Audiowise Opto-USB, SRC-DX and early experiments with the Chord Qutest before moving to TT2

[edwardsean]

It seems like Audiowise and PGGB are partnering together in some ways, and I just think that's fantastic. The combination is incredibly strong. And, in the audiophile world, what a value they are. 

[NoNaim]

8 hours ago, edwardsean said:

It seems like Audiowise and PGGB are partnering together in some ways, and I just think that's fantastic.

 

I'd say SRC.DX opens the doors to all software based solutions. HQPlayer certainly benefits from it as well. 

 

I like the fact I have ability to upgrade the software as@Miska keeps improving and adding to HQPlayer all the time. It feels like the whole system advances advances over time and doesn't stand still. I don't need to change/sell the hardware each time to gain these improvements.

 

PGGB adds to this in the sense I've used it for my favourite albums but as I listen to mainly streaming material, I'd say HQP is 90-95% of my listening.

[Middy]

I don't know if its a good thing or a bad thing that that there's always more to extract from your current setup....More rabbit holes than Watership down.. the director cut....

This one isn't...👍 a shame but this should come as standard for Chord's..

 

I've chased this EMI shielding into my LPS1.0s and into my HPA now. Like a crazy mixture of tomorrow's world and Blue Peter (sorry more Old brit pop culture)

 

But bugger me its worked wonders..

But it was the CHORD DAC shielding that did the most profound change...

 

Keep smiling gents

 

Dave🙂

 

[ASRMichael]

9 hours ago, Middy said:

I don't know if its a good thing or a bad thing that that there's always more to extract from your current setup....More rabbit holes than Watership down.. the director cut....

This one isn't...👍 a shame but this should come as standard for Chord's..

 

I've chased this EMI shielding into my LPS1.0s and into my HPA now. Like a crazy mixture of tomorrow's world and Blue Peter (sorry more Old brit pop culture)

 

But bugger me its worked wonders..

But it was the CHORD DAC shielding that did the most profound change...

 

Keep smiling gents

 

Dave🙂

 

😂😂😂More rabbit holes than Watership down

[Middy]

I can post this here I thinks 🤔

 

I broke into the SRC-DX...

Very nicely made clean board.. 1 FPGA think a HUB chip and x2 clocks..

 

Gents i can't overstate the gains I've accumulated doing these minor EMI mods... nothing wow singular but a forward step each time the Qutest the greatest in one step.

 

I did my DXP-1A5DSC regulators with case my second Ghent DC cable and now the internals of the SRC DX..

 

My main guide for gains has been a tiny part of Janis Ian's track at 17.

These a bell strike thats now a crystal clear ring that carries through.. female vocals just lovely.. Timpani razer sharp, bass deeper transients clear and cleaner....

I joked about comparing a TT2 now I want to compare a baseline Dave😁.

But you get the point,... its really worked one positive step at a time. 

But i am a 1 off case, so just a mad man with scissor's..

 

Same again FPGA clocks and ICs.  The USB shell and inner case for any reflections to be attenuated....

 

 I am one happy camper now... just my RCA cables and my Meanwell supplies in my HPA..

Something to read at least and see the inside of your new toy.....

 

Cheapest upgrade ever...

 

Take care

 

David😇👍

 

 

[OldBigEars]

@Gavin1977  ....would you say from your experience that the SQ improvement from using the SRC-DX is more significant than upgrading the power supply from stock to LPS?  (cost is roughly the same).  And does the uplift in quality depend on using HQ Player to upsample? In my case, I use an OpticalRendu that's limited to Roon - so HQP is not an option.

 

Aside from from that....I'm wondering how the SRC-DX would compare with the similar cost Denafrips Iris DDC, converting USB into Toslink? 

[BlueDL]

49 minutes ago, OldBigEars said:

I use an OpticalRendu that's limited to Roon - so HQP is not an option.

Hi. I use an OpticalRendu as an NAA with HQP embedded.

You probably meant that your Server can’t host HQP for some reason, but if it can, it’s a worthwhile investment IMHO. The developer releases regular updates, so it’s not standing still either. 

[BlueDL]

Ah.......maybe your OR is the ‘Roon Edition’........in which case, ignore the above. Personally speaking, I think the SRC-DX beats USB regardless of what you send it (even with ‘only’ Roon).

[Middy]

The power supply gain was subtle even playing with the Qutest voltages...

Bypassing the USB you'd think it was broken....just better.... I thought any old DDC might do it and it may...but this works..

[NoNaim]

Adding a JS-2 to the oR was a very nice uplift. Adding the JS-2 to the TT2 was nice but more subtle. Tweaking the presentation. Adding the SRC-DX I think resulted in the biggest change… for me anyway. 
 

I’d imagine the USB cable is going to influence the outcome as well as BNC cables. More so the USB though. I have to say I think the SRC-DX is one of the best value for money upgrades, especially with dual BNC Chord DACs.

[edwardsean]

1 hour ago, NoNaim said:

 

I’d imagine the USB cable is going to influence the outcome as well as BNC cables. More so the USB though. I have to say I think the SRC-DX is one of the best value for money upgrades, especially with dual BNC Chord DACs.

Both USB and BNC cables make a large difference. It’s hard to estimate which makes the bigger difference, but both are worth the investment. I’m using a Sablon 2020 for the USB. However, if your configuration physically allows for you to use Uptone’s USPCB, it is a cheap way to get a very clean, high quality connection. That way you could concentrate on the BNC cables until you’re ready to upgrade the USB. 

 

The SRC-DX does represent a great value against other DDCs. If you need multiple I/Os then, of course, its not the solution for you. However, if you need dual BNC for Chord DACs, it is the only solution. 

[NoNaim]

5 minutes ago, edwardsean said:

Both USB and BNC cables make a large difference. It’s hard to estimate which makes the bigger difference, but both are worth the investment. I’m using a Sablon 2020 for the USB. However, if your configuration physically allows for you to use Uptone’s USPCB, it is a cheap way to get a very clean, high quality connection. That way you could concentrate on the BNC cables until you’re ready to upgrade the USB. 

 

The SRC-DX does represent a great value against other DDCs. If you need multiple I/Os then, of course, its not the solution for you. However, if you need dual BNC for Chord DACs, it is the only solution. 

 

Once I'm happy that I'm used to how everything sounds now, I'll try a few other BNC cables. I have the Tellurium Q Silver Diamond USB which I'm really happy with. Although, it isn't the most flexible, it does sound incredible.

[OldBigEars]

5 hours ago, BlueDL said:

Ah.......maybe your OR is the ‘Roon Edition’........in which case, ignore the above. Personally speaking, I think the SRC-DX beats USB regardless of what you send it (even with ‘only’ Roon).

 

Correct.

[kennyb123]

6 hours ago, NoNaim said:

Adding a JS-2 to the oR was a very nice uplift. Adding the JS-2 to the TT2 was nice but more subtle. Tweaking the presentation. Adding the SRC-DX I think resulted in the biggest change… for me anyway. 
 

I’d imagine the USB cable is going to influence the outcome as well as BNC cables. More so the USB though. I have to say I think the SRC-DX is one of the best value for money upgrades, especially with dual BNC Chord DACs.

I had a similar reaction to the JS-2 powering my TT2.  It worked wonders powering a few other devices, but a more subtle lift with the TT2.  
 

The Farad Super3 was a different story altogether.  The lift from this made it one of the best value for the money upgrades.  I think I said at the time it landed that it was a steal.  It gets even better though as it scales really well with a better power cord.

 

I’ve yet to try the SRC-DX, but it’s on my list of things to try at some point.  Glad to hear it worked out well for you.

 

 

[NoNaim]

17 hours ago, kennyb123 said:

I had a similar reaction to the JS-2 powering my TT2.  It worked wonders powering a few other devices, but a more subtle lift with the TT2.  
 

The Farad Super3 was a different story altogether.  The lift from this made it one of the best value for the money upgrades.  I think I said at the time it landed that it was a steal.  It gets even better though as it scales really well with a better power cord.

 

I’ve yet to try the SRC-DX, but it’s on my list of things to try at some point.  Glad to hear it worked out well for you.

 

 

 

I have minimal space for my system... in my office, so only space for one LPS. I did look at the Farad Super 3 but it's a fixed voltage and only one rail so it lost out to the JS-2... which is excellent with the oR.

 

Yes, definitely give the SRC-DX a try... see if you can get a demo of one if you can!

[Always.Learning]

This thread has been inactive for some time now but I thought I would add my thoughts about the SRC-DX. I've been listening for about a week now with the SRC-DX in the system. Also in the system is a pair of the Audiowise DC Block connectors.

 

The SRC-DX is connected to a Shunyata Omega USB cable that connects to a Taiko Extreme server. On the downstream side, the SRC-DX feeds a pair of High Fidelity Cables CT-2 3D cables with RCA terminations. I use cheap BNC adapters to connect to the DC Block connectors, which are connected to dual BNC inputs on my Chord DAVE. Here is the entire digital system in summary form:

 

10 awg>Shunyata Everest power conditioner>Taiko Extreme server>Shunyata Omega USB>SRC-DX>HFC CT-2 3D cables>Chord DAVE (powered by Sean Jacobs DC3)>HFC CT-2 interconnects>Crayon CFA 1.2 amp>Wywires/Daedalus speaker cables>Devore Gibbon X speakers

Ethernet cables:  Sablon/SOtM

Signal cables:  Wywires/HFC

Power cables:  Shunyata/Sablon

Vibration:  Stillpoints/EVPs/Soundecks; Room:  Apertures/DAAD/AVRoomservice 

 

I am also a big, big fan of PGGB upsampling. 

 

Getting the SRC-DX to accept a 705/768 data stream was a bit rocky in the beginning because of driver issues. I enlisted the help of a friend who is much more familiar with the Windows environment of the Taiko Extreme and he was able to clean things up and get my music player software (Taiko Audio Software) to recognize the SRC-DX. Since then, the SRC-DX has been problem-free. 

 

I would also mention that it took 24-36 hours for the magnetism of the HFC cables to take effect. Before then, the music sounded lifeless, which has been my experience whenever I have inserted these magnetic wonders into my system. 

 

So how does the SRC-DX (and DC Block) change the presentation of the system?

 

I would say the changes fall into three categories:

 

1) Speed:  The very first thing I noticed was that everything sounded "faster." There is more speed, verve, and life to the music. A word that kept coming to mind is "effervescent." Music that swings had more swing. Music that emphasizes pace, rhythm, and timing exhibited more of those good things. You don't notice this on all music, of course, but I heard no deleterious effects on slower, less rhythmically inclined music. After a relatively short amount of time, I found that my ears adjusted to this newfound speed. I haven't removed the SRC-DX to see if music would sound slower or more bloated, but I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case. 

 

2) Better transients:  Whenever an instrument is struck, plucked, strummed, touched, bowed, rubbed, brushed, shaken, or thwacked, there is more information conveyed in that transient. You hear the quality of the touch. The performer's intent comes through more clearly and you can hear more texture (if that is present) and/or more information about the materials involved in the transient. This is really noticeable with percussion instruments (and I include piano in this category). The SRC-DX makes a really nice difference if you enjoy listening to jazz drummers, for example. Attacks are rendered with more precision and with real punch if that's on the recording. 

 

3) Less noise:  I say "less noise" because I don't have any other explanation for being able to hear a little deeper into my music. This isn't a night and day thing, but I am noticing lower level details that escaped my attention before. Timbre and tone might just be a little more accurate as well. It's possible that the presentation is more quiet because DAVE's USB input is bypassed and whatever noise that was contributing is eliminated. Or it might be that the Audiowise DC Block is helping prevent low level noise from entering DAVE. 

 

So how big are these changes? I would say that, in a moderately resolving system, you should be able to hear the changes. I would further characterize them as musically significant but not transformative. Other changes I've made in the last year have had a much greater impact:  replacing my power conditioner with a Shunyata Everest and Shunyata's latest generation of power cords; powering my DAVE with a Sean Jacobs DC3 power supply; and, especially, using PGGB to upsample my favorite music. With the exception of PGGB, these and other changes I've made over the years tend to be more expensive than the SRC-DX plus DC Block. In a highly resolving system, the combination of PGGB files, and SRC-DX feeding Chord DAVE is really a feast for those who love high quality, fast transients. 

 

Of course you have to add the cost of cables from the SRC-DX to your DAC. I was able to take advantage of a sale on HFC cables and get them for 60% off. From what I've read, however, even relatively inexpensive digital cables will reveal the positive attributes brought by the SRC-DX. One other note:  most folks who are using the HFC cables are apparently using them with RCA terminations and then buying RCA-to-BNC adapters to connect them to their DAC and to the SRC-DX. This is because the magnetic effect/benefits of the HFC cables is said to be greater with the RCA terminations. 

 

I'm curious to know if my sonic impressions align with that of other folks who have used the SRC-DX in their systems, especially those folks who are using Chord DACs. 

 

[Gavin1977]

Spot on - nice to have further feedback and further matching opinion

[davide256]

Have been curious about the SRC-DX for a while so have ordered one. Will be limited to 384 with the Mojo coax in but it will help me decide whether it matters enough

to make my next DAC upgrade a Chord

[davide256]

Received the SRC-DX, am pleased so far. Most of my music has been PGGB converted to 706/768 but , music is being down converted

to the single coax 353/384 limit. Feels like energy that was going into a more aggressive treble end (irritating!) has shifted into a more cohesive midrange. Getting best sound so

far using an AQ Eagle Eye coax with adaptors at either end (BNC to RCA at SRC-DX, RCA to mini RCA at Mojo). My other cable options sounded thinner/brighter in comparison

whereas the AQ cable sounds tube like for mid range bloom. Much happier using SRC-DX at 384 out on SPDIF than I was with Denafrips Iris at 192 out on SPDIF

[Gavin1977]

4 hours ago, davide256 said:

Received the SRC-DX, am pleased so far. Most of my music has been PGGB converted to 706/768 but , music is being down converted

to the single coax 353/384 limit. Feels like energy that was going into a more aggressive treble end (irritating!) has shifted into a more cohesive midrange. Getting best sound so

far using an AQ Eagle Eye coax with adaptors at either end (BNC to RCA at SRC-DX, RCA to mini RCA at Mojo). My other cable options sounded thinner/brighter in comparison

whereas the AQ cable sounds tube like for mid range bloom. Much happier using SRC-DX at 384 out on SPDIF than I was with Denafrips Iris at 192 out on SPDIF

Interesting… what DAC are you using it with?

[beautiful music]

5 hours ago, davide256 said:

Received the SRC-DX, am pleased so far. Most of my music has been PGGB converted to 706/768 but , music is being down converted

to the single coax 353/384 limit. Feels like energy that was going into a more aggressive treble end (irritating!) has shifted into a more cohesive midrange. Getting best sound so

far using an AQ Eagle Eye coax with adaptors at either end (BNC to RCA at SRC-DX, RCA to mini RCA at Mojo). My other cable options sounded thinner/brighter in comparison

whereas the AQ cable sounds tube like for mid range bloom. Much happier using SRC-DX at 384 out on SPDIF than I was with Denafrips Iris at 192 out on SPDIF

 

Can you share some pictures of this type of connections?

 

And the link of these adapters will be appreciated as well.

[Lauritsvd]

The SRC-DX looks very interesting  

And I have one cumming soon to try with my Qutest DAC. 
Im running server 2019 PC, with JCAT XE usb,and JPlay Femto player. 
Dont suppose it can work with kernel streaming, but hope Asio will. 
What drivers and settings are you guys using ? 
 

regards. 

 

[davide256]

On 12/12/2021 at 2:15 AM, beautiful music said:

 

Can you share some pictures of this type of connections?

 

And the link of these adapters will be appreciated as well.

Nothing special about the adaptors, all from Monoprice

 

male BNC to female RCA adaptor for SRC-DX end

https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-BNC-Male-Female-Adaptor/dp/B006VK8IEI/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=monoprice+bnc+male+to+rca+female+adapter&qid=1639368961&s=electronics&sr=1-2

 

female RCA to mini mono RCA for Mojo  SPDIF input

https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-107146-3-5mm-Adaptor-Plated/dp/B0069MLDUO/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=monoprice+bnc+female+to+rca+mini+adapter&qid=1639369053&s=electronics&sr=1-2

 

Eagle Eye is an older AQ model  somewhere between the current Coffee and Diamond models for design quality. Annoying thing is they don't make BNC cables, only

coax and AES/EBU. But it sounds far better than the Vodoo or Wireworld starlight BNC cables I have which only require an adaptor at the mini RCA end.

[Music123]

I like to thank everyone for sharing their experience with the SRC-DX. I was excited to find out about the SRC-DX because it made the dual-BNC connection of the Chord DAC accessible to those who did not buy an MScaler. I also felt that HQPlayer plus a powerful PC could be better than an MScaler, but we lacked the dual BNC connection until SRC-DX came into the picture. So, without hesitation, I purchased the SRC-DX. And later on, when I learned about the Opto-DX, I added that to the equipment chain.

 

While everyone has their sound "meter" to base their reference, the sound improvement, in my case, is beyond my expectation! In addition, the Opto-DX allowed me to experience holographic 3D sound-stage for the first time.  Before, I had the "being there" sensation, but nothing beat a clear holographic sound-stage.

 

Equipment chain:

Alienware gaming PC (HQPlayer V4 upsampling)-> Allo USBridge streamer (bridge) -> SRC-DX -> Opto-DX transmittor -> 3 meters fiber optical -> Opto-DX receiver -> Chord Qutest -> SPL Phonitor XE headphone amplifier -> 64 Audio A18s CIEM.

 

The Gaming PC, Allo USBridge streamer, SRC-DX, and Opto-DX transmitter are under the desk and out of sight.

 

I like to share pictures of my setup.  

 

 

[Middy]

You don't need a crystal ball to see its working great 😃👍

 

I got the Chord Anni,  all together just a lovely sound..