iFi USB Power, Audiophilleo PurePower and others look like an interesting product that I would like to try in my setup. Although at $200+ these products are not at my price point. Being a skeptic of their benefits also does not help the situation. So, I did the next best thing, build (more like assemble) my own.
Here is what you need...A. Exacto knife
B. Wire cutter (or alternative)
C. Electrical tape
D. 6ft USB 2.0 One B Male to Two A Male Y-Cable from CablesToGo - $10
Product # : 28108
http://www.cablestogo.com/product/28108E. Mobile Rechargeable Battery. I am using the PNY PowerPack 2600 USB Battery - $30 (on sale they can be had for $13 or less)
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX47161Handy Time...1. Locate the data side of the USB cable (BLACK end!)
2. Make the necessary incisions in the cable sleeving so that you can easily work inside.
Be careful not to cut the wires inside!3. Spread the rubber sleeving open exposing the shielding
4. Spread the shielding and locate the RED wire. That is the POWER lead
5. SNIP IT! I cut out about a 1/2 inch of the red wire. The data side of the cable will NO LONGER provide power over USB. This is critical.
6. Cover the ends of the wire with electrical tape to prevent shorting with the shielding
7. Clean it up inside and cover the wires with the shielding
8. Cover the shielding with the rubber sleeving
9. Seal with electrical tape (or shrink tubing for a cleaner look)
Connection Time...10. Connect DATA end (black end) to PC
11. Connect POWER end (red end) to Mobile Battery Pack
12. Connect USB-B end (square end) to your USB Transport (or DAC)
13. Connect micro-USB end to the Battery pack and the USB-A end to PC for charging while in use
14. Turn on battery pack
15. The transport or DAC will now be fed power from the battery pack while the PC will feed the data side.
This experiment was performed using a Musical Fidelity V-Link 192. This transport draws only 160mA (max) with the battery providing 500mAh, more than enough!
My audio chain and headphones have remained unchanged for a year, except for the addition of the V-Link in February. Regular music listening takes place on my setup and I am very familiar with its sound signature. Any changes that may be present should be easily identifiable (or so I suspected).
Findings...Needless to say, this skeptic was put in his place, smacked down if you will. The V-Link 192 responded wonderfully to the change in power. The cleanliness of the mids was the first thing I noticed. I did a double take on my headamp to make sure I was still using the same unit. Spatial cues became easier to pick out. Highs were also more extended (less "laid back"). I did not directly notice any changes in the bass as far as extension or tightness. Was not really paying much attention either as the mids were blowing me away. The overall sound signature now became more vivid.
To make sure I wasn't just hearing things, I proceeded to unplug the DIY Power pack and drive the V-Link using the stock USB cable (as I have been since February). The sound returned to what I remember and what my ears are familiar with. Still great, although the veil over the sound was easily noticed during the A-B.
The next test is to see how this change in sound signature presents itself for long term listening. Only time will tell.
When I decided to do t
his, I had no expectations of the end result nor did I read any on-line reports which would skew my findings. I was trying to be as objective as possible, a motto of mine when dealing with the subjective.
Where to now...?I would be curious to read what the guys and gals on this forum hear when trying this "mod" with their transport or DACs (if applicable).
Anyone with a Concero want to try this? I have read the unit draws between 135-160mA and would be a perfect candidate for this experiment. Not every device may benefit from this setup but I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the V-Link 192 sure does.
Cheers!
This guide is provided as is. Please do not blame me if you blow up your gear or computerThings to Consider...- if you shut off your PC at night and your USB ports do not stay active, the USB pack will have no way of charging. I suggest purchasing a USB Hub with a dedicated charge port and plug the battery pack into that
- depending on how old your PC is, your USB ports may not be active while the PC is in sleep mode (mine are). See above comment for workaround
