Steve Bruzonsky Posted August 6, 2017 Share Posted August 6, 2017 My Sonore Signature Rendu arrived yesterday (Saturday) replacing my Microrendu and Sonore Signature Power Supply, the latter which Sonore took as a trade-into, Nice lookin' and solidly built. I went to "My Sonicorbiter" and enabled RoonReady mode. Then I set up the Signature Rendu as I had set up the Microrendu previously. But it's giving me lots of issues and reloading firmware doesn't help. I can get it to play and output actual music only if I set ROON to downsample to 48-24 or 44-16. It will also play and output music when set to 44-16 and 48-24! I suspect perhaps USPS was a bit rough in transport (even though no external evidence of this) enough to mess up the little computer hardware therein. I'll get with Sonore Monday and I'm sure we'll go through steps to see if perhaps I've set it up wrong, and if not, I'm sure Sonore will quickly ensure that I am taken care of. (Note my multi-channel CAPSv3 HDMI server works fine with ROON - it's just that two channel via USB is the most I am there for critical laid back listening! Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted August 6, 2017 Share Posted August 6, 2017 I have only been using my modded CAPSv3 in the past two years for its multi-channel HDMI. However, it also has USB stereo. So I decided to hook up its USB to "see" what happens. Also, I am unable to hook up my Microrendu as I traded in the Sonore Signature Power Supply, and I do have a SOTM 9vdc battery power supply but wouldn't you know it, the batteries died and need to be replaced. But I am using the CAPSv3 USB and I'm having the same issues. So its apparently not the Sonore Signature Rendu! I just got my Theta Casablanca SSP upgraded from the IV to the IV-A with Dolby Atmos. Theta Digital also made some changes in the signal path, etc for better sonics. My system was down for a month, awaiting the upgraded CBIV-A, and installation of four in ceiling speakers, now all done, and my system got back up about a week ago. My CAPSv3 HDMI has worked with ROON and my CBIV-A absolutely fine! So the issue is with both the coaxial and balanced digital inputs to the CBIV-A and the digital signal processing. Both the Sonore Signature Rendu and the CAPSv3 USB outputs seem to play for 44k and 48k and for downconverting PCM above to 44k or 48k. WEIRD! I'll call Theta Digital tomorrow. Looks like Sonore is in the clear! Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted August 6, 2017 Share Posted August 6, 2017 My CAPSv3 is a modded one built by Andrew Gillis, with an AMD Sapphire video card for HDMI out with a large Silverline case, and a SOTM Exp USB card! Again, it appears the issue is my Theta CBIV-A, not the Sonore Signature Rendu. Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted August 6, 2017 Share Posted August 6, 2017 Using my Oppo UDP-205, I played/tried to play DVD-Audio discs up to 192k stereo with my Theta CBIV-A SSP. Some would play, some would not play, no real rhyme or reason. So I am checking with Theta Digital on this - perhaps my firmware got corrupted or some other issue. However, I will contact Sonore first thing tomorrow Monday morning to go over everything just to doublecheck that I set up everything right with the Sonore Signature Rendu. But its not like I haven't been doing this. I'v had no issues with the Microrendu at all and I've had one since the start almost 1.5 years ago. And via phone I just helped a friend move from the Microrendu to set up and get working the Ultrarendu in his system. (And that was with my system down for ceiling speaker install and I couldn't access Sonicorbiter or ROON setup menus online but didn't need to as I could remember it all! HA!). Again, I'm having the issue on 2 separate USB stereo devices (Sonore Signature Rendu, just received, and my prior CAPSv3) and I wouldn't want anyone to think there's an issue with the Sonore Signature Rendu or Ultrarendu. And my friend's Ultrarendu is workin' just fine, too. My issue certainly appears to be my SSP upgrade - I am one of the very early ones to do this. Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted August 7, 2017 Share Posted August 7, 2017 10 hours ago, Emerald Core said: Could you elaborate on the sound improvement if any Sorry. I've got to get my Theta CBIV-A (I assume that's the issue) working right on digital balanced and coaxial for PCM before I can do any critical listening. That should have been obvious from the above. Also, as my SSP was upgraded from Theta CBIV to IV-A which includes some signal path changes, and both the CBIV-A and the Sonore Signature Rendu were added at the same time, all I'll be able to say is how it all sounds, I won't be able to separate out the Signature Rendu vs the CBIV-A. Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted August 7, 2017 Share Posted August 7, 2017 I borrowed an iFi wall wart (that came with his Microrendu that he doesn't use) from a friend, so I was able to hook up my "old" Microrendu which worked perfectly with my Theta Casablanca IV SSP. But with my upgraded Theta Casablanca IV-A SSP, same issue, only will play 44k and 48k over digital coaxial or balanced. The issue is my upgraded Theta Casablanca IV SSP. I am in contact with ATI/Theta Digital on this. Disappointing to say the least! Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 Why? I know what the Microrendu with Sonore Signature Power Supply sounded like in my system, compared to using a HDPlex that I then had. I don't need to do this for my own purposes. Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted August 20, 2017 Share Posted August 20, 2017 3 hours ago, Cyrus said: @Steve Bruzonsky Do you have any updates? Were your issues resolved? Thanks. The Sonore Signature Rendu sounds fantastic in combination with my upgraded Theta Digital Casablanca IV-A (now with Dolby Atmos and DTS-X) SSP. The issue is not the Sonore, but is the Theta CBIV-A new DSP chip, which for HDMI is set to accept up to 192-24, but is switched to only accept up to 48-24 for digital coaxial & balanced. I use the Sonore (as I did the Microrendu before) USB into a Berkeley Audio USB Converter then balanced digital out into the CBIV-A SSP. For now I have ROON set to play 44k and 48k sources natively, and to downsample everything else above to its even integer of 44k and 48k. ATI/Theta Digital has contacted Momentum Data Systems, manufacturer/software developer of the new DSP chip, so that they will provide the software switch so that the CBIV-A SSP works for digital coaxial & balanced the same as it does for HDMI and accept up to 192-24. What's interesting is that on 2 channel music I've been playing, never sounded better! I can't wait to get the CBIV-SSP DSP switch revision so that I can hear the benefit of native 88k & up music in my two channel! Meanwhile, I am super enjoying Dolby Atmos & DTS-X blu rays with my CBIV-A SSP! Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted August 24, 2017 Share Posted August 24, 2017 On 8/20/2017 at 10:52 AM, vortecjr said: Do you guys want me to post what our Canadian dealer had to say about the Signature Rendu SE? Ok already, We're waiting for the post!!! I've got to say the Sonore Signature Rendu is well built. By incorporating the Sonore Signature Power Supply, beefed up some, into the component itself, its not only nice built and looking, but has sufficient weight to "hold its own". I have for years used Symposium Rollerblocks as a tweak under many components. I used them under the Sonore Signature Power Supply (with a Microrendu). However, I just placed them under the Sonore Signature Rendu, noting how the new Signature Rendu is more sturdy as it is heavier over the Rollerblocks than was the Signature Power Supply. My point is that the Signature Rendu, no matter how good it sounds on its own, can even sound better with a bit of proper tweaking!!! I made a choice in my dedicated purposely built home theater and audio room to KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). With my Theta CBIV SSP, which processes everything at 96-24, I used ROON to downsample/upsample as needed to the even integer multiple of 96-24 or 88-24 (that sounded better, using ROON to do this, instead of using the Theta CBIV SSP to do this). Once the Theta CBIV SSP then accepts the incoming 96-24 or 88-24 (thanks to ROON, Sonic Transporter i5, and my then Sonore Microrendu, and then my Berkeley Audio USB to balanced digital converter), it applies bass management & crossovers and Dirac room correction. (My speakers are five Aerial Acoustics 7ts, two JL Audio f212 subwoofers, and four in ceiling KEF Ci2000rr-THX, with five Theta Digital Prometheus monoblocks and one ATI multi-channel amp for in-ceiling speakers). However, I got my Sonore Signature Rendu at the same time I got my Theta CBIV-A upgrade back from Theta Digital. Theta Digital not only upgraded the CBIV to the CBIV-A with Dolby Atmos, but apparently the CBIV has two sample rate converters, and now the signal path is shortened to one sample rate converter in the new DSP chip which also does Dolby Atmos & DTS-X, and this shortened signal path gives better sound quality for 2 channel as well as multi-channel, as does the new Sonore Signature Rendu vs the prior Microrendu with Sonore Signature Power Supply (the latter which was traded in on the Sonore Signature Rendu). Unfortunately, while the upgraded Theta CBIV-A HDMI still accepts up to 192-24, the DPS manufacturer (Momentum Data Systems) boo bood with the balanced/coaxial digital inputs, which I discovered only accept up to 48-24. This is in process of being corrected with a firmware upgrade to the DSP chip/board, meanwhile I am using ROON to downsample higher res audio to 48-24 & 44-24, and not upsampling 48k and below. Yet my sonics are better than ever thanks to the Sonore Signature Rendu and upgraded Theta CBIV-A SS! Yesterday was my final tweaking, putting a set of Symposium Rollerblocks under the Sonore Signature Rendu, with a Bright Star weight on top. I could clearly hear more sonic improvement doing this! NICE! Note my multi-channel sound over HDMI from my modded CAPSv3 server sounds really good. But my two channel with the Sonore Signature Rendu is appreciably better sonically - though some multi-channel mixes are really cool and I may like to listen them via multi-channel HDMI. But I again find myself listening to music mostly via the Signature Rendu, just as I did previously with my prior Microrendu & Theta CBIV SSP. I find it amazing that I am not able to input higher res than 48k into the CBIV-A from the Signature Rendu right now, yet it sounds better than ever! So I am very, very happy with the Sonore Signature Rendu and highly recommend it. Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted September 15, 2017 Share Posted September 15, 2017 As I stated above, the Sonore Signature Rendu is a nicely built beefy and somewhat heavy (in comparison to my previous Sonore Signature Power Supply and Microrendu), which is nifty because it works well with tweaks underneath and weights on top. I had two Brightstar Weights on top, about 20 lb or more, and a set of (3) Symposium Rollerblocks with titanium ball underneath, with a Symposium Svelte Shelf underneath and on top of the component rack shelf. I've had these tweaks for years! My Theta CBIV-A SSP also had a set of (3) Symposium Rollerblocks with titanium ball underneath, with a Symposium Ultra Platform underneath and on top of the component rack itself. I decided to take the sets of Rollerblocks out from under my 5 Theta Digital Prometheus monoblocks, as I felt any benefits were outweighed by detraction of dynamics/microdynamics. So I had some extra Rollerblock sets. I used a set of the Rollerblocks (without the titanium ball), added to a set of Rollerblocks with a titanium ball, with the ball sandwiched in between the blocks. I call this a Rollerblock sandwich. I put a set of (3) Rollerblock sandwiches under my Theta CBIV-A SSP. I played some Dolby Atmos blu rays on my Oppo UDP-205 & noticed how the sonics opened up and improved. Same for the Sonore Signature Rendu. More recently, I placed a Rollerblock sandwich on top of a Symposium Ultra Platform, all under the Sonore Signature Rendu, with two BrightStar weights (about 20 lb) on top of the Rendu. WOW!!! Since the Rendu has no moving parts weights on top are ok. But my experience is that weights on top of a disc player in time will burn out the disc player!!! You can't do this with the Microrendu, and even the Ultrarendu doesn't have enough size and mass to do this - but the Sonore Signature Rendu does!!! Very nice!!@@@ MikeyFresh 1 Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted January 3, 2018 Share Posted January 3, 2018 On 8/6/2017 at 1:12 AM, Steve Bruzonsky said: My Sonore Signature Rendu arrived yesterday (Saturday) replacing my Microrendu and Sonore Signature Power Supply, the latter which Sonore took as a trade-into, Nice lookin' and solidly built. I went to "My Sonicorbiter" and enabled RoonReady mode. Then I set up the Signature Rendu as I had set up the Microrendu previously. But it's giving me lots of issues and reloading firmware doesn't help. I can get it to play and output actual music only if I set ROON to downsample to 48-24 or 44-16. It will also play and output music when set to 44-16 and 48-24! I suspect perhaps USPS was a bit rough in transport (even though no external evidence of this) enough to mess up the little computer hardware therein. I'll get with Sonore Monday and I'm sure we'll go through steps to see if perhaps I've set it up wrong, and if not, I'm sure Sonore will quickly ensure that I am taken care of. (Note my multi-channel CAPSv3 HDMI server works fine with ROON - it's just that two channel via USB is the most I am there for critical laid back listening! (turns out the issue was not the Sonore Signature Rendu, but my Theta CBIVA, which via HDMI accepted up to 192-24, but which via AES/EBU or coaxial digital, which I used for 2Ch, accepted only up to 48-24, necessitating a firmware fix by ATI/Theta Digital). On 9/14/2017, Steve Bruzonsky said: As I stated above, the Sonore Signature Rendu is a nicely built beefy and somewhat heavy (in comparison to my previous Sonore Signature Power Supply and Microrendu), which is nifty because it works well with tweaks underneath and weights on top. I had two Brightstar Weights on top, about 20 lb or more, and a set of (3) Symposium Rollerblocks with titanium ball underneath, with a Symposium Svelte Shelf underneath and on top of the component rack shelf. I've had these tweaks for years! My Theta CBIV-A SSP also had a set of (3) Symposium Rollerblocks with titanium ball underneath, with a Symposium Ultra Platform underneath and on top of the component rack itself. I decided to take the sets of Rollerblocks out from under my 5 Theta Digital Prometheus monoblocks, as I felt any benefits were outweighed by detraction of dynamics/microdynamics. So I had some extra Rollerblock sets. I used a set of the Rollerblocks (without the titanium ball), added to a set of Rollerblocks with a titanium ball, with the ball sandwiched in between the blocks. I call this a Rollerblock sandwich. I put a set of (3) Rollerblock sandwiches under my Theta CBIV-A SSP. I played some Dolby Atmos blu rays on my Oppo UDP-205 & noticed how the sonics opened up and improved. Same for the Sonore Signature Rendu. More recently, I placed a Rollerblock sandwich on top of a Symposium Ultra Platform, all under the Sonore Signature Rendu, with two BrightStar weights (about 20 lb) on top of the Rendu. WOW!!! Since the Rendu has no moving parts weights on top are ok. But my experience is that weights on top of a disc player in time will burn out the disc player!!! You can't do this with the Microrendu, and even the Ultrarendu doesn't have enough size and mass to do this - but the Sonore Signature Rendu does!!! Very nice!!@@@ Finally all of me home theater & audio upgrades are done and I am listening to my Sonore Signature Rendu in its full glory. And it sound magnificent. I can't directly compare to what it sounded like with Microrendu with Sonore Signature Power Supply back last summer because I've done too many system changes since then. But my audio has NEVER sounded better and its an appreciable amount better than before. In all fairness, I've done a lot to my home theater & audio system since last July: Replaced Sonore Microrendu with Sonore Signature Power Supply with Sonore Signature Rendu. Upgraded Theta CBIV to CBIVA. Finally end of November got firmware upgrade so AES/EBU (and coaxial) digital input, via Berkeley Audio USB Converter, accepts up to 192-24. Replaced 2.35 128.5" wide Stewart Cinecurve Screen with 2.40 168" wide Stewart Vistascope Screen. Replaced Sim2 C3X 1080 3 chip DLP projector (24 lb) with Sony VPL-VW5000ES laser projector (94 ib). Replaced cones under five Aerial Acoustics 7t speakers with Isoacoustics Gaia II speaker feet. Added four IsoAcoustics Iso-pucks under each of five Theta Prometheus monoblock amplifiers, one ATI multi-channel amplifier (for four ceiling Dolby Atmos speakers), and under two PS Audio P5 power regenerators. Ceiling mounted projector moved back 3 feet from prior throw distance (now at 19.5" throw with the very front of lens up about 1.5' higher than the prior projector, and where the front of the lens is just a tad above the very back of my head in my preferred second row center on a platform listening leather recliner) New screen has masking in from sides all the way from 2.40 to 16.9 to 4.3 aspect ratio, and I find that using the most masking to 4.3 sound best for 2Ch audio (better absorption up front). Pending projector and screen install, for almost two months I had projector on a table in the back row center, so I couldn't listen to music there! And I had to stop using Dirac Room correction because my previous measured room correction was way off due to the big projector in the back row. Finally a few weeks ago, after all new physical changes were done and the new screen and projector mounted, I was able to measure and do new room correction filters for my Theta CBIVA SSP, one for front row (video), one for back row (music). YEA! Also, I moved my Western Digital MyCloudPro4200 32 TB server and Sonic Transporter i5 (Roon Core) out of my theater way up and over to my home office, and my installer ran CAT6 through my attics way over into my theatre room (super fast Wi-Fi through home and theatre). I still have the Microrendu with latest firmware. But as I traded in my Sonore Signature Power Supply, I can't hook it up and compare how it sounds with the Sonore Signature Rendu in my current system. Oh well. I can only say I am very, very happy with the Sonore Signature Rendu and how it sounds in my current system! Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted June 30, 2018 Share Posted June 30, 2018 On 1/2/2018 at 7:51 PM, Steve Bruzonsky said: Finally all of me home theater & audio upgrades are done and I am listening to my Sonore Signature Rendu in its full glory. And it sound magnificent. I can't directly compare to what it sounded like with Microrendu with Sonore Signature Power Supply back last summer because I've done too many system changes since then. But my audio has NEVER sounded better and its an appreciable amount better than before. In all fairness, I've done a lot to my home theater & audio system since last July: Replaced Sonore Microrendu with Sonore Signature Power Supply with Sonore Signature Rendu. Upgraded Theta CBIV to CBIVA. Finally end of November got firmware upgrade so AES/EBU (and coaxial) digital input, via Berkeley Audio USB Converter, accepts up to 192-24. Replaced 2.35 128.5" wide Stewart Cinecurve Screen with 2.40 168" wide Stewart Vistascope Screen. Replaced Sim2 C3X 1080 3 chip DLP projector (24 lb) with Sony VPL-VW5000ES laser projector (94 ib). Replaced cones under five Aerial Acoustics 7t speakers with Isoacoustics Gaia II speaker feet. Added four IsoAcoustics Iso-pucks under each of five Theta Prometheus monoblock amplifiers, one ATI multi-channel amplifier (for four ceiling Dolby Atmos speakers), and under two PS Audio P5 power regenerators. Ceiling mounted projector moved back 3 feet from prior throw distance (now at 19.5" throw with the very front of lens up about 1.5' higher than the prior projector, and where the front of the lens is just a tad above the very back of my head in my preferred second row center on a platform listening leather recliner) New screen has masking in from sides all the way from 2.40 to 16.9 to 4.3 aspect ratio, and I find that using the most masking to 4.3 sound best for 2Ch audio (better absorption up front). Pending projector and screen install, for almost two months I had projector on a table in the back row center, so I couldn't listen to music there! And I had to stop using Dirac Room correction because my previous measured room correction was way off due to the big projector in the back row. Finally a few weeks ago, after all new physical changes were done and the new screen and projector mounted, I was able to measure and do new room correction filters for my Theta CBIVA SSP, one for front row (video), one for back row (music). YEA! Also, I moved my Western Digital MyCloudPro4200 32 TB server and Sonic Transporter i5 (Roon Core) out of my theater way up and over to my home office, and my installer ran CAT6 through my attics way over into my theatre room (super fast Wi-Fi through home and theatre). I still have the Microrendu with latest firmware. But as I traded in my Sonore Signature Power Supply, I can't hook it up and compare how it sounds with the Sonore Signature Rendu in my current system. Oh well. I can only say I am very, very happy with the Sonore Signature Rendu and how it sounds in my current system! Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted June 30, 2018 Share Posted June 30, 2018 I've had my Sonore Signature Rendu SE for about a year now!!! Note that all along, as I have some tweaks from years ago, the Rendu SE sits on a Symposium Ultra platform. Finally I've got it "tweaked to perfection"! Initially I had it on a pair of sandwiched Symposium Rollerblocks with a heavy 20 pound Brightstar Audio weight on top. But after awhile I took out these tweaks and frankly, felt the sonics were better leaving the Rendu SE bare without tweaks. More recently, I placed four Isoacoustics Iso-pucks each one under one of the Rendu SE's Sorbothane feet, theory being that the component is designed with isolation at its 4 corners, so why not improve on this with the Isoacoustics stuff right under the Sorbothane. Yes, some overall sonic improvement. Since then, Isolacoustics has some out with the Orea isolators, an improvement on the Iso-pucks. Very recently got some Isoacoustics Orea Indigo isolators which replaced the Iso-pucks under the sorbothane feet. And I placed a Brightstar Audio 10 pound weight on top of the Rendu SE. Also, my Berkley Audio Alpha USB (to digital AES/EBU) converter had been sitting bare on the shelf above. I needed to adjust/move the component rack shelves some (my Michael Greene Audio shelves allow this), and I was able to place a set of Indigos under the Berkley Audio converter, with a 10 pound Brightstar Audio weight on top. My two channel sonics are now the best ever! The Sonore Signature Rendu SE is simply a remarkable sounding audio component. Highly recommended! Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted July 18, 2018 Share Posted July 18, 2018 i was one of the very early ones to get the Sonore Signature Rendu SE, as I traded in my Sonore Signature Power Supply and got a great deal! My invoice showed that I ordered and received the black Synergistic Fuse! Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted August 2, 2018 Share Posted August 2, 2018 On 6/30/2018 at 9:25 AM, Steve Bruzonsky said: I've had my Sonore Signature Rendu SE for about a year now!!! Note that all along, as I have some tweaks from years ago, the Rendu SE sits on a Symposium Ultra platform. Finally I've got it "tweaked to perfection"! Initially I had it on a pair of sandwiched Symposium Rollerblocks with a heavy 20 pound Brightstar Audio weight on top. But after awhile I took out these tweaks and frankly, felt the sonics were better leaving the Rendu SE bare without tweaks. More recently, I placed four Isoacoustics Iso-pucks each one under one of the Rendu SE's Sorbothane feet, theory being that the component is designed with isolation at its 4 corners, so why not improve on this with the Isoacoustics stuff right under the Sorbothane. Yes, some overall sonic improvement. Since then, Isolacoustics has some out with the Orea isolators, an improvement on the Iso-pucks. Very recently got some Isoacoustics Orea Indigo isolators which replaced the Iso-pucks under the sorbothane feet. And I placed a Brightstar Audio 10 pound weight on top of the Rendu SE. Also, my Berkley Audio Alpha USB (to digital AES/EBU) converter had been sitting bare on the shelf above. I needed to adjust/move the component rack shelves some (my Michael Greene Audio shelves allow this), and I was able to place a set of Indigos under the Berkley Audio converter, with a 10 pound Brightstar Audio weight on top. My two channel sonics are now the best ever! The Sonore Signature Rendu SE is simply a remarkable sounding audio component. Highly recommended! You know, when you have tweaks/accessories which worked with prior components (like the Microrendu) one tends to keep using them. But in the back of my mind, I remember Barrows stating here in this thread that the Sonore Signature Rendu SE he feels sounds best connected direct to the DAC, and at the Sonore forum John Swenson stating that the Ultrarendu/Microrendu and Rendu SE sound best with shortest USB cable. And although a reviewer loves the Isolacoustics stuff (as I do - I only recently started trying them under the Rendu SE), he found that E.G. the Isoacoustics Orea "pucks" are rates for 16 lbs each, 3 = 48 lb rating, the component needs to weight at least half of the rating or the sonics are worse (consistent with what I have found to some degree). I was using a .8M Curious Cable, but I still have a real short Curious Cable Regen Link (200mm). My "DAC" is a Berkeley Audio USB Converter outputting digital AES/EBU to my Theta Casablanca IVA SSP. I took out the Isoacoustics stuff under and the weights on top of the components first - and frankly, although in some ways it sounded perhaps a bit better with these tweaks, in some ways it may have not sounded as good. Next I took out the optical isolation between the router and the Rendu SE (again, I had continued this because it seemed to work well with my prior Microrendu). Again, more listening, felt that again although in some ways it sounded perhaps a bit better with these tweaks, in some ways it may have not sounded as good. Next, I was able to place the Rendu SE sideways on the shelf, and then place the Berkeley Audio USB Converter on top of it at an angle, so that I could connect the short Regen Link USB cable from one side of the back of the Rendu SE to the opposite side of the back of the Berkeley Audio USB Converter. No tweaks being used period. And the result is - WOW! Across the BOARD! No more tweaking with the Rendu SE. Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted August 2, 2018 Share Posted August 2, 2018 57 minutes ago, barrows said: Hi Steve, Thanks for sharing your experiences. A lot of us audiophiles like to experiment with tweaks, and I am no different. But every once in awhile I take the tweaks out of the system, and listen without them, then re try them one at a time. I find that often taking things out of the system to be more revealing (after listening with them in place for a longer period of time) of what they are actually doing. The thing with tweaks is that often they do change the sound, but sometimes it is very hard to decide if they are changing for the better, for the worse, or just making it different. For me, if I cannot decide for certain that a given tweak is actually improving the sound (and doing so with various recordings) I'll leave it out, as when in any doubt, I follow the simple is better thinking. BTW, do you use the Oreas under say, your DAC? I am kind of interested in experimenting a bit with them and might pick some up. I have double stacked Symposium Rollerblocks under my Theta CBIVa SSP/DAC. which I've had for years. At some point I'll probably try Oreas. One tweak that might work for the Rendu SE which I am considering: I have the Sonic Transporter i5 (quad Core) and Sonore Signature Rendu SE, with a Berkeley Audio USB Converter on top of the Rendu SE, with a 100 mm Curious Cable Regen Link USB Cable (then digital AES/EBU out to Theta Casablanca Iva SSP). Roon is set to upsample/downsample everything to 96k/88k to Berkeley Audio USB Converter (Theta Casablanca Iva SSP intakes up to 192k and processes at 96k using Dirac). Both the Rendu SE and Sonic Transporter i5 connect to a router. I am contemplating getting the Sonic Transporter i7 for Roon DSP ($1,559) because it has two GB Ethernet connections, so I could connect router to Sonic Transporter, and I could then connect Sonic Transporter direct to Rendu SE. However, I do not really require the Sonic Transporter i7 processing power – the i5 quad core is working fine for me, even with downsampling some DSD256 albums that I have. In my system given the above, would you expect that if there is only one Ethernet connection on the i7, that it would sound as good as the i5? I suspect you will say the i5, with lower power usage and EMI radiation, should sound better. And if so, could I get a Sonic Transporter i5 with dual ethernet connections – or would that be problematic because more power or whatever is needed to have two Ethernet connections? Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted August 2, 2018 Share Posted August 2, 2018 9 minutes ago, barrows said: Hi Steve. I have not used the Sonic Transporter myself, and/or with a direct connection, and I do not wish to engage in wild speculation. I would doubt that the I7 vs I5 would make much difference, as the ultimate processing power will lily not matter, what may matter is the processing power used, but even that is questionable. You could run this question past Andrew at SGC as well and see what he feels. You may want the I7 at some point in the future, so my tendency would be to go I7. What do you think about the i7 dual ethernet connection, one to the router, one direct to the Rendu SE? Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted August 5, 2018 Share Posted August 5, 2018 If one wants to upgrade/change the Sonore Signature Rendu SE fuse (for me it would be from Synergistic Research black to blue fuse) this isn't accessible from the rear without having to open the unit, is it? Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted August 5, 2018 Share Posted August 5, 2018 Oh I went ahead and ordered the Sonic Transporter i7 for ROON DSP (to replace the Sonic Transporter i5) to make use of the i7's dual ethernet connection! Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted August 5, 2018 Share Posted August 5, 2018 45 minutes ago, barrows said: There is a fuse drawer on the rear panel of the SRse. It is an easy task to open the drawer and change out the fuse without the need to go inside the chassis. Thanks What are the specs for the fuse? Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted August 5, 2018 Share Posted August 5, 2018 18 minutes ago, R1200CL said: Are you going to do more than DSD 256, (which the i5 can do), and how will you apply DSD to your Casablanca ? The same as I do w Sonic Transporter i5, converting any DSD to PCM. Both Berkeley Audio USB Converter and Theta CBIVA SSP are limited to 192-24. Again, I am getting the Sonic Transporter i7 primarily for its dual ethernet connections, to router, and direct to Sonore Signature Rendu SE. Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted August 16, 2018 Share Posted August 16, 2018 1 hour ago, randyhat said: Have you received/started using the Transporter i7 yet? If so what are the results? I ask because I am in a similar situation. I am looking for a dedicated room core server which will connect with my Lumin T1 streamer/dac. I like the two ethernet ports on the i7 but am curious if will have any benefits over a simple switch. Like you, I don't really need the DSP processing power of the i7 but the i7 is the only model with the dual ethernet ports. Just got the Sonic Transporter i7 and got it running with ROON late afternoon yesterday. My initial impression with only some listening is sounds every bit as good as before (Sonic Transporter i5) and I "think" in some ways it sounds at least a bit better - particularly Meiko's latest Chesky album, and particularly strings and stand up bass!. But as I've found in the past, the truth to the pudding is lust laying back, enjoying, and using as one normally does over a period of weeks, normal listening, to really tell. Small Green Computer has a 30 day return policy. look&listen 1 Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted August 17, 2018 Share Posted August 17, 2018 49 minutes ago, R1200CL said: And i I think having the i7 “far away” is preferable. Yes and No. I tried having the Sonic Transporter i5 far away in my upstairs home office which has a super long long hard wire ethernet cable into my theater room. Worked fine. But sounded noticeably better when I had it in my theater room close to my theater network switch. I have read differing theories about this. Whatever works best in each of our situations is what counts! Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted September 1, 2018 Share Posted September 1, 2018 On 8/16/2018 at 8:37 AM, Steve Bruzonsky said: Just got the Sonic Transporter i7 and got it running with ROON late afternoon yesterday. My initial impression with only some listening is sounds every bit as good as before (Sonic Transporter i5) and I "think" in some ways it sounds at least a bit better - particularly Meiko's latest Chesky album, and particularly strings and stand up bass!. But as I've found in the past, the truth to the pudding is lust laying back, enjoying, and using as one normally does over a period of weeks, normal listening, to really tell. Small Green Computer has a 30 day return policy. I am very pleased with the Sonic Transporter i7 as its directly connected via a .5M ethernet cable to my Sonore Singature Rendu SE, which is connected via a very short 200mm Curious Cable Link to the Berkley Audio USB Converter on top of it at an angle (so the short USB cable can connect from opposite sides of the back of both units. Its a real keeper. I've been listening to a lot of music the past few days! I was playing some jazz ("En Azul", Witmer Trio, Sound Liaison, direct to 92-24 recording) and felt that I was listening lower and clearer than I had in the past, as I like to listen at a 85-90 dB level. I figured I was listening at least 8-10 dB lower. But my sound level meter (iPhone X) showed I was listening at my "normal" level for that album. Yet it sounded quieter, more real, more relaxing, clearer. I am finding that my listening across the board to all types of music reflects the above. Vocal jazz. New Age. Classical. Etc. I like to read news, forums, etc on my laptop or IPad Pro while I listen to music. Yet often doing this if I put it all away, close my eyes, relax, it sounds better. Now, I find that I do whatever I want, laptop, iPad Pro, yet the music seems to reach me like never before. It must be something in the air! The Sonic Transporter i7 is a keeper for me. Keep in mind, as I discussed earlier in this thread the other week, I made some changes (took out fiber conversion prior to Sonore Signature Rendu SE, set Berkley USB Converter on top of Rendu SE, replaced .8M with 200mm Curious USB cable. All of this had resulted in sonic betterment in my system. But I perceive a larger improvement even with the Sonic Transporter i7 and its direct ethernet connection to the Rendu SE. Count me more than satisfied! Question: Can a ROON core component, like the Sonic Transporter i7, burn-in and sound better? I am comfortable that this occurs with the ROON endpoint, the Rendu SE, but I wouldn't have thought this would occur with the ROON core unit. When I first hooked up the Sonic Transporter i7, I felt it sounded at least as good but was reluctant to say it was a big as opposed to some small sonic improvement. But now, a few weeks later and a lot of music later, I clearly hear, more importantly "feel" emotionally, a really wonderful sonic improvement that gets me a good amount more emotionally involved, and my sensations are that I'm listening to the music at a more comfortable "lower" level even if the dB meter shows the same as before. Heck if I know? But I am pleased nevertheless. Of course some cynic will simply say I got used to the sound. But if the Sonic Transporter i7 were to sound the same as the Sonic Transporter i5 hey I was already used to that sound!!! Link to comment
Steve Bruzonsky Posted September 1, 2018 Share Posted September 1, 2018 What are the exact specs to order a blue Synergistic fuse for the Sonore Signature Rendu SE. On the back of the unit, there are markings "02A" - does this mean .05A slo blo? Currently the Cable Company has a sale buy 2 get the 3rd free! Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now