riser cable so that I can play around with cutting the power and grounds between the PCIe socket and the PCIe-USB card without damaging the cards themselves.  I intend to try the LPS to inject cleaner power into the cards and then if I can get that to work I will try a battery pack with a super low noise linear voltage regulator that I will build for the project.  Who knows where this will go but I hope to learn from all this before I think about messing with USB card clock mods, such as those DEXA clocks, because I want to exhaust every option before resorting to something like that.

On another side issue Peter, today I found a USB Controller Chip that will accept a 48MHz oscillator (480MHz is the USB frequency, so in theory this will be better amplified than a 24MHz crystal).  The chip is a little simpler to implement than the NEC chip on the Silverstone and PPA cards and seems to be used in military hardware.

Cheers,

Anthony
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XXHighEnd 2.11 RAM-OS (W14393 RAM)
Engine#4 Adaptive Mode / Buffer 4096 / Q1/3/4/5 = 14/1/1/1 / xQ1 = 1 / Processor Core Appointment Scheme = Core 1-3 / PlayerPrio = Low / ThreadPrio = RealTime / ClockRes = 1ms / Not Switch during playback = off / Xtweaks Balanced Load = 43 / Nervous Rate = 100 / Cool when idle = 1 / Provide stable power = 0 / Utilize cores always = 1 / Time Stability = Stable / Time Performance Index = Optimal / SFS 0.90MB Max 120MB / Straight Contiguous / Include Garbage Collect = on / Start Playback during conversion = off / Do not start playback at all = off / Copy to XX-drive by standard = on / Always clear Proxy before Playback = on / Stop Remaining Desktop Services = on / Stop Desktop Services = on / Stop Remaining Services = on / Stop WASAPI Services = on / Stop W10 Services = off / Keep LAN Services = on / Persist = off / Use Remote Desktop = on/ Arc Predict / Minimize OS = on / Peak Extend = off / Unattended

Audio Chain
Stealth MachII PC >> Lush^2 USB 1.1m >> NOS1a G3 B75, Driver v1.0.4 (4ms) >> Blaxius^2 >> 10Y DHT Preamp >> 6 way active horn speakers (Single Ended Triodes)
PeterSt
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« Reply #77 on: January 13, 2014, 10:59:47 am »

Anthony, you are funny ...

I just wanted to start a new topic with a suggestion of applying the Silverstone card to the PC without it's bracket touching the PC chassis. This, while I didn't even investigate whether the bracket is connected to the general ground of the card. Btw, it even could be that this is not the case, while the other cards do.

Anyway, now you come up with this riser cable, which exactly does what I wanted to propose (outside of other cutting wire opportunities).
Or remove the bracket ...

I feel this can make a great difference, and I guess you will agree with me right away ...

Regards,
Peter
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For the Stealth III LPS PC :
W10-14393.0 - July 17, 2021 (2.11)
XXHighEnd Mach III Stealth LPS PC -> Xeon Scalable 14/28 core with Hyperthreading On (set to 14/28 cores in BIOS and set to 10/20 cores via Boot Menu) @~660MHz, 48GB, Windows 10 Pro 64 bit build 14393.0 from RAM, music on LAN / Engine#4 Adaptive Mode / Q1/-/3/4/5 = 14/-/0/0/*1*/ Q1Factor = *4* / Dev.Buffer = 4096 / ClockRes = *10ms* / Memory = Straight Contiguous / Include Garbage Collect / SFS = *10.13*  (max 10.13) / not Invert / Phase Alignment Off / Playerprio = Low / ThreadPrio = Realtime / Scheme = Core 3-5 / Not Switch Processors during Playback = Off/ Playback Drive none (see OS from RAM) / UnAttended (Just Start) / Always Copy to XX Drive (see OS from RAM) / Stop Desktop, Remaining, WASAPI and W10 services / Use Remote Desktop / Keep LAN - Not Persist / WallPaper On / OSD Off (!) / Running Time Off / Minimize OS / XTweaks : Balanced Load = *62* / Nervous Rate = *1* / Cool when Idle = n.a / Provide Stable Power = 1 / Utilize Cores always = 1 / Time Performance Index = Optimal / Time Stability = Stable / Custom Filtering *Low* (16x) / Always Clear Proxy before Playback = On -> USB3 from MoBo -> Lush^3
A: W-Y-R-G, B: *W-G* USB 1m00 -> Phisolator 24/768 Phasure NOS1a/G3 75B (BNC Out) async USB DAC, Driver v1.0.4b (16ms) -> B'ASS Current Amplifier -> Blaxius*^2.5* A:B-G, B:B-G Interlink -> Orelo MKII Active Open Baffle Horn Speakers. ET^2 Ethernet from Mach III to Music Server PC (RDC Control).
Removed Switching Supplies from everywhere (also from the PC).

For a general PC :
W10-10586.0 - May 2016 (2.05+)
*XXHighEnd PC -> I7 3930k with Hyperthreading On (12 cores)* @~500MHz, 16GB, Windows 10 Pro 64 bit build 10586.0 from RAM, music on LAN / Engine#4 Adaptive Mode / Q1/-/3/4/5 = 14/-/1/1/1 / Q1Factor = 1 / Dev.Buffer = 4096 / ClockRes = 1ms / Memory = Straight Contiguous / Include Garbage Collect / SFS = 0.10  (max 60) / not Invert / Phase Alignment Off / Playerprio = Low / ThreadPrio = Realtime / Scheme = Core 3-5 / Not Switch Processors during Playback = Off/ Playback Drive none (see OS from RAM) / UnAttended (Just Start) / Always Copy to XX Drive (see OS from RAM) / All Services Off / Keep LAN - Not Persist / WallPaper On / OSD On / Running Time Off / Minimize OS / XTweaks : Balanced Load = *43* / Nervous Rate = 1 / Cool when Idle = 1 / Provide Stable Power = 1 / Utilize Cores always = 1 / Time Performance Index = *Optimal* / Time Stability = *Stable* / Custom Filter *Low* 705600 / -> USB3 *from MoBo* -> Clairixa USB 15cm -> Intona Isolator -> Clairixa USB 1m80 -> 24/768 Phasure NOS1a 75B (BNC Out) async USB DAC, Driver v1.0.4b (4ms) -> Blaxius BNC interlink *-> B'ASS Current Amplifier /w Level4 -> Blaxius Interlink* -> Orelo MKII Active Open Baffle Horn Speakers.
Removed Switching Supplies from everywhere.

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« Reply #78 on: January 13, 2014, 11:20:42 am »

Yes I agree, but I doubt that the bracket is connected to the ground of the PCIe-USB card, but you never know.

I was thinking about starting a new topic about these upcoming experiments with the USB card to see what (if anything) we need to do to improve noise (in theory - I assume that noise is what makes the difference) from the USB port of the pc.  Maybe you could start the thread off Peter with some reference links to the other threads that have been going in that general direction and then I will chime in with what I am hoping to trial.

Anthony
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Stealth Mach II with Xeon E5 2698 v4 20 Core 2GHz  with Hyperthreading On [40 cores]/ 32GB Ram / RAM-OS / mobo USB port

XXHighEnd 2.11 RAM-OS (W14393 RAM)
Engine#4 Adaptive Mode / Buffer 4096 / Q1/3/4/5 = 14/1/1/1 / xQ1 = 1 / Processor Core Appointment Scheme = Core 1-3 / PlayerPrio = Low / ThreadPrio = RealTime / ClockRes = 1ms / Not Switch during playback = off / Xtweaks Balanced Load = 43 / Nervous Rate = 100 / Cool when idle = 1 / Provide stable power = 0 / Utilize cores always = 1 / Time Stability = Stable / Time Performance Index = Optimal / SFS 0.90MB Max 120MB / Straight Contiguous / Include Garbage Collect = on / Start Playback during conversion = off / Do not start playback at all = off / Copy to XX-drive by standard = on / Always clear Proxy before Playback = on / Stop Remaining Desktop Services = on / Stop Desktop Services = on / Stop Remaining Services = on / Stop WASAPI Services = on / Stop W10 Services = off / Keep LAN Services = on / Persist = off / Use Remote Desktop = on/ Arc Predict / Minimize OS = on / Peak Extend = off / Unattended

Audio Chain
Stealth MachII PC >> Lush^2 USB 1.1m >> NOS1a G3 B75, Driver v1.0.4 (4ms) >> Blaxius^2 >> 10Y DHT Preamp >> 6 way active horn speakers (Single Ended Triodes)
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« Reply #79 on: January 13, 2014, 03:07:58 pm »

The best words I can use after reading your long post is: cryptic for me but interesting (I mean the part I'm able to understand).
My system is so different than yours, big horns vs little paper cones, that I'm afraid that your Ssssss is different than mine. However although I can't help further I try to learn from what you wrote.

Kind regards,
Juan
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Audio Pc: Processor i7 970: 3200MHz (reduced to 1668MHz), 6+6 cores/ RAM Corsair DDR3, 24Gb, 1333MHz/ Mb Asus X58 Sabertooth/ OS and XXHE in Peter's RAM-Disk / The CPU fan is the only one in the Audio Pc: NF-S12A (600rpm/6.7db)/ No graphic card/ Power supply: Seasonic SS-400FL2, fanless.

Configuration and Updates in HOW I'VE BUILT MY NEW PC...http://www.phasure.com/index.php?topic=1673.0. This post is very old but maybe someone still find it useful

XXHighEnd: 2.11a. Windows 10 Pro 64 bit build 14393.0 from RAM, music on LAN/ KS:Phasure NOS1 Out 4.0/ #4 Engine/ Adaptive Mode/ Q1=10, Q3,4,5=1, xQ1=15/ Dev.Buffer: 4096/ ClockRes: 15ms/ Straight Contiguous/ SFS: 0.69 (max 0,69)/ Not Invert/ Phase Alignment Off/ Allow format change/ Decode HDCD/ Playerprio: Low/ ThreadPrio: Real Time/ Scheme: Core 3-5/ UnAttended/ Not Switch during Playback Off/ Playback Drive none/ UnAttended/ Include Garbage Collect/ Copy to XX Drive by standard/ Always clear Proxy before Playback/ Stop Desktop Services/ Stop Remaining Services/ Stop All Services: Off/ Keep LAN Services: On - Persist: Off/ Use Remote Desktop/ Minimize OS/ XTweaks : Balanced Load 35/ Nervous Rate 10/ Cool when Idle -/ Provide Stable Power 0/ Utilize Cores always 1/ Time Performance Index: Optimal / Time Stability: Stable / Arc Prediction/ Number of cores in use: 12 (máx. 6-12)

Music Server PC (W10) totally silent with OS (W10) in SSD and music inside in SSDs - RDC > Ethernet Gigabyte cable 3m > Audio Pc > 1m USB Lush cable directly from the USB3.0 in the motherboard > PHASURE NOS1a-75B-G3 (Driver v1.0.4) 16ms > Blaxius BNC interconnects > Genelec 1037B 3-Way Active speakers with BNC inputs
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« Reply #80 on: January 13, 2014, 08:18:14 pm »

Yes I agree, but I doubt that the bracket is connected to the ground of the PCIe-USB card, but you never know.

The Ppa card's bracket is connected to psu (and thus signal) ground. Seems good engeneering practice. I bet the silverstone's bracket is connected too.

Regards,Coen
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Audio PC (jan 19): XXHE PC v1 with RAMdisk w.o. videocard and 1 of 2 cpu fans + BRIX/USB3 storage musicserver. ETN to Fibre converters (linear supplies), 500m SFP modules & 5m OM4 cable. Power cable PE not connected, together with nos1 and poweramp in separate "audio" powerstrip.

Clarixa set + Intona (or Lush 1m), Phasure NOS1a-75B G3 USB (buf 16 ms)-> Blaxius ->SE EL95 (0,8W triode) + cheap link to Abaqus 300W plateamps> Bastanis cable-> Bastanis Sagarmatha Duo ("DIY").

[other sources: TD124/3009SII-i/Grace F9/lounge LCR phono; Rega Planet 1997 vintage]
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« Reply #81 on: January 14, 2014, 03:37:43 am »

Hi Coen,

I have just had a look at a USB board design that I have here (from Renesas) and you are right, it does seem as though the bracket is connected to both ground layers in that particular design.

Regards,

Anthony
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Audio PC
Stealth Mach II with Xeon E5 2698 v4 20 Core 2GHz  with Hyperthreading On [40 cores]/ 32GB Ram / RAM-OS / mobo USB port

XXHighEnd 2.11 RAM-OS (W14393 RAM)
Engine#4 Adaptive Mode / Buffer 4096 / Q1/3/4/5 = 14/1/1/1 / xQ1 = 1 / Processor Core Appointment Scheme = Core 1-3 / PlayerPrio = Low / ThreadPrio = RealTime / ClockRes = 1ms / Not Switch during playback = off / Xtweaks Balanced Load = 43 / Nervous Rate = 100 / Cool when idle = 1 / Provide stable power = 0 / Utilize cores always = 1 / Time Stability = Stable / Time Performance Index = Optimal / SFS 0.90MB Max 120MB / Straight Contiguous / Include Garbage Collect = on / Start Playback during conversion = off / Do not start playback at all = off / Copy to XX-drive by standard = on / Always clear Proxy before Playback = on / Stop Remaining Desktop Services = on / Stop Desktop Services = on / Stop Remaining Services = on / Stop WASAPI Services = on / Stop W10 Services = off / Keep LAN Services = on / Persist = off / Use Remote Desktop = on/ Arc Predict / Minimize OS = on / Peak Extend = off / Unattended

Audio Chain
Stealth MachII PC >> Lush^2 USB 1.1m >> NOS1a G3 B75, Driver v1.0.4 (4ms) >> Blaxius^2 >> 10Y DHT Preamp >> 6 way active horn speakers (Single Ended Triodes)
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« Reply #82 on: February 15, 2014, 09:52:23 am »

Hi,
I made a combination of a new Silverstone card and ppa card. I replaced the Silverstone clock with the ppa clock.
No final conclusion, but as I hoped the SQ is somewere in the middle of the modified ppa and Silverstone.
The Silverstone freshness, but less Sssses. But all parts are brand new, still need some time to settle.

Remark: with loom and linear psu.
Regards, Arjan
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Music Server (old PC) RDC to Mach II Stealth 14393 RAM-OS / no videocard / Engine#4 Adaptive Mode / Q1/3/4/5 = 30/0/1/1/ Q1Factor = 40 (Dev.Buffer = 4096) / ClockRes = 0.5ms / SFS = 5.19 Mx = 120 Straight Contiguous / driver buffer 16ms / Playerprio = Low / ThreadPrio = High / Scheme = 3-5 / Unattended / Minimize OS / PeakExtend off / Arc Prediction / NO custom filter / 16x Upsampling / XTweaks 38 (turbo boost off in bios and cpu ratio 24!),1,-,0,1/with coverart / --> mobo USB --> The Lush 100 cm --> NOS1a 75B --> Blaxius --> bnc amps Jadis JA30 (modified and with the best tubes) --> Speakers
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« Reply #83 on: May 18, 2014, 05:48:12 pm »

Hi,
I made a combination of a new Silverstone card and ppa card. I replaced the Silverstone clock with the ppa clock.
No final conclusion, but as I hoped the SQ is somewere in the middle of the modified ppa and Silverstone.
The Silverstone freshness, but less Sssses. But all parts are brand new, still need some time to settle.

Remark: with loom and linear psu.
Regards, Arjan

Just reading the thread and was thinking the Same thing  an external xo on the Simple sliverstone Usb3 card

I've a ppa v2 which works best with no moleX connection and lifepo4 direct to clock board

When I first got the ppa usb card I thought it was only a little better than mobo rear port

Decent enough clocks can bet got at mouser Farnell/Newark etc

It seems power supply is everything
Lifepo4 here made a dramatic change

These clocks are extremely sensitive to power supply 
I suppose shunt or lifepo4 for clock supply would be optimal for this application


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Crom
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« Reply #84 on: August 15, 2014, 02:05:03 am »

Hi,
I made a combination of a new Silverstone card and ppa card. I replaced the Silverstone clock with the ppa clock.
No final conclusion, but as I hoped the SQ is somewere in the middle of the modified ppa and Silverstone.
The Silverstone freshness, but less Sssses. But all parts are brand new, still need some time to settle.

Remark: with loom and linear psu.
Regards, Arjan

Arjan, I'm not a huge fan of the clocks that PPA uses but I'm very interested in how you connected the PPA transformer along with the PPA clock to the Silverstone card. I'm considering doing similar and if you have any pics, I'd really appreciate them.

Also, what was your final conclusion once things had run in a bit?

Cheers,
Crom
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