Last Major Update Oct 22: More details on evolution and the different versions; Previous Major Update Oct 20, 2023: Editor's Comments added.
It has been a while since I have posted anything, unlike Doctorjohn who went on a spurt! Bravo.
For the last few months, I have been busy in relocating to another flat. As I had lived in the previous flat for more than 8 years (13 years in the same complex), I had to give away a lot of stuff to friends, colleagues, Salvation Army and local FB giveaway group, and I also sold some items through Carousell. Talking about disposal of hundreds of pounds of stuff and most of them hardly used and some even unused! I ended up renting a storage unit for surplus stuff!
Before moving, I hadn't had much time to focus on fine tuning the setup, just playing as BGM. It was not until the end of the first week of October that I had finally felt settled down as the new flat has begun to look like a decent place to live!
I then pulled out all the gear and started re-assembling the system. Since the Elekit TU-875 stock transformer had blown out, I have asked Ray to build a new power supply for me. 7V/3A and it is almost finished - can't wait!
Meanwhile, I have finally got a chance to open up the UMI Signal Transformer (ST) that DJ bought for me. This unit will replace the ST that Ray had built for me. There are 4 colours to choose from and I chose silver which is very classic and eye catching. Build quality is extremely good, a CNC machined heavy metal box.
So the latest setup will be Wattson Emerson Analog >> UMI ST >> Aiyima A08pro >> Dynaudio Crafft/ Audio Physic Subwoofer
For accessories, I have used Entreq Micro kit on the network switch, Active grounding box by Labahua Audio on Aiyima, DIY tourmaline ground boxes for speakers as well the wonderous little pair of SPEC RSP-301 (see my last post) wooden boxes behind my speakers. IsoAcoustic board (pro model used for guitar amp) to support my amp and UMI ST, SPEC H-K3 wood pucks under my WEA, Linn Skeet under my Dynaudio Crafft, Revox/Sommer as RCA interconnects, Viard HD12 speaker wires and LAN cable. Luna Gris power cable to power the subwoofer. Labahua noise filter was also plugged onto the power bar/conditioner which I have been using the reliable and effective LongYu
At first there was no sound coming out at all! Tried many different ways, and then brought the WEA to Square Wave and Ken reminded me that WEA must be hooked up to output of the Wifi Router! Silly me , now everything works seamlessly, WEA is so robust! Only myself is getting old .....
Without the Elekit TU-875 preamp, the setup sounds not bad at all. There is surely a difference but I didn't pay that much attention to my new environment, with a slightly smaller living room and new setup. Therefore, it's really hard to pinpoint any difference. My living room's setting is unbalanced with balcony glass door (with thick drapes luckily) and open on the other side, so there's still some issues in center focusing.
UMI 优美 1:1 Transformer However, the more I listen to the new setup and with the UMI well run-in, the more I'm astonished about the sound to a point it's jawdropping! Every song that I played seemed to have taken on a new presentation - way improved from before. What really had changed is perhaps the significantly lowering of the noise background; it's so much quieter that a boatload of micro details in the background were being picked up and that makes every recording more interesting and colorful! Soundstage seems to widen, but not deeper (partly due to my environment?). You can pick up the pppp effortlessly while dynamic has improved as well. Bass kick is still there and every instrument has more shimmer and air surrounding it. Imaging has improved as well as instrument separation. I can hear the harmony vocal more clearly without sounding detached. Microdynamics is also very good which is vital to make the sound more exciting. Music seems to take on a more solid and slower pace (in perception since the amount of info has increased) Even when playing loud, I don't feel any congestion, part of it due to the use of UMI but part of it due to the room I suspect.
Of course there is a drawback: the sound may sound a bit cool, but definitely not cold nor lifeless. I am very sure that insertion of the Elekit may fix this and be the missing piece in giving a bit more body and roundness to the overall sound without sacrificing too much speed and dynamics.
I have been actively looking for a deal on SPEC Class D integrated amplifier to replace the Aiyima/Elekit combo, but with the current performance, do I really need the "upgrade" ? My mind is struggling. I will update you on the performance with the Elekit hooked up to the setup. Having said that, as of now, I am still deeply impressed by the performance and sound quality of the little Aiyima A08 Pro!
Editor's Note: Since I bought the UMI for ELO, of course I took the opportunity to listen to it before sending it to him. First, a few words about this 1:1 transformer. I attach the Taobao page and link. This is a Permalloy unit that has been raved reviewed in the Chinese press since its inception. Note they also made 1:2 and 1:3 versions for use with lower output devices like phones. I advice you NOT to buy those (due to impedance matching anomalies) and stick to the 1:1.
新三興, To Kwa Wan. Must try. So delicious!!
Just study the Taobao comment, someone said that it would cut the details.
ReplyDeleteWanna know more about it
A mediocre transformer would certainly diminish details. But not this one I'm pretty confident. In fact, it brings out more. Only drawback is a bit on the expensive side.
DeleteThe comment that you have read is the contrary to my experience! Ultimately, you need to try it to yourself. I have been using another signal transformer and is already an marked improvement across the board with the addition. The UMI further improved and had surpassed my expectation.
DeleteOne correction to the Editor’s Note: the transformer in question is not an “impedance matching device” since it has a 1:1 ratio. I suspect its sonic benefits come from isolating the grounds of source components from the power amp ground.
ReplyDeleteIt makes the preamp output see a steady 600 ohm, so it helps in that sense.
DeleteBoth correct, major function is ground isolation, then it's the impedance stabilisation!
ReplyDeleteCan the latest UMI with the RCA and XLR connectors be used between a preamp, say a Nobo E6, with single ended output (RCA) and balanced mono block amplifiers with XLR inputs. In other words does it act as a SE to balanced transformer?
ReplyDeleteGood News. Yes. But only the latest version with 5V DC input. SE->XLR can be easily accomplished without DC plug, but XLR->SE HAS to have the DC 5V plugged in. IMHO, it's more than worth its price even if used just as a balanced transformer. AND, inserted between the preamp and amp, even if only using RCA, still reaps rewards, albeit not on the sheer scale of between the source and preamp. Very versatile tool.
Deletethank you for the info!
DeleteOne last thing -- do you have any suggestions on how I actually order the 2nd get version of the UMI? I live in the US and Taboo and AliExpress websites are not easy to navigate. Thanks
DeleteNot really, but wait a while and things may be happening...
DeleteWill UMI work with tvc preamp? Or it will be abundant because too many transformers?
ReplyDeleteI used an ICon4 AVC preamp before which was very good but heard than their silver trannie version is far superior. But I'm pondering using 2 UMI
DeleteThat said, I think the teannies in UMI are of better quality, hence I still refrain from adding in another preamp which could make the system less transparent overall. Now I use LEEDH volume control installed in my Wattson Emerson with ease ams am vwey satisfied already
U may have a point there! Personally I think if the source is going into the TVC amp there is little reason to add a 1:1 in between. Note though I'm not a fan of passive preamps.
ReplyDelete