03-Oct-2017, 13:24
(02-Oct-2017, 14:53)yabaVR Wrote:Actually, I think I was guilty of over simplification in my above post. I actually fully agree that with the Expert you can obtain better transparency via USB than is possible via AIR, assuming you have a decent quality USB source of course. This certainly matches my own experience with kit like the Melco N1Z and CAD CAT. I think the point I was tying to make above is that with the Pro range (and Od'A which already has V6 ADH), AIR has taken a significant leap forward in terms of transparency and is now a match for what would previously been considered some pretty decent sources for the Expert. Although this is off topic here, I think it is worth mentioning that with the Expert range, although a decent source via USB can beat AIR, many have found that even better results can be obtained via AES/EBU. A good example of this is the Aurender N10, which can output via USB or AES/EBU, and with a Devialet Expert is generally agreed to sound better AES/EBU. Another example is of the many reports of people trying the Mutec MC3+USB to convert the USB source to AES/EBU, together with much re-clocking goodness and galvanic isolation. gui - I seem to recall you had thoughts of trying a Mutec MC3+USB? I may have got this wrong, but either way, I would strongly recommend you consider trying this. The Mutec works superbly with the Expert, you can retain all the goodness of your current optimised USB source, and indeed I noticed one for sale on this very forum yesterday, which is also located not far from yourself. (I am not after a commission here, just trying to be helpful )(02-Oct-2017, 13:30)Confused Wrote: In my experience with the 1000 Pro, Roon AIR is far more transparent than the USB input.
@ Confused
I've a contradict experience associated with USB signal transmission. In my system USB is clearly the better with more precision, dynamic, emotions to the music. But as always this depends on the source you are running the signal from (and USB cable). I've to admit that USB is much more dependent on the quality of the digital signal than ethernet/wiFi is. On many attempts it first sounded more digital/technical/less fluent/harsh and all the rest (you know it). But if everything is done the right way it delivers this extra of everything you love in your music. The last thing I came across was to close down every port on your PC (laptop in my case). With every port I mean that literally. That takes into account even something like a SD card reader in a laptop (and of course hdmi, usb, dvi, serial, power (if running on accu) )
gui
OK - Most of the above was very off topic, for which I apologise. So, getting things back on topic......
Well done to Pim and Soniclife for trying the 'gui test'. I have to say I am surprised that others have not tried this simple test and chimed in with their observations. The thing is, this is an incredibly easy test to try. It is just a case of select some music to play, set SAM to 0%, and toggle SAM on and off from the comfort of your favourite chair whilst listening. It's that easy! Also, as Pim mentioned above, you can easily do this as a pseudo blind test. If you rapidly and repeatedly press the SAM on off button on the remote you soon loose any notion as to if on or off is selected, then simply listen, occasionally toggle the SAM on / off button, if you find a preference one way or the other, or notice more micro detail one way or the other, you can check the amp to see if SAM is on or off. Then repeat to see if your results are consistent or not. It's fun for all the family, why not give it a try!
1000 Pro - KEF Blade - iFi Zen Stream - Mutec REF10 - MC3+USB - Pro-Ject Signature 12