04-Jun-2017, 13:48
Regarding @Emeralds and @audio_engr's recent posts I have some thoughts.
Auralic Aries G2 + Auralic Upsampler G2 + Auralic Master Clock - This is indeed a lot more cash than the dCS Network Bridge, but if you are comparing to dCS, the Auralic G2 range is in many ways far more equivalent to the dCS Vivaldi Upsampler and Master clock. This is £24,000 list price in the UK, so on this basis the Auralic is a bargain! Having said that, the G2 Transporter is roughly the same price as the Network Bridge, and similar spec in many ways. (although the Auralic has a nice screen, which is either a positive or a negative if you are worried about screen 'noise') The dCS Vivaldi is very good though and I doubt the Auralic could match it. However, nobody has listened to the Auralic G2 range as far as I know, certainly nobody has hooked one up to a Devialet, so time will tell on this one, maybe it will be a giant killer?
There was a comment you copied in your earlier post stating that the microRendu is better than the Aurender N10. I have tried both with a D800 and would not agree, the Aurender is far superior. Interestingly, I was at a dealer event once and the dealer demoed the Aurender N10 via USB then AES/EBU with the same music. This was with a D800 and Sasha II's. Everyone preferred the N10 via AES/EBU.
Regarding the ultraRendu, nobody has heard that one either!
Another option with all these lower cost 'end points' / Ethernet to USB converters that are available, is to use the Mutec MC3+USB, which converts to AES/EBU and provides reclocking goodness. In my system the microRendu + Mutec works well. With this 'front end' I am currently experimenting with HQPlayer, with some very encouraging results. I am very interested in the dCS Network Bridge, but it is not compatible with HQPlayer, so that one is a big negative for me. It is also worth noting the new Mutec Ref 10 clock, which is reportedly very high specification, but it is not compatible with dCS products I believe.
There are also products like the IsoRegen and SOtM equivalents. I have noted some negatives with the Devialet's USB input but I do wonder if something like the IsoRegen might mitigate by providing full galvanic isolation and eliminating leakage loops?
This is all very system dependant, and musical preferences are a factor. The issues I have noted with the Devialet's USB have been with the very lowest bass, which I'm guessing might be more of an issue with myself playing electronica on the KEF Blades versus something more refined on the Atohms, we all have different priorities. This low bass issue can be caused by leakage loops, hence my earlier comment.
My conclusion is that there does happen to be a lot of interesting products either just released or due to be released imminently, so a good time for me to sit on the fence, tweak with HQPlayer in the in the short term, and wait to see how the new products perform. There is almost too much choice now, but that is no bad thing I think, it does not make choosing easy though!
Auralic Aries G2 + Auralic Upsampler G2 + Auralic Master Clock - This is indeed a lot more cash than the dCS Network Bridge, but if you are comparing to dCS, the Auralic G2 range is in many ways far more equivalent to the dCS Vivaldi Upsampler and Master clock. This is £24,000 list price in the UK, so on this basis the Auralic is a bargain! Having said that, the G2 Transporter is roughly the same price as the Network Bridge, and similar spec in many ways. (although the Auralic has a nice screen, which is either a positive or a negative if you are worried about screen 'noise') The dCS Vivaldi is very good though and I doubt the Auralic could match it. However, nobody has listened to the Auralic G2 range as far as I know, certainly nobody has hooked one up to a Devialet, so time will tell on this one, maybe it will be a giant killer?
There was a comment you copied in your earlier post stating that the microRendu is better than the Aurender N10. I have tried both with a D800 and would not agree, the Aurender is far superior. Interestingly, I was at a dealer event once and the dealer demoed the Aurender N10 via USB then AES/EBU with the same music. This was with a D800 and Sasha II's. Everyone preferred the N10 via AES/EBU.
Regarding the ultraRendu, nobody has heard that one either!
Another option with all these lower cost 'end points' / Ethernet to USB converters that are available, is to use the Mutec MC3+USB, which converts to AES/EBU and provides reclocking goodness. In my system the microRendu + Mutec works well. With this 'front end' I am currently experimenting with HQPlayer, with some very encouraging results. I am very interested in the dCS Network Bridge, but it is not compatible with HQPlayer, so that one is a big negative for me. It is also worth noting the new Mutec Ref 10 clock, which is reportedly very high specification, but it is not compatible with dCS products I believe.
There are also products like the IsoRegen and SOtM equivalents. I have noted some negatives with the Devialet's USB input but I do wonder if something like the IsoRegen might mitigate by providing full galvanic isolation and eliminating leakage loops?
This is all very system dependant, and musical preferences are a factor. The issues I have noted with the Devialet's USB have been with the very lowest bass, which I'm guessing might be more of an issue with myself playing electronica on the KEF Blades versus something more refined on the Atohms, we all have different priorities. This low bass issue can be caused by leakage loops, hence my earlier comment.
My conclusion is that there does happen to be a lot of interesting products either just released or due to be released imminently, so a good time for me to sit on the fence, tweak with HQPlayer in the in the short term, and wait to see how the new products perform. There is almost too much choice now, but that is no bad thing I think, it does not make choosing easy though!
1000 Pro - KEF Blade - iFi Zen Stream - Mutec REF10 - MC3+USB - Pro-Ject Signature 12
