KunterK Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 I set up the NUC only today and I have ROCK on it. Previously I was using a Synology NAS and no Roon. Compared to the NAS/NB setup, I don't hear any problems. My fanless case will arrive in a couple of weeks and I will then go to a Paul Hynes power supply as well. Not much point until then, as there is a fan in the NUC case which probably is doing all nasty things on the power supply rails. And Roon needs to finish the analysis and quiet down as well for me have a better opinion. The best sound through NB came when used with a homebrew NAS using battery powered Asus Tinkerboard running minimserver. So I have my reference there. Lets see if the NUC/Roon will catch that. Its a very close call now. But the user experience in Roon is so good, I am not bothered with slightly lower sound quality. I am not using upsampling or HQPlayer now. I tried briefly, and yes things sound a bit better with roon upsampling and yes NUC7i5 seems to handle it like a champ. No other DSP's though. I will try to give more info once things settle and quiet down. My DAC might not be the best for upsampling due to the design... I use an external USB HDD to NUC, with which I also use a DC iPurifier, and connect it with Audioquest Cinnamon USB Cable. Also, as mentioned many times elsewhere, optical isolation is a gem connecting NB to the switch. All these add up. quite nicely. Kii Three + BXT, dCS Network Bridge, Astell&Kern SP2000, Stromtank 2500, Roon Nucleus, Echole Power Cables, Mogami + Bocchino AES, SOTM Switch + CAT7 + CAT8 Link to comment
AmusedToD Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 53 minutes ago, Confused said: Absolutely, the good thing about the Network Bridge is that it is one thing I could easy get for home demo, I have a good relationship with a dealer that has a demo unit in store. I would have a problem getting hold of Sonore or SOtM alternatives for comparison though, not an easy thing to do in the UK. BTW, the Mutec MC3+USB also has AES/EBU (XLR) input, so a Network Bridge + Mutec MC3+USB set up could be a USB free solution. Perfect, then by all accounts give it a try with the Ref10 and please report back. Link to comment
AmusedToD Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 54 minutes ago, KunterK said: I set up the NUC only today and I have ROCK on it. Previously I was using a Synology NAS and no Roon. Compared to the NAS/NB setup, I don't hear any problems. My fanless case will arrive in a couple of weeks and I will then go to a Paul Hynes power supply as well. Not much point until then, as there is a fan in the NUC case which probably is doing all nasty things on the power supply rails. And Roon needs to finish the analysis and quiet down as well for me have a better opinion. The best sound through NB came when used with a homebrew NAS using battery powered Asus Tinkerboard running minimserver. So I have my reference there. Lets see if the NUC/Roon will catch that. Its a very close call now. But the user experience in Roon is so good, I am not bothered with slightly lower sound quality. I am not using upsampling or HQPlayer now. I tried briefly, and yes things sound a bit better with roon upsampling and yes NUC7i5 seems to handle it like a champ. No other DSP's though. I will try to give more info once things settle and quiet down. My DAC might not be the best for upsampling due to the design... I use an external USB HDD to NUC, with which I also use a DC iPurifier, and connect it with Audioquest Cinnamon USB Cable. Also, as mentioned many times elsewhere, optical isolation is a gem connecting NB to the switch. All these add up. quite nicely. Yes, the fan inside the NUC is the main reason I am still using my iMac, not sure it would be a meaningful upgrade over the Mac. I am intrigued by the Sonictransporter though which is supposed to be fanless and completely silent. Link to comment
stevebythebay Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 35 minutes ago, AmusedToD said: Yes, the fan inside the NUC is the main reason I am still using my iMac, not sure it would be a meaningful upgrade over the Mac. I am intrigued by the Sonictransporter though which is supposed to be fanless and completely silent. Fan noise is a killer if the NUC is in the same room with the system. That's the primary reason I'm awaiting the Nucleus to replace my MacMini. I believe Chris, in building his Roon R.O.C.K. for running Core, ran into this issue -- principally due to choosing the i7, driving fan noise. Steve Schaffer Grimm MU1 / dCS Vivaldi Upsampler - APEX DAC - Clock / Spectral DMC-30SV preamp / Spectral Anniversary monoblocks / Wilson Audio Alexia V / Wilson Lōkē subs / Shunyata Everest / Shunyata Omega interconnects, power cables, Ethernet / Shunyata Altaira / Uptone EtherREGEN switch / Cybershaft OP21A-D / Uptone JS2 LPS / HRS racks - Vortex footers - damping plates Link to comment
KunterK Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 4 hours ago, stevebythebay said: Fan noise is a killer if the NUC is in the same room with the system. That's the primary reason I'm awaiting the Nucleus to replace my MacMini. I believe Chris, in building his Roon R.O.C.K. for running Core, ran into this issue -- principally due to choosing the i7, driving fan noise. My i5 NUC is pretty silent even when driven hard with discovery and DSP. Yes the fan is there but need to be very close to hear. I am more concerned that it is there using the electricity... Power supply should be contaminated, but I don't know by how much. I will see if it makes a difference when the fanless case arrives Kii Three + BXT, dCS Network Bridge, Astell&Kern SP2000, Stromtank 2500, Roon Nucleus, Echole Power Cables, Mogami + Bocchino AES, SOTM Switch + CAT7 + CAT8 Link to comment
stevebythebay Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 I'd heard that the i5 is better in dealing with fan noise. But not so good for very large libraries, ergo Chris seems to have a much as some streaming companies I'm waiting to see the actual specs for the Nucleus. For what they're asking it had better be using an LPS. Steve Schaffer Grimm MU1 / dCS Vivaldi Upsampler - APEX DAC - Clock / Spectral DMC-30SV preamp / Spectral Anniversary monoblocks / Wilson Audio Alexia V / Wilson Lōkē subs / Shunyata Everest / Shunyata Omega interconnects, power cables, Ethernet / Shunyata Altaira / Uptone EtherREGEN switch / Cybershaft OP21A-D / Uptone JS2 LPS / HRS racks - Vortex footers - damping plates Link to comment
yellowblue Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 For those who missed it... https://www.head-fi.org/threads/review-comparison-of-5-high-end-digital-music-servers-aurender-n10-cad-cat-server-totaldac-d1-server-auralic-aries-audiophile-vortex-box.787020/page-69#post-13801299 Romaz is alive! Confused 1 Link to comment
AmusedToD Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 3 hours ago, yellowblue said: For those who missed it... https://www.head-fi.org/threads/review-comparison-of-5-high-end-digital-music-servers-aurender-n10-cad-cat-server-totaldac-d1-server-auralic-aries-audiophile-vortex-box.787020/page-69#post-13801299 Romaz is alive! Good to know Romaz is still active! Curious why he has found the Network Bridge to sound thin, most reviews say exactly the opposite... This review put an emphasis on “full bodied and close detailed” This review says:”The sound was “meaty”, there was commitment, power.” http://www.highfidelity.pl/@main-759&lang=en Link to comment
bobh3501 Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 I have been using a Network Bridge for about 3 months. For the first few weeks I thought it sounded a bit thin, though nicely detailed. It started sounding better after breaking in for awhile (both it and my ears, I guess). Now I prefer it to my microRendu which it replaced. BobH Link to comment
rickca Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 17 minutes ago, bobh3501 said: I have been using a Network Bridge for about 3 months. For the first few weeks I thought it sounded a bit thin, though nicely detailed. It started sounding better after breaking in for awhile (both it and my ears, I guess). Now I prefer it to my microRendu which it replaced. Considering the huge price difference between a microRendu and a dCS Network Bridge, I'd hope for remarkably better sound. Can you tell us more about your listening impressions? Pareto Audio AMD 7700 Server --> Berkeley Alpha USB --> Jeff Rowland Aeris --> Jeff Rowland 625 S2 --> Focal Utopia 3 Diablos with 2 x Focal Electra SW 1000 BE subs i7-6700K/Windows 10 --> EVGA Nu Audio Card --> Focal CMS50's Link to comment
jean-michel6 Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 On 04/10/2017 at 4:53 AM, Cyrus said: @stevebythebay I need to update my signature. Here are some updates in case you have any additional thoughts??? Thanks. I just ordered the Sonore UltraRendu, which will be powered by an Uptone Ultracap LPS-1. I also have an Uptone IsoRegen in the chain, powered by it's own LPS-1. Haven't gone all the way with Sonore in terms of the Signature Rendu SE, though it is still an option. The UltraRendu is for testing purposes and will be used in a secondary system. I've been sitting on the fence with respect to the dCS Network Bridge or Antipodes. I would have ordered the DX Gen 3 by now but want confirmation on user installed memory before doing so. For now, based on my needs, component flexibility and setup: I rank the DX Gen 3 / Core first followed by the dCS NB and then the Sig Rendu SE. The advantage of Antipodes for me, is having one component for multiple functions and I really like having the Roon Core/Server and Renderer functions contained in one unit. If I go with the dCS NB then either my current SGC sonicTransporter AP or the Antipodes Core will serve as Roon Core/Server The Schiit Yggdrasil will soon be joined by a Denafrips Terminator. Hi , When you get the terminator , i am very much interested by the comparison with the Yggdrasil . PCserver Supermicro X11SAA under Daphile ,Jcat pcie net card ,Etherregen,e-red dock endpoint,powered by LPS 1.2 , SPS 500 , Sean Jacobs level 3 psu, DAC Audiomat Maestro 3, Nagra Classic Amp , Hattor passive preamplifier , Martin Logan montis Link to comment
Cyrus Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 @jean-michel6 The Terminator was to have shipped on the 18th, but I asked for additional factory burn-in time. Once I receive it and it is settled in, I'll drop you a note. Link to comment
Popular Post bobh3501 Posted October 24, 2017 Popular Post Share Posted October 24, 2017 5 hours ago, rickca said: Considering the huge price difference between a microRendu and a dCS Network Bridge, I'd hope for remarkably better sound. Can you tell us more about your listening impressions? Hi Rickca - First - the dCS network bridge costs about the same as my microRendu + LPS-1 + Berkeley Alpha USB + various associated cables (my best DAC is not USB friendly). I passed the equipment on to nieces and nephews. I would have upgraded to the ultraRendu as an alternative but wanted to simplify and eliminate USB. The NB replaced 3 other boxes in my rack. Second - I loved the sound I was getting from the microRendu. My system has sounded very good with a variety of computer front end configurations over the years (different CAPS builds, etc). This hobby keeps evolving and I enjoy trying things and optimizing them. Every couple of years I try and shake it up - serving and streaming with lightweight Linux based solutions was new to me last year and I am exploring optimizing and tweaking it. I love the sound I am getting from the Network Bridge now. I would describe the NB as more refined, more detailed, and less fatiguing than the mR. There is a clear difference in presentation from the 2 devices. Having lived with the NB for a few months I switched back to the mR for a few days of listening and decided to keep the NB. I will say that some of my poorly recorded but deeply loved favorites sound a bit more engaging on the mR. beautiful music, Summit and rickca 1 2 BobH Link to comment
yellowblue Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 #bobh3501 did you have the mR 1.3 och the upgraded 1.4? Link to comment
bobh3501 Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 It was the original mR. I was contemplating the upgrade when the NB was released. BobH Link to comment
rickca Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 Has anyone tried the dCS NB with A+ 3.1? Damien says it should work if the dCS NB is fully DLNA compliant. Pareto Audio AMD 7700 Server --> Berkeley Alpha USB --> Jeff Rowland Aeris --> Jeff Rowland 625 S2 --> Focal Utopia 3 Diablos with 2 x Focal Electra SW 1000 BE subs i7-6700K/Windows 10 --> EVGA Nu Audio Card --> Focal CMS50's Link to comment
AmusedToD Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 Paganini and Network Bridge in the house! May the warm up begin Link to comment
austinpop Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 4 minutes ago, AmusedToD said: Paganini and Network Bridge in the house! May the warm up begin Awesome news! I have the perfect burn-in music to put on Auto repeat: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, composed by Sergei Rachmaninoff. My Audio Setup Link to comment
AmusedToD Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 20 minutes ago, austinpop said: Awesome news! I have the perfect burn-in music to put on Auto repeat: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, composed by Sergei Rachmaninoff. Thanks, Rajiv! I’ll give it a listen, even though I have just started exploring classical music, so any directions from you would be highly appreciated! The first and only test for this night, I connected the word clock out on the NB to the word clock in on the Paganini via a 0.7m Oyaide solid silver BNC cable. Guess what, the Paganini locks to 24/192 (even though the NB supposedly sends only up to 96 through the wclk out). So if the clocks are really synced (not sure how to confirm this), then my assumptions are apparently wrong and I am so very glad they are, no need to downsample in NB! Link to comment
austinpop Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 7 minutes ago, AmusedToD said: Thanks, Rajiv! I’ll give it a listen, even though I have just started exploring classical music, so any directions from you would be highly appreciated! I was just riffing off the name of the component (Paganini). Actually, I've found the best burn in music to be ocean sounds. 7 minutes ago, AmusedToD said: The first and only test for this night, I connected the word clock out on the NB to the word clock in on the Paganini via a 0.7m Oyaide solid silver BNC cable. Guess what, the Paganini locks to 24/192 (even though the NB supposedly sends only up to 96 through the wclk out). So if the clocks are really synced (not sure how to confirm this), then my assumptions are apparently wrong and I am so very glad they are, no need to downsample in NB! I could take the low road and say: I told you so! But I won't. My Audio Setup Link to comment
AmusedToD Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 This is what the NB unit status reports: Not sure whether the lock status refers to the clock inputs (in case of using an external master clock) or the clock output. But in any case, it shows “not locked”. Link to comment
wdw Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 13 hours ago, rickca said: Has anyone tried the dCS NB with A+ 3.1? Damien says it should work if the dCS NB is fully DLNA compliant. Yes, I have....the bridge was recognized immediately with A+ 3.1. Have been using a ROON ROCK but now alternate with A+ which, to my ear, sounds somewhat better than Roon. Link to comment
rickca Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 2 hours ago, wdw said: Yes, I have....the bridge was recognized immediately with A+ 3.1. Have been using a ROON ROCK but now alternate with A+ which, to my ear, sounds somewhat better than Roon. Great! Thank you. Pareto Audio AMD 7700 Server --> Berkeley Alpha USB --> Jeff Rowland Aeris --> Jeff Rowland 625 S2 --> Focal Utopia 3 Diablos with 2 x Focal Electra SW 1000 BE subs i7-6700K/Windows 10 --> EVGA Nu Audio Card --> Focal CMS50's Link to comment
wdw Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 5 hours ago, rickca said: Great! Thank you. gotta say the Bridge presents the best digital we have heard in our system. Was using Devialet Air ethernet directly into the Devialet mono blocks (and this is a great sounding protocol) but the insertion of the Bridge (ethernet into the Bridge and AES/XLR out to the Devialet) notched everything up substantially....an audible increase in delicacy and definition. News is out that the firmware update in coming next month (November) so we can continue to argue about MQA but with some more direct experience! Link to comment
rickca Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 3 minutes ago, wdw said: News is out that the firmware update in coming next month (November) so we can continue to argue about MQA but with some more direct experience! I don't use TIDAL (I use Qobuz) so I really don't care about MQA. What I care about is the USB output. Pareto Audio AMD 7700 Server --> Berkeley Alpha USB --> Jeff Rowland Aeris --> Jeff Rowland 625 S2 --> Focal Utopia 3 Diablos with 2 x Focal Electra SW 1000 BE subs i7-6700K/Windows 10 --> EVGA Nu Audio Card --> Focal CMS50's Link to comment
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