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audio_engr, I’ve never had HFT Classic Gold or the copper Supreme fuses. I did compare the silver/gold Supreme 3 in my P3 to the Synergistic Black. This really was ‘no contest’ the Black was really much better sounding in my system/to my ears (YMMV). I wrote about it a bit here:
https://devialetchat.com/Thread-Antoine-...9#pid47989
Yesterday I received a shipping notice for the Orange fuses so I should receive these soon.
Last Friday I received the SR Orange fuses and installed these today in the P3 Power Plant and Hynes SR7 PSU where these replaced the SR Black fuses.
Well today I also learned an expensive lesson; the Mutec MC-3+USB does not like 12V DC input and much prefers the 6.2V. Yep I made an error hooking everything back up and read the faded hand written 12V description (upside down) on the SR7 as 6.2V.
(I’ve removed the internal SMPS from the Mutec and power it directly from the Hynes SR7 PSU)
Since both the SOTM TX-USBUltra and Mutec had their LED’s on and the Mutec showed its usual startup LED test at power on I did not immediately notice this error but the blue sync LED kept blinking instead of shortly blinking and then remain lit. After some troubleshooting I checked the connections and found my error. After reversing the connections to the SOTM and Mutec same blinking LED so I’ve burned the Mutec. I also noticed that there’s weird sounds coming from inside the Mutec.
Connected the SOTM to the previously unused and new USB input of my Devialet and this works so the SOTM is not harmed by the lower voltage (it shouldn’t but I wanted to be sure of course).
Oh well, at least nobody died!
I’ll think about replacing the Mutec for a new one, not sure yet. Had a very short listen and things actually sounded pretty good but of course this was with the SR Orange fuses installed (which like to settle for around 200-400hrs) Perhaps I’ll reinstall the Blacks back and have a listen again. Aaaaargh...stooooopid me!
So buying a couple of fuses resulted in me going on the search for a replacement MC-3+ USB. Still a bit ‘sick of it’ of course but there’s no changing it so better just move on.
I contacted Mutec yesterday by email and called them today to see if replacing the innards of the MC3 is an option. Of course this being my own fault and the device itself being nearly four years old they would not need to cooperate in any way. I spoke to Chris (CEO) and he was very helpful. Though he advised me to send the device so that they could diagnose the issue I’d rather have them send me new innards to get back up&running as soon as possible. This was possible but as the innards are almost the entire device (it’s just the case I would then re-use) this would cost nearly as much as new though he did offer at bit of discount. Of course I can always still send the device back and perhaps, if I’m lucky it could be just the pre-regs that are fried.
I also checked the second hand market and found a relatively young one on EBay that looked good. The reason for me calling Mutec was because there was little time left on the auction. Now of course I had to decide new vs. 2nd hand and what price I wanted to pay for the 2nd hand. I entered my max bid using an Ebay ‘sniper’ service and lo and behold I won the item.
Cognitive dissonance is actually running overtime now because as this all took place and in between I was listening to my system. The Orange fuses still installed and using Devialet’s USB input and this actually sounds really good. 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. The big question of course is, is this because of the USB input or the Orange fuses. Also because there are too little hours on the fuses, I’ve decided to leave things as they are and wait for the MC-3 to arrive and then compare. Otherwise there would always be the nagging thought ‘what if’. Selling the MC-3 on is of course always an option, especially now since it’s an unplanned purchase.
Oh the joys of being an audiophile...ehh why don’t you just enjoy the music Antoine? Well I can and do, always and however or wherever I listen to it. Also I’m not unhappy with how things sound but I always want to enjoy it even more at home through my main system and there’s always room for improvement.
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.
Hi @
Confused, thanks for the kind words!
It is indeed annoying (besides costly) and when all is done I’m actually just where it was. Nothing bettered, just replaced.
Oh well, it’s nothing like blowing up your lawnmower!
Man, what a story...I’m glad that you all had a laugh after considering the damage and what could have happened!
Regarding the comparison USB vs. Mutec; I agree and also see the similarities in our written impressions. Well that makes me glad I do replace the ‘burnt’ Mutec.
I’ll have to wait and see what’s still different when I place the new Mutec in my system (it’s still in transit so I have to be patient a bit longer) because of the fuses is. At least these will be well “settled” in/burned in when it’s all up &running again.
Friday January 24th I received the replacement Mutec I bought of EBay. The seller mentioned in the listing it was bought in 2018 but when I received it it became clear it was bought in 2016, about 6 months after I bought my own unit. Not happy about this as I now felt I paid too much for it, I contacted the seller and expressed my disappointment. Fortunately the seller was most reasonable and communicative. He also expressed to be sincerely sorry about it.
In my earlier email I suggested the seller two options, me sending it back+a full refund or me keeping the unit and a partial refund. In reply he offered me a higher partial refund than I suggested which I accepted as the device looked ‘as new’ and tested fine.
Of course I desoldered the internal SMPS from this replacement unit as well and all is running fine again, as before powered by the SR7 PSU.
I’ve decided not to comment on the effect of the SR Orange fuses since I don’t feel I ‘reliably’ or meaningfully can because of this ‘Mutec adventure’ and the long down time of the system and me not listening much until it was back again. Also when I now listen I’m still amazed about how much improvement there is because of the Etherregen (now without a doubt with an added effect by the fuses).
Another update; yesterday I’ve ordered the
new 2020 version of the Sablon Panatela Reserva Elite USB cable.
The last devices in my chain: Roon endpoint -> (Curious USB Regen link) -> SoTM TX-USBUltra -> (Phasure Lush^2 USB) -> Mutec MC-3+ USB -> (Shunyata Anaconda Digital XLR (AES/EBU) -> Devialet
I had been on the lookout for a USB cable to replace the too short (20cm) Curious Regen link. The earlier listening test of the Mutec vs. Devialet USB input only reconfirmed my preference for the Mutec route and thus my willingness to ‘invest’ a bit more. So I had started a list with several options including a second Phasure Lush^2, Shunyata Alpha USB, Intona (but not the $2000 or so Ultimate) and the Final Touch Audio Callisto. While still looking for options I came across several rave reviews in the WBF thread below. Relatively affordable but still being better than other way more costly reference cables including the Intona Ultimate which was actually used by Mark of Sablon Audio as a reference while developing his new 2020 USB cable. I decided to take the gamble, end the search and order it. It’s shipping from London tomorrow. To be continued!
https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/s...del.29912/
Interesting. Keep us posted Antoine!
(03-Feb-2020, 16:00)Antoine Wrote: [ -> ]Another update; yesterday I’ve ordered the new 2020 version of the Sablon Panatela Reserva Elite USB cable.
I have also heard many positive comments in regards to this cable. Looking forward to your impressions.
Last Thursday I received the Sablon 2020 USB cable and I installed it in my system yesterday while storm Ciara was raging over Holland at peak. It replaced the short (20cm) original Curious USB cable.
Today, around now, it has been in my system playing for 24H and I’m not sure yet. It does sound different than yesterday when it was sounding a bit closed in. Today it’s very open, spacious, focussed and highly resolving. Technically also surely better than the Curious. But as I said I’m not sure yet (if I’m completely happy with it) as I feel there’s something missing. There’s a bit less magic/emotional impact and I can’t put my finger on the reason yet. Perhaps it’s too clean, a bit too controlled/correct/neutral, as audiophile recordings absolutely sound amazing but that’s not the type of music I listen to very often. My type of music also sounds cleaner (there’s less ‘noise’ if you will) and improved over the board but slightly less engaging. It may be as simple as a bit less mid/upper bass bloom.
It’s more than reasonable to expect it needs more ‘burn in’ time though, so for now that’s what I’ll give it as I’m very curious as to how it will develop further.
While I was typing this Angus & Julia Stone’s ‘Draw your swords’ came on and it’s sounding utterly amazing...
this is confusing haha..OK like I said a bit more time is what I’ll give it. Of course it could also be me needing some adjustment.
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(10-Feb-2020, 15:39)Antoine Wrote: [ -> ]Last Thursday I received the Sablon 2020 USB cable and I installed it in my system yesterday while storm Ciara was raging over Holland at peak. It replaced the short (20cm) original Curious USB cable.
Today, around now, it has been in my system playing for 24H and I’m not sure yet. It does sound different than yesterday when it was sounding a bit closed in. Today it’s very open, spacious, focussed and highly resolving. Technically also surely better than the Curious. But as I said I’m not sure yet (if I’m completely happy with it) as I feel there’s something missing. There’s a bit less magic/emotional impact and I can’t put my finger on the reason yet. Perhaps it’s too clean, a bit too controlled/correct/neutral, as audiophile recordings absolutely sound amazing but that’s not the type of music I listen to very often. My type of music also sounds cleaner (there’s less ‘noise’ if you will) and improved over the board but slightly less engaging. It may be as simple as a bit less mid/upper bass bloom.
It’s more than reasonable to expect it needs more ‘burn in’ time though, so for now that’s what I’ll give it as I’m very curious as to how it will develop further.
While I was typing this Angus & Julia Stone’s ‘Draw your swords’ came on and it’s sounding utterly amazing... this is confusing haha..OK like I said a bit more time is what I’ll give it. Of course it could also be me needing some adjustment.
Interesting. Sounds like the typical struggle between additional clarity versus engagement loss. If I have to chose between the two, normally I would find engagement to be the attribute that wins in the long term. Additional burn-in time certainly makes sense, but then one has to be careful that the mass of nerve endings between our ears doesn't adjust to the new sound signature of the cable. Perhaps a burn-in followed by a quick reversion to the Curious would help confirm the perception?