Allo Boss Isolator and Linear PS

[SteveW]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190825/94397ab4bad7a94549d3af9f801e662b.jpg

So it was Oliver ‘Bigman 80’ who first got me interested in the Chinese linear PS for the Allo Boss Dac/ isolator and pi.
I’ve got 3 IQaudIO DACs around the house, as well their digi+ which enabled me to try a few different DACs out. My reference became the digi+ feeding a chord mojo.
Really very very good at listening to my NAS and more recently Tidal.

I’d been wondering what improvements the little power supplies would make, especially as I had great success with a LDA linear into a Beresford dac.

So when Jim (Jimbo) decided to sell not only two of these linear ps but also the Allo Boss and isolator I couldn’t resist.

All I can say is that nothing prepared me for how good this package is.

I thought the chord mojo was good.. this is in another league.
See Oliver’s posts for excellent audio descriptions.. they are very accurate.

I’ve been going through favourites and discovering all sorts. The system is improved holistically, with all elements heightened. Not least of which is the bass that drives tunes along. Never realised my Harbeth P3ESR’s could do this level of low frequency information.
That also means that vocals improve with added timbre, not just bass instruments.
Soundstage, instrument separation, placement.. all the usual stuff used to describe audio improvement applies.

Even paying full retail for this kit is simply extraordinary value.Which is what I think I’ll do for the 2nd system.


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[Jimbo]

Looks good in your system Steve and as you have testified sound very good indeed.

Oliver and myself have banged on about this system a fair bit and I would recommend to anyone who likes digital to try this set up. It costs peanuts to buy and from my own listening experiences competes and betters some of the very best high end systems I have heard.

Glad your enjoying what it brings to your system Steve.:)

[Bigman80]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190825/94397ab4bad7a94549d3af9f801e662b.jpg

So it was Oliver ‘Bigman 80’ who first got me interested in the Chinese linear PS for the Allo Boss Dac/ isolator and pi.
I’ve got 3 IQaudIO DACs around the house, as well their digi+ which enabled me to try a few different DACs out. My reference became the digi+ feeding a chord mojo.
Really very very good at listening to my NAS and more recently Tidal.

I’d been wondering what improvements the little power supplies would make, especially as I had great success with a LDA linear into a Beresford dac.

So when Jim (Jimbo) decided to sell not only two of these linear ps but also the Allo Boss and isolator I couldn’t resist.

All I can say is that nothing prepared me for how good this package is.

I thought the chord mojo was good.. this is in another league.
See Oliver’s posts for excellent audio descriptions.. they are very accurate.

I’ve been going through favourites and discovering all sorts. The system is improved holistically, with all elements heightened. Not least of which is the bass that drives tunes along. Never realised my Harbeth P3ESR’s could do this level of low frequency information.
That also means that vocals improve with added timbre, not just bass instruments.
Soundstage, instrument separation, placement.. all the usual stuff used to describe audio improvement applies.

Even paying full retail for this kit is simply extraordinary value.Which is what I think I’ll do for the 2nd system.


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Remind me how much i owe you for these statements lol.

Glad to have been of service :D

[Emmings]

Looking good - any info on what make the PSU's are please.

Look like just what I want to power my Matrix Audio X-SPDIF2 - assuming they can output up DC 6~9V，≥800mA.

Cheers

[SteveW]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/25VA-Ultra-Low-Noise-linear-power-supply-output-DC-5V-3A-upgrade-Raspberry-pi-3-/142731699776


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[SteveW]

Reckon it’s not just the power supplies..

When I get a moment I’ll do a direct comparison between the IOaudiO kit and Allo.

The overall package is Outstanding.. seriously Oustanding.


Looking good - any info on what make the PSU's are please.

Look like just what I want to power my Matrix Audio X-SPDIF2 - assuming they can output up DC 6~9V，≥800mA.

Cheers

[Emmings]

Cheers - thanks for the info/link :)

[Bourneendboy]

My OCD would need to see the same reading on those power supplies:lol:

[Bourneendboy]

Is it worth me sacrificing my aluminium case to fit an isolator board to my Boss?

[Bigman80]

Is it worth me sacrificing my aluminium case to fit an isolator board to my Boss?Yes

100% in my opinion.

[SteveW]

Is it worth me sacrificing my aluminium case to fit an isolator board to my Boss?

I reckon so.
I’ve read about people not finding huge differences between IQaudIO DAC AND THE Boss.
However, this system is night and day to anything I’ve had.
So it’s all in the mix, but the isolator has got to play a significant part along with the power supplies


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[Bigman80]

Reckon it’s not just the power supplies..

When I get a moment I’ll do a direct comparison between the IOaudiO kit and Allo.

The overall package is Outstanding.. seriously Oustanding.Jim and I spent a serious amount of time auditioning these Allo Boss and RPI combinations.

The addition of two LPSUs was the first real upgrade I did. I immediately heard the difference.

Next was the Isolator and I would say it was more important than the LPSUs. I think Jim said the same but he'll correct me if I'm wrong.

Ethernet cables next and again I heard an audible improvement.

Last up was Jriver and upsampling.

All of the additions improved this unit. I still use mine daily and thoroughly enjoy it. I am so pleased that our experiences have brought you enjoyment.

[Bourneendboy]

Yes

100% in my opinion.

I knew you would say that!

Can see The PiHut has the isolator, is the acrylic case available in the UK or only from Allo? Have done a quick search and can't see it.

[Jimbo]

Yep as Oli stated every bit made a difference hence the resulting excellent sound quality. It may all seem a faff to set up to some but trust me it's not that difficult. There are not many Dacs out there that sound better than this and I have heard many. It's not all about detail and information retrieval but musicality.

The BOSS has this in spades and makes it a very listenable digital device that often falls short in more expensive DACs. I am sure there are some great ones out there but certainly not at this price, nowhere near! It is one of the great bargains in hifi.

[eksiil]

I have the same PSUs (at 5.02 & 5.04 volts) powering a Katana + Isolator. it is now a toss-up between the Katana and a pretty costly DAC plus transport combo (RRP at some £2.5k+). there are 44.1 Tidal tracks that sound better than their equivalents off CDs (and vice versa). also played into Harbeths (& I'm also impressed by the low frequency clarity).

I tried an early version of the IQ Audio dac, that was easily bested by the Allo Boss, that in turn by the Katana. the PSUs (so I like to think) brought greater precision, clarity and weight to an already amazing degree of resolution.

[Bigman80]

Yep as Oli stated every bit made a difference hence the resulting excellent sound quality. It may all seem a faff to set up to some but trust me it's not that difficult. There are not many Dacs out there that sound better than this and I have heard many. It's not all about detail and information retrieval but musicality.

The BOSS has this in spades and makes it a very listenable digital device that often falls short in more expensive DACs. I am sure there are some great ones out there but certainly not at this price, nowhere near! It is one of the great bargains in hifi.Well said James.

Listening to some mad CD Alan loaned me called 'MA Recordings"

Sublime. I know it's taken from an analogue source but wowzers. It's a bit bonkers in places but I really enjoy it.

[Bigman80]

I knew you would say that!

Can see The PiHut has the isolator, is the acrylic case available in the UK or only from Allo? Have done a quick search and can't see it.I got my case and isolator from Audiophonics.fr.

I presume they will still have it in stock?

[Jimbo]

Well said James.

Listening to some mad CD Alan loaned me called 'MA Recordings"

Sublime. I know it's taken from an analogue source but wowzers. It's a bit bonkers in places but I really enjoy it.

Ah yes I gave him that! There are a few gems on there.

[Bigman80]

Ah yes I gave him that! There are a few gems on there.Read the label on the back. Black Cat got the gig to provide the cables for the recording. How do you get gigs like that?

I want one lmao

[Stryder5]

My OCD would need to see the same reading on those power supplies:lol:

IIRC there is a small adjuster screw that changes the voltage, easy to get them to read identically.

Gary

[SteveW]

This kit continues to impress.
The presentation of all sorts of music is just so enjoyable and makes returning to my older pi/dac combos somewhat lacking.
Had a 4 hour drive today and caught up with this podcast
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HLBYCY9X?stamp=0.79129600%201567625527

So tonight am listening to The Analogues album of Magical Mystery tour through the allo system
Just great. Totally recommended,
I can see that I’ll be heading down the Kantana route before too long.

[Jimbo]

This kit continues to impress.
The presentation of all sorts of music is just so enjoyable and makes returning to my older pi/dac combos somewhat lacking.
Had a 4 hour drive today and caught up with this podcast
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HLBYCY9X?stamp=0.79129600%201567625527

So tonight am listening to The Analogues album of Magical Mystery tour through the allo system
Just great. Totally recommended,
I can see that I’ll be heading down the Kantana route before too long.

Glad your still enjoying the Pi BOSS DAC Steve, it is a great little piece of kit. I have heard the Pecan Pi and Oliver's (Bigman) a number of times and I would definitely upgrade to this rather than the Katana. Great 3D soundstage and better control in the bass.

If you know Oli I would recommend a trip over to have a listen, I am sure he would oblige.