Using a Chord M-Scaler with the Expert Pro 220

[Redwingnine]

Tried using the Chord M-Scaler with the Pro 220. Selected the third selection from the M-Scaler,  which provides the 220 Pro with a 176.4KHz or 192KHz input signal.  Makes a significant improvement with 220 Pro playback.  Every aspect of playback is simply better.  There is a noticeable difference with clarity,  soundstage,  you name any aspect of playback, it's improved. 

It's really noticeable when switching to streaming inputs,  where the M-Scaler is not in the chain.   From a sonic quality perspective,  sound is better from the computer source via USB to the M-Scaler vice direct streaming to the 220 Pro.  

If you happen to have a M-Scaler for your headphone setup, definitely look into using it with the Expert or Expert Pro.  You will be pleasantly surprised.

[Drifter]

Interesting, so your chain looks as follow:

Laptop/PC -> Mscaler (via USB) -> Devialet (via USB)

Is this only noticeable when the original signal is 44.1 and you have the mscaler upscale the signal or do you also notice it if you have native hirez tracks?

[Redwingnine]

The M-Scaler seems to improve all sources. It's most noticeable with 44.1 CD, but 48khz and hi res files also sound improved. The M-Scaler also performs a re-clocking of the input stream.

[Drifter]

Thanks for the response.

I have you managed to compare sound quality between the USB input via the Mscaler with streaming over Devialet Air or Roon RAAT?

[Redwingnine]

Running the input signals via the M-Scaler in all cases improves the sound. It's as if a slight veil is removed and increased clarity is the result.

I can't get Devialet AIR to work with my Windows 10 computer. It loads, but it fails to launch when selected. Have been able to get UPnP to work via Foobar.

[Delija]

And how does UPnP sound to you?

[Redwingnine]

ULPnP sounds OK, but not as good as using the M-Scaler as the input signal selector.

[Confused]

Interesting, so your chain looks as follow:

Laptop/PC -> Mscaler (via USB) -> Devialet (via USB)

Is this only noticeable when the original signal is 44.1 and you have the mscaler upscale the signal or do you also notice it if you have native hirez tracks?

Unless I am very much mistaken, the M-Scaler cannot output via USB, rather it outputs S/PDIF only, either via optical or BNC.

@Redwingnine - please can you clarify the connection method you are using?

[Redwingnine]

Tried using the Chord M-Scaler with the Pro 220. Selected the third selection from the M-Scaler,  which provides the 220 Pro with a 176.4KHz or 192KHz input signal.  Makes a significant improvement with 220 Pro playback.  Every aspect of playback is simply better.  There is a noticeable difference with clarity,  soundstage,  you name any aspect of playback, it's improved. 

It's really noticeable when switching to streaming inputs,  where the M-Scaler is not in the chain.   From a sonic quality perspective,  sound is better from the computer source via USB to the M-Scaler vice direct streaming to the 220 Pro.  

If you happen to have a M-Scaler for your headphone setup, definitely look into using it with the Expert or Expert Pro.  You will be pleasantly surprised.

Interesting, so your chain looks as follow:

Laptop/PC -> Mscaler (via USB) -> Devialet (via USB)

Is this only noticeable when the original signal is 44.1 and you have the mscaler upscale the signal or do you also notice it if you have native hirez tracks?

Unless I am very much mistaken, the M-Scaler cannot output via USB, rather it outputs S/PDIF only, either via optical or BNC.

@Redwingnine - please can you clarify the connection method you are using?

I use one of several different inputs:

1) M-Scaler optical in via TV,  M-Scaler BNC out to AES input of 220 Pro
2) M-Scaler USB input via computer,  M-Scaler BNC out to AES input of 220 Pro
3) M-Scaler BNC input via BluRay HDMI/Kanex Pro, M-Scaler BNC out to AES input of 220 Pro
4) UPnP to 220 Pro via computer 
5) Digital in to 220 Pro via SAT receiver 


Hope this clears up any confusion.

[Confused]

This might be of interest:

https://goldensound.audio/2022/03/17/cho...valuation/