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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 10, 2018 5:15:53 GMT -5
OK -
I have a Roon membership and the system is working as intended. TIDAL is up and running.
My current Roon destination is my Oppo UDP205 (using its Ethernet input and its coaxial digital output to the DAC).
I've made enquiry about the possibility of receiving a Micro-Rendu product for review, but have not received any reply at all. Since I can't get a sample for review, I may have to purchase my own. Which brings up the questions:
There seem to be a dizzying proliferation of models on the market. I need a product that is Roon-ready, that accepts Ethernet input, and that can output a format my DAC can use. I also want the least expensive product that will produce the effects you guys are claiming, but without being penny-wise and pound-foolish.
The Ultra-Rendu and SOtM products have been discussed in this thread. Are there others I should consider? If not, which product should I choose (Ultra-Rendu or SOtM)?
Thanks - Boomzilla
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Post by wilburthegoose on Nov 10, 2018 6:37:00 GMT -5
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Nov 10, 2018 11:06:57 GMT -5
OK - I have a Roon membership and the system is working as intended. TIDAL is up and running. My current Roon destination is my Oppo UDP205 (using its Ethernet input and its coaxial digital output to the DAC). I've made enquiry about the possibility of receiving a Micro-Rendu product for review, but have not received any reply at all. Since I can't get a sample for review, I may have to purchase my own. Which brings up the questions: There seem to be a dizzying proliferation of models on the market. I need a product that is Roon-ready, that accepts Ethernet input, and that can output a format my DAC can use. I also want the least expensive product that will produce the effects you guys are claiming, but without being penny-wise and pound-foolish. The Ultra-Rendu and SOtM products have been discussed in this thread. Are there others I should consider? If not, which product should I choose (Ultra-Rendu or SOtM)? Thanks - Boomzilla I've only heard 3 of the rendu line (micro, ultra, and signature SE)...I'd reco at least the ultraRendu but if you can try the signature...that's a nice unit. Re. others, no experience, but once you have a rendu maybe you could talk novisnick into bringing his SOtM over to compare to the ultra or signature SE. From what I have read, the ultrarendu and SOtm that Nick has are very similar, with the microrendu definitely being a step down from the ultra (which fits w/my experience also). Mark |
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Post by jamco on Nov 10, 2018 11:43:33 GMT -5
OK - I have a Roon membership and the system is working as intended. TIDAL is up and running. My current Roon destination is my Oppo UDP205 (using its Ethernet input and its coaxial digital output to the DAC). I've made enquiry about the possibility of receiving a Micro-Rendu product for review, but have not received any reply at all. Since I can't get a sample for review, I may have to purchase my own. Which brings up the questions: There seem to be a dizzying proliferation of models on the market. I need a product that is Roon-ready, that accepts Ethernet input, and that can output a format my DAC can use. I also want the least expensive product that will produce the effects you guys are claiming, but without being penny-wise and pound-foolish. The Ultra-Rendu and SOtM products have been discussed in this thread. Are there others I should consider? If not, which product should I choose (Ultra-Rendu or SOtM)? Thanks - Boomzilla I've only heard 3 of the rendu line (micro, ultra, and signature SE)...I'd reco at least the ultraRendu but if you can try the signature...that's a nice unit. Re. others, no experience, but once you have a rendu maybe you could talk novisnick into bringing his SOtM over to compare to the ultra or signature SE. From what I have read, the ultrarendu and SOtm that Nick has are very similar, with the microrendu definitely being a step down from the ultra (which fits w/my experience also). Mark +1 I would love to hear about this comparison!!! |
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Nov 10, 2018 12:45:19 GMT -5
Also - I am liking the Small Green Computer power supply I bought to go w/my UltraRendu. It sounds every bit as good as the more expensive uptone LPS-1.
Mark
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Post by novisnick on Nov 10, 2018 13:21:43 GMT -5
OK - I have a Roon membership and the system is working as intended. TIDAL is up and running. My current Roon destination is my Oppo UDP205 (using its Ethernet input and its coaxial digital output to the DAC). I've made enquiry about the possibility of receiving a Micro-Rendu product for review, but have not received any reply at all. Since I can't get a sample for review, I may have to purchase my own. Which brings up the questions: There seem to be a dizzying proliferation of models on the market. I need a product that is Roon-ready, that accepts Ethernet input, and that can output a format my DAC can use. I also want the least expensive product that will produce the effects you guys are claiming, but without being penny-wise and pound-foolish. The Ultra-Rendu and SOtM products have been discussed in this thread. Are there others I should consider? If not, which product should I choose (Ultra-Rendu or SOtM)? Thanks - Boomzilla I've only heard 3 of the rendu line (micro, ultra, and signature SE)...I'd reco at least the ultraRendu but if you can try the signature...that's a nice unit. Re. others, no experience, but once you have a rendu maybe you could talk novisnick into bringing his SOtM over to compare to the ultra or signature SE. From what I have read, the ultrarendu and SOtm that Nick has are very similar, with the microrendu definitely being a step down from the ultra (which fits w/my experience also). Mark And heres a link to the TOTL sotm if you wish to compare to the Ultra-Rendu TOTL gear. Please have a seat! 😋 sotm-usa.com/collections/ultimate-series |
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Post by sahmen on Nov 10, 2018 13:36:09 GMT -5
One more Roon endpoint you might want to try out is Metrum Acoustics Ambre. It comes with an in-built power supply, so it will be plug and play, although, as you can see, it eliminates USB completely, so you will have to connect it your DAC via AES, i2s, S/PDIF coaxial, or Optical. I prefer either the i2s or the AES, I use both and I'm very impressed.    By the way, Metrum Acoustics are located in Holland, but they do have some US Distributors, and even a US based Metrum store. I do not know how one might get a review sample though. |
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Post by novisnick on Nov 10, 2018 14:45:20 GMT -5
One more Roon endpoint you might want to try out is Metrum Acoustics Ambre. It comes with an in-built power supply, so it will be plug and play, although, as you can see, it eliminates USB completely, so you will have to connect it your DAC via AES, i2s, S/PDIF coaxial, or Optical. I prefer either the i2s or the AES, I use both and I'm very impressed. By the way, Metrum Acoustics are located in Holland, but they do have some US Distributors, and even a US based Metrum store. I do not know how one might get a review sample though. I haven’t investigated this unit but that cheap looking white cat5 cable just doesn’t sit well with me! Anybody else? At least use a dressed up one to look more impressive. 🤔 |
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Post by sahmen on Nov 10, 2018 14:54:44 GMT -5
One more Roon endpoint you might want to try out is Metrum Acoustics Ambre. It comes with an in-built power supply, so it will be plug and play, although, as you can see, it eliminates USB completely, so you will have to connect it your DAC via AES, i2s, S/PDIF coaxial, or Optical. I prefer either the i2s or the AES, I use both and I'm very impressed. By the way, Metrum Acoustics are located in Holland, but they do have some US Distributors, and even a US based Metrum store. I do not know how one might get a review sample though. I haven’t investigated this unit but that cheap looking white cat5 cable just doesn’t sit well with me! Anybody else? At least use a dressed up one to look more impressive. 🤔 You can tell just by looking at it? Well all I know is how it looks and sounds inside my rig, and there is really nothing in both areas to sneeze at... to put it very, very, mildly. It has forced me to place my beloved Microrendu version 1.4, very reluctantly, and very sadly, on the market, and that ought to tell you something ... On the other hand Metrum Acoustics gear have acquired a rock-solid reputation in this niche-audiophile community world-wide, for their reliability and musicality, and that is one more thing you can take to the bank.  Oh, and if you ever have the chance to investigate or audition one, or any other Metrum Acoustics DAC or Preamp/DAC on integrated Amp, do not pass up the opportunity. That is all I shall say for now. |
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Post by novisnick on Nov 10, 2018 15:04:10 GMT -5
I haven’t investigated this unit but that cheap looking white cat5 cable just doesn’t sit well with me! Anybody else? At least use a dressed up one to look more impressive. 🤔 You can tell just by looking at it? Well all I know is how it looks and sounds inside my rig, and there is really nothing in both areas to sneeze at... to put it very, very, mildly. It has forced me to place my beloved Microrendu version 1.4, very reluctantly, and very sadly, on the market, and that ought to tell you something Yes, pretty much. It just looks disconcerting! It also looks replaceable. If it is I’d do so with a cat 7 as it would be cheap and each strand of the cable is individually shielded. Me and my noise again! LOL . IM SURE YOUR ENJOYING the sound, I wasnumaking any judgement there as I haven’t heard that unit Hear that folds, I havenheard it so I cannot and will not make any judgment about the unit. It is a good statement that your selling the Microrendu. Have you tried the Ultra or Signature? If not, why? Or even the sotm sms-200 Ultra |
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Post by sahmen on Nov 10, 2018 15:15:46 GMT -5
You can tell just by looking at it? Well all I know is how it looks and sounds inside my rig, and there is really nothing in both areas to sneeze at... to put it very, very, mildly. It has forced me to place my beloved Microrendu version 1.4, very reluctantly, and very sadly, on the market, and that ought to tell you something Yes, pretty much. It just looks disconcerting! It also looks replaceable. If it is I’d do so with a cat 7 as it would be cheap and each strand of the cable is individually shielded. Me and my noise again! LOL . IM SURE YOUR ENJOYING the sound, I wasnumaking any judgement there as I haven’t heard that unit Hear that folds, I havenheard it so I cannot and will not make any judgment about the unit. It is a good statement that your selling the Microrendu. Have you tried the Ultra or Signature? If not, why? Or even the sotm sms-200 Ultra I already have the Ultrarendu, too which I use with the Schiit Yggdrasil Analog 2 in one rig, and it is staying put. I was originally planning to use the Microrendu with my other rig, which is built around a Metrum Acoustics DAC (the Onyx), but Metrum also recently released the Ambre, which pairs more optimally with the Metrum DAC, and that is what has rendered my Microrendu redundant... Of course the Microrendu is still dear to my heart, and I'll keep it if I could afford to, but I can't so I have to let it go... Besides, I find it is better to let someone else to enjoy it, than just to hoard it in my locker, where it is idle and doing nothing... So there. Oh, I frankly don't know the type of ethernet cable that appears in the picture. However, for what it's worth, the Ambre comes with 2 complimentary cat 7 ethernet cables inside the retail package... I currently use one for the i2s connection to the Onyx, and you should hear how resolving, transparent, clean and spacious the Onyx sounds, |
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Post by novisnick on Nov 10, 2018 15:26:05 GMT -5
Yes, pretty much. It just looks disconcerting! It also looks replaceable. If it is I’d do so with a cat 7 as it would be cheap and each strand of the cable is individually shielded. Me and my noise again! LOL . IM SURE YOUR ENJOYING the sound, I wasnumaking any judgement there as I haven’t heard that unit Hear that folds, I havenheard it so I cannot and will not make any judgment about the unit. It is a good statement that your selling the Microrendu. Have you tried the Ultra or Signature? If not, why? Or even the sotm sms-200 Ultra I already have the Ultrarendu, too which I use with the Schiit Yggdrasil Analog 2 in one rig, and it is staying put. I was originally planning to use the Microrendu with my other rig, which is built around a Metrum Acoustics DAC (the Onyx), but Metrum also recently released the Ambre, which pairs more optimally with the Metrum DAC, and that is what has rendered my Microrendu redundant... Of course the Microrendu is still dear to my heart, and I'll keep it if I could afford to, but I can't so I have to let it go... Besides, I find it is better let someone else to enjoy it, than just to hoard it in my locker, where it is idle and doing nothing... So there. Sweet! You be rocking it!. I missed the Ultra you have. Enjoy the music my friend! |
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Post by Casey Leedom on Nov 10, 2018 15:28:52 GMT -5
By the way, all of this falderal is why I simply want to go directly into the RMC-1, RMC-2 ((sigh) RMC-1L), and XMC-2 with RJ45 Ethernet and call it a day. Out on the wire, bits are bits[1]. Once it gets close to the analog circuitry, then things can happen which are bad. I'd rather that Emotiva simply craft up a solution for their processors which Emotiva has tested as a system. With a Roon Bridge/Endpoint in it.
Casey
[1] And if you don't believe that, you shouldn't be doing any purchases over the InterNet or participate in Modern Banking, etc.
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Post by sahmen on Nov 10, 2018 16:00:56 GMT -5
By the way, all of this falderal is why I simply want to go directly into the RMC-1, RMC-2 ((sigh) RMC-1L), and XMC-2 with RJ45 Ethernet and call it a day. Out on the wire, bits are bits[1]. Once it gets close to the analog circuitry, then things can happen which are bad. I'd rather that Emotiva simply craft up a solution for their processors which Emotiva has tested as a system. With a Roon Bridge/Endpoint in it. Casey [1] And if you don't believe that, you shouldn't be doing any purchases over the InterNet or participate in Modern Banking, etc. An Emo network bridge/streamer/player would be swell, indeed. However, judging from the rather skeptical tenor of @keithl 's postings about the subject, I am not holding my breath... Still, hope springs eternal, and yada yada yada |
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Nov 10, 2018 18:09:33 GMT -5
I haven’t investigated this unit but that cheap looking white cat5 cable just doesn’t sit well with me! Anybody else? At least use a dressed up one to look more impressive. 🤔 You can tell just by looking at it? Well all I know is how it looks and sounds inside my rig, and there is really nothing in both areas to sneeze at... to put it very, very, mildly. It has forced me to place my beloved Microrendu version 1.4, very reluctantly, and very sadly, on the market, and that ought to tell you something ... On the other hand Metrum Acoustics gear have acquired a rock-solid reputation in this niche-audiophile community world-wide, for their reliability and musicality, and that is one more thing you can take to the bank. Oh, and if you ever have the chance to investigate or audition one, or any other Metrum Acoustics DAC or Preamp/DAC on integrated Amp, do not pass up the opportunity. That is all I shall say for now. Have you ever compared the Metrum to the ultrarendu directly? Curious to know what you think. Mark |
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Post by sahmen on Nov 10, 2018 22:05:40 GMT -5
You can tell just by looking at it? Well all I know is how it looks and sounds inside my rig, and there is really nothing in both areas to sneeze at... to put it very, very, mildly. It has forced me to place my beloved Microrendu version 1.4, very reluctantly, and very sadly, on the market, and that ought to tell you something ... On the other hand Metrum Acoustics gear have acquired a rock-solid reputation in this niche-audiophile community world-wide, for their reliability and musicality, and that is one more thing you can take to the bank. Oh, and if you ever have the chance to investigate or audition one, or any other Metrum Acoustics DAC or Preamp/DAC on integrated Amp, do not pass up the opportunity. That is all I shall say for now. Have you ever compared the Metrum to the ultrarendu directly? Curious to know what you think. Mark I have not done any adequately-controlled head-to-head comparo of the two units yet, partly because I have not had the time yet, and also, more importantly, such a comparison will have to involve the Yggdrasil, which is still in its long "burn-in" phase, from its recent Analog 2 upgrade, although it is quite advanced in that process now. I think the A/B comparo would work best when I am sure the Yggy is performing at its absolute peak level (I actually suspect it has reached there already, but I shall listen to it for a couple of more weeks to make sure the sound is no longer changing). On the other hand, the Ambre and Onyx would allegedly also require some X hours of run-in, in order to reach their own optimal peaks of performance (although I do not know how long the wait is, until the appropriate time arrives)... Let us just say that the day for the head to head is yet to come. With that said, I feel safe in saying that, in general, the ultrarendu sounds slightly different, but close enough in performance to the Ambre, to keep me from feeling particularly irked by either one, which is already a good thing, in my opinion. What is even better is that both the Yggy Analog 2 upgrade and the Metrum combo sound so good in their own respective rights, that I am noticing substantial upgrades in SQ nowadays, from the best I could get only a few months ago, wherever I turn, and whichever of the two rigs I happen to be listening to (I'm talking upgrades in my perception of width, depth, height of soundstage, airiness and spaciousness, separation of instruments and their imaging, retrieval of macro and micro details [or what some call "plankton]... not to mention increased blackness of background, you name it.., I seem to have it, and its all so palpably musical, live-sounding, and always swirling around me in this grand, huge, and generous sound-field in which I always seem to be swimming, whether I am sitting in the sweet spot, 12 feet away from my front towers, walking around, in front of the sweet spot or behind it, in the kitchen and even when I have one of my headphones sitting on my head... Make no mistake, it is still 2-channel stereo, and I use no room treatments whatsoever, but the Yggy rig projects this big, spacious, and generous grand swirl that I find extremely intoxicating, and almost always very soothing,.. It is not easy to describe... Sometimes I wish the feeling and ambience of this sound-field were transportable, like a big tent which one could simply lift and then plant on the body of a skeptic, in such a way that they too can become submerged in the sound-field, the same way as I am now. If that were possible under the conditions of debates held on the internet, I have a feeling that many endless and tortuous arguments, such as some of those that have already occurred on this thread would simply melt into thin air, as first-hand experience would make a lot of debating and explaining redundant... Now back to Ultrarendu vs Ambre question, two areas in which the ambre is unequivocally superior are the inbuilt power supply, with whatever noise reduction, and galvanic isolation voodoo that it brings to the table, and then the Ambre's 4 simultaneous output connectivity options (i2s, AES/EBU, S/PDIF coaxial, and Toslink) as opposed to the Ultrarendu's one (USB). Even now, as we speak, I have the ambre connected to both the Metrum Onyx (via i2s ethernet cable) for headphone listening next to me, and to the Yggy A2 (via AES/EBU) for 2-Channel listening on the Polk LSIM 707 Towers of my main speaker rig, which are located about 12 feet or more away from the sweet spot, so it is rocking both rigs and doing such an excellent job at it that all I feel like doing is listening and listening and not bothering to do anything else... It is admittedly one more reason why I do not find the idea of rigging up the systems to do a controlled A/B face/off between the Ultrarendu and Ambre too appealing... Why bother when they're both sounding so nice? Of course the comparison will happen one day, but it will happen when I am sure that any potential for "new toy syndrome" bias in favor of the Ambre is fully exhausted and no longer in play... I would say, however, that if you ever get a chance to audition the ambre, please do it, because it is certainly worth it, I am 100% sure about that, at least. |
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Post by Casey Leedom on Nov 11, 2018 0:31:33 GMT -5
An Emo network bridge/streamer/player would be swell, indeed. However, judging from the rather skeptical tenor of @keithl 's postings about the subject, I am not holding my breath... Still, hope springs eternal, and yada yada yada I don't think that KeithL is skeptical regarding network streaming of music, or any of the components necessary for that. I think that he's skeptical of crazy, over-the-top, Audiophile "Snake Oil" for components who's only job it is to transport Digital Audio. For instance, a comment just went by regarding a "cheap CAT5 Ethernet Cable". At the rates we're talking about, any compliant CAT5 cable would be fine. Does it Drop or Corrupt Packets? Bad. Otherwise, good. And I think that he's said more than once, once you hit the Analog section of a DAC, all bets are off. Basically, it's the job of the Digital Data Transport to get the bits to the DAC intact and on time. And, for the most part, that's a pretty simple task which doesn't warrant crazy equipment at these slow rates. (Remember I deal in 100Gb/s these days and the next generation is going to 200Gb/s.) So, if you hear a difference (preferably in Double Blind Listening Tests) swapping out pieces of your Digital Data Infrastructure, that probably means that one manufacturer or another screwed up something that's honestly Really Simple. Casey |
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Post by novisnick on Nov 11, 2018 0:44:54 GMT -5
Casey Leedom , I believe youvmiss read my statement about the cat 5 ethernet cable. What I said was that it would be cheap to replace it with a cat 7 ethernet cable as each stran is wrapped with shielding. Nobody said that the vat 5 was inferior. Thanks
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Post by Casey Leedom on Nov 11, 2018 0:55:28 GMT -5
Okay, sorry Nick!
Casey
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Post by novisnick on Nov 11, 2018 1:12:51 GMT -5
No worries, we all do it. |
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