Signature 384 kHz Upsampler and USB Input
Back
|
| |||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature 384 kHz Upsampler and USB Input | | | |||||
|
Upgrade for all Platinum DAC and CD Player Products
About the Signature 384 kHz UpsamplerThe upsampling technology applied in this upgrade is based on years of development, experimentation and speculation. It goes beyond what should matter and has really only been enabled by the continuously improving DSP technology. This upgrade offers several advancements:
Intersample Harshness CorrectionThe fact is that most harshness we hear in digital media was not present in the studio, but introduced in the limited resolution CD standard. When an audio peak exceeds the maximum audio volume on a CD, clipping occurs, maybe for only a few samples. This would normally be quite unnoticed by the listener. But the digital processing of a DAC notices, and the higher frequencies involved with a clipped signal create harshness that our ears are very sensitive too. 
In the MSB Upsampler, we eliminate this effect by restoring the original peak before sending the signal on for further processing. This key to reduced harshness is done all the time in this board, even when upsampling is turned off. You have got to hear this innovation to believe it. Performance in a word? Clarity and Reduced HarshnessThese technical achievements result in a singular performance improvement, with no sonic trade-off. What you can expect to hear is improved clarity and reduced harshness, at the same time. When I say clarity I mean a further elimination of the digital harshness that partially masks the true essence of a vocal. The effect was most noticeable with vocals, but also clearly audible in the improvements in base. I heard no change in soundstage, dynamics or the highs. We heard the improvement in CD sources as well as 176.4 kHz downloads. 
USB InputWe have gone to great trouble to completely isolate the USB input for the expected computer noise and jitter. The USB receiver is actually powered from the USB computer power and the data buffered and optically coupled to our board for complete ground isolation and jitter rejection. Listening tests placed this input on an equal footing with other SP/DIF inputs, as a truly high performance audio source. The USB input is currently limited to 96K but does not require any special drivers, installation or preparation on the computer. Plug it in and go. OperationThis is an easy upgrade to operate. Upsampling can be turned on and off using the DAC Option or Upsampling button on the front of the unit (label depends on model). The true upsampled frequency is shown in the display as received by the Digital Filter board. THe USB input is automatic and shares the MSB2 Network input. So an active USB input lights up the MSB2 LED on the front panel and takes the highest priority in the auto mode. Upgrade Installation DetailsAs with all good things, there are always a few details. The upgrade will work with all Platinum DACs and CD Players, but there are some requirements. Because the upsampler outputs data at 32 bit resolution, the digital filter option installed must be either the 16x or 32x filter. THe Platinum original Burr Brown filter will not run fast enough. Additionally, that filter will need a firmware upgrade. This is just a song that has to be played through the DAC which reprograms the digital Filter to coordinate the addition of dither, so it is not added twice. Finally, on many DAC III models, a small power supply modification is needed as we did not anticipate this much digital power being required for this board. 
With the USB upgrade added, a hole must be drilled in the back panel and the connector installed. In most cases, it would be better to return the unit to MSB if in the US or to your dealer in the rest of the world so they can make this upgrade perfectly. [Home] [Products] [Dealers] [Contact] [Videos] [History] [Support] [Reviews] [OEM] |
