romaz Posted October 19, 2016 Share Posted October 19, 2016 This is interesting. Of course it's all system dependent as you say but I have a low loise linear PSU powering my microRendu already (7V Gieseler). I thought a 6V battery pack would be a good indicator for determining whether I should try the LPS-1 but your results suggest even if I hear no difference against my linear PSU (compared with a battery pack), I could still be in for a surprise with the LPS-1 Thank you for sharing. PS: out of pure interest only, could you share your system chain? Thanks again Sent from my Blackberry DTEK50 using Tapatalk That's right, despite your current linear PSU or the battery supply you are contemplating, you might still hear a significant difference with the LPS-1. I also have an HD Plex and the LPS-1 trounced it. I have a Paul Hynes LPSU coming in next week and I will compare. Based on reading what John and others have written, my interpretation is that there are three factors that will make a difference with the mR: (1) low ripple noise, (2) low output impedance, (3) leakage voltage Your linear PSU may address (1) but only the exceptional ones will address (2). Obviously, your Gieseler won't address (3) Small battery supplies (unregulated) do well with (1) and (3) but not with (2) Small battery supplies with switching regulators do well with (3) but not with (1) or (2) The specialized battery supplies like the LPS-1 or Vinnie Rossi's upcoming Mini PURE-DC-4EVER supply that incorporate super caps that can discharge very rapidly and incorporate very low noise linear regulators are supposed to address (1), (2), and (3). In my system, addressing (2) has made the biggest difference. Here is my chain: Mac/Roon/HQPlayer > mR in NAA mode + LPS-1 > Chord DAVE DAC (which also serves as my headphone and speaker amp). In my system, the LPS-1 has at least doubled the performance of my mR. Link to comment
asdf1000 Posted October 19, 2016 Share Posted October 19, 2016 That's right, despite your current linear PSU or the battery supply you are contemplating, you might still hear a significant difference with the LPS-1. I also have an HD Plex and the LPS-1 trounced it. I have a Paul Hynes LPSU coming in next week and I will compare.. Wow, very nice right up there - thank you. Nice and short system chain there I might add. What speakers and headphones may I kindly ask? I've got a simple system chain also: Qnap 251 with Roon Server > mRendu > Peachtree Audio 220se > GoldenEar Triton Ones I'm looking to replace the Qnap with a fanless sonicTransporter i5 running Roon Server (with onboard SSD storage built in too) Back to the topic at hand though - I may need to get my order in for the LPS-1 real quick to have it before the December holidays ! Link to comment
soares Posted October 19, 2016 Share Posted October 19, 2016 SBooster LPSU 6v: Got this last Friday. This is not a Damascene experience, in my system it does not change the character of what I hear; bare in mind that I am passing the mR output into a Mutec MC-3+USB. What the SBooster does do is: Improve the quality of the high frequencies; and Further uncover low level information in the music. Example: Signe from Eric Clapton Unplugged. Standard test piece for me. Included in the supporting percussion are a triangle and wood blocks. These were evident before but, in the case of the triangle the emphasis was on the leading edge and it could almost sound truncated, and out of time in places; now you hear the rounded ring, it falls further back into the mix but you can here what the percussionist is doing. Similarly the wooden blocks are more of the piece and you can hear the resounding wooden sound, rather than a greater emphasis on the strike. In summary, the Sbooster improves on what my system is doing right. This can almost sound minor, but in terms of what we are after in High Fidelity I suspect it is not - I just don't think it will supply this on its own. If your system is in good shape it will help focus what is already there. M Hi, I am also using an sbooster with mR. Have you had the opportunity to compare it to the lps1? Tks. Sent from my SM-G925I using Computer Audiophile mobile app Jensen VRD-iFF>Router>Rj45>opticalModule> SFP>Buffalo2016>SFP>opticalModule >Rj45> IZen Mk3>Rj45> Delock62619>Rj45> etherRegen (Master Clock+ Mini-Circuits BLP)>SFP>opticalRendu>USB>IsoRegen> USB>Phoenix>USB>OPPO 205 (Modded)>HMS “the Perfect Match”>Proac Tablette Reference 8 Signature. Link to comment
romaz Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 Wow, very nice right up there - thank you. Nice and short system chain there I might add. What speakers and headphones may I kindly ask? I've got a simple system chain also: Qnap 251 with Roon Server > mRendu > Peachtree Audio 220se > GoldenEar Triton Ones I'm looking to replace the Qnap with a fanless sonicTransporter i5 running Roon Server (with onboard SSD storage built in too) Back to the topic at hand though - I may need to get my order in for the LPS-1 real quick to have it before the December holidays ! I own a customized version of the Omega Alnico Monitor built for me by Omega's owner, Louis Chochos. Really wonderful speakers. My headphones include the Abyss, HE-1000 and Fostex TH-900. I have a standard sonicTransporter with 2TB of SSD storage but I moved back to my Mac when I realized Roon/HQPlayer + mR in NAA mode sounded better in my system. I'm not sure what you would gain to leave your Qnap 251 if it is already working well for you but I will say that the sonicTransporters work great and the i5 version will probably have snappier performance than your Qnap. Link to comment
asdf1000 Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 I own a customized version of the Omega Alnico Monitor built for me by Omega's owner, Louis Chochos. Really wonderful speakers. My headphones include the Abyss, HE-1000 and Fostex TH-900. I have a standard sonicTransporter with 2TB of SSD storage but I moved back to my Mac when I realized Roon/HQPlayer + mR in NAA mode sounded better in my system. I'm not sure what you would gain to leave your Qnap 251 if it is already working well for you but I will say that the sonicTransporters work great and the i5 version will probably have snappier performance than your Qnap. Thanks for the reply. I'll reply via PM just so we don't clog the thread off topic (my fault for going off topic) Link to comment
Topspin70 Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 That's right, despite your current linear PSU or the battery supply you are contemplating, you might still hear a significant difference with the LPS-1. I also have an HD Plex and the LPS-1 trounced it. Hi Romaz, don't mind elaborating how the LPS-1 trounces the HDPlex. Can I expect to hear a more forward sounding signature with more air and details? Would you say it's a faster livelier SQ than the HDPlex which is usually described as smooth and relaxed? Speaker Rig: Roon > microRendu + HDPlex 100W > Yggdrasil > iTube > Sansui Au-555a > Dali Royal Menuet II Vinyl Rig: Sansui SR-2050C > Sansui Au-555a > Dali Royal Menuet II Home Rig: Roon > microRendu > iPurifier 2 > Yggdrasil > iCAN SE > HD800S (LPS: HDPlex 100W) Office Rig: Roon > mac mini > iDSD BL > HD800S / Viso HP50 / Marshall Major II Link to comment
romaz Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 Hi Romaz, don't mind elaborating how the LPS-1 trounces the HDPlex. Can I expect to hear a more forward sounding signature with more air and details? Would you say it's a faster livelier SQ than the HDPlex which is usually described as smooth and relaxed? The short answer is yes to all the things you've mentioned. Here is the review I posted of the LPS-1 against my 9v battery supply and my 9v battery supply was a little better than my HDPlex: http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f27-uptone-audio-sponsored/ultracap%99-linear-power-supply-1-launch-thread-29974/index8.html#post591892 Link to comment
Topspin70 Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 The short answer is yes to all the things you've mentioned. Here is the review I posted of the LPS-1 against my 9v battery supply and my 9v battery supply was a little better than my HDPlex: http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f27-uptone-audio-sponsored/ultracap%99-linear-power-supply-1-launch-thread-29974/index8.html#post591892 Thanks Romaz. Very detailed impression indeed. Gave me a pretty good idea where the LPS 1 sits against other LPS out there. Speaker Rig: Roon > microRendu + HDPlex 100W > Yggdrasil > iTube > Sansui Au-555a > Dali Royal Menuet II Vinyl Rig: Sansui SR-2050C > Sansui Au-555a > Dali Royal Menuet II Home Rig: Roon > microRendu > iPurifier 2 > Yggdrasil > iCAN SE > HD800S (LPS: HDPlex 100W) Office Rig: Roon > mac mini > iDSD BL > HD800S / Viso HP50 / Marshall Major II Link to comment
jaapdeventer Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 I'm looking to test with batteries before ordering the LPS-1 :-) I'm doing the same thing. 6AA NiMh batteries make a huge difference over iFi. Such a difference I'm afraid I will be disappointed by a linear PSU now. So I 'll keep the AA batteries for the dedicated listening hours now and think of buying the LPS-1 [emoji1]. mR, Job INTegrated, Penaudio Cenya's. Link to comment
craighartley Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 "The adventurous could even purchase two units and hook their outputs up in series, perhaps with one set to 7V and the other to 5V to obtain 12V;" Sorry for the dumb question: 12V, but what current? Link to comment
cfisher Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 I'm doing the same thing. 6AA NiMh batteries make a huge difference over iFi. Such a difference I'm afraid I will be disappointed by a linear PSU now. So I 'll keep the AA batteries for the dedicated listening hours now and think of buying the LPS-1 [emoji1]. Would you mind giving a link to the battery pack that you are using for this? Thanks. Link to comment
Matias Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 Would this US$ 1.99 6x AA battery holder supplying 9V work to feed a microRendu? Size 9V Volt PP3 Battery Holder Case Box ON/OFF Switch Cover DC 5.5/2.1mm Plug | eBay 1. WiiM Pro - Mola Mola Makua - Apollon NCx500+SS2590 - March Audio Sointuva AWG 2. LG 77C1 - Marantz SR7005 - Apollon NC502MP+NC252MP - Monitor Audio PL100+PLC150+C265 - SVS SB-3000 3. PC - RME ADI-2 DAC FS - Neumann KH 80 DSP 4. Phone - Tanchjim Space - Truthear Zero Red 5. PC - Keysion ES2981 - Truthear Zero Red Link to comment
jaapdeventer Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 Would this US$ 1.99 6x AA battery holder supplying 9V work to feed a microRendu? Size 9V Volt PP3 Battery Holder Case Box ON/OFF Switch Cover DC 5.5/2.1mm Plug | eBay It does. Link to comment
Matias Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 Thanks. BTW the holder I linked above is for 1x 9V battery. I meant a holder for 6x AA battery: 9V 6 x AA Battery Switched Holder Enclosed Box 2.1mm DC Male Plug Wire Lead | eBay https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Hot-sale-New-6-x-AA-Battery-Case-Storage-Box-Holder-With-DC-2-1-Power/32751252539.html?spm=2114.01010208.8.9.razuoj 1. WiiM Pro - Mola Mola Makua - Apollon NCx500+SS2590 - March Audio Sointuva AWG 2. LG 77C1 - Marantz SR7005 - Apollon NC502MP+NC252MP - Monitor Audio PL100+PLC150+C265 - SVS SB-3000 3. PC - RME ADI-2 DAC FS - Neumann KH 80 DSP 4. Phone - Tanchjim Space - Truthear Zero Red 5. PC - Keysion ES2981 - Truthear Zero Red Link to comment
barrows Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 I'm looking to test with batteries before ordering the LPS-1 :-) I'm doing the same thing. 6AA NiMh batteries make a huge difference over iFi. Such a difference I'm afraid I will be disappointed by a linear PSU now. So I 'll keep the AA batteries for the dedicated listening hours now and think of buying the LPS-1 [emoji1]. mR, Job INTegrated, Penaudio Cenya's. Batteries are almost always not going to be the best option. NiMh batteries have more noise than a really good AC based supply, and (probably more important), their output impedance is quite a bit higher. Also, the output impedance of batteries gets higher as the discharge. The only batteries I would even consider using for the µRendu would be good quality LiFePO4 cells, as the have very low output impedance. If you have better performance with NiMh batteries vs. a linear supply, your linear supply is not very good, or (more likely) it is creating a ground loop (as batteries are always floating and will defeat the loop). SO/ROON/HQPe: DSD 512-Sonore opticalModuleDeluxe-Signature Rendu optical with Well Tempered Clock--DIY DSC-2 DAC with SC Pure Clock--DIY Purifi Amplifier-Focus Audio FS888 speakers-JL E 112 sub-Nordost Tyr USB, DIY EventHorizon AC cables, Iconoclast XLR & speaker cables, Synergistic Purple Fuses, Spacetime system clarifiers. ISOAcoustics Oreas footers. SONORE computer audio | opticalRendu | ultraRendu | microRendu | Signature Rendu SE | Accessories | Software | Link to comment
str-1 Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 Here is my chain: Mac/Roon/HQPlayer > mR in NAA mode + LPS-1 > Chord DAVE DAC (which also serves as my headphone and speaker amp). In my system, the LPS-1 has at least doubled the performance of my mR. Hi romaz. An impressively short chain. What mac are you using? Most of my music listening will be in a different room from my late-2009 iMac and I don't currently have a laptop. I believe the MBP line is about to be upgraded and I might be tempted to go for one of those. But I think I remember Rob Watts saying that he used a HP in preference to a macbook for critical listening with the Dave, although that was without the microRendu. My current setup is Synology NAS > Netgear switch (router also into switch) > AQ Vodka cat7 > microRendu (with cheap smps) > Dave > HE1000. Additions to this system already ordered but yet to arrive include: LPS-1, DHC Silver Complement headphone cable and Focal Utopia. For a laptop, would you say a MBP would be as good as any in this system? Also, what usb connection do you have between the mRendu and Dave. I believe it is generally accepted that usb cables should be as short as possible, which to me suggests a well designed hard adapter would be the better bet. Is that reasoning valid? If yes, is the hard adapter supplied with the mRendu a good example of that type of connector? I would be very grateful for any thoughts you have on the above. I would also like to express my appreciation for your latest series of posts on this and other threads/forums touching on Dave and mRendu. I always find your contributions to be informative, insightful and balanced. Zenith SE > USPCB (5v off) > tX-USBultra 9V (SR4) > Sablon Reserva Elite USB > M Scaler > WAVE Stream bnc > DAVE > Prion4/Lazuli Reference > Utopia/LCD-4/HE1000se Link to comment
romaz Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 Hi romaz. An impressively short chain. What mac are you using? Most of my music listening will be in a different room from my late-2009 iMac and I don't currently have a laptop. I believe the MBP line is about to be upgraded and I might be tempted to go for one of those. But I think I remember Rob Watts saying that he used a HP in preference to a macbook for critical listening with the Dave, although that was without the microRendu. My current setup is Synology NAS > Netgear switch (router also into switch) > AQ Vodka cat7 > microRendu (with cheap smps) > Dave > HE1000. Additions to this system already ordered but yet to arrive include: LPS-1, DHC Silver Complement headphone cable and Focal Utopia. For a laptop, would you say a MBP would be as good as any in this system? Also, what usb connection do you have between the mRendu and Dave. I believe it is generally accepted that usb cables should be as short as possible, which to me suggests a well designed hard adapter would be the better bet. Is that reasoning valid? If yes, is the hard adapter supplied with the mRendu a good example of that type of connector? I would be very grateful for any thoughts you have on the above. I would also like to express my appreciation for your latest series of posts on this and other threads/forums touching on Dave and mRendu. I always find your contributions to be informative, insightful and balanced. Thanks. A few have PM'd me with the same question. I have a sonicTransporter which works well but when I discovered that in my system, HQPlayer resulted in improved SQ even though I don't use it to oversample, I went to my Mac (PC will work, too). So as not to go off topic on this thread, I will PM you with a more detailed response. Link to comment
MrUnderhill Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 Hi, I am also using an sbooster with mR. Have you had the opportunity to compare it to the lps1? Tks. Sent from my SM-G925I using Computer Audiophile mobile app Hi Soares, No. Not going there, at least for the moment. M Link to comment
MrUnderhill Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 My current setup is Synology NAS > Netgear switch (router also into switch) > AQ Vodka cat7 > microRendu (with cheap smps) > Dave > HE1000. Additions to this system already ordered but yet to arrive include: LPS-1, DHC Silver Complement headphone cable and Focal Utopia. Good looking set of components. Which Utopias? What amps do you use? I have the Focal 1008be IIs. I find that in my system these are excellent, but can develop an edge. Having introduced the Sbooster I felt this was emphasising that edge, after much mucking about I moved from using the mR hard connector with an AQ Cinnamon back to using a USB cable (not sure of the make, £30 'HiFi' jobby) & a CAT5e cable. I am awaiting a TotalDAC USB cable which I bought yesterday. In the meanwhile I introduced a media bridge yesterday - RJ45 > Optical > RJ45. In my system this has been a positive change and allowed my to put the AQ Cinnamon back in place. Had a late night listening session. M Link to comment
str-1 Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 Good looking set of components. Which Utopias? What amps do you use? M Sorry, should have made clear that mine is a headphone-only system, so the new Focal Utopia heafphones. Zenith SE > USPCB (5v off) > tX-USBultra 9V (SR4) > Sablon Reserva Elite USB > M Scaler > WAVE Stream bnc > DAVE > Prion4/Lazuli Reference > Utopia/LCD-4/HE1000se Link to comment
jtwrace Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 Or a total new box that combine the MicroRendu and the LPS-1 And also a box that combine two LPS-1 in order to get higher voltages. Or maybe the possibility to purchase only LPS-1 boards, if that can save enough money. Might as well combine the µRendu with the Patent Pending Vinnie Rossi MINI then. He can spec the output voltage to whatever one wants and it even has a linear supply to energize the Ultracapacitor. Ultracapacitor Power Supplies are coming (PURE-DC-4EVR: the MINI and the MEGA) ! W10 NUC i7 (Gen 10) > Roon (Audiolense FIR) > Motu UltraLite mk5 > (4) Hypex NCore NC502MP > JBL M2 Master Reference +4 subs Watch my Podcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXMw_bZWBMtRWNJQfTJ38kA/videos Link to comment
R1200CL Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 Might as well combine the µRendu with the Patent Pending Vinnie Rossi MINI then. He can spec the output voltage to whatever one wants and it even has a linear supply to energize the Ultracapacitor. Ultracapacitor Power Supplies are coming (PURE-DC-4EVR: the MINI and the MEGA) ! I read the Vinnie's pages. I'm under the impression that John's design and Vinnie's is quite different. But what do I know. One important thing is the DC leakage current, that is not mentioned at all. I would assume someone will soon be able to compare the Mini with the LPS-1, using the MicroRendu. If they perform equally, I would still prefer the LPS-1, cause of price. I rather use power conditioners (Isol-8 and Isotek), instead of LPS, as I think this is a cheaper and better solution. I would not be surprised if John's design is sold as a OEM to other preamp and DAC manufacturers. Maybe a combo could feed the Auralic's Aries, which would be a very good marked for UpTone Audio. Power requirements: http://support.auralic.com/hc/en-us/articles/205863008-What-is-the-Specificaion-of-ARIES-MINI-Power-Input I'm sure if there is a marked for it, UpTone can take the input design of the JS-2 power and combine in one box with one or two LPS-1. You beat Vinnie's design in voltage, but but maybe not in ampér, though he is not explicit saying 2,5 A within the whole range from 3,3 to 1g2 V. It will be interesting to see what products UpTone will come up with the next 12 months. And Alex already promised a surprise soon Link to comment
jtwrace Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 I read the Vinnie's pages. I'm under the impression that John's design and Vinnie's is quite different. But what do I know. One important thing is the DC leakage current, that is not mentioned at all. I would assume someone will soon be able to compare the Mini with the LPS-1, using the MicroRendu. If they perform equally, I would still prefer the LPS-1, cause of price. I rather use power conditioners (Isol-8 and Isotek), instead of LPS, as I think this is a cheaper and better solution. I would not be surprised if John's design is sold as a OEM to other preamp and DAC manufacturers. Maybe a combo could feed the Auralic's Aries, which would be a very good marked for UpTone Audio. Power requirements: http://support.auralic.com/hc/en-us/articles/205863008-What-is-the-Specificaion-of-ARIES-MINI-Power-Input I'm sure if there is a marked for it, UpTone can take the JS LPS power and combine with a box with one and two LPS-1. You beat Vinnie's design in voltage, but but maybe not in ampér, though he is not explicit saying 2,5 A within the whole range from 3,3 to 12 V. It will be interesting to see what products UpTone will come up with the next 12 months. And Alex already promised a surprise soon Gotcha. I prefer the Patent Pending version. Vinnie has been doing Ultracapacitor audio equipment for years now. I'll stick with his version and support the innovator of the technology in audio. W10 NUC i7 (Gen 10) > Roon (Audiolense FIR) > Motu UltraLite mk5 > (4) Hypex NCore NC502MP > JBL M2 Master Reference +4 subs Watch my Podcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXMw_bZWBMtRWNJQfTJ38kA/videos Link to comment
barrows Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 I read the Vinnie's pages. I'm under the impression that John's design and Vinnie's is quite different. But what do I know. One important thing is the DC leakage current, that is not mentioned at all. I would assume someone will soon be able to compare the Mini with the LPS-1, using the MicroRendu. If they perform equally, I would still prefer the LPS-1, cause of price. I rather use power conditioners (Isol-8 and Isotek), instead of LPS, as I think this is a cheaper and better solution. I would not be surprised if John's design is sold as a OEM to other preamp and DAC manufacturers. Maybe a combo could feed the Auralic's Aries, which would be a very good marked for UpTone Audio. Power requirements: http://support.auralic.com/hc/en-us/articles/205863008-What-is-the-Specificaion-of-ARIES-MINI-Power-Input I'm sure if there is a marked for it, UpTone can take the JS LPS power and combine with a box with one and two LPS-1. You beat Vinnie's design in voltage, but but maybe not in ampér, though he is not explicit saying 2,5 A within the whole range from 3,3 to 12 V. It will be interesting to see what products UpTone will come up with the next 12 months. And Alex already promised a surprise soon What makes you think this? SO/ROON/HQPe: DSD 512-Sonore opticalModuleDeluxe-Signature Rendu optical with Well Tempered Clock--DIY DSC-2 DAC with SC Pure Clock--DIY Purifi Amplifier-Focus Audio FS888 speakers-JL E 112 sub-Nordost Tyr USB, DIY EventHorizon AC cables, Iconoclast XLR & speaker cables, Synergistic Purple Fuses, Spacetime system clarifiers. ISOAcoustics Oreas footers. SONORE computer audio | opticalRendu | ultraRendu | microRendu | Signature Rendu SE | Accessories | Software | Link to comment
cfisher Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 Battery pack just arrived from Amazon and I have to say it did make a big improvement over the IFi. I don't have any noise in my main system (microrendu>yggy) but my headphone system (microrendu>mojo) did have a buzz that is now gone. Guess I am going to have to splurge on a couple of LPS-1s. Wonder how quick these batteries are going to run down. I'm guessing it won't be long. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F3QEUCO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Link to comment
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