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*. An integrated 30 meter optical cable length allows convenient distancing of digital source & networking components away from sensitive DAC and analog amplification.

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. Transmitter connector is USB 'A' male with 5V power directly from source USB port. Receiver connector is USB 'A' female with an associated USB 'A' male 5V power connector on a 75cm lead (supplemental power is required 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). Be aware that some 3rd party USB-C/A adapters may introduce RF noise from logic circuits and switch mode DC/DC power conversion for USB-C Power Delivery. Dan recommends the optional USB•FILTER + USB-A Adapters to greatly reduce source RF noise injection.

Dan recommends using PURE•DC @ 5V for ultra-low noise and ultra-low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) power for OPTO•USB receiver and DAC. Integrate OPTO•USB with SRC•DX for the ultimate transparency of DBNC input to Chord Electronics DX DACs.

OPTO•USB is a core part of Dan's REFERENCE•M2 system**.

*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 noise.

**OPTO•USB includes user applied heat sinks as the units may get warm after long periods of high resolution audio transmission.