Musetec (LKS) MH-DA005 DAC

@melm On the taping thing, that makes sense for the Musetec and 004 as I had tried the tape thing with 004 prior to 005 purchase and same thing, couldn't be sure I heard difference. Now, I did do the tape thing with previous Auralic Vega, which also has very nice usb implementation, thought I heard more of a difference. Imagination or real? I came to realize over time that perhaps it was futile to tape over pin since the self powered element, still thought it better theoretically to keep whatever possible contamination out. As mentioned before, not sure I hear difference.

You are absolutely correct as to comparing one usb to another IF USB BEING USED ANYWHERE IN CHAIN. DUH, staring us directly in face.  While I couldn't recall, this was part of my thinking in not even attempting to use my Singxer SU6, it was only the Amanero internal usb I was bypassing, knew it was better than usb board in Singxer. 

@lordmelton I just looked through some threads and can't find, but I assume you couldn't use I2S directly out of Aurrender because of pin incompatibility? This would be ACTUAL  true comparison. Perhaps the entire ramifications of what you're actually doing  has escaped you in excitement to try this new setup? Sometimes the mind does funny things what with expectation bias. Do some more comparisons and report back. Theoretically, using the Amanero board should be much better than that LKS, also adding complexity. The only advantage would be the external LPS. If what you report remains true, I'd find the usb within Aurrender highly suspect. This actually fits in with my research and experience, the typical usb ports on vast majority of servers SUCK. Get the Phoenix and hear what usb is really capable of.

@melm The taping thing is to stop interference between the USB power supply conductors and the signal conductors. Nothing to do with the Amanro Board.

I got a very good result so my USB output must be very noisy.

@sns I would like to take I2s directly out of the Aurender and I think this could be possible because Oppo Mod in Korea is doing this for Oppo players. I will contact them. I'd love to try the Innous USB DDC but it's not going to happen just yet.

I've just ordered a WW Starlight 0.5m RJ45 and 0.6m Furutech NCF RJ45, both for I2s. Going to see if the shorter lengths make a difference. PS Audio recommends 0.5m or less.

There has been no imagination or beliefs of expectation, all the improvements have been very obvious and I've switched back to USB several time for confirmation and it's well below the SQ of I2s.

For $200 the L.K.S. is well worth a try. Soon we should have a report from the chap who ordered the Sonore Digital.

I believe lordmelton’s positive experience with the LKS DDC. The LKS converts and reclocks the digital signal. And perhaps more importantly, it does this powered by its own power supply that is separate from the DAC’s power supply. The LKS can perform its singular function without drawing power away from the DAC’s other responsibilities. I think there would be less noise kicked back to the DAC’s power supply as well. Over the last year or two, I’ve appreciated first hand the sonic benefits of DDC type devices that have great clocks and their own separate special power supplies. The list includes such devices as the Innuos Phoenix USB, audiophile switches, and the Ediscreation Fiber Box II that lordmelton also enjoys. I would throw in the Grimm MU1 streamer into that mix as well. Many folks know that separates sound better than an integrated device. I now believe this applies to DDC type devices as well.

The LKS converts and reclocks the digital signal. And perhaps more importantly, it does this powered by its own power supply that is separate from the DAC’s power supply.

I am not aware of ANY DDC in the market, regardless of price, that does this. I don’t think any DDC consumes from DAC’s power supply. In fact it would be very awkward to do it. Sometimes the USB is bus powered which means it draws <= 500ma (or <= 900ma for usb3) from the source.

I want to report my experience using a sonore ultradigital between my aurender A10 with I2s output into my 005, versus straight usb.  I received the sonore several days ago.  Upon initial installation, my immediate reaction after 5 seconds of music was that the music was more focused and detailed with greater resolution and a slightly more enhanced sense of ease.   Granted, I love my system using usb. 

Nevertheless, I have left the sonore in for several days and have listened through it for about 12 hours.  This morning, I listened to several very familiar and well recorded cuts (Guy Clark, The Dark, and Punch Brothers, Pride of Man) and then bypassed the sonore and again plugged my usb cable directly into the 005 and listened to the same cuts again.  I then swapped back to the sonore.  I can definitively say I prefer my system using the sonore.

On the Dark, it is easier with the sonore to hear the beautiful and subtle guitar playing of Darrell Scott in the right channel, and the harmony vocals are easier to distinguish individually.  Similarly, on Pride of Man, it is easier to hear the playing and harmony vocals of Chris Eldridge, sometimes deep in the mix, using the sonore. 

This is somewhat surprising but I'm going to believe my ears.

I am wondering, however, if I can get further gains with a different DDC, for example a Singxer SU-6, which isn't that much more expensive that the sonore. Thoughts and experiences?   I may order one and give it a shot.

This is a crazy hobby.