Ifi iusb 3.0

[Confused]

@Antoine: did you already compare AIR3 to the microRendu?
I must say I use a cheap ethernet cable directly into the mac mini. I'm trying to make a decision on which path to take:
1. a finer ethernet cable AIR3
2. a NAA like the microrendu + reclocker
3. dedicated streamer Aurender like
eitherway I need a better cable, so that's a no brainer.
Question is how much better option 2 and 3 will sound.

I have compared AIR 3 with the microRendu, with both ifi and UptoneAudio LPS-1 power.  I have also done the same with the Mutec MCS+USB in the chain.  I think when doing this you are as much comparing input methods to the Devialet as much as comparing sources.  USB, Ethernet and AES/EBU do have different characteristics, in particular with bass definition.  The best example of this is a test I heard of the Aurender N10, feeding a Devialet first via USB, then AES/EBU.  With USB there was more bass, but the bass quality, accuracy and insight was much better via AES/EBU.  Another complication is that I suspect that some aspect of the USB implementation in the Pro is better than on the old Expert, so what holds true for the Expert may not translate directly to the Pro.  Anyway, with my system, my ears and the old D800, AIR had slightly better bass definition than an ifi powered mR via USB, but otherwise I would put the mR slightly ahead, a bit more real & analogue sounding, less 'digital glare.'  With the Pro, I'd put the mR+LPS-1 ahead in all areas, the bass issues I experience via USB on the D800, seaming mitigated by the Pro's USB.  Having said that, I need to be clear, I think AIR 3 is very good indeed and the margin to the LPS-1 powered mR is small.  Add the Mutec into the chain, and everything gets better in all areas.  I would love to put the LPS-1/mR/Mutec head to head with an Aurender N10, I reckon there would be very little in it.  It is worth noting that personally I think the N10 is superb, I have listened to one with the D800 and 1000 Pro, it works brilliantly with both.  Having said that, the LPS-1/mR/Mutec does have one clear advantage over the Aurender, in that you can use Roon, JRiver, Airplay and so on.  Also, the LPS-1/mR/Mutec is a touch cheaper.

I also agree with Antoine's 'silver bullet' comment.  When I first had the Mutec I thought it was so good, that you could feed it anything and it would isolate, clean up the signal, re-clock and sound superb.  However, it does appear to be dependant on what you feed it, better quality in, better quality comes out.  Using the Mutec with the mR, you can still hear the benefit gained from swapping ifi power for the LPS-1.

AIR 3 does sound very good though, plus it is now stable for most, extremely versatile, and effectively free.   Quite compelling!