You're probably right there CN. The IPurifier looks to be a worthwhile device and an extra cable brings more cost and possible slight signal degeneration.
Although the Oehlbach unit is a terrific bargain (at 1/3 the price of the Ifi) and does wonders for SQ on a USB link.
Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
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Re: Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
Upstairs:
VinylPro-Ject 1.2 + Grado Sig Jr + Cambridge Alva Duo
DigiVolumio PC + Kiss DP-500 + Sabaj A20d
NVA: Cube2 + LS6+ Sabaj A10a (2) + Little Bear MC2
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HP: Allo DigiOne + Sabaj A10d + AQ NightOwl
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Re: Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
TBH I have always used USB cables which I built myself . However , the XXL didn't sound particularly good with this . I must assume then that the XXL is sensitive to the USB cables which you use with it . I'm currently using a ' cheapish ' QED cable and my system sounds excellent . Do you have any reasonably prices alternatives please .Fretless wrote: ↑Thu Apr 16, 2020 11:32 pmHave you got any special USB cables running with the XXL Masterclock ?luckyredfish wrote: ↑Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:42 pm I'm really quite taken aback at how this little box has improved my listening pleasure . Artists who I previously didn't listen to much have now become much more interesting .
Low level listening is also much improved .
I'm well pleased so far.
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Re: Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
Look at the Inakustik Excellence USB that I have been very pleased with. Or AQ Forest USB.
Upstairs:
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Re: Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
I'd say go further up the AudioQuest range if you can. Keep a watch on eBay for bargains, it's where I've got most of mine.
A Cinnamon would be good, and a Carbon is probably the best "bang-for-bucks" balance in the AQ range. Above that, the prices start getting a bit silly for my wallet.
A Cinnamon would be good, and a Carbon is probably the best "bang-for-bucks" balance in the AQ range. Above that, the prices start getting a bit silly for my wallet.
Amps - NVA P50, AP30, A40, Stanislav Palo Tube Headphone Amp BB 85
Speakers - Monitor Audio Silver RX2
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Digital - NAD C516BEE, SONY ST-SDB900 DAB TUNER, TEAC UD-H01 DAC
Analogue - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB, Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Phono
Cans - Grado SR80, ATH-M50X
Speakers - Monitor Audio Silver RX2
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Re: Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
Hah ! , have you seen the size of my wallet Paul . It's tiny LOL .
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Re: Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
luckyredfish wrote: ↑Fri Apr 17, 2020 4:26 pm Hah ! , have you seen the size of my wallet Paul . It's tiny LOL .
That's why I suggested bargain-hunting on eBay.
Amps - NVA P50, AP30, A40, Stanislav Palo Tube Headphone Amp BB 85
Speakers - Monitor Audio Silver RX2
Cables - NVA LS1+LS3, SSC, Gotham S/PDIF, IBRA Optical
Digital - NAD C516BEE, SONY ST-SDB900 DAB TUNER, TEAC UD-H01 DAC
Analogue - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB, Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Phono
Cans - Grado SR80, ATH-M50X
Speakers - Monitor Audio Silver RX2
Cables - NVA LS1+LS3, SSC, Gotham S/PDIF, IBRA Optical
Digital - NAD C516BEE, SONY ST-SDB900 DAB TUNER, TEAC UD-H01 DAC
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Re: Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
There's only one way to find out, buy and try. I'm sure the two cables recommended would be good and of course there is the Oehlbach cable as well.luckyredfish wrote: ↑Fri Apr 17, 2020 12:38 pmTBH I have always used USB cables which I built myself . However , the XXL didn't sound particularly good with this . I must assume then that the XXL is sensitive to the USB cables which you use with it . I'm currently using a ' cheapish ' QED cable and my system sounds excellent . Do you have any reasonably prices alternatives please .Fretless wrote: ↑Thu Apr 16, 2020 11:32 pmHave you got any special USB cables running with the XXL Masterclock ?luckyredfish wrote: ↑Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:42 pm I'm really quite taken aback at how this little box has improved my listening pleasure . Artists who I previously didn't listen to much have now become much more interesting .
Low level listening is also much improved .
I'm well pleased so far.
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Re: Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
Aye , I was looking at the Oehlbach cables yesterday . They seem to be well thought of and are very reasonably priced on their site , although they don't seem to have all the lengths in stock . Amazon seem to have a better selection .
On the subject of the XXL , which I have now had in my system for a couple of days , I have the following impressions to post . Firstly the cheapo QED USB cable seems to be gelling with my system , and the XXL , quite nicely . TBH I'm a bit reluctant to change things at present .
Bass is certainly much improved , being both deeper and cleaner . It drives the music along very nicely without becoming overpowering . The mids are also similarly improved , with voices sounding more natural and ' real ' . The top end has also improved , being sweeter and more natural .
I was listening to a Count Basie recording last light , which is an excellent recording , and i was quite taken aback by the quality of the reproduction on my system . The separation of instruments and singers was quite uncanny and probably the best I've heard from any system which I've owned in several years . Needless to say I had a large grin on my face .
I may buy another of these as a backup because IMO these are fantastic value , even at full price , and I would hate to lose the input from the XXL . Highly recommended .
On the subject of the XXL , which I have now had in my system for a couple of days , I have the following impressions to post . Firstly the cheapo QED USB cable seems to be gelling with my system , and the XXL , quite nicely . TBH I'm a bit reluctant to change things at present .
Bass is certainly much improved , being both deeper and cleaner . It drives the music along very nicely without becoming overpowering . The mids are also similarly improved , with voices sounding more natural and ' real ' . The top end has also improved , being sweeter and more natural .
I was listening to a Count Basie recording last light , which is an excellent recording , and i was quite taken aback by the quality of the reproduction on my system . The separation of instruments and singers was quite uncanny and probably the best I've heard from any system which I've owned in several years . Needless to say I had a large grin on my face .
I may buy another of these as a backup because IMO these are fantastic value , even at full price , and I would hate to lose the input from the XXL . Highly recommended .
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- antonio66 (Sat Apr 18, 2020 10:03 am) • Fretless (Sat Apr 18, 2020 10:29 am)
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Re: Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
It is my experience that the main benefit of all improvements in the digital path, to a greater or lesser extent, is greater seperation. This contributes a lot to the musical experience. The only exception I have found is the AQ Jitterbug which smoothes the higher frequencies.
Main System
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DH Labs ethernet, BNC & USB cables, Lindy cat 6 US ethernet cable
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Sonore MicroRendu, Chord Mojo 2 MCRU PSs, AQ Carbon USB cable & JB FMJ
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Grado SR325e/Chord Mojo, Beyerdynamic Avetho/AQ DF Black
RIP Doc
NVA BMU, P90SA/A80s (latest spec), Cube 1s, TIS, TISC(LS7)
Sonore OpticalRendu, Chord Mscaler & Qutest, Sbooster PSs
Network Acoustics Eno, ifi iPurifier3, AQ JB FMJ, Cisco 2940 & 2960
DH Labs ethernet, BNC & USB cables, Lindy cat 6 US ethernet cable
Second System
NVA P20/ A20, Cubettes, LS3, SSP, SC
Sonore MicroRendu, Chord Mojo 2 MCRU PSs, AQ Carbon USB cable & JB FMJ
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Grado SR325e/Chord Mojo, Beyerdynamic Avetho/AQ DF Black
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Re: Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
Luckyredfish: assuming that you have the QED Performance USB cable in use there. Looks like a good quality link and is probably a similar level to AQ Forest.
To get a noticeable improvement in SQ you should look at AQ Carbon, as recommended by Slinger, for output to the DAC and then try the QED for input to the Oehlbach XXL.
I am still being surprised by what the XXL Masterclock is doing in my system, it is certainly a cut above the Schiit Wyrd for realism, dynamics and detail.
Still waiting for the arrival of the Allo USBridge Sig. The lockdown in India has halted their distribution. In theory that shouldn't need a reclocker, but we'll see - one of these days.
To get a noticeable improvement in SQ you should look at AQ Carbon, as recommended by Slinger, for output to the DAC and then try the QED for input to the Oehlbach XXL.
I am still being surprised by what the XXL Masterclock is doing in my system, it is certainly a cut above the Schiit Wyrd for realism, dynamics and detail.
Still waiting for the arrival of the Allo USBridge Sig. The lockdown in India has halted their distribution. In theory that shouldn't need a reclocker, but we'll see - one of these days.
Upstairs:
VinylPro-Ject 1.2 + Grado Sig Jr + Cambridge Alva Duo
DigiVolumio PC + Kiss DP-500 + Sabaj A20d
NVA: Cube2 + LS6+ Sabaj A10a (2) + Little Bear MC2
Downstairs:
VinylLogic DM101 + Syrinx LE1 + Grado Sig MCX
DigiDenafrips Ares II + Volumio PC + Cambridge CXC
NVA: P50 (phono)Aiyima A07 MAX (2) + Arcam One
HP: Allo DigiOne + Sabaj A10d + AQ NightOwl
Office: Allo DigiOne SIG + SMSL M300se + Douk G4 (x2)
Mission 760 + Monolith 887 + German Maestro GMP 450