A novel way to massively improve the SQ of computer audio streaming

[Advieira]

I´m building a audio pc NUC based and I´ll try AL and WS16 ram mode, both. Roon in both. Jplay in WS16. I´ll let you know soon.

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Before all the pieces to build the audiophile nuc arrived, theoretically, what would be the best configuration for my system. hypothetically speaking.

 

(1) The clocked switch placing
(a) router> nuc> switch> bridgeII-Directstream
(b) router> switch> [nuc; bridgeII-Directstream]

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Who are using M.2 SSD in NUC? Is it good for audio? I think order a Samsung Evo 970 M.2 Nmve and keep it disabled or not when using AL or WS16 in ram mode.

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Does following path could work? A option to try clean the path of ethernet beggining in the router wall wart.

 

[Advieira]

22 hours ago, mikicasellas said:

Hey Guys,

 

Regarding the powerful NUC7DNBE that is being used with better results, i see there are 3 different choices with the CORE i7-8650U, almost identical but with some differences.

 

NUC7i7DNKE, NUC7i7DNHE & NUC7i7DNBE

 

Question, would any of these choices would do the same task for our audio purpose?

 

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/nuc/nuc-kit-nuc7i7dnke-nuc7i7dnhe-board-nuc7i7dnbe-brief.html

 

 

DNKE and DNHE uses the same DNBE board.

Order a DBNE if you use a chassis other than stock.

[Advieira]

IMPRESSIONS ABOUT SNH-10G (sclk-ex)

 

Sold my Sotm Ultra Combo and replaced it for the SNH-10G switch + PS Audio Bridge II.

 

Setup 1

Router > Mac Mini (stock ps) > Snh-10G (stock ps)

Router > Snh-10G (stock ps)

Snh-10G (stock ps) > PS Direcstream Bridge II

 

 

Setup 2

Router > Mac Mini (stock ps) Direct Connection > SNh-10g (stock ps) > PS Directstream Bridge II

 

Setup 2 is clearly and undoubtedly better. Level is some db higher, more musical, more body, more everything. bridged ethernet connection is a no return config. But I will try fiber one time.

 

Next steps to listen (after Brazilian carnival):

Replace the dlink for a SFP input router (zerozone lps), fibered to SNH-10G.

Replace mac mini for i7dbne on Akasa (Linear Power Supply Zerozone) running OSX on M.2, Audiolinux headless and Windows Server 19, both ram mode.

Replace Snh-10g stock ps for a linear power supply (sps500 or zerozone).

 

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1 hour ago, Superdad said:

 

Trust me, that’s not a “mod.”  That would require a whole redesign of the circuitry on the board and addition of some chips.  No way could that ever be done as a mod. (I witnessed nearly every step of John’s redesign of the ultraRendu to produce the opticalRendu—it was not trivial! )

 

Instead he should use a USB to SFP converter. 

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6 hours ago, Advieira said:

IMPRESSIONS ABOUT SNH-10G (sclk-ex)

 

Sold my Sotm Ultra Combo and replaced it for the SNH-10G switch + PS Audio Bridge II.

 

Setup 1

Router > Mac Mini (stock ps) > Snh-10G (stock ps)

Router > Snh-10G (stock ps)

Snh-10G (stock ps) > PS Direcstream Bridge II

 

 

Setup 2

Router > Mac Mini (stock ps) Direct Connection > SNh-10g (stock ps) > PS Directstream Bridge II

 

Setup 2 is clearly and undoubtedly better. Level is some db higher, more musical, more body, more everything. bridged ethernet connection is a no return config. But I will try fiber one time.

 

Next steps to listen (after Brazilian carnival):

Replace the dlink for a SFP input router (zerozone lps), fibered to SNH-10G.

Replace mac mini for i7dbne on Akasa (Linear Power Supply Zerozone) running OSX on M.2, Audiolinux headless and Windows Server 19, both ram mode.

Replace Snh-10g stock ps for a linear power supply (sps500 or zerozone).

 

 

I will try direct connection bridged with fiber too, using two USB to SFP adapter/converters. Its only US$25 from

chinese brand Winyao.

[Advieira]

IMPRESSIONS WITH A NUC SERVER

 

Mikrotik router SFP Fiber + Nuc7i7BDNE Akasa (LPS Zerozone) > SnH-10G sclk-ex (stock ps) > Direcstream Sr. Bridge II

 

AudioLinux Ram: sound very sharp, bright, lean, very detailed, a little fatigating, very stable (nuc gets very hot)

Windows Server Data Center 2019 (no A.O) (M.2): details, bodied, harmonics richness, very enjoyable, network not very stable occasionally

 

I will keep AL for some auditions and impressing some friends, but for my ears, WS19 sounds better (understanding better as natural and real).

 

Now, I didn't understood why all that AL fuss...

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Look my system based on Sotm Diagram.