MSB Discrete: USB module better than Renderer module!

Mike said:
That we never discussed. I was looking at it the other way: “what benefit would the Innuos provide if one is using the GigaFoil/Keces to the MSB Roon Renderer module?” The answer we concluded was none.
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I understand. But you need something to run a Roon Core (server), right? And an Innuos does a great job at that, even if only used as a server, and NOT a renderer. Obviously, it can be used for both, as Roon Core and Roon Endpoint (renderer, streamer, call it what you want).

And yes, I do believe from my own experience that servers matter. Be it an Innuos or the Roon's own Nucleus.

So, since I already have an Innuos (the ZENith MK3) that I use with Roon, and therefore there is no decision to be made whether I should buy one, the question becomes: when using an Innuos as a Server and Rendererer, does adding a GigaFoil on the Ethernet line feeding the Innuos improve anything? Honest question, as I don't know.

As for the MSB Discrete, it happened to be that the unit I have comes with both modules (USB and Renderer) with an understanding that I would keep only one. As my original post says, I am leaning towards keeping the USB module, as my USB streaming setup is already in place through my Innuos ZENith MK3 and my USB cable (so no decision to be made here), and SQ wise, I hear a slightly better sound, albeit subtle, vs. the Renderer module on my MSB. Perhaps adding a gigaFoil will improve the things with the Renderer module on my MSB. However, maybe adding the same GF on the Ethernet line to my Innuos unit will also improve things? I don't know...
 
Adyc said:
I check with Jonathan from MSB. They are not compatible. Select DAC will not reclock the switch. This is his wordings

No, the Select cannot generate a 10MHz clock. A 10MHz clock is not useful for audio conversion as audio is not recorded at a division of 10MHz.

I assume you got the SOtM switch? This seems to be popular with the need for a 10MHz clock.
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Alpinist said:
F

No, I have not purchased the SOtM switch yet. I have spoken with Alex from Alma Audio. He is currently using the SOtM switch and clocking off the Word Sync Output (44/48) on his Select II DAC. He cannot explain why it works because the frequencies don’t match, only that it does and it sounds phenomenal.

Ken
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I spoke with Alex again and your point is a valid one. The clocking may not be working off the Select DAC’s Word Sync Output. It may be defaulting to the switch’s internal clock module. Trying to figure out what drove the improvement. Stay tuned.

Ken
 
thyname said:
‘Can you please elaborate? I think my ZENith MK3 still benefits from full isolation from electrical noise.
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Built-in isolated ethernet is doing something similar to a Gigafoil.

As Mike said, you can still try one and see which works better. I'm of the simpler is usually better mentality so didn't bother.
 
Alpinist said:
I spoke with Alex again and your point is a valid one. The clocking may not be working off the Select DAC’s Word Sync Output. It may be defaulting to the switch’s internal clock module. Trying to figure out what drove the improvement. Stay tuned.

Ken
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Thanks Ken. I will be looking forward to your additional findings.
 
Alpinist said:
I spoke with Alex again and your point is a valid one. The clocking may not be working off the Select DAC’s Word Sync Output. It may be defaulting to the switch’s internal clock module. Trying to figure out what drove the improvement. Stay tuned.

Ken
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So far the only data point is from Alex. If you finally decide to buy SOTM switch with clock, please let us know your impressions. Love to have more data points.
 
Adyc said:
So far the only data point is from Alex. If you finally decide to buy SOTM switch with clock, please let us know your impressions. Love to have more data points.
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Will do, Adyc. I’m still weighing my options as far as the SOtM switch is concerned. When you add the power supply and external Cybershaft clock, it ends up being a lot of boxes and space on the rack. It could be well worth it though.

Ken
 
Alpinist said:
Will do, Adyc. I’m still weighing my options as far as the SOtM switch is concerned. When you add the power supply and external Cybershaft clock, it ends up being a lot of boxes and space on the rack. It could be well worth it though.

Ken
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Will all extra boxes, the cost adds up quickly. ProUSB seems theoretically better and it is cheaper and occupies much less space!
 
Adyc said:
Will all extra boxes, the cost adds up quickly. ProUSB seems theoretically better and it is cheaper and occupies much less space!
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I’ve read the Pro USB is really good and eliminates the need for the optical ethernet filter. I’m really happy with the sound quality of the Renderer V2 in conjunction with the GigaFoilv4 Ethernet Filter. Adding the two Keces LPS has also made a nice difference. I’ll hold out for the Renderer V3, which should have an optical connection like the Pro USB.

Ken
 
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