Results 51 to 77 of 77
-
April 11, 2020, 02:33 PM #51
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
Yes, but still out of the music room, now instead of the modem being 45’ away, it’s now about 8/9’, the coaxial RG6 spans the distance, the Belkin while a good gap doesn’t compare against all AQ Diamonds, everything off the bat sounds better. One thing I am hearing is a lot more timbre around voices and instruments, will come back to qualify.
I’m gonna let things settle a bit while I start the next painting project as there are several new things that occurred this morning, a 1.5 hour project that took 5 hours
I will look at the AC10 and what it does.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProSource Analog: Kuzma Stabi R w/4point 11 arm | Kuzma 50 Cartridge
Source Digital: Aurender N10 | Brinkmann Nyquist MK II
Amplification: Dan D’Agostino Momentum HD and M400’s | Boulder 508
Speakers: Wilson Alexias
Cabling: Nordost Leif, Norse, V2 and Odin
Power and Isolation: Audio-Ultra Home & Room Power Foundation Performance Package with StromTank S1000 | HRS
-
April 11, 2020, 04:29 PM #52
-
April 11, 2020, 04:47 PM #53
- Join Date
- May 2015
- Posts
- 206
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
Source: Taiko Audio Server, Cisco 2960 Switch, Gigafoil, Lampizator Pacific Dac. Amp: Bakoon 13r Speakers: AvantGarde Duo Mezzo XD, Cables: Alan Maher Designs Power, Duelund Speaker, Shunyata Sigma IC's Audioquest Diamond ethernet. Room Treatment Vicoustic.
-
April 11, 2020, 06:21 PM #54
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
I have mostly positive experience with switches and Gigafoil. Ever since I got the MSB Discrete, I went for strictly streaming with Ethernet input on MSB and Nucleus to run Roon Core. I understand many people keep a few options, but I decided that streaming alone is enough for my listening habit and the music I listen to.
At first, I use AQ Diamond Ethernet cable from Apple AirPort Extreme to the DAC, AE powered by Teddy Pardo LPS. Although AQ Diamond + LPS make things listenable, I do notice this configuration was not as good as physically stored music played via an Aurender or Lumin (I have had both at some point but at different times).
Then Gigafoil came along, which was inserted between AE and the DAC. And I remember how gobsmacked I felt when Gigafoil was first inserted. That was an eye opener. I felt this was at minimum on par with playing music off Aurender.
After this, Keces came along, power both Gigafoil and Nucleus with special ordered DC cables. That also brought up the performance considerably.
At one point, I also tried AQVox SE (replacing AE), but ultimately I decided to return as I felt the improvement was not worth $1,800. Now I have EtherREGEN in the place of AE and I think it’s a no brainer for the improvement it brings. It costs 1/3rd of AQVox and performs better in my system (YMMV, I do know many people swear by AQVox). However, this improvement is not as big as when Gigafoil was inserted. This time it’s mainly just more refinement.
Now the latest addition is Shunyata Sigma Ethernet and the system is configured as below. It brings another level of refinement.
Modem > AQ Vodka > EtherREGEN > AQ Diamond > Gigafoil > Sigma Ethernet > MSB Discrete
It goes without saying I didn’t know what I got myself into when I initially decided to go strictly steaming (at the time, things like Gigafoil, EtherREGEN or SOtM sNH-10G weren’t even available in the market yet). The above configuration is probably at the upper ceiling of what I’d ever allow myself to get tangled with. But looking back, no regrets either because the quality I now have with streaming and the ability to get 99.9% of music at the tip of a finger is well worth it for me. As always YMMV.
-
April 11, 2020, 09:31 PM #55
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
Bud
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD
Pass XP-22 pre, X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers, SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR for source, Denali 2000 (2) for amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson four shelf maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
-
April 11, 2020, 09:59 PM #56
- Join Date
- May 2013
- Location
- Tallahassee, Florida/Greenville, SC
- Posts
- 3,242
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
Bud
I suspect he's talking about using the CD player as a transport only with the possible exception of the TOTL Luxman, Gryphon or T+A units.Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack
Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810
Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.
-
April 11, 2020, 10:19 PM #57
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
Bud
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD
Pass XP-22 pre, X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers, SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR for source, Denali 2000 (2) for amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson four shelf maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
-
April 11, 2020, 10:42 PM #58
- Join Date
- Nov 2014
- Posts
- 2,104
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
In my experience, I would reverse that.
1. Streaming/ripped
2. CD players
A dedicated DAC does a much better job than a CD player with a built-in DAC.
IME, a streamed/ripped file actually sounds better than a CD because I can do upsampling/converting and apply filtering that I cannot do when using a CD Player or a transport.
-
April 11, 2020, 11:05 PM #59
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
I was speaking of a CD player with digital inputs or something like a great DAC + Transport. That’s the only way to compare apples to apples.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
April 11, 2020, 11:09 PM #60
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
Different, not better IMO. Upsampled/filters is not native. It can sound different. But when you compare 16/44 ripped CD to the CD, using the same DAC, you can hear the superiority of the CD, but only slight. The big improvement comes with the CD Vs Streaming.
No doubt the ripped CD’s/SACD’s provide amazing convenience. That’s what I do with all mine!
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
April 12, 2020, 12:53 AM #61
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
I was thinking about that, but we recently did a complete overhaul to the power foundation - it is off the charts good, no joke (will post this).
So with that I pulled the dedicated circuit from the original sub panel and added it to the new panel and relocated the digital foundation (mode, etherREGEN, LPS and ADD POWR pieces 45’ closer but still in the other room.
Instantly you could hear things more open, dynamic and amazing sense of presence. After 6 hours I shut things down, paused 4/5 hours and just started up the system.
I have given up saying things can’t get better, this is off the charts after 30 minutes.
The AQVox SE has been pulled from 2 channel duty, and repurposed into home. I simply reversed the no longer needed Ghent 45’ Belkin cable coming out etherREGEN to the AQVox SE.
All these changes by better reconfigurement I ended up with another Audioquest Vodka Ethernet, Stillpoints Ultra SS, and a Ghent DC Oyaide Cable proving less is more - but in all fairness I had a head start with the addition of the panel.Source Analog: Kuzma Stabi R w/4point 11 arm | Kuzma 50 Cartridge
Source Digital: Aurender N10 | Brinkmann Nyquist MK II
Amplification: Dan D’Agostino Momentum HD and M400’s | Boulder 508
Speakers: Wilson Alexias
Cabling: Nordost Leif, Norse, V2 and Odin
Power and Isolation: Audio-Ultra Home & Room Power Foundation Performance Package with StromTank S1000 | HRS
-
April 12, 2020, 10:04 PM #62
- Join Date
- May 2015
- Posts
- 206
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
There are quite a few people using the widely acknowledged sota Taiko Extreme server who report that files from it's Pcie drives to be of higher sq than sota cd transports. But this is not first hand experience on my part as I don't own or plan to own a cd player.
Qobuz/Tidal streaming on the Extreme may be a different story, but I can say streaming sounds very good to me-- depending on the source. And here is what, in my opinion, makes the disc/streaming debate somewhat irrelevant to me: the recording, how it was mastered and everything else it's gone through before it's turned into a cd or streamed into your system far outweighs the delivery system be it lp, cd, hard drive or stream. A poorly sourced cd is going to sound like crap and a well sourced stream is going to sound very, very good. I put my energy in "collecting" on Roon well sourced streams and given the vast amount of music available to me, it is not difficult to put together a large collection of excellent streamed music.
The next step for me is to explore the comparison between the streamed files and the same files downloaded or ripped to the Extreme's hard drive.
Given the quality of the server I already have and the likely future tech improvements that will come to that server, spending a lot of money on a high end cd player just doesn't make sense to me.Source: Taiko Audio Server, Cisco 2960 Switch, Gigafoil, Lampizator Pacific Dac. Amp: Bakoon 13r Speakers: AvantGarde Duo Mezzo XD, Cables: Alan Maher Designs Power, Duelund Speaker, Shunyata Sigma IC's Audioquest Diamond ethernet. Room Treatment Vicoustic.
-
April 12, 2020, 11:02 PM #63
Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
Not to put too fine a point on things, but we can assume that the streaming services either got their files from ripping the CD’s (maybe early on?) or the digital file from the record company. This is the same digital file used to make the CD, so it’s essentially the same. The difference is that the CD electronic stream isn’t traveling thousands of miles beneath the ocean.
Don’t get my wrong, I like the streaming services and I rip all my music. But if someone is looking for the absolute digital best from an album, my exhaustive findings has been that the CD beats the rip (barely), but definitely beats the stream.
THAT BEING SAID, we are seeing so much high res now being streamed and this puts the CD and a huge disadvantage. In that case, it comes down to high res download Vs stream.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
April 12, 2020, 11:08 PM #64
Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
Great to hear and that was my point: less is more. I brought this all up because so many of my, shall we say, experienced in life but less experienced in technology clients get themselves all turned up in knots with what they read online (think: computer audio site, which by the way, do those guys ever listen to music or do they just play with their dingleberries? LOL). But I digress...Many end up calling me thinking they need six boxes or “digital dingleberries” between their router and their digital transport or DAC. I literally have to talk them off the ledge. LOL.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
April 13, 2020, 12:21 AM #65
- Join Date
- Oct 2014
- Posts
- 44
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
Would be great to know if services like Qobuz or Tidal has co-located servers that are regionally distributed and serving music streams that are semi-close to their audience. It would NOT make sense if I'm streaming them via Qobuz from some data center in France. Services like these aren't designed to serve hi-rez music streams if they aren't set up this way.
-
April 13, 2020, 12:37 AM #66
- Join Date
- May 2013
- Location
- Tallahassee, Florida/Greenville, SC
- Posts
- 3,242
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
Qobuz uses AWS content servers in the US.
Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack
Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810
Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.
-
April 13, 2020, 09:22 AM #67
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
Anthony
Analog: VPI Clearaudio Innovation Wood/Kuzma 4Point/Ortofon A95> ASR Basis Exclusive HV---->
Digital: Antipodes CX (Oladra Upgrade)> Cary DMS-600 DAC/Streamer---->
...........Cary 306 SACD Professional Disc Player---->
===> Cary SLP-05 (Ultimate Upgrade edition)----> Clayton M-300----> MARTIN LOGAN SPIRES/REL 212SX x2
[Synergistic Research/Nordost/Wireworld/Furutech/SRA/Adona/Stillpoints/Track Audio/GIK Acoustics]
-
April 13, 2020, 01:01 PM #68
- Join Date
- Apr 2020
- Location
- NorCal, USA
- Posts
- 7
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
I am not sure I agree with the blanket assertion that physical CD is always better than a ripped file into same DAC, though I realize it is conventional wisdom. In my headphone rig, I have both an MSB Select II DAC and the MSB Universal Media Transport. They are connected via MSB's proprietary I2S. The DAC also contains a Network Renderer 2. The DAC has a GigaFoil 4 right behind it [tried an ER, but preferred the GF]. The headphone rack has its own Cisco Catalyst 3560 switch. It is connected over fiber to the main Cisco switch. All files served by a Roon Nucleus+. The tiered [SSD drives for music] Netgear NAS is located in the main switch closet quite some distance from both audio systems. The NAS has a 4-port LAG connection to the main switch, and all the audio network traffic is kept on a separate subnet and with QoS priority. All audio components are powered either by external LPS or a PSA P10 [2 for speaker system] or P5 [2 for headphone rack] regenerator. My primary critical listening headphone is a Stax SR-009S powered by a custom T2 amp. It is resolves fairly well. It's not an A/B/X blind setup, but it's fairly effective for SQ comparison. All SACDs are ripped using either a pre-3.5 Playstation, or with an Oppo 105 or the MSB using iso2DSD. All Redbooks are ripped using dbPowerAmp [and I suppose that begs the question how one is ripping and verifying rips . . ..].
I did similar comparisons in my speaker system when it contained the PS Audio DirectStream and Direct Memory Player. That system also employs several network isolation/noise reduction techniques. I now have a Vivaldi DAC/Upsampler/Clock in that system, and while I have no plans to add the Transport, I may see if I can demo one in my how for just this comparison purpose.
I am not here to argue "bits is bits"; everything upstream can make a difference, audible or not, detectable or not. But I am saying that depending on one's network architecture and steps one might take to optimize it, depending on one's CD transport and how it interfaces with the DAC, depending on how one rips the files, there is no reason that local network delivery cannot sound the same as the physical CD. In fact, it should, if it is delivering the same data into your DAC's buffer. If anything, it should sound slightly better because it doesn't have the disc spin/read mechanism to muck up the works. I would suggest that, if ripped files always sound inferior to physical disks, something in the network playback system is not performing up to snuff. Of course, if the CD transport is meh and/or it is connected to the DAC via an inferior method, then it is more likely network playback will be superior. Just my $.02; YMMV.
-
April 13, 2020, 03:10 PM #69
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
Digital gives people the ability to take a network that should be fairly simple and turn it into a complex kludge of digital dingleberries. It’s beginning to take on the feeling of a competition to see who has the most complex network measured by how many unnecessary digital dingleberries you have in your network.
Maybe we could set some rules for judging the contestants in the Rube Goldberg version of a network used for digital audio:
1. How many conversions do you perform from Ethernet to your DAC? Ethernet to fiber, fiber to coax, etc.
2. How many routers and switches do you have?
3. How many LPS do you have in your network?Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
Reviewer for Positive Feedback
-
April 13, 2020, 03:55 PM #70
- Join Date
- Apr 2020
- Location
- NorCal, USA
- Posts
- 7
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
Well, “should be” is an interesting standard. How simple should a network be in a large home, with a 5-person family, with multiple listening and watching locations? With multiple computers and printers? I mean, you can make fun of folks with unnecessarily complicated rigs all you want, but until you know what their use case is, it seems a tad presumptuous. Of course one could make a simple audio-only network with one router and just enough ports for a server/streamer and a DAC. Or even forget the network and attach a drive. Yuck.
In my case, except for the fiber between switches, and the GigaFoil at the DAC, I have added no network complexities because of audio. All my network complexities are otherwise a function of the demands of our home. The fine-tuning of the audio portion of the network is all about “protecting it” from all the other stuff in our home.
-
April 13, 2020, 04:40 PM #71
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
Reviewer for Positive Feedback
-
April 14, 2020, 02:12 AM #72
- Join Date
- Jan 2014
- Posts
- 129
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
You are also forgetting that some guys own multiple DACs. And all setups with all the tweaks sound different.
And one of my buddies is really into vinyl and owns 6 tables (including 2 reference level tables), 4 phono stages (1 reference level tube and 1 ref SS), bunch of arms ( I didn't count), and about a dozen cartridges. It gives him an opportunity to tweak and get all different takes on the music.
I guess tweaking is part of the fun
-
April 14, 2020, 02:15 AM #73
- Join Date
- Jan 2014
- Posts
- 129
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
A friend owns both MBL reference DAC / transport and MSB. With reference level transports, the gap is wider even more toward spinning disks. CD via transport is a 10, ripped CD is a 7.5, streaming is more like 6.5. But then you are in super rich territory, with some of these transports being like $30K or so.
-
April 14, 2020, 12:50 PM #74
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
If one is spending $30K on a CD player or transport, it damn well better sound good.
Some "systems engineering" basics: virtually every reproduction methodology is system, and as such, is subject to a number of inputs, controls factors, and noise factors influencing the functional response. There is an input, in this case, a digital music file, there are noise factors that impact the quality of the music file transfer and D/A conversion, and there control factors whose role is to provide the functionality and mitigate the impact of noise factors on the response. Shown here is a Parameter Diagram (p-diagram) illustrating this basic principle.
Managing the noise factors by selecting and optimizing the interactions of the control factors can mitigate the impact of noise on a system.
I don't want to go too deeply into a systems engineering rabbit hole there, but the point of this is there are multiple ways to get a digital file to a DAC and output to an amplification component, and as such are no "absolutes" with respect to music reproduction by electronic componentry.
So, in my view, these "comparisons" using different methodologes (CD players, ripped files, streamed files, etc.), is inaccurate and misleading. Moreover, assigning numbers (CD=10/10, ripped 8-9/10, ripped CD a 7.5, etc., etc.) to one methodology is not accurate either because 1) listening to musical reproduction is a subjective experience and 2) because there is almost always more than one way to provide a functional response.
In fact, understanding this principle is the basis for TRIZ. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRIZ
I have a much simpler set of operating principles: if the system can create a beguiling and engaging listening experience, I'm good. Job done.
-
April 14, 2020, 01:07 PM #75
- Join Date
- Apr 2020
- Location
- NorCal, USA
- Posts
- 7
-
April 14, 2020, 01:43 PM #76
- Join Date
- May 2015
- Posts
- 206
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
It's not clear what he's using as a server for his ripped cd's or how his streaming is set up? A comparison only tells us something if you know what's compared.
Fwiw, I've also read comparisons of the Taiko Extreme server PCIE files out performing the highest end Kalista transport.Source: Taiko Audio Server, Cisco 2960 Switch, Gigafoil, Lampizator Pacific Dac. Amp: Bakoon 13r Speakers: AvantGarde Duo Mezzo XD, Cables: Alan Maher Designs Power, Duelund Speaker, Shunyata Sigma IC's Audioquest Diamond ethernet. Room Treatment Vicoustic.
-
September 25, 2020, 04:30 AM #77
- Join Date
- Oct 2019
- Location
- The Netherlands
- Posts
- 260
Re: Network switch, FMC, cable upgrades worthwhile when router can't be co-located?
half a year later, I have to admit I made here a mistake, did what you said, listened to it and obtained 2 switches, the Angel Silent Bonn d8, 2 hooked up in serial, powered by the Forester. That power supply is a brand new one and had the first one the shop was able to obtain. According to the vendor it is even better to put 2 switches next to each other, on the second one the network cable to the streamer.
I am sorry, for my reply half a year ago, these 2 new switches did give a big step forward in sound quality, the sound is far better and I am really happy with these.
AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
I upgraded the power supply on my Gigafoil v4 to a Weiss PSU 102. It’s very nice step up. But with the new model, you’re looking at $2000 before even investing in a SOTA linear power supply.
GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter