Does Zen Server mk3 have galvanic isolation on its USB output to the DAC?

[alanrew]

I've looked at the documentation for my Innuos Zen Server mk3 & I can't find anywhere that says whether the USB output is galvanically isolated. The Ethernet connections are documented as being so.

The reason I ask is to discover whether the USB connection could somehow be a source of RF interference into the DAC.

Thanks in anticipation.

 

[Stephen Healy]

Hi Alan,
It does not, because galvanic isolation is rather overestimated in its benefit - it's primary purpose is to protect against electrical discharges; it cannot reverse the effects of RF on a signal. Furthermore, in instances when both source and DAC have galvanic isolation, this can lead to a lot of comms/desync issues.

 

[alanrew]

Hi Alan,
It does not, because galvanic isolation is rather overestimated in its benefit - it's primary purpose is to protect against electrical discharges; it cannot reverse the effects of RF on a signal. Furthermore, in instances when both source and DAC have galvanic isolation, this can lead to a lot of comms/desync issues.

Thanks for your detailed reply, it's very helpful.