The Intona USB 2 isolator arrived today. I ordered both a 2.0 and 3.0 version to avoid having to compare a "burned in" versus "not burned in" unit. Therefor this is no evaluation of burned in models.
The USB 2.0 isolator requires and additional 5V connection to its micro usb input. The USB 3.0 does not. I do not use an external LPS. I use an additional USB A to micro USB cable with only the power lines connected. I was doing that for sound quality reasons, but it also negates the need for a LPS for the USB 2.0 version. I am not claiming this to be the best way to go.
As for the difference between the USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 isolators - drumrolls - I prefer the USB 3.0 version! But I had to do a lot of A/B switching to arrive at my preference. Both have their merits, I could live with either.
My ranking, some changes highlighted:
1) Intona Ultimate USB cable + additional USB power lead >
USB 3.0 Isolator > Intona Ultimate USB cable > DAC
2) Server > Intona Ultimate USB cable + additional USB power lead >
USB 2.0 Isolator > Intona Ultimate USB cable > DAC
3) Server
> Intona Ultimate USB cable > DAC (NO Isolator)
4) Server > Intona
Reference USB cable + additional USB power lead > USB 3.0 Isolator > Intona Ultimate USB cable > DAC
For me the largest difference is moving from the Intona Reference to the Ultimate USB cable, in fact I prefer the Ultimate on its own over the USB Isolator with a Reference. I totally agree with CK on the LPS (or additional USB power lead), it seems almost mandatory with the USB Isolator, it is a bit weak and constrained sounding in the bass/lower midrange without.
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