OPTO•USB Optical Isolation

OPTO•USB is a USB optical isolator that provides RF isolated transmission of high-resolution digital audio from a USB source to DAC. OPTO•USB uses all-dielectric multi-mode optical fiber for total galvanic isolation*. A 30 meter cable length allows convenient distancing of digital source & networking away from sensitive DAC and analog components.

Operation with Windows, macOS or Linux is plug-and-play. Supports USB 3.2, USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB 3.0 and is backward compatible with USB 2.0. Integrated connectors: transmitter USB 'A' male (5V power direct from source USB port); receiver USB 'A' female with an associated USB 'A' male (5V supplemental power for optical demodulation). Use short USB cables or adapters for connection from OPTO•USB receiver USB 'A' female to DAC USB input (USB ‘B’, USB ‘micro B’ or USB-C).  

Dan recommends:

• PURE•DC @ 5V for ultra-low noise and ultra-low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) power for OPTO•USB and DAC. Integrate with SRC•DX for the ultimate transparency of DBNC input to Chord Electronics DX DACs.
• Reduce RF noise injection to OPTO•USB (transmitter) by using a source USB-C port and the USB-C TX Filter and Adapter Cable option.

OPTO•USB is a core part of Dan's Reference 2024 systems.

*Avoid USB-over-optical solutions that embed a copper wire in the cable. This will conduct RF and act as an antenna for radiated RF.