iFi iDefender+ USB Audio Ground Loop Isolator - USB-C to USB-C
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OnBuy.com(Usb-C To Usb-C) Ifi Audio Idefender+ Usb Ground Loop Filter 5060738780037
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Product Information
Full details
The iFi iDefender+ is designed for audiophiles, producers, and home office users who experience disruptive ground loop hums or static interference in their USB audio chains. Its primary benefit is the ability to break ground loops and inject clean power to your DAC, ensuring a pristine signal path. A significant caveat is that it requires an external 5V power supply to utilize the power injection feature, which must be purchased separately if your goal is to bypass noisy bus power from your computer.
All features
| Model Part Number | 411389 |
|---|---|
| Brand | IFI |
Extended Product Information
FAQs
Do I need to use an external power supply?
You only need an external power supply if you want to bypass the computer's internal power to provide cleaner 5V current to your DAC.
Will this work with USB 2.0 DACs?
Yes, the iDefender+ is backward compatible with USB 2.0 devices while maintaining USB 3.0 data integrity.
Can I use any 5V USB charger for power injection?
Yes, provided the charger is stable and provides exactly 5V. High-quality linear power supplies or dedicated USB audio power supplies are recommended.
Does this device affect audio quality?
It does not change the audio signal itself, but by removing noise and interference, it allows the DAC to perform at its intended specification.
Is the iDefender+ powered by the computer?
Data is powered by the computer, but the power line can be fully replaced by an external source via the injection port.
Troubleshooting
Audio signal dropouts
Ensure the USB cable between the iDefender+ and the DAC is high-quality and not excessively long, as USB 3.0 signals are sensitive to length.
Hum persists even with the device installed
Verify that your external 5V power supply is connected to a clean power source and that the ground loop is not originating from another device, such as an active speaker system.
DAC is not recognized by the computer
Ensure the iDefender+ is fully seated in the port and try unplugging and re-plugging the USB connection to trigger a re-handshake.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Effectively eliminates audible ground loop buzz
- Supports high-speed USB 3.0 data transfer
- Improves DAC performance via external power injection
- Compact and portable design
- Durable gold-plated construction
Cons
- External 5V power supply not included
- Requires an additional cable for external power
- Adds length to your USB cable run
- May not fix noise caused by source hardware interference
Setup, Compatibility & Care
To set up the device, simply plug the iDefender+ directly into the USB port of your computer, then connect your DAC's USB cable to the output of the iDefender+. If you wish to use the power injection feature, connect a standard 5V USB power adapter to the USB-C side port of the iDefender+. The device is widely compatible with most USB-C to USB-C audio DACs and computer systems. For maintenance, keep the connectors free of dust and debris. If you notice a loose connection, inspect the port for lint accumulation. The device is purely passive in its signal path and does not require drivers or firmware updates.