Innuos PhoenixUSB

[FrankMA]

On 4/4/2020 at 3:24 AM, Blackmorec said:

My system started with a Zenith MkII SE where I tried a few connection solutions, including several USB cables and an SoTM TX-USBUltra with sPS-500.  

 

Hello @Blackmorec I am currently using a MKII SE with the SOtM tX-USBultra/Uptone LPS 1.2. You seem to have gone from something similar to the Phoenix. The Phoenix is not a cheap upgrade. How would you describe that jump?

[FrankMA]

Appreciate the feedback @ken6217  I like the idea of the 1 box solution and the Sean Jacobs PSU's.

[FrankMA]

I received the Phoenix USB last Sat. Swapped out a tX-USBultra (9v)/Uptone LPS 1.2 for the Phoenix. Had a bit of a handshake issue but a reboot of DAC/Server/Phoenix solved it. Using Phasure Lush I & II USB cables and an older Wireworld Aurora III for a PC.

 

After burning in for 48 hours here are my initial impressions:

• Larger and deeper soundstage
• A few levels of high frequency glare removed
• while at the same time adding a shimmer. In a good way. Really notice the delicacy/accuracy of the cymbals

 

It's early but so far I'm happy and will try to get 100-200 hours on it before critically listening again. And at some point reverting back to the tX for comparison

 

Promising

[FrankMA]

Hi Al - hope all is well. I was comparing :

 

Current setup: EtherRegen (stock PS) B Side > Innuos MKII SE > Phasure Lush I > Tx/LPS1.2 > Phasure Lush II > PSA DS Sr

New: EtherRegen (stock PS) B Side > Innuos MKII SE > Phasure Lush I >Phoenix USB > Phasure Lush II > PSA DS Sr

 

 

 

 

[FrankMA]

3 hours ago, Hiker said:

I found with some exceptional recordings , just a quick example ripped CDs of Tonian Labs Drums and Bells along with XLOs FORS Master Sound recording of Belanger & Bisson is eye popping for a lack of a better phrase, so realistic sounding I never heard before , not with my system not until the Innuos Zenith server and Phoenix were introduced into my home. Love it. 

 

 

Thanks @Hiker. will check those recommendations out

[FrankMA]

3 hours ago, BigAlMc said:

That's what I hoped and what my wallet feared 😉

Brutal hobby Alan.

Since I was so impressed by the Phoenix I had to order an AQ Hurricane PC for it. One of the best bang for your buck power cord's out there (and I have Shunyata, Triode Wire Labs, Nordost, Wireworld, PS Audio). Every improvement leads to more spending

 

The pain never ends

[FrankMA]

Zenith has never been USB only as far as I know. Also has a Ethernet streamer out

[FrankMA]

On 6/1/2020 at 5:53 PM, FrankMA said:

I received the Phoenix USB last Sat. Swapped out a tX-USBultra (9v)/Uptone LPS 1.2 for the Phoenix. Had a bit of a handshake issue but a reboot of DAC/Server/Phoenix solved it. Using Phasure Lush I & II USB cables and an older Wireworld Aurora III for a PC.

 

After burning in for 48 hours here are my initial impressions:

• Larger and deeper soundstage
• A few levels of high frequency glare removed
• while at the same time adding a shimmer. In a good way. Really notice the delicacy/accuracy of the cymbals

 

It's early but so far I'm happy and will try to get 100-200 hours on it before critically listening again. And at some point reverting back to the tX for comparison

 

Promising

 

At about 250 hours I switched back to the tX after extended listening to the Phoenix. Whoa. Less dynamic. Constricted soundstage. Duller.

 

Back to the Phoenix for good. The other things I noticed in addition to my initial observations was it seems quieter/less noise. Blacker backgrounds. Separation of instruments.  Really nice upgrade

I also changed out the older Wireworld for a Triode Wire Labs which improved the tonal balance quite a bit

 

I am having a bit of trouble with my Lush II cable after the Phoenix. Can't seem to get it to work unless it's before (MKII>Phoenix). Thought the Phoenix had the 5v. Or maybe it's something else. Would the Lush II config have a bearing on this (IE config that bypasses the 5v)?

 

 

[FrankMA]

Unfortunately this is the only comparison I can make. Other than the tX with the supplied PS which is inferior to the Uptone. You are probably right but the PH's are significantly more costly and should sound better

 

I do have a Farad Super 3 on the way for the ER but it is 7V

 

Either way the Phoenix blows away the tX/Uptone combo. O course at double the cost as well

 

[FrankMA]

14 hours ago, BigAlMc said:

 

Trigger pulled 😀

 

Looking forward to hearing this bad boy myself.

 

Looking forward to hearing your impressions Al

[FrankMA]

On 6/13/2020 at 7:39 AM, FrankMA said:

 

At about 250 hours I switched back to the tX after extended listening to the Phoenix. Whoa. Less dynamic. Constricted soundstage. Duller.

 

Back to the Phoenix for good. The other things I noticed in addition to my initial observations was it seems quieter/less noise. Blacker backgrounds. Separation of instruments.  Really nice upgrade

I also changed out the older Wireworld for a Triode Wire Labs which improved the tonal balance quite a bit

 

I am having a bit of trouble with my Lush II cable after the Phoenix. Can't seem to get it to work unless it's before (MKII>Phoenix). Thought the Phoenix had the 5v. Or maybe it's something else. Would the Lush II config have a bearing on this (IE config that bypasses the 5v)?

 

 

I finally did get the Lush 2 to work from Phoenix to DAC. Numerous reboots. Needed a longer cable to accommodate the Phoenix's new location so I ordered a 2nd Lush 2

[FrankMA]

Hi Alan

 

I love the Lush 2's paired with the Phoenix. I am really averse to thin or overly bright sounding systems and in this regard the Phasure's fit the bill in my system. In this regard they remind me of AQ cables: Full, musical, balanced. 

Add in the tuning capabilities of the Lush 2 and I think it's a winner

 

Not to say there aren't other great cables out there but I think at this price point the Lush's would be hard to beat

[FrankMA]

On 6/13/2020 at 7:39 AM, FrankMA said:

 

At about 250 hours I switched back to the tX after extended listening to the Phoenix. Whoa. Less dynamic. Constricted soundstage. Duller.

 

Back to the Phoenix for good. The other things I noticed in addition to my initial observations was it seems quieter/less noise. Blacker backgrounds. Separation of instruments.  Really nice upgrade

 

 

Just to follow up now that I have over 500 hours on everything I recently added (an over 1000 on the Phoenix). The list is:

 

1. Innuos Phoenix
2. AQ Hurricane on DAC > replacing an older Shunyata Python CX
3. Farad Super 3 on ER > replacing stock Uptone SMPS
4. Lush 2 to DAC > replacing Lush 1
5. Audio Sensibilities DC cable on Farad > replacing stock Farad
6. Also added PS Audio Powerbase under ER/Farad > ER previously on Herbie's

 

I would say each incremental change added a nice improvement to my system in this order of impact:

 

1. Phoenix
2. Farad
3. AQ
4. Lush 2
5. Powerbase
6. Audio Sensibilities

I think the best way to describe what I have now is a totally non-fatiguing system.  I no longer have any of those days/nights where you wonder why your system just didn't sound right.  Why it sounded harsh. Or was just off. Was it the power grid? My ears? Time of day?

I have never had such an extended period where every time I turn this system on I enjoy it. Just a lack of any digital harshness. Best soundstage (depth, width and separation) I have had in my room. Accuracy of instrument timbre. Dead silent when it is supposed to be.

 

Of course I couldn't resist and just replaced my Ghent from the ER>MK2 SE with a 2020 Sablon Pantela Lan cable. So more testing to do.

 

But I'm going to get off the merry go round for a bit and just enjoy this for awhile

 

Although I have been thinking about fiber..............😅

 

 

 

[FrankMA]

Hi Kenny - temporary I'm sure and your bar may be higher 

[FrankMA]

Hi AL - I have a SR Blue in the SE: Small (5x20mm) 3.15A 250v Slo-Blow. No issues

 

I'll be curious on the Phoenix as well

[FrankMA]

Hello - I am enjoying the Phasure Lush 2 in/out of the Phoenix

[FrankMA]

3 hours ago, BigAlMc said:

For me it's Sablon and no looking back. The Sablon 2020 USB in and out of the Phoenix and the LAN from ER to Zenith.

 

Hi Alan. I am using the Sablon 2020 LAN ER to Phoenix. Very nice cable and upgrade. Might be worth trying one of their USB's - maybe in combination with the Lush.

 

[FrankMA]

Question about power cords on the Phoenix. Recently upgrading it to an AQ Hurricane Source. Starting thinking I may have made a mistake not getting a high power version.

 

Any thoughts on this based on what the Phoenix is doing schematically?

[FrankMA]

4 hours ago, thyname said:

You certainly do NOT need an HC version for PhoenixUSB 

Thanks @thyname I knew that but started to think about those Sean Jacobs PS's.....