It’s quite odd what I’m experiencing because I can exclude after 3 tests (ifi + Toroidy + Puritan as DC Blockers) a DC issue in my power.
Actually my P20 has a subtle buzz noise, much less than P15 but not dead silent.
Innuos Statement and MSB Premier DAC (both of them with separate PSU chassis) are dead silent.
BHK Pre and other PSA stuff are dead silent.
Puritan PSM156 is dead silent.
My P20 is very close to my listening position (1 meter), while the P15 is 3 meter far. And I can hear the buzz from the P15 only (with no music or subtle passages).
I also tried plugging the P15 into the P20 without success.
Next week my dealer will offer me a replacement of the P15 (with a P20) or a repair of the P15 itself to find out if the problem could be solved.
I don’t know if my current has some issue, I recently built a dedicated panel from the external of the house with dedicated lines and PSA monitored it for a few hours via internet without evidence of any problem. And only the regens are having buzz noise.
I don’t know if the size of the transformer is the problem, in that case the P20 I suppose should be noisier and it is not the case.
I don’t know if the problem is related to a specific brand, my other PSA units are silent.
As soon as I’ll try a new P15 or P20 I’ll share here my conclusions.
It would be a pity if at the end of the day I cannot fix it, because I had to use only the Puritan selling the P15.
Off topic, Luca, but I see you have the BHK in your system. With the gain structure of the MSB DAC, have you tried it going direct to the amps?
My brief experience with the MSB without the preamp gave mixed results.
I scheduled a home audition of a MSB S202 for late June with the importer. Why? Because he recommends (he is the seller) a direct connection from DAC to Amp in a MSB environment. As per the MSB guy, other amps not MSB could not perform well without a preamp.
I haven’t yet tried going direct from Premier to M1200 but it’s on my to-do-list when (I hope soon) my P15 problems/doubts will be solved. I’ll keep you informed anyhow.
If I like the MSB amp, oh well I’d have a big problem! For the cost. And for the analog rig I want to keep in my system. I should have to change the XLR cables from DAC to Pre each time I listen to vinyls (to be honest 1 or 2 times a month).
What about your experience without the pre, I’m curious?
I liked the MSB DAC direct to the BHK600’s. I noticed very little difference with or without the BHK but did not do an extensive evaluation. The MSB amps have higher gain and would obviously be a good match with their DAC. I am also intrigued with their (Roon) renderer card for their DAC. A local MSB dealer here, who also carries Innous, says it sounds better than with the Innuos streamer when using a Mac. Haven’t tried this yet. Changing from a PSA ecosystem to MSB would be massive in many ways. Ted’s super DAC could be the answer as well. A good problem to have I guess.
Maybe it’s me but you lost me on using an Innuos streamer with a MAC. Are you referring to the Innuos Pulse/Pulsar or a ZENith Statement, and what role does the MAC play, other than as a controller. Dazed and confused in Central Wisconsin.
I thought the same thing. Innous has its own software. Maybe they did not have an ipad but only a Mac. Strange but could be true. Not sure if MSB has their own software, probably not which is why they have the roon add in.
Possibly Audio Experience was running Roon from a MAC into the Innuos, but IME the Innuos app is fine and Roon is a bit of a distraction to these ears. Just guessing at this point.
I would direct further inquiries with Jamie to get the particulars on the setup with using the MSB renderer card as a Roon endpoint. I was only paraphrasing his opinion and did not listen to it.
Since Jamie moved back to Palatine the Innuos Statement is in the main room is unplugged not a single power cord or digital cable on it. He never said that the MSB combo is “better” than Innuos but the fact that it’s the reference MSB DAC with Roon card connected to a MSB S500 amplifier and Estelon Extremes says enough for me. He was using a Innuos Zenith MK 3 for a Roon core in a separate room. Jamies suggestion is use a newer Mac Mini as a dedicated Roon core.
I also see lots of Innuos gear on his trade in shelves which makes one assume the MSB gear must be nice. But it’s just an assumption on my part.
The MSB combo does cost $62k Innuos Statement much less.
FWIW I’m so happy with both of them, MSB DAC and Innuos Statement together. Using the Pro USB ISL fiber module. And Sense App.
On WTB forum lots of members with super expensive MSB DACS (150k Select included) use a high end server like the Taiko Extreme, clearly preferring it over MAC or less quality alternatives.
The big leap is pairing a MSB DAC with a MSB amp, as per my importer. Maybe that combo makes less impactful the server used.
That’s my plan! Or better, my home audition plan. The S202 “entry level” amp. I sincerely hope to dislike that DAC/amp combo otherwise I need to trade in 70% of my system components.
Or I can always wait for it on the used market, it means that I’d be able to find one after retirement (within 20 years more or less).
It’s incredible, all started from a buzz noise in a P15!!! Unbelievable!
I spoke with Jamie recently as I was toying with the idea of upgrading to the Pulsar, and was wondering if he could accommodate a Pulse to Pulsar comparison. I was surprised to hear that he will not be carrying the Pulsar, as Pulse sales are not meeting expectations, but, he added ZENith and Statement sales are strong. At the price mentioned I’d expect the MSB to outperform the Innuos as well.
As far as running an Innuos with a MAC endpoint, well I don’t run Roon thus my confusion.
For now no more digital changes in mind. Possibly analog, as in my systems there is much more potential.
EDIT:
Paul I forgot to add thanks for weighing in.
If nor a P20 neither a Puritan was able to fix the P15 buzz (not to mention the Toroidy) I’m incline to think that there aren’t other products able to help me.
What’s in your opinion the characteristic in this Torus that could make a difference?
I was thinking that the PS regens (and P20 in particular) are the best way to eliminate noise current due to their capability of recreate from AC/DC/AC a perfect wave. Then I discovered the Puritan as specifically able to eliminate DC residual in AC current.
I’ll read more accurately the specs of this Torus but I’m becoming skeptical at this point, considering also the sound signature changes all that stuff might provide to the system (I suppose you are suggesting to use it between the wall and the P15).
I don’t remember how old that P15 is but it sounds like you just got one with a dud transformer and since your P20 doesn’t make the same noise that pretty much eliminates DC as the issue or it would buzz too. It needs to just be replaced entirely or your money refunded. You should not have to buy other products to put in front of it to make it work correctly. Is the “sound signature” of the new Puritan different that the PP it replaced at my house sure it is but the silence is a welcome edition and I will get used to the difference just like I did when the PP replaced a balanced isolation device. Not likely to take but a few days and like at your house once the Puritan has a chance to fully break in along with their new power cords it may sound slightly different again.