HiFi Subjectivist ¦ Audio Forum ¦ NVA User Group

@Fretless

The IFi unit was another one I was considering. I believe I have narrowed down my choice to between these two. Have you ever had a chance to listen to the IFi unit?

I came across the following thread when doing a bit of research and reading about Intona. Now I know it runs contrary to what a portion of this community evaluates audio, but I think there is some good information to be gleaned from this particular post from who I believe is an Intona engineer.

https://forum.intona.net/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=11

Since I cannot hearing or evaluate either the Intona or the IFi in my system before purchase, I have to use ancillary information. The reduction in noise levels and the fact that Intona manufactures and competes in the industrial/commercial/medical market gives me a bit more hope that their products will make realistic claims for what their stated benefits are from their designs. Maybe I am wrong, eh I have been wrong before.

But so far this is what I am thinking.

The relatively simple USB regen units I have do have a noticeable effect on improving the audio quality between PC/streamer and the receiving DAC. Those using them here have all experienced that.

Ifi products are highly regarded in terms of quality and value for money. They are designed for audio purposes and are probably a step up in quality from what I use. That said, the Oehlbach is an excellent little device that will provide good results at a pocket-money price.

Can I endorse the oehlbach xxl unit - makes a difference and like fret says for pocket money price direct from Germany.

Another vote for the Oehlbach XXL It's currently on offer at €74.00
https://www.oehlbach.com/en/audio-equip/electronics/xxl-masterclock

Having gone through all that, I'm not sure if they sell outside of Europe or not. It would be worthwhile checking though, I think. They're very friendly to deal with and about 20% of the cost of the Intona unit.

Sadly, the Schiit Wyrd that Fret mentioned is not being produced any more. It's worth looking out for a second-hand unit though.

slinger wrote: ↑Thu Apr 08, 2021 3:59 pm Another vote for the Oehlbach XXL It's currently on offer at €74.00
https://www.oehlbach.com/en/audio-equip/electronics/xxl-masterclock

Having gone through all that, I'm not sure if they sell outside of Europe or not. It would be worthwhile checking though, I think. They're very friendly to deal with and about 20% of the cost of the Intona unit.

Sadly, the Schiit Wyrd that Fret mentioned is not being produced any more. It's worth looking out for a second-hand unit though.

Pardon my utter ignorance, but the Oehlbach XXL, *what does it DO exactly?*

Neonknight wrote: ↑Thu Apr 08, 2021 2:33 pm @Fretless

The IFi unit was another one I was considering. I believe I have narrowed down my choice to between these two. Have you ever had a chance to listen to the IFi unit?

I have a IFi Purifier 3, a small passive device which made a noticable difference.

Cyclecoach.

The Oehlbach XXL Masterclock takes the USB audio stream and regenerates it. Passing a fresh bit-for-bit copy onto the DAC with a tighter and more controlled timing to eliminate errors in the signal synch ('jitter').

It also electrically isolates the receiving device from any electronic disturbance that computers tend to have in their USB output.

Lastly it generates a solid and interference-free 5V power-supply to USB DAC devices reliant on this USB connection for their wattage.

The result from inserting one of these between a PC/streamer and DAC can be quite dramatic in terms of detail, dynamics, imaging and bass depth.

Fretless wrote: ↑Thu Apr 08, 2021 6:41 pm Cyclecoach.

The Oehlbach XXL Masterclock takes the USB audio stream and regenerates it. Passing a fresh bit-for-bit copy onto the DAC with a tighter and more controlled timing to eliminate errors in the signal synch ('jitter').

It also electrically isolates the receiving device from any electronic disturbance that computers tend to have in their USB output.

Lastly it generates a solid and interference-free 5V power-supply to USB DAC devices reliant on this USB connection for their wattage.

The result from inserting one of these between a PC/streamer and DAC can be quite dramatic in terms of detail, dynamics, imaging and bass depth.

Thank you sir.

That clarified beautifully.
I currently run an optical cable from my MacBook to the super-cheap DAC that the Doc recommended some time ago (plus a beefy but also cheap Chinese power supply.)

I'm guessing that a USB cable with the Oehlbach before the DAC (now connected by a cable) might be quite an interesting experiment?

Go for it.

I don't know if you (NK) have seen anything on YT but you might like to listen to this gentleman:
This video is for everyone who thinks cables and re-clockers don't make a difference He makes and sells his own cables, Verastarr, but don't let that put you off, he has done plenty of great vids and I believe he knows what he's talking about,

NK, just go on to YT and type in Intona USB or IFi re-clocker to get more reviews, hope this helps.