Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.

[slinger]

You're probably right there CN. The IPurifier looks to be a worthwhile device and an extra cable brings more cost and possible slight signal degeneration.

Although the Oehlbach unit is a terrific bargain (at 1/3 the price of the Ifi) and does wonders for SQ on a USB link.

[luckyredfish]

I'm really quite taken aback at how this little box has improved my listening pleasure . Artists who I previously didn't listen to much have now become much more interesting .

Low level listening is also much improved .

I'm well pleased so far.

Have you got any special USB cables running with the XXL Masterclock ?

TBH I have always used USB cables which I built myself . However , the XXL didn't sound particularly good with this . I must assume then that the XXL is sensitive to the USB cables which you use with it . I'm currently using a ' cheapish ' QED cable and my system sounds excellent . Do you have any reasonably prices alternatives please .

[Fretless]

Look at the Inakustik Excellence USB that I have been very pleased with. Or AQ Forest USB.

[slinger]

I'd say go further up the AudioQuest range if you can. Keep a watch on eBay for bargains, it's where I've got most of mine.

A Cinnamon would be good, and a Carbon is probably the best "bang-for-bucks" balance in the AQ range. Above that, the prices start getting a bit silly for my wallet.

[luckyredfish]

Hah ! , have you seen the size of my wallet Paul . It's tiny LOL .

[slinger]

Hah ! , have you seen the size of my wallet Paul . It's tiny LOL .

That's why I suggested bargain-hunting on eBay.

[antonio66]

I'm really quite taken aback at how this little box has improved my listening pleasure . Artists who I previously didn't listen to much have now become much more interesting .

Low level listening is also much improved .

I'm well pleased so far.

Have you got any special USB cables running with the XXL Masterclock ?

TBH I have always used USB cables which I built myself . However , the XXL didn't sound particularly good with this . I must assume then that the XXL is sensitive to the USB cables which you use with it . I'm currently using a ' cheapish ' QED cable and my system sounds excellent . Do you have any reasonably prices alternatives please .

There's only one way to find out, buy and try. I'm sure the two cables recommended would be good and of course there is the Oehlbach cable as well.

[luckyredfish]

Aye , I was looking at the Oehlbach cables yesterday . They seem to be well thought of and are very reasonably priced on their site , although they don't seem to have all the lengths in stock . Amazon seem to have a better selection .

On the subject of the XXL , which I have now had in my system for a couple of days , I have the following impressions to post . Firstly the cheapo QED USB cable seems to be gelling with my system , and the XXL , quite nicely . TBH I'm a bit reluctant to change things at present .
Bass is certainly much improved , being both deeper and cleaner . It drives the music along very nicely without becoming overpowering . The mids are also similarly improved , with voices sounding more natural and ' real ' . The top end has also improved , being sweeter and more natural .
I was listening to a Count Basie recording last light , which is an excellent recording , and i was quite taken aback by the quality of the reproduction on my system . The separation of instruments and singers was quite uncanny and probably the best I've heard from any system which I've owned in several years . Needless to say I had a large grin on my face .
I may buy another of these as a backup because IMO these are fantastic value , even at full price , and I would hate to lose the input from the XXL . Highly recommended .

[CN211276]

It is my experience that the main benefit of all improvements in the digital path, to a greater or lesser extent, is greater seperation. This contributes a lot to the musical experience. The only exception I have found is the AQ Jitterbug which smoothes the higher frequencies.

[Fretless]

Luckyredfish: assuming that you have the QED Performance USB cable in use there. Looks like a good quality link and is probably a similar level to AQ Forest.

To get a noticeable improvement in SQ you should look at AQ Carbon, as recommended by Slinger, for output to the DAC and then try the QED for input to the Oehlbach XXL.

I am still being surprised by what the XXL Masterclock is doing in my system, it is certainly a cut above the Schiit Wyrd for realism, dynamics and detail.

Still waiting for the arrival of the Allo USBridge Sig. The lockdown in India has halted their distribution. In theory that shouldn't need a reclocker, but we'll see - one of these days.