Musetec (LKS) MH-DA005 DAC

@lordmelton I'll never do the comparison unless I was using usb out of server, this is where my main beef with usb resides. You're still essentially using usb out of server, just switching LKS for Aurrender, to my mind you're comparing LKS and the external power supply to Aurrender usb as much or more than usb to I2S in 005.

In my setup I avoid ALL usb prior to OpticalRendu, I have totally optimized usb with total 100% galvanic isolation prior to usb using optical conversion, and have avoided any conversion schemes within server, server is only network device and place for Roon core and library. So server is minimal device, least imposition of noise or imprint on final sound, then 100% galvanic isolation of the maximally minimized noise emanating from server, and this noiseless signal being reclocked in OR using very good clocks and power supply (Uptone JS2), which is last thing in chain just prior to excellent usb board in 005.

End result for me is just incredible sound quality, so far above prior usb and ethernet schemes I've tried. I really have no motivation to ever use any usb out of a server again. If I did it would have to be custom atx build with totally optimized usb. 

Until you all have heard the advantage of forgetting server conversion using usb or I2S or any other conversion scheme you won't know what you're missing. I'll mention again, the only off the shelf server with a second ethernet port I'm aware of is Antipodes, otherwise custom atx build is only way. The way most servers are built today means they are main bottleneck to getting full potential out of streaming, assuming one has good network and dac.

For someone willing to experience this, try the Antipodes K50 for all in one server, K40 or 41 for server only with one's choice of streamer.

@sns Despite several people fully agreeing that they prefer the USB/I2s setup I find it quite disconcerting that you don’t believe us. I think the LKS 100 works so well is because it’s a simple design, basically straight through with quality Crystek 957 oscillators. I’m in an extremely happy place right now.

Let me explain my setup once again.

1. 5G Optical straight into my rack, terminated in my router.

2. 1.2m Furutech Ethernet from router to Ediscreation Extreme with Galvanic via Optical isolator.

3. 0.4m WW Starlight Ethernet to galvanically isolated RJ45 input on Aurender N20

4. From N20 Crystal Clear Cables USB without power conductor to LKS 100

5. LKS 100 to 005 via RJ45 Furutech 0.6m Ethernet cable.

I listen to my ripped CDs and SACDs, played from the N20 SSD, combined with Tidal/Qobuz. I am getting excellent results with all.

Again I would like to thank @debjit_g for his WW Ethernet recommendation, it really synthesizes with the Ediscreation Extreme. I guess I’ll get the Platinum soon. The Starlight is crazily good for the price.

@lordmelton Quite the contrary, look at my prior post, I presume what you're hearing is valid. My only issue is, and as Melm pointed out, since you still have usb in stream, you're comparing two usb solutions, at least to some degree. I have no arguments with subjective best solutions. It seems you're making claim I2S input superior to usb input with 005, I find that claim dubious until you've eliminated any usb in chain.

I'm curious as to some OBJECTIVE streaming guidelines, at least as it pertains to 005. I'd like to know if I2S or usb is best input on 005. I have ability to do some comparisons, but my setup is too unique to have validity for others. For those presently using usb or I2S out of servers I'd like to see exclusive I2S to usb  setup, both fully optimized. The only generalization I can make based on my experience is vast majority of usb setups aren't optimized due to usb server flaws, this gives great usb inputs on dacs a bad name. I hear far too much bad mouthing of dac usb, I believe it wrongheaded.

As things stand, at least Melm and I are getting fine results with usb, you and others? fine results with I2S, perhaps both are indeed great inputs, ok with me.

Fwiw, I think it's great to have multiple really good options, and impressions from people regarding what they've found to work well in the different approaches. Good discussion, imo.

As a result I at least plan to try a bit of both approaches - over time. I'm curious now about the potential of the I2S interface of the DA005, so I plan to try that once I get a chance to get some cables and bits and set it up and experiment a bit. I may even try an LKS USB-100. And then eventually I will likely give either ethernet to USB a try, and/or cleaner optimized USB output directly from a server.

(All of this will likely take a bit of time as I have as I have some other priorities - both in my audio system, and elsewhere. It should keep me entertained for a while though. Fun hobby :-)

I for one have been enjoying reading about everyone's experience with ALL of the different interfaces of the DA005 and upstream approaches, and I hope that everyone will continue to share their impressions and approaches.

I installed the three SR purple fuses last night. The way I like to do it, I burn in all system changes at the same time and then I would revert or change one thing at a time to determine if I like that one change or not.

I would like to share my methodology for initially installing the fuses. These SR fuses are directional. Based on my research, the "S" side of the fuse should connect to the Hot pin of the AC inlet. This is where the power is coming in. I used a digital multimeter to confirm which contact of the fuse housing had continuity with the Hot pin of the AC inlet. See diagram below as one looks at the AC inlet of the 005 with fuse and fuse holder removed:

           Ground

                ||
 Hot                  Neutral

  ||                         ||

Contact A       Contact B

 |-|                        |-|

In the diagram above, Hot had continuity with Contact A so I installed the fuse with the "S" side of the fuse near Contact A. I followed the same methodology for my preamp and headphone amp. These fuses are no where close to being broken in but first impressions are very important for me. I’ve never liked a system change long term if first impressions were bad.

Getting to the initial results, I’m keeping these Purple Fuses. They are the best fuses I’ve tried in my history with fuses The sound was more open and detailed. Bass and dynamics were still there if not slightly better than what I remember. On the downside, I sense more harshness from the system but I expect this to reduce once the breakin period is over.