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June 6, 2020, 07:02 PM #1
Adventures in USB - Schiit Unison Upgrade
Was never interested in USB for digital audio; seeing the plethora of add-ons, de-crapifiers, and virtual hoops that audiophiles were jumping through was a turn off. Also I don’t have any DSD files, so didn’t need that extra capability.
Using the SPDIF BNC connection between my Schiit Yggdrasil and Bryston BDP-2 seemed the best choice, especially since Bryston had their unique Audio Device output card which is SPDIF only. Mike Moffat, designer at Schiit even said, “friends don’t let friends use USB”.
Sent the Yggdrasil in for the analog upgrade a couple years ago, and had them install the Gen 5 USB at the same time, because, why not since it’s there, but continued to use SPDIF.
Unison USB upgrade was announced earlier this year; around the same time, I got curious and tried a cheap printer cable (didn’t own an audio one) with the Gen 5 and was surprised it sounded as good as it did. On Schiit’s site, they stated that Moffat now preferred Unison to SPDIF, which piqued my interest even more, so I ordered the upgrade board.
Luckily there are detailed DIY instructions online pertaining to installing G5 and I followed these for the Unison swap. It wasn’t too difficult... mostly a lot of screws to remove.
Here is the Unison card before and after installation, and the Gen 5 for comparison.
Also found a better cable. German-made Intona Premium, which is their entry level.
After putting a lot of hours on both the new card and cable, I compared it to SPDIF connection. I ended up feeling that there was a little more info and a better soundstage with USB (I’m not good at describing things I hear). At the very least, USB was doing no worse than SPDIF, which is kind of remarkable since USB isn’t the BDP-2’s forte.
The only downside - which I didn’t notice with G5 - is that when skipping tracks rapidly, there’s occasionally a “bzzrt” sound between every third / fourth one, or so. It’s not real loud and not a real issue for me.
So I’ve sold my $$$ Tombo Tron reference BNC cable. It makes me wonder what kind of difference there might be with a music server that’s actually optimized for USB output. Or whether something like the Innuous Phoenix would be a good addition... but that’s just adding another USB device which I originally didn’t want to do.
Anyway, it ended up being a bit of a surprise. Anyone considering the Unison upgrade, I’d say go for it.Antipodes EX…Schiit Yggdrasil...Coda 07x…Peachtree GaN400...Vivid V1.5
Intona Premium USB…Cerious Graphene Extreme XLR...Double Helix Cables Chaperone XLR...Acoustic Revive SPC-PA
Torus RM15...Shunyata Alpha HC…Mad Scientist First...HF Reveal...XLO Ref 3
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June 6, 2020, 07:56 PM #2
Re: Adventures in USB - Schiit Unison Upgrade
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June 6, 2020, 08:02 PM #3
Re: Adventures in USB - Schiit Unison Upgrade
Antipodes EX…Schiit Yggdrasil...Coda 07x…Peachtree GaN400...Vivid V1.5
Intona Premium USB…Cerious Graphene Extreme XLR...Double Helix Cables Chaperone XLR...Acoustic Revive SPC-PA
Torus RM15...Shunyata Alpha HC…Mad Scientist First...HF Reveal...XLO Ref 3
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June 7, 2020, 07:34 AM #4
Re: Adventures in USB - Schiit Unison Upgrade
The modularity of the Shiit DACs and the fact they actually DO offer upgrades is pretty remarkable in my book.
There has beed a tremendous progress in USB input boards quality in the past 5 years and many reference DACs that are only 3 or 5 years old are now obsolate, only 'cos their designers never went this route.Adam
Speakers: Magico M3
Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer
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June 12, 2020, 04:27 PM #5
- Join Date
- Nov 2013
- Location
- St. Louis, MO, USA
- Posts
- 3,067
Re: Adventures in USB - Schiit Unison Upgrade
My ACS10 is only USB out, I've learned they go through a lot to make sure it's a high quality USB output signal. The ACS is a Linux based product.
I also learned my USB input chip in my 526 was programmed to work with Windows/IOS. You may have read a post where I was having hand shake issues. Levinson was surprised to learn that the two pieces even worked together.
So is Linux that unusual to use or do most DAC's work with any input? Sorry to piggy back but it sounded like you guys might know.Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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June 13, 2020, 01:28 AM #6
Re: Adventures in USB - Schiit Unison Upgrade
Think Bryston uses a Linux OS, and my previous Auraliti PK100 file player did too. The Yggdrasil DAC requires a driver download (which I didn't need) to work with Windows. I've had no experience with Windows based products; don't know which is more prevalent overall.
Antipodes EX…Schiit Yggdrasil...Coda 07x…Peachtree GaN400...Vivid V1.5
Intona Premium USB…Cerious Graphene Extreme XLR...Double Helix Cables Chaperone XLR...Acoustic Revive SPC-PA
Torus RM15...Shunyata Alpha HC…Mad Scientist First...HF Reveal...XLO Ref 3
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
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Yes, the Digital Director was used in that setup with MSB monoblocks, and Magico M2's.
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