24-Aug-2017, 17:36
Perfect summary from Rufus really.
Here is my summary of the findings:
1) the new OdA/PRO architecture is far less sensitive to the link cable. When I carried out similar experiments a few years ago on my D800 the differences between link cables were stark. Way way more dramatic.
2) SPDIF seems to be the best way of connecting the units. Even throwing the proverbial kitchen sink at the hybrid link (i.e. Sigma cable + TAP module) results in only modest improvements over the Alpha SPDIF link.
3) The hybrid connection has a slightly different presentation, perhaps a tad quieter. There is some loss of detail though. The Sigma hybrid overcomes some of this though but it doesn't improve much on the Alpha SPDIF.
4) the Audioquest Carbon was the poorest performer when compared to the Transparent Ref XL and Alpha SPDIF. There was a bigger gap between AQ carbon and the other two. Between Transparent and Alpha the gap was much smaller.
5) the Audioprana whilst good was outclassed by the two Shunyata hybrids. It can initially sound a bit bright in the highs and dull elsewhere. However for the price it is a great performer perhaps a bargain even.
6) the Alpha SPDIF is the liveliest (in a good way) of all the cables. It has the edge over the Transparent on detail.
7) the Transparent remains a great performer however. It is slightly calmer and warmer sounding than the Alpha which some may prefer.
Guillaume
Here is my summary of the findings:
1) the new OdA/PRO architecture is far less sensitive to the link cable. When I carried out similar experiments a few years ago on my D800 the differences between link cables were stark. Way way more dramatic.
2) SPDIF seems to be the best way of connecting the units. Even throwing the proverbial kitchen sink at the hybrid link (i.e. Sigma cable + TAP module) results in only modest improvements over the Alpha SPDIF link.
3) The hybrid connection has a slightly different presentation, perhaps a tad quieter. There is some loss of detail though. The Sigma hybrid overcomes some of this though but it doesn't improve much on the Alpha SPDIF.
4) the Audioquest Carbon was the poorest performer when compared to the Transparent Ref XL and Alpha SPDIF. There was a bigger gap between AQ carbon and the other two. Between Transparent and Alpha the gap was much smaller.
5) the Audioprana whilst good was outclassed by the two Shunyata hybrids. It can initially sound a bit bright in the highs and dull elsewhere. However for the price it is a great performer perhaps a bargain even.
6) the Alpha SPDIF is the liveliest (in a good way) of all the cables. It has the edge over the Transparent on detail.
7) the Transparent remains a great performer however. It is slightly calmer and warmer sounding than the Alpha which some may prefer.
Guillaume
Industry disclosure: UK distributor for Shunyata Research
220 PRO, totaldac d1 server with additional external power supply, totaldac d1-seven, Echole PSU for Totaldac, Wilson Audio Sasha 2, Shunyata Research cables, Shunyata Hydra Alpha A10 + DPC-6 v3, Various Entreq ground boxes and cables, Entreq Athena level 3 rack, 2 X SOtM sNH-10G with sCLK-EX + 10MHz Master Clock input + sPS-500 PSU, i5 sonicTransporter w/ 1TB SSD
UK
