Akasa-based NUC for Roon and digital music playback

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by robfine

The green wire is part of my highly successful $5 ground wire experiment I discussed in another thread. A truly effective, super low cost, proof-of-concept experiment that will be leading to the acquisition of some Shunyata ground cables.

Ha! Yeah, I know about that! Before I bought any Shunyata ground cables, I had a similar green ground wire with a spade on one end and banana on the other that I ran from ER to a GP-NR terminal of Everest. It actually does work...

[dkorbal]

Originally Posted by robfine

The green wire is part of my highly successful $5 ground wire experiment I discussed in another thread.

What thread is that I think like like to read about it? I'm considering an Altaira especially now that its coming in black.

[robfine]

I believe the thread is https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?t=51268 . I described the experiment somewhere around #56. Giving due credit, there were some earlier threads from before there was such thing as Altaira where Puma Cat did some experiments creating home made grounding devices and tested their efficacy, which proved significant. That was what inspired me and gave me direction. I think those are a really good introduction if you want to a good “non-quantum physics” introduction about what you are getting from Altaira many times over.

[dkorbal]

Originally Posted by robfine

I believe the thread is https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?t=51268 . I described the experiment somewhere around #56. Giving due credit, there were some earlier threads from before there was such thing as Altaira where Puma Cat did some experiments creating home made grounding devices and tested their efficacy, which proved significant. That was what inspired me and gave me direction. I think those are a really good introduction if you want to a good “non-quantum physics” introduction about what you are getting from Altaira many times over.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by robfine

I believe the thread is https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?t=51268 . I described the experiment somewhere around #56. Giving due credit, there were some earlier threads from before there was such thing as Altaira where Puma Cat did some experiments creating home made grounding devices and tested their efficacy, which proved significant. That was what inspired me and gave me direction. I think those are a really good introduction if you want to a good “non-quantum physics” introduction about what you are getting from Altaira many times over.

Thanks, Rob!

Doug, you should read the Grounding Concepts Guide as a good introduction to this subject. (Note: be sure the pop-up blocker of your browser is turned off).
https://shunyata.com/wp-content/uplo...epts-Guide.pdf

This introductory video is also informative: https://youtu.be/N3tkFSrmNLQ

[Puma Cat]

Okay, so given I've been using a laptop type SMPS to power Alita, Battle Angel until I can identify a clean and quiet LPS to power it, I bought an iFi DC Purifier2 audiophile-grade DC power filter.



The DC Purifier2 is an audiophile-grade "DC noise filter" that reduces noise from 312X to 100,000X, according to iFi. It uses Active Noise-Cancelling tech based on the Thales Spectra military radar defence technology used in jet fighters.

Best thing is, it was only 129 bucks!

So, I'm going to place one between the SMPS that powers Alita until I can identify a clean, quiet LPS to power Alita. And, I'm going to put one between the SMPS that powers my AT&T Pace Router because I know for a fact that puppy is really dirty. :P

More later, once I can do some A/B comparisons with it.

[Puma Cat]

Just put it in between the SMPS and Alita.



Okayyy...that was not subtle. Sounds notably better: noticeably quieter, more body to instruments and vocals, and weight to the presentation, and...it's actually louder than before I installed it. Bass has more power and definition, as well. And, it literally just came off the logistics truck. Likely it will continue to improve as it settles.

So, what I'm learning from this set of experiments is that the quality and design of the music server "computer", it's power supply, and the attendant digital and power cables AND reduction of ground-plane noise is really important for these music server-based systems. Mac Minis ain't gonna cut it anymore...

[robfine]

Good evening Stephen, have you yet gotten/tried a LPS for Alita? If yes, (which one, and ) how does the SMPS with the DC Purifier compare to the LPS? Thanks, Robert

[Formerly YB-2]

Looking at the Akasa boxes for my NUC i7, but am wondering if one must remove the internals from the NUC box and install in the Akasa or does the full NUC chassis simply fit into the Akasa?

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by robfine

Good evening Stephen, have you yet gotten/tried a LPS for Alita? If yes, (which one, and ) how does the SMPS with the DC Purifier compare to the LPS? Thanks, Robert

Hi Rob,
Sorry for my delayed reply. I haven't gotten an LPS for Alita, yet. Adam (aka vendor "Elberoth" on Audiog*n), who makes these professionally, says if the NUC is another circuit in another part of the home, an LPS isn't necessary. Also, the iFi DCPurifier2s that I put on Alita and the Pace router resulted in another notable drop in the noise floor. They work remarkably well, and are quite affordable at only $120/each.

Still, I've been shopping around to find one, and have a possible candidate from a friend who bought one, but I haven't bought one, yet. The one I'd like to get is the LPS from HDPlex, but those presently are not available for order in the U.S.

I'll certainly update this thread if I do. Cheers.