Has anyone compared the Opticalrendu streamer to the upgraded Opticalrendu Deluxe?

some discussion over here https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/69515-introducing-the-sonore-opticalrendu-deluxe/#comments

I've also considered upgrading from my present OR and OM to deluxe versions, so far held off as I'm entirely content with the present streaming. My OR and OM modified with Finisar 1475 transceivers, AfterDark optical cabling. Assuming one would need to upgrade both OR and OM to get full potential of upgrade. I had pretty much forgotten about this upgrade, reading the responses from the thread @boulder_bob has me thinking again.

@boulder_bob Thanks for finding this thread. I have provided excerpts below to make it easier for future readers. In essence one new user complained that before break-in the Opticalrendu Deluxe was cold sounding compared to his Zen Stream. The manufacturer responded by making break-in recommendations and an upgrade from the power supply offered by Small Green Computer. Another poster who owned the original Opticalrendu and upgraded to the deluxe version made very positive remarks. This seems to be all there is.
 
Guy M

 On 4/6/2024 at 11:28 PM, Guy M said:

Hello,

 I just received my Optical Rendu de Luxe (with SGC generic FMC & SGC power supply) to replace my Zen Stream / SBooster combo and I have a few questions :

First, the Optical Rendu de Luxe has more details [compared to the Zen Stream ] and I can hear more ‘nuances’ in the music. Instruments are also better defined. It is a better streamer. However, the sound is a bit ‘clinical’...and less ‘emotional’. Therefore, I was wondering :

 Do you know if the OR needs some burn-in? It sounds a bit ‘cold’ (like an ‘un-burn’ Dac).
I suspect the SBooster is a better power supply than the SGC one. If I buy a better ps (ex : Claudio ps on the Sonore site. Some are saying it is almost as good as the Sonore one. Is it?), will it help for the ‘clinical sound’?
Do you think an Optical module (instead of the generic FMC) can help that aspect? In my mind, it should not as it is on the dirty side but I was wondering.
To be clear, I do not look for more details (the OR has plenty) but for a ‘warmer’ sound (with the details / nuances of the OR, it would be fantastic). . . . 

Vortec (manufacturer)reply:

1. For burn in you can run high sample rate DSD though the unit in a loop. This will get the cpu cycles up and heat the board. 

2. I spoke with Andrew at SGC early last week and explained that their power supply does not have the type of synergy that the opticalRendu Deluxe will need and that our customers will demand. The opticalRendu Deluxe is exceptionlly good and it needs a power supply that is comparable. I consider the SGC power supply a starter supply that should be replaced with a higher quality unit as soon as possible. I recommend that purchase a Sonore power supply or use the SBoster power supply. With the SBoster power supply use 6 VDC or 7 VDC. I do not recommend 9 VDC as the unit will run very hot. Do not use any voltage higher than 9 VDC.

3. I use the opticalModule Deluxe in combination and all testing here is done in combination. The SGC power supply or the CIA power supply would be appropriate.  

There is no magic dial to increase and decrease detail or warmth. What we are trying to do is accurately stream the audio without adding noise so the next device can properly do its job. The power supply plays a huge role and it sounds like you are on the right track looking for a better one.

**********?**

Mercman

Here are my sonic impressions of the Signature Rendu SE Deluxe (not the Opticalrendu Deluxe) over the last 2 weeks plus. I still have my Signature Rendu SE Optical for comparisons. [Of relevance here is Cormorant's reply below. He applies these conclusions below to the OpticalRendu deluxe  versus the original Opticalrendu )

The soundstage of the Deluxe is wider and deeper than the previous model. I feel the Deluxe has superior transparency allowing one to hear details in well known recordings that were previously obscured by the earlier Optical model. The bass is tighter and better defined on the Deluxe. 

The older Optical seems to compress the sound resulting in a slight hardness to the sound. The Deluxe is more dynamic sounding with a sense of ease that is simply outrageous to hear.
 

Cormorant 

Mercman, that is a nice concise review that matches my experience.  I've got the opticalRendu Deluxe.

In particular:

* As Mercman says, more dynamic.  Music sounds more powerful and lively and real.

* As Guy M said in the "Introducing Thread", more resolving.  Across the frequency spectrum, not just treble.

* Gets rid of a touch of upper midrange and treble hash/grunge leading to more realistic high frequencies.

* Runs quite a bit cooler than my original opticalRendu.

 I have to say this is a great upgrade!  Good work, guys