Musetec (LKS) MH-DA005 DAC
@benzman Ship it from USPS. It should be half that price. I did a replacement back to China with USPS and it went perfectly (a Gustard X26 Pro). What color is the 005 you have. I sold my CODA #8 amp today and was planning on buying a second 005, just not so soon, but a gift horse.
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@benzman I'd agree you didn't hear 005 through it's best input, that being usb, especially if optimized at server and/or network level. Having said that I can understand your preference based on a number of things. First, 005 certainly not what I'd describe as forgiving. Over the two plus years of my ownership, component and/or parts changes have resulted in what I'd characterize as only analytical to neutral overall gestalt of 005. Analytical when breaking in/settling of new components or parts, return to the neutral or mean rest of the time. All my system improvements have been solely dedicated to greater resolving/lower noise floor since 005 purchase, and this tonal character has never changed. During these break in times there has been a lack of refinement and/or lack of color, but going back to the mean or state of neutrality has always brought about a great sense of live performers to my room. The sheer resolving capabilities of the 005 always brings about a heightened sense of this with every system resolving upgrade.
So, on color/timbre/tonality, texture, refinement issue. My basic system is SET, DHT so high in 2nd order harmonic distortions, SS is going to be higher in odd order harmonic distortions. I'd suggest this plays role in my perception of 005 color. I'd not think, and based on my experience with various SS amps and pre's over the years, including Class A, and even battery powered SS, 005 wouldn't play as nice.
Bottom line for me is 005 has yet to commit any long term sins. My systematic upgrades in overall resolving capabilities have yet to uncover some undesired coloration. Now, I have often wondered about whether 005 is performing some sin of omission, perhaps the most salient one in my mind being the very issues of refinement, delicacy you bring up with Briscati. Perhaps there is more of this to be found in some of the highest echelon dacs, in fact I'd expect it and demand it. I can't say I've found the 005 lacking here ,at least in digital realm, however, when I compare present overall sound quality to my aural memory of the highest echelon vinyl setups (talking 100K to multiples of 100K), I can hear a slight lacking here. |
Thanks Charles, may I return the compliment in that I find your posts generally thoughtful and insightful. Your a rare consistent asset to AG forums.
I should also add individual sensory perceptions are extremely variable. While I suggested I may not like 005 in SS system, I understand others may find the pairing complimentary. We all have our natural inherent biases, add to those ones formed from experience, result is there may be extremely different perceptions as to sound quality of any particular audio component. I'd expect diverging opinions on 005 sound quality. The one parameter of this dac I'd suggest is unquestionable is it's ability to resolve, I can't imagine this dac not being involving, this level of resolution is inherently involving, assuming system up to it. I accept color is somewhat variable here. |
@benzman Thanks for the update, the cost of oil must have caused the increase in shipping. I am looking for a black 005. In fact I need to get one soon since I bought my ultimate headphone amp this afternoon and will likely use my Benchmark DAC3B with it and not the 005. I will need another 005 to fill in where the DAC3B currently resides. The amp I am getting is a tube amp and I demoed it with the DAC3B, which is a little brighter than the 005. This is likely a better match with those tubes..
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I posted a month or so ago that I had ordered a L.K.S. USB to I2s converter. Well Shenzhen Audio said I had to wait because they were out of stock but at only $206.00 it wasn't worth complaining. It was just a curious experiment to finally find out what I2s sounded like and at 200 bucks, well? I had previously almost bought the GD-Audio version which is more expensive at around $1200 plus shipping and custom cable and weighs 5kgs, it's serious kit. Additionally there's the Sonore ultraDigital at $499.00 plus shipping but it is universal, so no custom I2s cable required. So I wasn't expecting any great shakes for 200 bucks. Received it last week but was in no hurry to set it up. Borrowed about $1500 worth of 5v LPS and power cable from my dealer and fired it up 5hrs ago with a recently purchased Furutech 8k HDMI cable. BTW you can run it from a USB charger with the included 2.1mm USB DC cable. Man was I WRONG! This thing is amazing, it puts you at front row centre. I know it's not broken in yet and neither is my HDMI input on the 005 but it sounds huge. Detail by the boatload and I was getting plenty before. I can just switch between HDMI and Digital XLR on the fly and it just destroys XLR. Once it's fully broken in I'll test the difference between HDMI and RJ45 inputs. The 005 has brought us an amazing product at a fraction of what it's really worth. Honestly this unit takes it to another level. No it doesn't sound analogue or like vinyl. It sounds REAL! As it should. |
Great that @benzman settled in with a DAC he really prefers and that seems to integrate well with the rest of his system. And kudos to him for getting that fine DAC at an advantageous price. No one has ever claimed the Musetec was the best DAC ever and in all situations. That being said, the Musetec used was not broken in fully and not used through its most advantageous input, USB. But his money, his choice. Now just to relax with the music. Just a final word putting the return cost in some context. Return privileges are all over the place. The cost to return a Schiit Yggdrasil to California, for example, can be $148 plus transportation both ways. The cost of returning a Wyred 4 Sound DAC within 30 days could be $675 plus shipping to California. @sns uses a tube system that he says creates even number harmonic distortion that may account for differences in perception of a DAC as compared to benzman's solid state one. Mine is also a tube based system, Rogue, but it is definitely known for NOT being "tubey" while still providing tube benefits. As some of us, committed to the sound of acoustic instruments in real space have noted, our search is NOT for our taste in musical reproduction. We do not seek a DAC that sounds good. A DAC is not a musical instrument. Neither is an amplifier or a speaker. We look for components that recreate our experience with unamplified music as closely as possible. There are well known components DESIGNED to sound inaccurate and euphonic, certain British speakers being notable examples. @lordmelton, Very interesting. If I understand you correctly, you're comparing the AES/EBU input port on the Musetec to the the spdif input and hdmi output of the USB to I2s converter into the hdmi input of the Musetec. Is that right? If so, what is the source that is outputting either the AES/EBU or the spdif? Also, have you considered the LKS power supply made for the unit? It costs a lot less than $1500 as would an excellent SBooster, for example. |
I had just sold my Rogue RP7 with NOS tubes prior to getting the 005 I miss it already. My Dac was my only source so it didn’t make sense to me to use a 5k linestage for one source. Maybe a tube buffer down the road I have a bunch of higher end cables coming in this week to hopefully fine tune the system
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@melm Hi, From my Aurender N20 I am feeding Digital XLR direct to my 005 and USB to the L.K.S. converter then I2s HDMI to the 005. This enables me to switch on the fly between I2s and XLR using the 005 remote. Yes I could have got the L.K.S. LPS but I really wasn’t expecting much here. So I borrowed what I needed. I’ll probably go for a three way DC LPS to save money on power cables because I want an LPS for my router and TV box too. You don’t need any I2s cables for this setup just ordinary unmodified HDMI or Ethernet cables. It’s like a component upgrade. I’s not subtle. All my gear is solid state. |
As some of you know, I had Singxer SU6, while lordmelton may be getting fine sound quality from I2s, I never felt a single urge to try I2s as I simply couldn't imagine I2s giving me anymore than what I had, have since sold SU6.
Adding the I2s to my system at the time meant giving up the SOTM SMS200Neo I was running as streamer at the time, powered by Uptone JS2, and AQ Diamond USB for the SU6 and it's inferior (to JS2) power supply, and inferior I2S cable, made no sense to even try.
Also, I never want to give up two computer and/or separate server/streamer solution with Roon. I find Roon to sound much better when separating core from endpoint. My next player experiments planned will involve Audirvana Studio, AudioLinux and Euphony Stylus. Each will be run on it's own PCIe SSD, comparisons will be easy since I have simple access to SSD in server. After recent conversation with Alex Crespi of Uptone Audio, I learned very worthwhile to experience different players and computer OS.
As regards flavor and/or getting full potential of 005, I know this has been mentioned previously, active preamp is a must, the higher quality the better. Pre's likely have more influence on sound quality of source components than any other component or wire in system. The gain function of 005 is essentially worthless due to bit stripping, may be ok at 90% of full volume, but anything lower and bit stripping will intrude. Even more important, pre's will definitely color source to some extent, the reason I suggest tubes here for the neutral to analytical inherent color of 005. |
I feel I should expound a bit on above post. I stated 005 color as analytical to neutral. Ultimately, I feel the 005 is a neutral piece, with the possibility of sounding analytical, it will never sound warmed over. I'd describe 005 as a high strung machine, feed it well and it will perform, feed it poorly, not so good.
005 is high strung in the sense that it's resolving capabilities are still unknown to me. In the two plus years I've owned many upgrades and mods, each dedicated to max system resolution. 005 has exposed each and every single upgrade and mod, even down to the level of a few different caps and resistors in pre. Larger upgrades like MKII in Coincident Statement pre, boutique tubes in amps and pre, server and server OS mods, Jantzen inductors in speaker have scaled up sound equivalent to changes. I can't say where this all ends, the 005 continues to demand more from me in trying to realize it's resolving potential.
And probably the most amazing thing is, 005 also has SOUL. We often hear of components that resolve highly without soul, this is not that guy. I can't speak to the difficulty of reaching this characteristic with 005 as my system had soul prior to 005, based on most reviews I don't see that as issue. So, assuming one already has soul in their system, 005 is a no brainer, especially at it's price. Based on my experience, sky is the limit with resolving potential. I've reached many best sound quality plateaus since 005 insertion, the latest plateau has put my system within realm of best I've ever heard, and I've heard many a system in nearly 30 years involved in high end audio. I'll just say the 005 is most interesting source equipment I've ever owned, not reaching what one feels is full potential of a piece makes this so. |
The improvements on i2s over usb really depends on two things: 1. DAC's usb implementation - if they have proper galvanic isolation, the chances are the difference will be minuscule, if any. 2. How clean or noisy your music server/streamer usb output is. The noisier the server/streamer, the more difference it will make. Over the years I have had many USB gadgets (Regen stuff) and different power supplies (both linear and custom designed hybrid smps) on my DIY music server. I have a Matrix X-SPDIF2 DDC as well. Currently I use JCAT XE USB powered using a custom designed LPS (in fact, the entire server uses a high quality power supply) connected to the DAC directly. No streamer or any USB dingleberries or DDC in between. I have used Audiolinux, Euphony, ArchLinux, Ubuntu and many others and have settled on Windows 10 pro that I have slowly optimized over time. In my experience with digital, a good power supply makes most of the difference.
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@sns Yes it's unfortunate you never tried I2s but like myself I never believed it could be so good. It's just that Shenzhenaudio had a special on with free shipping and I had some spare change in my Paypal account, so I thought what the heck? However with the Singxer SU6 you would have had to have gone to the major expense of buying a custom I2s cable. You are completely correct about pre-amps, they are the heart of a system, well good ones are anyway. Steve McCormack taught me a long time ago about SS vs valves but you need to pay much more to get a pure SS sound free of distortion. It's all in the design. I don't know why Pass Labs (which I love) has to make a 3 box pre-amp ???? Spectral pre-amps are very, very special and they haven't upgraded their Super Veloce pre-amp for over ten years. I'm waiting! BTW DACs just like pre-amps shouldn't have a sound, just give you more space, timing, realism etc. Everything else is colouration or House Sound.
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Hi @lordmelton, |
@debjit_g Totally agree on the usb galvanic isolation. What amazes me is so many of these off the shelf servers/streamers use usb off motherboards! How do they have the nerve to charge these prices for crap usb outputs, this is what gives usb bad name. The custom server I'll soon be hearing will have optical out as well as JCAT net femto card. Both guy building custom server and I use streamers so ethernet or optical (which means 2 ethernet ports or ethernet and optical)l out is a must with our servers. Antipodes is one of the few who gets this, they also optimize other ports with their servers. You're are also correct about quality lps for everything in network. Interesting you find Windows best OS for server, not the first time I've hear this. The custom server will initially use Linux OS, we've talked about possible use of Windows at some point.
@lordmelton You don't need custom cable with SU6, as SU6 has dip switches for proper pin configuration. The other thing I've often heard about I2S is cable length critical, shortest best, I had .5m HDMI cable. I've also heard I2S can never be optimally used with any external device as I2S was developed with very short signal paths that exist within dacs. Your take on preamps is certainly a valid one, however, I'm not sure a system built entirely of neutral sounding components is possible or even desired. I certainly like my source equipment to be neutral, this makes attaining system building a less complex undertaking. One then chooses pre's and amps according to one's preferences. Lack of neutrality in source components may cause dog chasing tail syndrome, always chasing down color balances to get things right. I'm one to keep amps and pre's for long term, my present pre and amps are likely end game for me, sources always far more subject to change for me. |
@melm Hi, Yes it's not possible to switch on the fly between USB and I2s but it's irrelevant anyway because you have heard me mention that the XLR and USB outputs from my N20 into the 005 were infuriatingly similar with slight differences between formats. Honestly the I2s gives such a large boost it leaves XLR and USB in the dust. It's as I said, front row center, or a singer performing before you in a club. It's not forward, everything else is in focus, a wonderful transformation. |
@sns Yes I would have really liked a comparison with the I2s from the SU6. I think though that one reason the L.K.S. sounds so good is that it’s Musetec’s Amanero board with I2s out. So everything is connected in a straight line without dip switches or re-figured cable. I'm using a Furutech 1.2m 8K HDMI cable. Still breaking in so I’ll keep everyone updated. |
@sns welcome to the world of high-end audio. You will probably know this as well but the truth is the product will not sell through dealer markup if you can’t charge a minimum of 10x the price of cogs. Its all driven by sales and marketing - if folks are willing to pay for crappy usb output, the product will sell and companies to keep charging premium for nothing. Just look at the audio cable business. In my books, price to performance ratio will always win and that is why I personally like companies who are actually trying to bring excellent value at a reasonable cost. Though its not always a determinant factor but looking at the inside of some products and one will quickly realize its value, assuming one is somewhat knowledgeable. This is one of the reason I became interested in the Musetec - its not a ground breaking design but as far as I can see is a well thought out one with quality parts, execution and price to boot. |
@lordmelton if you really want to take the i2s over hdmi to its maximum level, take a look the Wireworld platinum series hdmi cables. Always have the shortest run possible from the DDC to the DAC. The i2s is the native interface to most dac chip (ESS and AKM) and what the USB board (Amanero or XMOS) inside the DAC does is to convert the async USB data stream to i2s signals. |
At the Axpona show I just attended; Mojo Audio's owner was claiming I2S was never meant as an external input/output and that's why it isn't a standard. It was meant as an internal only connection not to exceed a few inches. This was heard by many people at the seminar he gave. Interesting how its evolving and how it's being used by some people. |
Mojo Audio is absolutely correct. I2S is primarily meant for chip-to-chip connection which typically is few cm. The longer the traces the more it suffers signal integrity. However, I think the external connection that most are using with audio DDC/DAC combo throws away the clock and uses the dac's own clock to resample. In such case, the I2S is just passing the data stream over the pins and you always want the least shortest path. As I stated earlier, IMO i2s will only benefit cases where the dac doesn't have a good usb implementation and the server is too noisy. |
as for the standard or the lack of it, it has evolved into couple different ones - PS Audio, Rockna, Gustard. Most manufacturers are following PS audio and some, like Denafrips has configurable pins assignments. Funny thing I still remember when I owned the PS Audio DS dac a while back (bought the DS from PS Audio when it was first released), I bought a Gustard DDC to use with it and which was following its own standard. It wasn't reconfigurable to PS Audio pin-out. I needed a custom hdmi cable to make them work together but no one would build me one. I finally had to DIY'ed my own cable but it did sound a little better and cleaner than the usb input but honestly at that time my diy server wasn't as optimized as it is now. It could have been a totally different outcome if I had experimented it today.
Here is the database of i2s devices
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@willywonka Hi, With all respect to you, Mojo Audio doesn't believe in DSD. They promote DOP over DSD. He's FOS. He's a Luddite. PS Audio have a much better grasp of I2s.
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@debjit_g Yes I agree I will experiment with different HDMI cables and different lengths but I'm enjoying the break-in so much at the moment to change anything. I've got a 0.35m Oyaide CAT 7 RJ45 Ethernet cable which I will try next. I've got a feeling that RJ45 cables are going to be better than HDMI because the wires are sightly larger but we'll need to wait and see. |
@lordmelton I'm rather suspect in regard to usb implementation on N20, not much info on that in their literature. I suspect coming directly off motherboard with some unclear optimization. Also, what usb cables did you use?
Also, its been my experience divorcing server from streamer has been most effective for usb. Servers are rather noisy environments, total galvanic isolation post server critical. My streamers have allowed both galvanic isolation and usb rendering, reclocking to provide best possible usb implementation. Network improvements closest to dac are most effective.
While server manufacturers rarely if ever speak directly to above issue, their product offerings make it clear they know its a real issue. Take the Innuous Zenith servers, perhaps most popular server out there, why do they offer Phoenix usb? |
I am not here to doubt the perceptions of others. Nonetheless it is a strain on my own understanding of how things work to believe that the 10 year old separate LKS USB to I2S device can outperform that very same function within the Musetec. The Musetec does it with an updated circuit board, more and better clocks and a more advanced power supply. But in audio, it seems, everything is possible. As for the general issue of I2S, since there are now many DACs with I2S inputs, I wonder whether the topic with all its complications and wire configurations and associated difficulties deserves broader exposure with a thread of its own. |
@sns Hi, The Aurender N20 USB and Ethernet inputs are fully galvanically isolated, however using my previous DACs which were Musical Fidelity and Teac, AES/EBU was far superior. Wasn’t until I got the 005 that USB started showing promise. Initially I was using a Hi Diamond USB cable which was very good but on the recommendation of a friend tried a Crystal Clear Magnum Opus USB which used to be on sale here. Seems they don’t sell here anymore. It’s a class cable but now I can concentrate on just one output I’ll be looking at a Shunyata Omega or Final Touch USB or similar but I’m in a good place now. I went down the computer trail for many years but I would suggest you at least give an N20 a demo with a master clock. It’s a solid excellent product. I also use an Ediscreation Extreme fiber optic box for streaming, everything in one box, which I highly recommend. It’s really totally amazing what this $200 L.K.S. box can do. |
Well, for myself the issue is settled since I'm now totally committed to optical since hearing it's clear benefits vs. ethernet. The only way I'll ever directly connect a server to dac is if it had optical out to streamer/dac with optical in.
And I'm still not convinced Aurender usb scheme is equivalent to external usb device with quality dedicated lps. The only server internal usb I trust as optimal are those with Pink Faun or JCAT cards which run off dedicated lps. Obtaining lowest noise floor/highest resolving capabilities with any network solution require utmost attention to every noise producing detail. This means absolute optimization of everything from modem to dac, various avenues to achieve this, but I like maximizing discrete devices as much as possible, quality power supplies, and yet keep it simple, very difficult to achieve all this at once. For me this optimal setup would look like full optical from service to dac, all components optical capable. Simple and total galvanic isolation from one component to the next. |
@melm Yes, I don't see why not, you can open a thread about this and other I2s converters. Oppomod.com now offer an I2s board which can be DIY fitted for Oppo Blu-Ray players.
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Well, in response to the discussion of is2 converters I ordered a sonore ultradigital with lps, and a silver starlight 5.2 hdmi cable. My system is sounding excellent with a cardas usb cable but I will give the is2 input a shot. If it doesn't result in improvements, I can return the sonore products. Stay tuned; I will provide a report next week. |
I don't doubt I2S preference is valid by some, usb has some inherent liabilities and even more in it's implementation. I2S is what it is, every dac on par using this input, the variables would be DDC and cable used. USB requires optimal implementation in both dac, server or server/streamer, cable, add lps. Easy to understand variable impressions of usb sound quality based on large variability in implementation. |
I will be able to add my impressions shortly and return the sonore products if there is no improvement. My current streaming system uses a stand alone asus mesh node powered by a teredac LPS into which I plug an AQ vodka ethernet cable into an aurender a10, with a cardas usb into the 005. Sounds excellent (into a joule electra la 300ME, first watt SIT-3, prototype quintessence stealth speakers using siltech cables). I also have a lot of room treatment and clean power. It rivals my excellent analog system (steelhead phono pre, TW acustics raven 1, graham phantom, benz ebony lps) on some recordings. I tried two optical converters in the ethernet stream, which should have removed any coodies being transmitted on the ethernet cable and found no improvement. Thus, I removed the optical converters and cable and went back to the vodka straight into my aurender A10. |
@car123 Looking forward to your impressions. I used the Cardas usb for some time, my present AQ Diamond bettered it by large margin. I've also tried various cat config generics,various AQ, Supra, Wireworld Platinum. USB cables make a difference. I used a Joule Electra LA100MKIII with many diy mods for years, the 300ME is very nice pre. I came very close to purchasing First Watt for my Klipschorns, would be my first choice for SS for high efficiency speakers. NIce system and vinyl setup. The generic FMC, especially using stock switching power supplies is not especially effective, optical needs optimization just as everything else. I used all AQ Vodka when I had all ethernet setup, still using prior to server, the AQ is first rate cable.
My setup extremely unique in that I use ethernet out of server, optical conversion and usb rendering/streaming done POST server, directly in front of dac. I've tried various setups and upgrades PRE server, network upgrades much less impactful in front of server versus after. Even adding an audiophile switch with OXCO clock to feed server was not beneficial in my setup. |
what made you choose the Sonore ultradigital over others ? Sonore products are ok but never sound bigger in my setup. For small/desktop system, they might be very good but not if you have a bigger one. The Singxer, AudioGD, Gustard, Denafrips has been constantly proven to be the leaders in the ddc market. If your system is already sounding good with usb and you really want to improve over it, you need to get the best ddc. |
@jeony Hi, There's probably a good chance it'll work. However to be exact you'll need a custom cable or look on You Tube about changing over wires in HDMI and RJ45 (easiest) cables. There are even Chinese RJ45 cables designed for this. Or get one of these https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/l-k-s-audio-usb-100-usb-audio-interface-pcm384-dsd512-i2s-rj45-hdmi-coaxial-out-dsd512-with-crystek I'm sure if you ask them nicely if you can have the Easter special price of $206.00 including shipping they'll agree. Then you can use any standard HDMI or RJ45 cable into a 005. |
Although it seems not everyone will agree, my own thoughts on this subject, specifically for the Musetec, is that using a DDC that converts USB to I2S is not an optimal way to increase SQ. Musetec has put a lot of engineering and quality parts into doing that very same function extremely well. It is one of the outstanding features of the DAC. The devices spoken of merely duplicate what is already being done. IMO there are other proven ways of boosting SQ into Musetec inputs. See what @sns has written, for ex. Theoretically, but questionable as to practicality, would be using a DDC that has an RJ45 as an INPUT and I2S as the output thereby bypassing the USB stage entirely. This eliminates all concerns whatever about USB limitations including those of USB cables. There are such DDCs. Do a search if you think it worthwhile to pursue this path. That being said, IIUC the Denafrips Iris has no dip switches or other manner of adjusting for the lack of I2S standard in cables. However, unlike some other DDCs, it allows both for HDMI and RJ45 cable outputs matching the input side of the Musetec. A custom RJ45 cable is relatively easy for anyone to make. |
I ordered the sonore because folks seem to like them. I'll see how it works for me and have the option to return it if I find it less than satisfying. I am a fan of joule products and also have an la 150 and a vzn 80.
I really love the Sit-3. I got a hankering to try a solid state amp in my new music room and bought a pass X150-8. It is a nice amp but has too much gain for my speakers, which are complex but extremely efficient. I wanted something very special and, after research, thought a Sit-3 might match perfectly with my speakers, which are efficient but drop to 4 ohm. The sit-3 is designated as 18 watts into 8 ohm and about double into 4 ohm. After hooking up the sit-3, I realized it is a perfect match for my system. Smooth, detailed, spacious, sense of ease, quite dynamic, really an amazing amp. I need to sell the X 150-8; its a superb amp but is bettered in my system by the little Sit. I will report on the sonore after I receive it and have a chance to run it in. |
For extremely efficient speakers and SS, First Watt would be my first choice. Many choices of color, trusted designer, minimal circuitry, which is important for super efficient speakers, higher power ss has far too much wasted excess for these speakers. This is straight wire concept at work, same principle applies to my preference for my 300B SET vs my 845SET with Khorns.
Return to usb vs I2S. While I've seen usb bettered by I2S, this has been rather rare occurrence. Why this so, I can't state with absolute authority. The most compelling reason I can find is that manufacturers not committed to it for good reason, that being they didn't find it superior. I've seen exactly two manufacturers committed to high end I2S, those being Pink Faun I2S bridge and Euphony Summus latest model server, Pink Faun I assume best. One should ask themselves why the major server manufacturers not pursuing I2S product development. I believe we're at point where most dacs have I2S, so this not the issue. If I saw more development and products from major manufacturers, along with standardized interface/connectors, and finally, far more positive reviews, I'd be much more open to belief I2S superior to other protocols. |
@sns I don’t think i2s is the solution to all the problems. The only reason why i2s is provided in today’s DAC is just because its a native interface to the DAC chip and hence easier to implement. Something along the lines of MSB pro-isl might be the way to make the DAC almost independent of the server/streamer noise or implement a true usb galvanic isolation, including the ground plane. Another option is Opto USB https://audiowise-canada.myshopify.com/products/opto-usb I just recently completed a new choke filtered double regulated (using many other things and boutique parts like Mundrof caps, active rectifier, high quality wiring) dual output LPS for my JCAT XE USB and Net - the LPS just started burning but the sound is already leaps and bounds ahead of what I was using before (which is also an lps with substantial quality). What I am trying to say here is there is still a lot to be had from USB alone when implemented correctly. Anything I insert in between the server and dac is a step backwards. Today’s usb board, like XMOS, JL Sound, are also far superior than what they used to be two yrs back. |
What I've found over the last few days is that I had huge break-in issues on par with breaking in the 005 in the first place. Really crazy swings from sublime to unlistenable. Fortunately I'd been in this place before so I persevered. Wasn't sure if the break-in was caused by the 005 I2s inputs or the L.K.S. unit. I got so frustrated that I checked the cable directions. HDMI was marked and correct but since the RJ45 was not marked for direction I swapped it around and YES, it just opened up. So at the moment RJ45 is winning with a very natural sound with deep detail but plenty of rhythm. The HDMI is at about 85% of the RJ45. It's a little bright. This is not a scientific experiment except I've tried to match the cables as closely as possible, they are both 1.2m and Furutech NCF models. I'm going to wait to be confident that both I2s inputs are fully burned in before deciding to go with HDMI or RJ45. RJ45 would be more practical, not much use for 0.5m HDMI cables outside I2s. Got an AQ Diamond RJ45 lined up to try next week. Really intrigued by the WW Platinums, good sign not many used available. |
@lordmelton burn-in of cables and components are real whatever the skeptics says. Most of the time in my systems, the sound becomes intolerable during the break-in process - they would be harsh, no bass, exaggerated midrange, collapsed soundstage and depth, etc. If you decide to buy the WW hdmi, be patient to give at least 500 hrs to it. Though I don't have direct experience with WW ethernet cables but the Starlight 8 is a good buy and not that expensive.
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