emm Labs DAC: adding either a Sonore Signature Rendu or Auralic Aries G2

[Urs]

I am torn between adding one of these streamers/transports
- Sonore Signature Rendu SE optical
- Auralic ARIES G2

 

I will use the USB input of my emm Labs DA2 V2 DAC. I own already an EtherREGEN with a good power supply.
My Roon server (ROCK) has a 4TB SSD which contains the music files. It is connected to the home LAN via Ethernet and a Cisco switch

 

I would use the Sonore like this:
Cisco switch -> Ethernet (CAT6a) -> EtherREGEN (B Side) -> EtherREGEN (A Side, optical port) -> Sonore Signature Rendu optical port -> emm Labs DAC (USB input)  

 

I would use the Auralic ARIES G2 like this:
Cisco switch -> Ethernet (CAT6a) -> EtherREGEN (A Side) -> EtherREGEN (B Side) -> Auralic ARIES G2 -> emm Labs DAC (USB input) 

 

I am aware that the Auralic device offers more digital outputs (mainly the XLR output could also be useful for me).

What I would like to avoid, are discussions about the EtherREGEN. I like it and I believe it brings a benefit to my system.

 

Apart from that, what would you choose and why? (my system is described in my pofile)

[Urs]

Thank you, firedog. Your thoughts are very welcome and reasonable. I don't expect that I would be able to hear a significant (reproducable) difference with regard to sound quality. Therefore it's indeed more about features, build quality and how it fits into my system. From what I see and read, build quality is on the same level. The Auralic is more versatile, but I am not yet sure about my gut feeling. 🙂

[Urs]

@Albrecht many thanks for your input, really appreciated!

Though I have not yet ordered it, for the time being, I think I will go with the Sonore Signature Rendu. These are my reasons:

• I did own the first microRendu and still own the ultraRendu, my experience with both devices was excellent.
• The build quality of the G2 could apparently be improved a bit. There's a small German company which offers a modification with an improved power supply. This is in line with your remark about the build quality of the G2.
• Chris' review of the EMM Labs DAC and his embedded comments about the Sonore Signature

As a live in Europe, I won't be able to test the Sonore Signature in my own system. But at least the ultraRendu gives me an idea.

 

With regard to the dCS network bridge: I considered it, but dropped it as a candidate because the preferred digital input on the EMM Labs DAC is either USB or EMM Optilink. If the DAC would have a dual AES input, then the DCS would surely be a good choice. The dCS does not provide an USB output.

 

There's also a similar device from EMM Labs, the NS1. Comparing the features vs those from Sonore, the NS1 offers "only":
Up to 24bit,192kHz and DSD support on all outputs
while the Sonore has:
Supports the following PCM sample rates up to: 768kHz
Supports the following DSD sample rates up to: DSD512

 

Current bottom line is:
Not the G2. Probably the Sonore but I haven't ruled out the NS1.
 

[Urs]

6 hours ago, Audiophile Neuroscience said:

I understand the physical connections but doesn't EtherREGEN (B Side) [output] -> EtherREGEN (A Side, optical port) defeat the potential benefit of the ER ?? Thanks

 

No, this does NOT defeat the potential benefit.
You used the word "output" for the B side. It's better to consider the EtherREGEN as a moat, which separates what you have downstream (DAC or streamer (e.g. G2/NS1/ultraRendu/opticalRendu) + DAC) from what you have upstream (basically all other devices of your home LAN, including Roon server, NAS, other switches).
As long as you only use one port from the A side, it does not matter which side you use to connect the DAC or the streamer which is attached to the DAC. The effect of the moat remains the same.
If the streamer has an optical connection only, you will connect it to the optical port on the A side of the EtherREGEN.

[Urs]

8 hours ago, barrows said:

First, I work with Sonore and personally build all the Signature Rendu SEoptical components, so I am biased.

Hi @barrows 

thank you for your answer. Yes, as a long time reader/member of the forum, I know that you work for Sonore. No problem, I don't consider your post as advertising. I really appreciate your input.

[Urs]

I went for the Sonore Signature Rendu SE optical and received it a few weeks ago.

The combination DA2 V2 with the Sonore Signature is the best Streamer/DAC I ever heard. Previously I owned a used Vivaldi Stack (Upsampler v2, Clock, DAC v2). IMO, the DA2 + Sonore has more space/air around instruments and voices. Another highlight are the lows and lower mids... beautiful and unheard before.