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iFi ZEN Stream
#9
(06-Sep-2021, 20:35)hardcore Wrote: @Confused - Have you tried comparing the two, but this time, make sure you disconnect the unused input from the Mutec? e.g. you are using SPDIF from the iFi, so while testing the iFi, make sure the USB input from the SOTM is physically disconnected from the Mutec? And vice-versa when listening to the SOTM.

IMO a lot of the sound character comes from the cables you have physically connected to your devices, forming a network of ground and noise paths. So to get a more accurate comparison you'd have to disconnect the unused inputs or cables.

In addition it would also be interesting to compare the WiFi vs Ethernet input on the iFi. WiFi testing with the Ethernet cable physically disconnected. My personal preference is usually WiFi since it avoids another cable for the noise to travel through.

Regarding your first point, the simple answer is no, when comparing the iFi and SOtM kit both have been permanently connected to the Mutec MC3+USB. Of course, when I am trying rapid A/B comparisons, this is how things need to be, it would take far to long to swap cables between listens. Although when I am long term listening to one device or the other it would be simple enough to disconnect anything that is not in use.

One point I would make is that I cannot say that I have noticed much difference listening with the SOtM kit with the iFi still connected, versus the past when I did not even have the iFi. Then again, I have never listened to the iFi with the SOtM's USB not connected to the Mutec. So you point is well received. This is one of those things that is easy and cost free to try, and I am always willing to try anything if it is easy and cost free!

With respect to trying the iFi via WiFi, this is something that I had thought about trying, it is on my "to do" list. Currently I have an EtherRegen plus some DX Engineering ISO-Plus Ethernet RF filters. For the record, when trying A/B comparisons between the iFi and SOtM kit, I have simply left the EtherRegen etc. out of the chain and connected both devices direct to a conventional switch, this is in the interests of a fair and like for like comparison. I tend to reinstate the EtherRegen and the filters when long term listening to one device or the other, which I guess is a similar approach to you idea of removing the "unused" connections as appropriate.

But yes, the prospect of using the iFi by WiFi is an interesting one, and something I certainly plan to try.

@ogs - I am a little confused regarding exactly what the Zen Stream includes with respect to the iPurifier. iFi's Website states that the S/PDIF output includes the iPurifier, plus some press releases mention the iPurifier 3. (which is a USB device) So I think the USB has the iPurifier 3 innards, and I guess the S/PDIF has the iPurifier 2 innards, but I am not 100% sure on this point.
1000 Pro - KEF Blade - iFi Zen Stream - Mutec REF10 - MC3+USB - Pro-Ject Signature 12
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Messages In This Thread
iFi ZEN Stream - by Confused - 28-Jun-2021, 16:16
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Confused - 23-Jul-2021, 08:22
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Confused - 04-Aug-2021, 12:38
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by ismarketing - 04-Sep-2021, 17:47
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Confused - 06-Sep-2021, 18:36
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by hardcore - 06-Sep-2021, 20:35
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by ismarketing - 07-Sep-2021, 00:08
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Confused - 08-Sep-2021, 09:17
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by ogs - 07-Sep-2021, 10:12
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Delija - 08-Sep-2021, 11:30
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Confused - 08-Sep-2021, 14:11
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Delija - 08-Sep-2021, 14:25
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Confused - 08-Sep-2021, 17:59
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Delija - 09-Sep-2021, 10:58
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Confused - 12-Sep-2021, 13:50
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Delija - 12-Sep-2021, 14:16
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by ismarketing - 12-Sep-2021, 15:15
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Confused - 13-Sep-2021, 11:34
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Delija - 13-Sep-2021, 11:53
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Confused - 13-Sep-2021, 12:18
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Delija - 13-Sep-2021, 12:37
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Jnan_devi - 23-Sep-2021, 17:51
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Confused - 26-Sep-2021, 13:52
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Jnan_devi - 26-Sep-2021, 16:53
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Jnan_devi - 26-Sep-2021, 16:58
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Vivialet - 23-Nov-2021, 14:06
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Confused - 24-Nov-2021, 14:33
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Vivialet - 25-Nov-2021, 14:11
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Vivialet - 10-Jul-2022, 21:54
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Vivialet - 11-Jul-2022, 16:27
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Confused - 12-Jul-2022, 21:28
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by David A - 13-Jul-2022, 08:14
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Confused - 13-Jul-2022, 13:43
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Vivialet - 13-Jul-2022, 15:02
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Confused - 13-Jul-2022, 17:43
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Confused - 21-Aug-2022, 14:00
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by David A - 13-Jul-2022, 20:35
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Vivialet - 14-Jul-2022, 09:39
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by markush - 15-Jul-2022, 09:11
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Vivialet - 15-Jul-2022, 11:01
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by markush - 23-Jul-2022, 07:54
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Pim - 23-Jul-2022, 12:12
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Vivialet - 26-Jul-2022, 09:24
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by hardcore - 26-Jul-2022, 11:03
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Vivialet - 27-Jul-2022, 10:18
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Delija - 27-Jul-2022, 13:01
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Vivialet - 27-Jul-2022, 21:37
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Delija - 28-Jul-2022, 01:30
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Vivialet - 28-Jul-2022, 13:20
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by hardcore - 28-Jul-2022, 08:42
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Vivialet - 28-Jul-2022, 13:17
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Delija - 28-Jul-2022, 13:22
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by markush - 28-Jul-2022, 21:09
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Vivialet - 29-Jul-2022, 07:32
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Vivialet - 02-Aug-2022, 13:17
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Delija - 02-Aug-2022, 13:27
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Confused - 03-Aug-2022, 13:22
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by hardcore - 03-Aug-2022, 13:56
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by hardcore - 03-Aug-2022, 13:39
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Vivialet - 02-Aug-2022, 14:19
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Vivialet - 03-Aug-2022, 14:35
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Confused - 03-Aug-2022, 18:12
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Vivialet - 03-Aug-2022, 20:44
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by hardcore - 21-Aug-2022, 07:20
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Confused - 21-Aug-2022, 14:14
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Vivialet - 21-Aug-2022, 20:08
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by hardcore - 22-Aug-2022, 11:31
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Vivialet - 22-Aug-2022, 13:12
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by hardcore - 22-Aug-2022, 13:43
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by Vivialet - 22-Aug-2022, 20:07
RE: iFi ZEN Stream - by hardcore - 23-Aug-2022, 13:32

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