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Cees Ruijtenberg’s Metrum Hex eschews computer-sourced power for its OEM M2Tech module. It instead feeds its internal MK1 hiFace from a dedicated 5V supply. AMR’s budget-focused subsidiary iFi Micro offers the iPurifier (US$99) which connects to your DAC’s USB input and acts as an inline USB conditioner. iFi’s iUSBPower (US$199) severs 5V ties with the host PC to stream its own cleaner run of electrons sourced from a combination of internal circuit wizardry and iFi’s own low-noise SMPS.
At US$44 Teradak’s solution is similarly laid out but considerably less expensive; the (supplied) USB splitter cable takes its 5V power from a weighty linear power brick whilst drawing data from the host PC. Want to battery-power instead with something like a KingRex or Bakoon supply? Adelaide’s Elijah Audio has you covered with their BPM module (US$125).
My point? Such a proliferation of USB power-focused products was unthinkable several years ago. Now options are abundant.
In my experience, results of these solutions vary according to each system configuration. That said, few have netted as impressive results as the Audiophilleo or Resonessence Labs Concero USB bridges. That takes us back to S/PDIF. Whilst not as good as its more expensive competition, the Wyred4Sound uLink improves sound quality more than the iFi Micro offerings.
For their LightSpeed USB cable (US$999)—and as do Acoustic Revive and KingRex—California’s LightHarmonic physically separate power and data lines for a why-didn’t-I-think-of-that forehead-slapping moment. It’s a design that nets sonic improvements similar in magnitude to the Audiophilleo and Resonessence Labs Concero. Wowsers!
The LightSpeed provides the comparative context for today’s review subject, the TotalDAC D1 USB cable. Compared to his multi-thou high-end DAC solutions, Vincent Brient’s USB cable comes to market for a completely non-outrageous €360 for 0.25m and 1m lengths, €390 for 2m. At current Aussie exchange rates that’s roughly half the sticker of the Light Harmonic USB cable. Yes, both parse DSD via DoP.
TotalDAC’s method of attack—or is it defence?—differs. Brient has taken to filtering the USB signal with an intra-cable box o’ tricks. The lid’s four countersunk screws are sealed against interfering screwdriver heads with a transparent resin. Popping the hood was a no go. Further protecting his intellectual property, Brient was coy about the specifics of the thirty components that populate the filter’s circuit board.
