Best next upgrade up from microRendu? Go for Ultra or SOtM or a Server or something else?

[LTG2010]

2 hours ago, fsmithjack said:

Do you think the one in the add that attached to this post will do 120v?

Thanks

It looks like its multi compatible, you will just need to change the plug from UK to USA. Best check with the dealer to confirm. I would expect with postage and import duties might be easier to get it direct your end.

[fsmithjack]

with this if / when I get the Bricasti ethernet media card added to my dac this will be applicable as well right? that makes it great  the nuc was also applicable here but not the other sotm stuff so this looks like a better idea that can work with it all correct?

[LTG2010]

1 hour ago, fsmithjack said:

with this if / when I get the Bricasti ethernet media card added to my dac this will be applicable as well right? that makes it great  the nuc was also applicable here but not the other sotm stuff so this looks like a better idea that can work with it all correct?

You can use it both ways, USB out to DAC or Ethernet out to renderer. Most use the USB out, but I think in a recent review of the se version, Jason Kennedy preferred Ethernet  out to renderer. A good idea is to get one out on a 30 day loan then you can try it out and see how you get on with it.

[fsmithjack]

Yes I would love that! Any idea how or where?

 

There is a Used Lumin U1 on Audiogon. These are $5,900 but he’s asking $3,400 - maybe he would take $3000 or $3,200. Is this not as good as Innous one? Thanks 

[LTG2010]

56 minutes ago, fsmithjack said:

Yes I would love that! Any idea how or where?

http://www.innuos.com/en/go/where-to-buy#united-states

here's the list of USA dealers if you can pop along for a demo or get one out on a loan.

I'm a bit clueless about the Lumin maybe someone else can chip in there.

[Ben2300]

On 1/21/2018 at 1:29 PM, fsmithjack said:

There is a Used Lumin U1 on Audiogon. These are $5,900 but he’s asking $3,400 - maybe he would take $3000 or $3,200. Is this not as good as Innous one? Thanks 

I own the Lumin U1 before. but as all Lumin products, an additional LPS is a must. so factor that in the cost as you would.

Their software is great and they can do upsampling as well. but I think it is up to DSD128 on U1. but please confirm from their web to make sure.

[fsmithjack]

It shows that it has a linear power supply with it but I assume its not that good? I have a Uptone Audio JS-2 so maybe that will work with it? What do you guys think? Lumin U1 with JS-2 or still to my other plan - maybe Innuos? 

[fsmithjack]

Guys - I have found a US Dealer that has a Innous  ZENith Mk.II Std that I can demo and buy for $3,000.

 

Is this a good deal?

 

I never even heard of it before you guys but here i am preparing to buy one.

 

You guys have taught me a lot and that is why I came on here. Thank you 

 

Kinda bummed to lose JRiver but I want sound quality much more. If sound quality is better than that is what i want.

 

JRiver has an EQ that lets you tweak the sound and to be honest it makes a pretty big deal but my room is big enough its not a room needed EQ but more shaping the sound bit is all. That said I am fine without it just that I am use to JRiver is all and like it. That said I am using a garden variety HP PC so thinking this Innous should be a nice upgrade.

 

You guys agree? Also, I don't need to save every last dollar but don't want to just overpay either so wanted your thought on the $3,000 for that lists for $2,299 abroad.

 

Thank so much for all the help and I will look forward to your responses. Thanks again to everyone

 

ZENith Mk.II Std 
Our flagship model, designed for Audiophiles who want to extract all the detail and dynamics out of their music on high end hi-fi systems.

Unit Price 
£ 2,299.00 
Quantity

[rickca]

10 minutes ago, fsmithjack said:

Is this a good deal?

Try contacting some of the US dealers listed on this page (scroll to the bottom for USA dealers) and see who will give you the best price.

http://www.innuos.com/en/go/where-to-buy

[fsmithjack]

Yeah, I only spoke to one dealer and got one price. Probably should get one more price first. Thanks makes sense.

Thanks 

[beerandmusic]

9 minutes ago, fsmithjack said:

Yeah, I only spoke to one dealer and got one price. Probably should get one more price first. Thanks makes sense.

Thanks 

i would try the demo that he is offering and if you like it, see if he will match the best price you can find...in all likelihood he will.

[fsmithjack]

That would be great for me and love your thinking but I am too much of a wimp. If he sends it to me and I like the sound I will be loyal to him. Unless of course some knocks his price out of the water...haha  

[cfisher]

2,299 Pounds (don't know how to make that sign) is more than $3000 USD.

[fsmithjack]

Google Says:

 

2299 British Pound equals

3228.03 US Dollar

[rickca]

12 minutes ago, cfisher said:

2,299 Pounds (don't know how to make that sign) is more than $3000 USD.

Yes but the UK price probably includes 20% UK VAT.

[Ben2300]

On 1/22/2018 at 2:45 PM, fsmithjack said:

have a Uptone Audio JS-2 so maybe that will work with it?

It won’t work. Lumin is proprietary connector needed.

[Ben2300]

3 hours ago, fsmithjack said:

ZENith Mk.II Std 
Our flagship model, designed for Audiophiles who want to extract all the detail and dynamics out of their music on high end hi-fi systems.

Unit Price 
£ 2,299.00 

This is no longer their flagship. I think people are talking about the MKII SE version not the std version.

[firedog]

5 hours ago, fsmithjack said:

Guys - I have found a US Dealer that has a Innous  ZENith Mk.II Std that I can demo and buy for $3,000.

 

Is this a good deal?

 

I never even heard of it before you guys but here i am preparing to buy one.

 

You guys have taught me a lot and that is why I came on here. Thank you 

 

Kinda bummed to lose JRiver but I want sound quality much more. If sound quality is better than that is what i want.

 

JRiver has an EQ that lets you tweak the sound and to be honest it makes a pretty big deal but my room is big enough its not a room needed EQ but more shaping the sound bit is all. That said I am fine without it just that I am use to JRiver is all and like it. That said I am using a garden variety HP PC so thinking this Innous should be a nice upgrade.

 

You guys agree? Also, I don't need to save every last dollar but don't want to just overpay either so wanted your thought on the $3,000 for that lists for $2,299 abroad.

 

Thank so much for all the help and I will look forward to your responses. Thanks again to everyone

 

ZENith Mk.II Std 
Our flagship model, designed for Audiophiles who want to extract all the detail and dynamics out of their music on high end hi-fi systems.

Unit Price 
£ 2,299.00 
Quantity

Sounds like the standard price. Allowing you to demo is worth quite a bit vs. someone who won't. 

I was thinking of getting one, the fact that the HD is not user replaceable/upgradeable put me off. YMMV.

Innuos is also setup for Roon. You might be able to work out a Roon>JRiver playback setup if you have Roon Core and JRiver set up externally to the Zenith - just guessing, no idea if it is actually possible.

 

Roon also has extensive EQ/DSP functions so you use Roon and define something that will do the same thing you were doing in JRiver. 

[firedog]

1 hour ago, Ben2300 said:

This is no longer their flagship. I think people are talking about the MKII SE version not the std version.

People are talking about both. It gets confusing.

Innuos still call it the flagship b/c they claim the SE version is limited to 100 pieces and then won't be made anymore. Time will tell. 

[LTG2010]

2 hours ago, Ben2300 said:

This is no longer their flagship. I think people are talking about the MKII SE version not the std version.

The difference is small, certainly not in proportion to the large increase in cost. I think @BigAlMc has both under test he would know more.

I originally thought that the microrendu was the week link but its actually the PC/ source also - hence the recomendation for a j1900 based server - just because its known to sound good. Well this has a celeron j1900 motherboard and for the price it would make a great source to build on eith via USB ( adding and txUSBUltra at a later date if wanted) or ethernet eg Ultrarendu etc. It probably wont need anything extra as an addon and wil outperform what is there now.

[Ben2300]

The difference is the M-Cap in power supply areas. Besides that, both use the same J1900 board.

[One and a half]

On 1/19/2018 at 5:35 PM, firedog said:

Will be interested to hear what you think. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go for the M5 as a source upgrade, as it seems to be one and there is a limit how much I want to spend. The M5 seems like a relatively good bang for the buck in the high end of USB sources. 

An update Jan 25. The M5 arrived, but it's staying in the box, going back to the vendor unopened. I was advised a procedure that I didn't feel comfortable with relating to the connection of the M5 on the Ethernet side.

 

In researching methods to make Ethernet quieter, the amount of effort to clamp the noise emitted from IT devices like routers. switches and cables is just as fraught with drama as is USB,  just ask any ham radio operator. Fixes include linear power supplies to the switches (which at CA we know of) and routers, ferrite cores on Ethernet cables and in some cases shielded Ethernet cabling. The problem of STP Ethernet, is rampant conduction of noise to an unwilling host.

 

Ethernet is good for IT, for audio? Even if the Ethernet cable is unplugged, it still plays from a buffer, together with the noise from the system intact. 

 

I'm out of Ethernet for audio.

 

Better the devil you know.

[rickca]

6 minutes ago, One and a half said:

I was advised a procedure that I didn't feel comfortable with relating to the connection of the M5 on the Ethernet side.

Can you explain what procedure you didn't like?

[beerandmusic]

On 1/22/2018 at 2:45 PM, fsmithjack said:

It shows that it has a linear power supply with it but I assume its not that good? I have a Uptone Audio JS-2 so maybe that will work with it? What do you guys think? Lumin U1 with JS-2 or still to my other plan - maybe Innuos? 

 

Lumin has good reviews, but the zeniths are newer models and likely have newer advances in technology, plus their interface looks nice...if i had your money, i would go zenith, and i have been seriously contemplating the lumin d2 (more along my budget).

 

[One and a half]

1 hour ago, beerandmusic said:

 

Lumin has good reviews, but the zeniths are newer models and likely have newer advances in technology, plus their interface looks nice...if i had your money, i would go zenith, and i have been seriously contemplating the lumin d2 (more along my budget).

 

The Zenith have hdd that are too small for an ever expanding library, unless everything was converted to MP3. Also not sure if Roon server can be installed either.

D2 uses noisiest Ethernet , unless there’s heavy filtering, lps for a start.