jon2020 Posted February 23, 2019 Share Posted February 23, 2019 A good review of the Oyaide Continental 5S from PF :- https://positive-feedback.com/Issue60/ramblings.htm Jon Innuos Zen Mk 3, Shunyata alpha usb cable, Esoteric N-05 dac/network player, MBL N11 preamp, Bryston 28B SST2 monoblocks, Vienna Acoustics The Music speakers, Kimber Select 1126/1130 ic's, Kimber Select 6063 sc, Shunyata Triton, Shunyata/PS Audio pc's, Shunyata Dark Field Suspension System, Harmonix by Combak footers, Shun Mook Pendulum stand Industry Affiliation : None Link to comment
jon2020 Posted February 23, 2019 Share Posted February 23, 2019 4 minutes ago, matthias said: Thanks, did you compare the 5S to the Oyaide Pro USB cables? Matt My local store only had the 5S for sale. The Pro cables are not available in stores for consumers. Jon Innuos Zen Mk 3, Shunyata alpha usb cable, Esoteric N-05 dac/network player, MBL N11 preamp, Bryston 28B SST2 monoblocks, Vienna Acoustics The Music speakers, Kimber Select 1126/1130 ic's, Kimber Select 6063 sc, Shunyata Triton, Shunyata/PS Audio pc's, Shunyata Dark Field Suspension System, Harmonix by Combak footers, Shun Mook Pendulum stand Industry Affiliation : None Link to comment
jon2020 Posted February 25, 2019 Share Posted February 25, 2019 3 minutes ago, HumanMedia said: They are available to consumers, just from Pro Music stores, not consumer audio stores. That is stores selling equipment primarily for making music as opposed to stores selling equipment primarily for listening to music. Did a quick search and EBay sells them :- https://www.ebay.com.sg/b/oyaide-Pro-Audio-Cables-Snakes-Interconnects/41459/bn_3131823 Jon Innuos Zen Mk 3, Shunyata alpha usb cable, Esoteric N-05 dac/network player, MBL N11 preamp, Bryston 28B SST2 monoblocks, Vienna Acoustics The Music speakers, Kimber Select 1126/1130 ic's, Kimber Select 6063 sc, Shunyata Triton, Shunyata/PS Audio pc's, Shunyata Dark Field Suspension System, Harmonix by Combak footers, Shun Mook Pendulum stand Industry Affiliation : None Link to comment
jon2020 Posted March 13, 2019 Share Posted March 13, 2019 1 hour ago, xyzzy1 said: Hey all, been following this thread for awhile.... On cable differences I quickly went to this device 'iFi Audio iDefender3.0 USB Ground Loop Eliminator' because it seemed to me the first act is to eliminate noise from the computer power feeding into the dac. This adapter has a micro usb input which, if plugged in, interrupts the power from the computer and supplies it from your external supply. Using a plugged in external power supply made a huge difference, easy to go back and forth to compare what I heard (plug then unplug). The sound of the music reproduction having an edgy glare was significantly reduced when using the external power supply. I also tried a switching power supply and a linear power supply. The linear power supply was superior with further glare and noise reduction. Could hear more into soundstage. My next step was a *doh* realization that I am using an older macbook and have an optical out. Switched over to optical out and it is far superior to usb. This is how I have the hook up now so I am out of the USB world. So if you have an optical out this would seem to be the way to remove computer electrical noise from getting into your dac. If you don't have the optical out as an option I recommend using the 'iFi Audio iDefender3.0 USB Ground Loop Eliminator' with a linear power supply. It would be interesting to hear if USB cables continue to make a sonic difference once this device is in place and bypassing the computer power, Usb implementation for audio has improved by leaps and bounds since your old Mac(no offense intended). Get a used server like the entry model Aurender N100H and you will be amazed by the difference in SQ compared to the optical output from your Mac. coot 1 Jon Innuos Zen Mk 3, Shunyata alpha usb cable, Esoteric N-05 dac/network player, MBL N11 preamp, Bryston 28B SST2 monoblocks, Vienna Acoustics The Music speakers, Kimber Select 1126/1130 ic's, Kimber Select 6063 sc, Shunyata Triton, Shunyata/PS Audio pc's, Shunyata Dark Field Suspension System, Harmonix by Combak footers, Shun Mook Pendulum stand Industry Affiliation : None Link to comment
jon2020 Posted March 14, 2019 Share Posted March 14, 2019 21 hours ago, xyzzy1 said: No offense taken and thanks!... I know it and hear it! I am into high-end audio but not yet ready to lay down this kind of coin for digital when the tech is still evolving so rapidly. Every few months brings on new generation of dacs & streamers at all price points with better sonics than the previous. Though, I have spent well more than twice the original price of this Aurender streamer on my turntable! For now I need an inexpensive streamer/dac combo that has passable & engaging sound quality while continuing to await the higher priced dac/streamer gear to evolve to a point where 6 months later is not guaranteed obsolescence. Have been checking the $500 and less price point dacs every year or so. Using the digital coax out from my CD player and listening to the dac would have me returning the dac. Finally a current generation low priced dac that is not digital grating and fatiguing to listen to. The iFi Audio iDefender was a noticeable improvement after I started using a usb computer connection. Hence my post here as the iFi Audio iDefender would be a positive sonics move for anyone using a standard mac/pc computer as the streamer. Someday will be all-in with an investment in digital when it nears or outdoes my turntable. That ain't yet though. This age-old debate of vinyl vs digital will rage on long after our ears are all gone from age....... Jon Innuos Zen Mk 3, Shunyata alpha usb cable, Esoteric N-05 dac/network player, MBL N11 preamp, Bryston 28B SST2 monoblocks, Vienna Acoustics The Music speakers, Kimber Select 1126/1130 ic's, Kimber Select 6063 sc, Shunyata Triton, Shunyata/PS Audio pc's, Shunyata Dark Field Suspension System, Harmonix by Combak footers, Shun Mook Pendulum stand Industry Affiliation : None Link to comment
jon2020 Posted March 21, 2019 Share Posted March 21, 2019 On 3/20/2019 at 5:29 AM, HumanMedia said: The Oyaide is relatively neutral, presenting the full frequency range evenly and clearly. To me and in my system the Curious sounded ‘less bright’ but in a bad way, it seemed like it rolled off quickly over 10khz and below 80hz. It might compensate for a system with elevated high frequencies and treble problems, but does it by fixing the problem with another problem. Lower bass dropped off quickly too. The Curious midrange was very creamy, but in an artificial way, like you are on methadone, in one sense perceivable as pleasurable but with a constant feeling of ‘not right’ and artificial-ness. It is faux smooth, different and interesting at first, but quickly feels like an effect rather than real naturalness. The Oyaide feels like it just steps out of the way and presents music. BTW still very happy with the Oyaide Many thanks for your comparison notes with the Curious cable. I have actually been considering "upgrading" to the Curious for some time now up until I read this ...... Cheers! :) Jon Innuos Zen Mk 3, Shunyata alpha usb cable, Esoteric N-05 dac/network player, MBL N11 preamp, Bryston 28B SST2 monoblocks, Vienna Acoustics The Music speakers, Kimber Select 1126/1130 ic's, Kimber Select 6063 sc, Shunyata Triton, Shunyata/PS Audio pc's, Shunyata Dark Field Suspension System, Harmonix by Combak footers, Shun Mook Pendulum stand Industry Affiliation : None Link to comment
jon2020 Posted March 23, 2019 Share Posted March 23, 2019 On 3/22/2019 at 9:28 AM, hytechrednek said: I also have the Ghent USB and it easily outperforms the Supra or the Curious USB cable in my system. Unfortunately no experience with their Ethernet cable. The listening experience of forumers in this thread who have actually compared their own cables with the Curious merit consideration. Jon Innuos Zen Mk 3, Shunyata alpha usb cable, Esoteric N-05 dac/network player, MBL N11 preamp, Bryston 28B SST2 monoblocks, Vienna Acoustics The Music speakers, Kimber Select 1126/1130 ic's, Kimber Select 6063 sc, Shunyata Triton, Shunyata/PS Audio pc's, Shunyata Dark Field Suspension System, Harmonix by Combak footers, Shun Mook Pendulum stand Industry Affiliation : None Link to comment
jon2020 Posted March 23, 2019 Share Posted March 23, 2019 On 3/21/2019 at 11:48 AM, Allan F said: Your profile does not list your audio system. As the effect of cables is highly system dependent, it would be helpful if you were to provide details of the system on which you made these observations. In my system, the Curious USB cable exhibits none of the characteristics that you describe. In fact, It sounds extremely neutral, natural and musical and has proved to be superior to a number of highly regarded USB cables, including the Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7, Light Harmonic Lightspeed 10G, and Phasure Lush. I was referring to this poster who did not compare the Curious with the Oyaide but called out the poster who actually compared and shared his listening experience....... Jon Innuos Zen Mk 3, Shunyata alpha usb cable, Esoteric N-05 dac/network player, MBL N11 preamp, Bryston 28B SST2 monoblocks, Vienna Acoustics The Music speakers, Kimber Select 1126/1130 ic's, Kimber Select 6063 sc, Shunyata Triton, Shunyata/PS Audio pc's, Shunyata Dark Field Suspension System, Harmonix by Combak footers, Shun Mook Pendulum stand Industry Affiliation : None Link to comment
jon2020 Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 29 minutes ago, Allan F said: You misunderstood the purpose of my post. I wasn't calling anyone out. Rather, I was describing my experience with the Curious USB cable in contrast to his. I suggested that he provide details of his system so the context of these differing observations was available for whatever value that might be to others in explaining the differences. The topic of this thread is USB cable comparisons, in general, not comparisons to the Oyaide USB cable, in particular. He compared the Curious vs Oyaide. You compared Curious vs others. The topic on hand at the time, though not the topic for the entire thread, is Oyaide vs others, not Curious vs othets. Please chill. Jon Innuos Zen Mk 3, Shunyata alpha usb cable, Esoteric N-05 dac/network player, MBL N11 preamp, Bryston 28B SST2 monoblocks, Vienna Acoustics The Music speakers, Kimber Select 1126/1130 ic's, Kimber Select 6063 sc, Shunyata Triton, Shunyata/PS Audio pc's, Shunyata Dark Field Suspension System, Harmonix by Combak footers, Shun Mook Pendulum stand Industry Affiliation : None Link to comment
jon2020 Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 On 3/19/2019 at 5:49 AM, DancingSea said: I’m curious, for what reason do you prefer the Oyaide over the Curious cable? Is one less bright than the other? Thanks This was the topic on hand at the time. Jon Innuos Zen Mk 3, Shunyata alpha usb cable, Esoteric N-05 dac/network player, MBL N11 preamp, Bryston 28B SST2 monoblocks, Vienna Acoustics The Music speakers, Kimber Select 1126/1130 ic's, Kimber Select 6063 sc, Shunyata Triton, Shunyata/PS Audio pc's, Shunyata Dark Field Suspension System, Harmonix by Combak footers, Shun Mook Pendulum stand Industry Affiliation : None Link to comment
jon2020 Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 1 hour ago, Allan F said: I guess you missed the part where he described the characteristics of the Curious cable. You might benefit from your own advice. Nope, didn't miss a thing about the Curious. That's how I decided not to "upgrade" to the Curious. And now that I have read how loose the Curious connection can be, my decision is reinforced. Jon Innuos Zen Mk 3, Shunyata alpha usb cable, Esoteric N-05 dac/network player, MBL N11 preamp, Bryston 28B SST2 monoblocks, Vienna Acoustics The Music speakers, Kimber Select 1126/1130 ic's, Kimber Select 6063 sc, Shunyata Triton, Shunyata/PS Audio pc's, Shunyata Dark Field Suspension System, Harmonix by Combak footers, Shun Mook Pendulum stand Industry Affiliation : None Link to comment
jon2020 Posted May 7, 2021 Share Posted May 7, 2021 Totally disagree. You have no idea what you are talking about. You need to give this issue a rest as it seems to be gnawing at you to no end, just to prove your point which is simply wrong at so many levels. Summit 1 Jon Innuos Zen Mk 3, Shunyata alpha usb cable, Esoteric N-05 dac/network player, MBL N11 preamp, Bryston 28B SST2 monoblocks, Vienna Acoustics The Music speakers, Kimber Select 1126/1130 ic's, Kimber Select 6063 sc, Shunyata Triton, Shunyata/PS Audio pc's, Shunyata Dark Field Suspension System, Harmonix by Combak footers, Shun Mook Pendulum stand Industry Affiliation : None Link to comment
jon2020 Posted May 7, 2021 Share Posted May 7, 2021 37 minutes ago, fas42 said: This is correct. When a system is set up with good quality components, but there hasn't been care in sorting out all the aspects - which you can call matching if you like - then the remaining replay distortion is very noticeable - people like to call this, "signature" 😀. These anomalies are usually of a type which are heavily influenced by the qualities of the cables used - the latter act as effects units, by moderating the levels and spectrum of the audible playback distortions, and can be endlessly played with; in the belief that they are improving the system - whereas it really is an exercise of going in circles ... Conversely, when a setup is highly optimised then the character of the recording itself dominates - it sets the agenda for what you hear. At this point the value of of fiddling with cables is negligible - the conductors, construction and shielding are doing what they are supposed to do; transfer signals from one point in the overall circuit to another - and nothing else. Oh no, not another one. Why even bother coming to this forum? Jon Innuos Zen Mk 3, Shunyata alpha usb cable, Esoteric N-05 dac/network player, MBL N11 preamp, Bryston 28B SST2 monoblocks, Vienna Acoustics The Music speakers, Kimber Select 1126/1130 ic's, Kimber Select 6063 sc, Shunyata Triton, Shunyata/PS Audio pc's, Shunyata Dark Field Suspension System, Harmonix by Combak footers, Shun Mook Pendulum stand Industry Affiliation : None Link to comment
jon2020 Posted May 7, 2021 Share Posted May 7, 2021 27 minutes ago, sgr said: I’ve never understood why those that don’t think cables sound different (or any other component) have to react negatively to what others at least believe they hear. Nor do I understand why the believers have to try to persuade unbelievers. And why insisting on coming to a forum and interrupt others’ conversations when the discussion does not pertain to belief or unbelief. Now if the topic is”Do cables make a difference in a system?” Then that’s open to all. I’ve read about many things I scratch m head and wonder about. But I’m never going to tell someone they don’t hear what they say they do. It is usually more like non-believers trying to persuade believers. Believers don't go around forums trying to persuade non-believers. :) Jon Innuos Zen Mk 3, Shunyata alpha usb cable, Esoteric N-05 dac/network player, MBL N11 preamp, Bryston 28B SST2 monoblocks, Vienna Acoustics The Music speakers, Kimber Select 1126/1130 ic's, Kimber Select 6063 sc, Shunyata Triton, Shunyata/PS Audio pc's, Shunyata Dark Field Suspension System, Harmonix by Combak footers, Shun Mook Pendulum stand Industry Affiliation : None Link to comment
jon2020 Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 I have compared the Oyaide 5S and Shunyata alpha usb cables in my system. What makes the Shunyata sound better? For me, it is the dramatic reduction in noise and distortion which I did not know were there with the Oyaide until the switch. 2 hours ago, fas42 said: And the question here is, why ... ?? If adding a certain cable "makes it better" then what's it actually doing? Adding 'nice' distortion', subtracting unpleasant distortion; compensating for less than decent engineering somewhere in the rig ... ... what?? I had enjoyed the Oyaide 5S very much until the Shunyata revealed its limitations. In addition, for a digital cable, music sounds much less "stepped", much more analog-like, with the Shunyata. So by simply comparing, if another cable does not improve SQ, then just keep what you already have. richard_crl032 1 Jon Innuos Zen Mk 3, Shunyata alpha usb cable, Esoteric N-05 dac/network player, MBL N11 preamp, Bryston 28B SST2 monoblocks, Vienna Acoustics The Music speakers, Kimber Select 1126/1130 ic's, Kimber Select 6063 sc, Shunyata Triton, Shunyata/PS Audio pc's, Shunyata Dark Field Suspension System, Harmonix by Combak footers, Shun Mook Pendulum stand Industry Affiliation : None Link to comment
jon2020 Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 1 hour ago, richard_crl032 said: Usd1.1k ... I am quite sure it is better than Oyaide 5S or at least matches your system better. But maybe my system is not stepped enough and need Oyaide 5S ... like tube based system fans liking solid core silver and not 8N copper. Cheers. If you do come across an opportunity to compare the Oyaide with the Shunyata in your system, do let us know the outcome. Cheers! richard_crl032 1 Jon Innuos Zen Mk 3, Shunyata alpha usb cable, Esoteric N-05 dac/network player, MBL N11 preamp, Bryston 28B SST2 monoblocks, Vienna Acoustics The Music speakers, Kimber Select 1126/1130 ic's, Kimber Select 6063 sc, Shunyata Triton, Shunyata/PS Audio pc's, Shunyata Dark Field Suspension System, Harmonix by Combak footers, Shun Mook Pendulum stand Industry Affiliation : None Link to comment
jon2020 Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 3 hours ago, AnotherSpin said: And what gnaws me, according to your well-informed opinion? Could you elaborate more? What gnaws you so much are the believers of the well-informed opinion that cables do make a difference, to such an extent that you have this gnawing need to go around persuading believers not to believe their own ears. :) Summit 1 Jon Innuos Zen Mk 3, Shunyata alpha usb cable, Esoteric N-05 dac/network player, MBL N11 preamp, Bryston 28B SST2 monoblocks, Vienna Acoustics The Music speakers, Kimber Select 1126/1130 ic's, Kimber Select 6063 sc, Shunyata Triton, Shunyata/PS Audio pc's, Shunyata Dark Field Suspension System, Harmonix by Combak footers, Shun Mook Pendulum stand Industry Affiliation : None Link to comment
jon2020 Posted June 13, 2021 Share Posted June 13, 2021 Just pulled out probably the greatest rock concert of all time, Neil Diamond's Hot August Night (40th Anniversary 24/44 remaster) for a listen. I haven't heard this album for quite a while simply because it did not rock quite as well as it should with my previous system cabled with the Oyaide Continental 5S usb. With my recent change to the Shunyata alpha usb, I ventured to dive once more into this album. Wow! All I can say is that my system now rocks as all get out. Pace and rhythm are top notch and Neil's energetic vocals was a reach out and touch experience throughout the entire utterly electric performance. The Shunyata alpha usb is truly a cable for all genres and seasons! Cheers! Jon. agladstone 1 Jon Innuos Zen Mk 3, Shunyata alpha usb cable, Esoteric N-05 dac/network player, MBL N11 preamp, Bryston 28B SST2 monoblocks, Vienna Acoustics The Music speakers, Kimber Select 1126/1130 ic's, Kimber Select 6063 sc, Shunyata Triton, Shunyata/PS Audio pc's, Shunyata Dark Field Suspension System, Harmonix by Combak footers, Shun Mook Pendulum stand Industry Affiliation : None Link to comment
jon2020 Posted July 8, 2021 Share Posted July 8, 2021 I would most certainly remove it too if it isn't synergistic with my system. :) Jon Innuos Zen Mk 3, Shunyata alpha usb cable, Esoteric N-05 dac/network player, MBL N11 preamp, Bryston 28B SST2 monoblocks, Vienna Acoustics The Music speakers, Kimber Select 1126/1130 ic's, Kimber Select 6063 sc, Shunyata Triton, Shunyata/PS Audio pc's, Shunyata Dark Field Suspension System, Harmonix by Combak footers, Shun Mook Pendulum stand Industry Affiliation : None Link to comment
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