Devialet Chat

(01-Sep-2016, 19:54)Harry. Wrote: [ -> ]

(27-Aug-2016, 01:45)Axel Wrote: [ -> ]

(26-Aug-2016, 21:28)Harry. Wrote: [ -> ]I installed the Mutec in my system on Monday. After being initially freaked out by the manual I found it fairly easy to operate by trial and error! I did get quite excited when I finally got some sound from it though. I have connected my Aurender, CD player and Sonos Connect so far with positive results. I really must read up on what "re clocking" actually does. The result however is a clearer sound with more definition and presence from all sources. Unfortunately it is not a beautiful item and those who purchased the Devialet for aesthetic reasons will be horrified. The definite improvement on sound quality is greater than I have achieved with any cable upgrade and must represent a high end bargain even with the lamentable exchange rate at the moment.

But hang on a minute, what part of this improvement is down to the use of the AES EBU input on the Devialet? I have connected the Mutec to this input, whereas the Aurender was previously connected to the USB input and the CD player to the coaxial digital. Frankly I'm not sure how to check this out.

I think there is still some investigating to be done. 

The dire exchange rate does take the shine off it somewhat, doesn't it?
I think that the USB input on the Devialet is probably the worst, but the coax input is on a par with the AES/EBU, I think. You say that your CD player was connected to the coax and that you have heard an improvement in SQ, which you can put down to the Mutec. The manual says you can switch the LEDs off by pressing both front panel buttons at the same time, so that it blends in a bit better. In fact you have to hold down the menu button, then press the select button.

Like you I have some Van den Hul interconnects and am using "The Second" cable as an AES EBU connector from Mutec to Devialet. This works well in my view although I am not sure if it is a true 110 ohm lead. I have compared this to a coax connection between the two components, using Van den Hul "The First" which I imagine is about as close the the second as you could get! I definitely prefer the AES but of course this could be due to difference in cable or difference in output connectors. Not a definitive test then but I am leaning towards the AES input on the Devialet as being the best. 

Bye the way, I quite like the lights on the Mutec! I will check out whether there is any sound improvement when they are switched off however.

Van den Hul first and second are both carbon filament and to my knowledge are unique in this respect, and I don't think it makes much difference what the resistance value is TBH. I use mine to connect the analogue out of the Oppo to the Devialet. To my ears the AES/EBU connection is superior to the USB.

(04-Sep-2016, 15:20)jfp Wrote: [ -> ]Hi folks
I have read the 16 pages. I already heard about the Mutec. So the usb version is the one even if you use the Aes ? 990€

I use a Moon mind to read the files in the Qnap Nas because I had issues with Air. I have to try Air 3 for Mac.
I have an optical bridge made with the TP link to avoid any perturbation. For a very small price.
I wonder if the Mutec provides a real gap in quality compared to this...

The TP-Link that you use and the Mutec are completely different. The Mutec reclocks the USB signal and outputs to AES/EBU and provides galvanic isolation so that no electrical noise/hash is transmitted. I use mine between my QNAP NAS and the Devialet.
The TP - Link Is simply a fibre to copper Ethernet converter.
So yes, the Mutec is superior and will give you an improvement in SQ. If you buy from Thomann.de, you can return it if you don't like it. 

I read that you use JRiver in QNAP directly from NAS to MUTEC and D400. So no need of streamer. How do you control JRIVER ?

(04-Sep-2016, 20:11)jfp Wrote: [ -> ]I read that you use JRiver in QNAP directly from NAS to MUTEC and D400. So no need of streamer. How do you control JRIVER ?

Yes, that's correct. I hook up my TV to the NAS to make the initial settings on JRiver and once that's done, I only need an iPad to control everything (NAS, Devialet and JRiver). I think they also do an Android app.
If you decide to try a Mutec, be aware that mine came on song after about 20 hours of use and Chris, the CEO recommended to leave it switched on for a couple of days. Since then I've left it on all the time.
It barely gives off any heat, so I don't think it's using much electricity.
Edit: I've just been looking at the technical data and the maximum power consumption is 10W

(04-Sep-2016, 15:20)jfp Wrote: [ -> ]Hi folks
I have read the 16 pages. I already heard about the Mutec. So the usb version is the one even if you use the Aes ? 990€

There is quite a lot written on Computer Audiophile about the Mutec MC3 versus the MC3+USB.  The short version is that irrespective of the USB implementation, the MC3+USB is the better performer sonically.  Although because of this, there might be a few bargain secondhand MC3's to be found.

FWIW - Having had the original mutec (no usb) in my system for about a year before upgrading to the USB version, I can certainly attest to the significant difference in the sound between the two with the USB version sounding faster, more articulate with more space around the instruments etc. I did not really find much improved by cascading them either . . .

in case you did not read it here are nice reviews.
Yes the more boxes and cables are a problem. I used to get NAIM many boxes and wanted to avoid them with D. Now I have a steamer since AIR had issues, a PSU for the streamer and ...

question : the Mutec is useful with a streamer and a non sense with AIR protocole; have you compared Air vs Mutec ?

https://andreweverard.com/2016/07/12/rev...tal-audio/

http://sonicus.net/Blog/wp-content/uploa...1-2015.pdf

Interesting question . . . I think the new air 3 beta sounds very good indeed!  Had I not already purchased a mutec I would've thought long and hard before I got one considering how close the sound is between the two . .

Refer to post #38 per the link below.

http://devialetchat.com/showthread.php?tid=1526&page=4

I am a fan of AIR, I have always liked how it sounds. However, the combination of microRendu and Mutec is a far more enjoyable listen. Subjectively, more detailed and realistic. Per the link above, I think this goes beyond the subjective into something very tangible.

see Mutec FB page about Denver show
https://www.facebook.com/mutecpro/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED
"And there may be an exceptional new product for you to see and hear as well..."