Musetec (LKS) MH-DA005 DAC

@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?

@lordmelton @debjit_g 

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.