Regarding a comparison of USB versus AES/EBU via the MC3+USB. (or maybe a comparison with / without fuses)
You said:
There’s a certain ‘sweetness’ to the sound I did not hear this way before. Melodies are more liquid too. So things sound a bit more ‘mellow’ and relaxed. While ‘prettier’ in a way and it being something I could certainly live with, I do like a bit more life and dynamics plus the bigger soundstage I think I had.
I said: (earlier post from my SOtM / Mutec thread, trying USB versus MC3+USB AES/EBU)
With some tracks things did indeed seem a little nicer and more organic via USB, but also softer. It was clear that via the MC3+USB things sounded more dynamic, with more PRAT if you like. Switching the same track from USB to AES/EBU in some cases there was a noticeable increase in bass punch, things sounded much sharper and more dynamic. Yet, there remains something that with some music sounded a little nicer via USB. So, a slightly mixed result, but on balance I much preferred the results via AES/EBU.
Pretty similar I would say? I think a lot of what you said is likely to be MC3+USB related.
I was sorry to hear about your troubles with the MC3+USB. It reminds me of the time I casually plugged my lawn mower into the mains. It exploded, taking out the windows in three houses. This was a puzzle at the time, but we had a laugh about it later once I remembered it was petrol powered.
Good luck getting the MC3+USB sorted, I know how annoying it is when this kind of thing happens.
You said:
There’s a certain ‘sweetness’ to the sound I did not hear this way before. Melodies are more liquid too. So things sound a bit more ‘mellow’ and relaxed. While ‘prettier’ in a way and it being something I could certainly live with, I do like a bit more life and dynamics plus the bigger soundstage I think I had.
I said: (earlier post from my SOtM / Mutec thread, trying USB versus MC3+USB AES/EBU)
With some tracks things did indeed seem a little nicer and more organic via USB, but also softer. It was clear that via the MC3+USB things sounded more dynamic, with more PRAT if you like. Switching the same track from USB to AES/EBU in some cases there was a noticeable increase in bass punch, things sounded much sharper and more dynamic. Yet, there remains something that with some music sounded a little nicer via USB. So, a slightly mixed result, but on balance I much preferred the results via AES/EBU.
Pretty similar I would say? I think a lot of what you said is likely to be MC3+USB related.
I was sorry to hear about your troubles with the MC3+USB. It reminds me of the time I casually plugged my lawn mower into the mains. It exploded, taking out the windows in three houses. This was a puzzle at the time, but we had a laugh about it later once I remembered it was petrol powered.
Good luck getting the MC3+USB sorted, I know how annoying it is when this kind of thing happens.
1000 Pro - KEF Blade - iFi Zen Stream - Mutec REF10 - MC3+USB - Pro-Ject Signature 12