Antoine's system

[Antoine]

I see the last update in this topic was 30-12-2014! I haven't changed anything in my system since then so there's the perfect explanation for it as well.

There are some things brewing here though so I guess an update is in order.

* An Uptone Audio USB Regen 'Amber' is currently in transit to me. It's currently in some USPS hub in San Francisco, I hope it will be delivered to me some day next week.

There's already a topic running (http://devialetchat.com/showthread.php?tid=1139) about the Regen so I won't divulge much about what it can do. All I can say is that this little device should be interesting for anyone using the Devialet USB input. It seems to work wonders, all I read are positive user reviews. Question for me is will it be able to further improve on my JCAT USB interface card with JCAT/Bakoon battery PSU and TotalDAC D1 USB filter cable. Some say it does!

http://uptoneaudio.com/products/usb-regen
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f10-mu...gen-22803/
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac...ons-24078/
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac...use-24410/


* Another tweak under way: I'm going to fully isolate my PC music server from my network using optical fiber. I already shared my shopping list (http://devialetchat.com/showthread.php?tid=1435) but I've expanded it somewhat:

2 x TP-Link Gigabit Ethernet Media Converter MC220L €30/piece
2 x Cisco GLC-SX-MM Mini GBIC €9/piece (used)(to be inserted into the TP-Links)
1 x 5m LC-LC OM3/OM4 multi mode fiber optic cable €15
1 x 0,5m CAT 7 SFTP ethernet cable €2 (to connect the FMC to my music server. I'll use an existing 'normal' length cable to connect the other FMC to my Netgear switch.
1 x "Chinese" linear power supply 9V from EBay.  I of course don't want to use the SMPS that comes with the TP-Link FMC near the system.
and finally some wire and 5.5x2.1mm DC connectors

Some of it is already in house (see picture attached) I'm now waiting for the TP-Link FMC's and LPSU to be delivered.


* Roon, 2nd PC music server for JPlay Dual PC setup

This idea hasn't fully materialized yet but I am thinking about expanding my setup with a 2nd PC based music server using new parts so I can upgrade to JPlay's Dual PC mode.

HD-Plex should release a new 300W ATX linear power supply and the new H5 case soon and these would be ideal. I can then swap some parts and of course re-use the current HD-Plex linear PSU and DC ATX converter for the new 'control PC'. The 'audio PC' that connects to the DAC in my case the Devialet deserves the best PSU hardware.

This would also allow me to run a dedicated Roon core on the control PC in the future and thus separate from the audio PC. I haven't trialled Roon yet but I'm quite enthousiastic about it based on the info Roon and others shared.

[brit]

I see the last update in this topic was 30-12-2014! I haven't changed anything in my system since then so there's the perfect explanation for it as well.

There are some things brewing here though so I guess an update is in order.

* An Uptone Audio USB Regen 'Amber' is currently in transit to me. It's currently in some USPS hub in San Francisco, I hope it will be delivered to me some day next week.

There's already a topic running (http://devialetchat.com/showthread.php?tid=1139) about the Regen so I won't divulge much about what it can do. All I can say is that this little device should be interesting for anyone using the Devialet USB input. It seems to work wonders, all I read are positive user reviews. Question for me is will it be able to further improve on my JCAT USB interface card with JCAT/Bakoon battery PSU and TotalDAC D1 USB filter cable. Some say it does!

http://uptoneaudio.com/products/usb-regen
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f10-mu...gen-22803/
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac...ons-24078/
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac...use-24410/


* Another tweak under way: I'm going to fully isolate my PC music server from my network using optical fiber. I already shared my shopping list (http://devialetchat.com/showthread.php?tid=1435) but I've expanded it somewhat:

2 x TP-Link Gigabit Ethernet Media Converter MC220L €30/piece
2 x Cisco GLC-SX-MM Mini GBIC €9/piece (used)(to be inserted into the TP-Links)
1 x 5m LC-LC OM3/OM4 multi mode fiber optic cable €15
1 x 0,5m CAT 7 SFTP ethernet cable €2 (to connect the FMC to my music server. I'll use an existing 'normal' length cable to connect the other FMC to my Netgear switch.
1 x "Chinese" linear power supply 9V from EBay.  I of course don't want to use the SMPS that comes with the TP-Link FMC near the system.
and finally some wire and 5.5x2.1mm DC connectors

Some of it is already in house (see picture attached) I'm now waiting for the TP-Link FMC's and LPSU to be delivered.


* Roon, 2nd PC music server for JPlay Dual PC setup

This idea hasn't fully materialized yet but I am thinking about expanding my setup with a 2nd PC based music server using new parts so I can upgrade to JPlay's Dual PC mode.

HD-Plex should release a new 300W ATX linear power supply and the new H5 case soon and these would be ideal. I can then swap some parts and of course re-use the current HD-Plex linear PSU and DC ATX converter for the new 'control PC'. The 'audio PC' that connects to the DAC in my case the Devialet deserves the best PSU hardware.

This would also allow me to run a dedicated Roon core on the control PC in the future and thus separate from the audio PC. I haven't trialled Roon yet but I'm quite enthousiastic about it based on the info Roon and others shared.

Wow, your dedication to this Hi Fi lark never cease to amaze me - I just like the "boxes" to plug in and let them play away .

David

[Antoine]

Thanks Brit, ehh I guess! There are times of course (like the past 7 months) I am just like you, when I just want to listen to music without any distractions. But there's also times when I like the fiddling and tweaking to explore new technologies, or better said, new applications of these technologies to improve my system. It's all a part of the same hobby for me and of course, as with all hobbies/favorite past times, we should all do exactly what we want, nothing more or less.



edit: general note: just saw my Regen arrived in Amsterdam this morning so it's very close to being delivered.

[GuillaumeB]

edit: general note: just saw my Regen arrived in Amsterdam this morning so it's very close to being delivered.

Now that is going to garner a lot of interest! 

Guillaume

[brit]

Thanks Brit, ehh I guess! There are times of course (like the past 7 months) I am just like you, when I just want to listen to music without any distractions. But there's also times when I like the fiddling and tweaking to explore new technologies, or better said, new applications of these technologies to improve my system. It's all a part of the same hobby for me and of course, as with all hobbies/favorite past times, we should all do exactly what we want, nothing more or less.



edit: general note: just saw my Regen arrived in Amsterdam this morning so it's very close to being delivered.

Just go for it - look forward to hearing about it in future updates  .

Also look forward to your views on the Regen - something I had also thought about (another box )

David

[Antoine]

edit: general note: just saw my Regen arrived in Amsterdam this morning so it's very close to being delivered.

Now that is going to garner a lot of interest!

Guillaume

It's booming! See the links I posted above about it, I think there's little I can later add, except agree or disagree with the opinions.

[Antoine]

Just go for it - look forward to hearing about it in future updates  .

Also look forward to your views on the Regen - something I had also thought about (another box )

David

I will and will share!

[Morten]

Hi Antoine,

Are you using the new streamer function on J-play?

I have also a Regen on order, will be in the next batch—how will you connect it the your 250? I have heard rumors that it is not so easy with the "direct" connection.

I am looking forward the hear your comments about the device, and just for the fun of it, perhaps a small test between you highly optimized PC and a standard PC with the Regen in between...

Kind regards Morten

[Antoine]

Hi Morten,

I'm not yet using the streamer function of JPlay but I may in the future. Did give a quick try it in the earlier beta's of JPlay but didn't like the remote control functionality (a bit too slow). But please note I didn't try much else or experiment with the different control points.

My Regen seems to be stuck in customs since June 13 () but when it finally arrives I will use the short, solid converter and connect that and the Regen to the 250. My 250 lies flat and it's cover lies a bit tilted on the 250 anyway because of the power connector being too big. I'll have to wait and see how it all fits best.

I don't have a standard PC near the Devialet so won't be able to test that with the Regen.

Your item is being processed by customs in NETHERLANDS at 5:44 pm on June 13, 2015.

[Antoine]

The TP-Link ethernet fiber converters are up&running!!  For now with it's standard SMPS walwart. So now my music server is fully isolated (electrically) from the network.

Stress tested it up to the full 1gbps and it works great. Can't tell if it made a difference in sound since I am currently 'suffering' from the symptoms of hay fever, my nose, ears etc. are full of stuff that shouldn't be there! 

While I was at it I removed all the cables and an ethernet switch with 'huge' 12V linear PSU I don't need anymore so instead of creating more clutter I actually ended up with less!