iFi SPDIF iPurifier2 Digital Optical/Toslink/Coax Audio Signal Optimizer/Purifier/Conditioner
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They appear to be stackable if you use the multi-select option. adaptors included in the package I haven't tried it, but I can attest to how much better my system sounds after doing so. Bass depth, audio field depth, and transients like cymbals have all been improved. It's possible that having more than one unit is overkill, but I believe you can return the extra if you don't see any further benefits.
P'S: I'm using a Schiit Bifrost Multibit to process mine.
It isn't snake oil, but as previously stated, each system is unique, so results may vary. For a variety of reasons, digital signals can be extremely noisy. The list goes on and on: power supplies can generate unwanted frequencies, DACs can have low-quality clocks, and so on. The SPDIF iPurifer can detect anamolies across the frequency range that would manifest as audible noise and creates an inverted signal to cancel out that noise, as well as reclocking the signal and galvanically isolating the two devices so that only data is shared, similar to noise canceling headphones. Many filters are passive, allowing them to be labeled as "snake oil," but this is an active device that was tested extensively during production to ensure its efficacy. Many discussions and information about digital signals can be found in popular digital audio forums.
The AMR Global Master Timing Memory Buffer System is used by iFi audio, and it employs an ultra-fast timing memory buffer. quartz-based, low jitter clock that is driven ( 001Hz.
No, because the SPDIF iPurifier is designed to run on 5V, I would say this is not a good idea. The 5V power supply is excellent. A comparison test of several linear and switching power supplies can be found on the computeraudiophile website. The IFi was the quietest. On the computeraudiophile site, look up " Power Supply (8 ) Test, LPS and SMPS."
Selected User Reviews For iFi SPDIF iPurifier2 Digital Optical/Toslink/Coax Audio Signal Optimizer/Purifier/Conditioner
To begin, a little background: I've been involved in the audiophile hobby on and off for over 30 years, primarily because I became tired of the snake oil hype that surrounds many products. The majority of them did not improve anything and actually took away from my enjoyment of discovering new music. After a lot of "high end" equipment that left me wishing for what was promised, I decided to pick my new system based on common sense. The most important starting point is, without a doubt, speakers. The next stop is the room. Everything else is just a matter of fine tuning. I've used electrostatic, ribbons, full range open baffle, and just about every other type of speaker. My most recent and favorite setup is a full range line array (24 full range drivers per side), which is absolutely incredible. As a result, I've switched to a digital signal to amplifier system. Equalizing is critical for line arrays, and digital equalizers are the best. I'm sure you're wondering what all of this has to do with the iFi iPurifier at this point. Because I'm using a Chromecast Audio device to stream Tidal digitally and wirelessly from my tablet (I've succumbed to convenience), I have a lot. The Chromecast Audio sounded fine on its own, but the entire presentation never made me feel completely at ease. After dismissing the device (snake oil? ), I came across this one (iFi iPurifier). ) Here's where I got one. I knew it took 150 hours to 'burn in,' which is always a concern, so I didn't have high hopes. I was astounded, to say the least. And I continue to be. Something is missing if I remove it. As a result, it remains. And I think it's fantastic. Please accept my sincere apologies for the lengthy review.
The iPurifier gave me excellent results. I didn't get 'night and day' results when I didn't use a DAC, but the differences were noticeable. It's not necessary to pay close attention to notice that the audio quality has improved. Overall, I'd say the results are more 'clear' and 'tighter. ' br>br>It's worth noting that premium DACs (those with built-in'reclocking, cleaning' circuitry, for example) have built-in reclocking and cleaning circuitry. The gains were minor ($1000 USD), but they were noticeable. In addition, with DACs that are marketed as "budget," ( br>This product really shines when compared to other DACs - With some DACs, this product improved their performance to the point where they sounded similar to my premium R2R resistor ladder DACs. br>br>I would HIGHLY recommend this product if you have a DAC with respectable performance but not quite in the premium range. br>If you are pulling audio from a lesser source (television, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, video game console, etc. ), this product is a no-brainer. br>br>A similar SPDIF product in the 'nano' or'micro' series of products would be fantastic. I'd be first in line if I could get one of those.
- br>** Update (10 months of use) *
I've discovered that, despite the high quality of the equipment, this device is actually detrimental to sonics. It appears to compress and limit audio at the extremes of the human audible range (extremely high and low frequencies), particularly at high frequencies. Music isn't as free-flowing and dynamic as it once was. Rather than sounding clearer, the effect is one of being constrained, compressed, and even muffled. br>In my experience, switching to higher-quality digital cables rather than using the ifi iPurifier improved the sound significantly more with higher-end equipment. br>br>Only high-end equipment (electronics costing $1,000 or more) falls into this category. Per component, the price ranges from 2000 USD to tens of thousands of dollars. br>I still believe that this is a worthwhile upgrade for older equipment.
Before purchasing the SPDIF Purifier 2, I read information on the company website, reviews from internet enthusiast websites, enthusiast magazine reviews posted on the internet, and some posted opinions by people who had actually purchased the product. The buzzwords used on the company website may pique audiophiles' interest, but I wouldn't blame anyone for being skeptical. I finally fired up the credit card and took a chance because Amazon offered a thirty-day trial period, which gave me a realistic in-home opportunity to determine whether it would be money well spent. br>br>The Purifier 2 is described as restoring digital information to its original state before it enters your DAC. It made a big difference in my two-channel system, which isn't that big. The most noticeable benefit is that it reduces my system's noise level. As a result, the sound stage appears to be larger from top to bottom, left to right, and front to back. Instrumental duets and vocal harmonies are now distinct. Instruments have their own area to work in. The dynamic range of a recording, as well as its limitations, is better defined. Note decay is more distinct and longer, especially for cymbals, which will shimmer more than before. Percussion instruments are easier to learn even if you've only played "air drums. " The bass notes became more defined and tighter, or "punchy," to use a musical term. br>br>I believe that investing in a Purifier 2 rather than a new digital cable is a better value purchase for improving digital playback on a good system. In digital cable applications, the point of diminishing returns appears sooner. If the signal is already contaminated, no amount of copper or silver conductor will help save you money. Those who can afford CD players or DACs with similar features to the Purifier 2 don't require one. Everyone else should think about using the thirty-day trial to see if it makes a difference for them.