A fascinating post @Dan ! I would just like to check that I have interpreted your observations correctly. With the NUC end point in play, you added in the tx-USBultra, Mutec MC3+USB and REF10 etc., and basically the sound quality was much the same as just the NUC end point on it's own? Quite remarkable. Although this is consistent with some other NUC observations I have read, for example, someone who reckoned an Audio Linux NUC 7 sounded better without a tx-USBultra than with. I have to say that it is excellent to read about such good results from something relatively low cost. There are so many "solutions" that cost an absolute fortune, then get superseded within a year or two, so it is refreshing to see something this simple delivering the goods. I am sure that the SR4 is helping to the end result also, from what I have read elsewhere these NUC's do respond to decent power.
And what an honor to have Larry hand deliver the thing! Although I somehow doubt he would offer the same service to someone in the southeast of England.
All of this gives me a bit of inspiration. The sMS-200Ultra that I am running is supposed to be roughly equivalent to the (much cheaper) AudioLinux NUC 7's, assuming SOtM's latest V04.5.1 firmware is used. So something I could try is to run my sMS-200Ultra direct via USB, rather than via the REF10 / MC3+USB. Easy enough to try, and I am not sure what the end result might be.
I am slightly curious as to what you will spend all that free cash on assuming you sell the SOtM and Mutec kit? How about an upgrade to a 220Pro? Which, as it happens, is supposed to be a little better via USB than your current 120, as well as being a better amp all 'round. Of course, you could just book a nice holiday or buy a second-hand sportscar.
Just out of interest, what speakers are you running at the moment?
Meanwhile, all I can say is congratulations and enjoy the tunes!
And what an honor to have Larry hand deliver the thing! Although I somehow doubt he would offer the same service to someone in the southeast of England.
All of this gives me a bit of inspiration. The sMS-200Ultra that I am running is supposed to be roughly equivalent to the (much cheaper) AudioLinux NUC 7's, assuming SOtM's latest V04.5.1 firmware is used. So something I could try is to run my sMS-200Ultra direct via USB, rather than via the REF10 / MC3+USB. Easy enough to try, and I am not sure what the end result might be.
I am slightly curious as to what you will spend all that free cash on assuming you sell the SOtM and Mutec kit? How about an upgrade to a 220Pro? Which, as it happens, is supposed to be a little better via USB than your current 120, as well as being a better amp all 'round. Of course, you could just book a nice holiday or buy a second-hand sportscar.
Just out of interest, what speakers are you running at the moment?
Meanwhile, all I can say is congratulations and enjoy the tunes!
1000 Pro - KEF Blade - iFi Zen Stream - Mutec REF10 - MC3+USB - Pro-Ject Signature 12
