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Post by novisnick on Nov 20, 2018 21:55:04 GMT -5
Well... The Microrendu does make a positive difference. It isn't cheap, but compared to any other component... The "next step" can branch in either of two equally touted directions - the Ultrarendu or the SOtM. Everyone down this path before me says that these "next step" options are significantly more impressive than the Microrendu. So I'd be taking an expensive leap of faith here... But I did that with the Microrendu, and was satisfied with the results... But what ELSE might I do with my system for that additional $1K? That amount would cover a pair of T2 speakers That amount would cover a pair of PA-1 amps with change to spare The Stealth DC-2 is somewhere on the horizon And THAT's just kit from Emotiva! Decisions, decisions! LOL Mark, it seems we may have set the hook deep! 😁 |
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Post by novisnick on Nov 20, 2018 22:04:55 GMT -5
And a question, please, for all the Sonore and SOtM users - this one concerning power supplies. There are laboratory-grade variable DC power supplies available inexpensively with characteristics including: Unmeasurable ripple Unmeasurable noise Complete isolation from the source hot and ground wiring Low output impedance High wattage capability for a fraction of the cost of the devices that claim to be specifically designed for the streamers we're talking about. For example, look at B&K gear on eBay. What's wrong with them? Buy a half dozen of them and then one really good PS, spend maybe $300-$400 for a decent PS. SBooster and others have a return policy, many companies do. There are much more expensive units as well, I passed on those. After doing so, please let us know. ha,,,ha,,,,, that being said and after exaustive reading and research I spent my dear dollars the way I thought best. Pick your posion! Sometimes yous hets what yous pays for,,,,,,,,,sometimes! I like my choices so far. 😁 |
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Post by novisnick on Nov 20, 2018 22:11:51 GMT -5
Well... The Microrendu does make a positive difference. It isn't cheap, but compared to any other component... The "next step" can branch in either of two equally touted directions - the Ultrarendu or the SOtM. Everyone down this path before me says that these "next step" options are significantly more impressive than the Microrendu. So I'd be taking an expensive leap of faith here... But I did that with the Microrendu, and was satisfied with the results... But what ELSE might I do with my system for that additional $1K? That amount would cover a pair of T2 speakers That amount would cover a pair of PA-1 amps with change to spare The Stealth DC-2 is somewhere on the horizon And THAT's just kit from Emotiva! Decisions, decisions! LOL Honestly, I believe you’ll do allmthree! And then a few more. Blatant truth from a friend! 🤫 |
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Nov 20, 2018 22:31:44 GMT -5
Well... The Microrendu does make a positive difference. It isn't cheap, but compared to any other component... The "next step" can branch in either of two equally touted directions - the Ultrarendu or the SOtM. Everyone down this path before me says that these "next step" options are significantly more impressive than the Microrendu. So I'd be taking an expensive leap of faith here... But I did that with the Microrendu, and was satisfied with the results... But what ELSE might I do with my system for that additional $1K? That amount would cover a pair of T2 speakers That amount would cover a pair of PA-1 amps with change to spare The Stealth DC-2 is somewhere on the horizon And THAT's just kit from Emotiva! Decisions, decisions! LOL Not sure what you paid for the used MR, but a new MR is $640 vs. the ultra at $875. The power supply I would use with either is $140. If you sell the MR you just bought, you'd be in for <$1K for the ultra + PS. And with the black Friday deal, it will likely be a lot better. To me, the UR would be a better investment than the options you list. As far as your question re. lab grade...good question. I have no direct data to compare them to the SGC PS, but I did not find a difference between the SGC and the uptone LPS you are currently demo-ing. I'd like to hear the iFi iPower vs. the SGC. I got an iFi iPower for my Geek and I think it's better than the base PS that came w/the Geek. And DYohn said it's a pretty good one w/a rendu. Mark |
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Post by brubacca on Nov 20, 2018 23:56:37 GMT -5
Boomzilla,
Unless things have drastically changed you really don't need a better power supply the the Uptone.
I would say do something else other than a new psu for the mR.
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Post by liv2teach on Nov 21, 2018 2:52:04 GMT -5
Okay, I've been following both this thread and "Does Tidal Need a Front End" thread. Just thought I'd share my experience. After reading all the comments and great advice I realized I probably wasn't getting the best sound from my old Asus laptop and Sony Walkman DAC, so needing a wireless streamer I opted for the Bluesound Node 2i. Right off the bat I noticed a substantial improvement. I let it run for a few days and then tonight I decided to play around and run the Node through my Modwright Oppo 205 using the Oppo's DAC.... Wow! I was expecting an improvement, but this was like someone pulled cotton out of my ears and stopped sanding wood in the background. One of my favorite songs to listen to is Sammy Davis Jr.'s rendition of Mr. Bojangles. As I listened to it a couple times tonight I realized just how clean it sounded...If I closed my eyes I could have swore he was standing right in front of me singing. I also heard things in the music I've never heard before, the slapping of his leg, a very faint light piano melody off in the background and absolutely no background noise. I was really blown away...
On the downside, I realized I probably won't be playing as many reel to reel tapes and records as I used too. Got to say I'm glad I stumbled upon these threads and invested the time and money into hooking up Tidal and Roon to stream, and I give my highest marks to the Bluesound Node 2i.
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Post by pedrocols on Nov 21, 2018 8:54:41 GMT -5
I just hope this thread doesn't turn into another 20 plus pages ordeal...😕
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Post by creimes on Nov 21, 2018 9:19:08 GMT -5
I just hope this thread doesn't turn into another 20 plus pages ordeal...😕 It will now that you've posted in it   TM |
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Post by DYohn on Nov 21, 2018 9:32:54 GMT -5
I got an iFi iPower for my Geek and I think it's better than the base PS that came w/the Geek. And DYohn said it's a pretty good one w/a rendu. Mark The iFi low-noise P/S is good. The full linear from SGC seems to be better, in my opinion, with the UR. If someone needs an iFi for a Rendu I have one I'll sell cheap. |
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Post by pedrocols on Nov 21, 2018 9:50:18 GMT -5
I just hope this thread doesn't turn into another 20 plus pages ordeal...😕 It will now that you've posted in it TM🤷 |
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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 21, 2018 10:06:30 GMT -5
As it turns out, the Microrendu I have has been updated from its original 1.3 board to the 1.4 version whose performance is supposed to be within spitting distance of the Ultrarendu.
Additionally, the power supply modules supplied, despite seeming somewhat kludgy, were designed specifically for the Sonore line, and are competitive with anything else on the market.
That being the case, I'm in negotiations with the previous owner of the components for power supply pricing and I plan to just keep the Microrendu that I have for the time being.
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Post by klinemj on Nov 21, 2018 12:09:26 GMT -5
I had a MR with the 1.4 board (same one you have), and I'd say the difference between the MR and UR is more than spitting distance. But, no doubt the MR w/1.4 is very good.
On the other topic of what weak point to change, I don't see anything screaming for the need to change. I do love the Emotiva T2's, but I've not heard Thiel 1.6's in so long that I can't speak to what the T2's would gain you - other than some amazing speakers.
Mark
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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 21, 2018 12:22:40 GMT -5
I let the gear cook overnight, and the sound this morning (still straight from the Stealth DC-1 DAC) has relaxed some. The detail and soundstage are back, but the "etching" I perviously heard has abated. So things are sounding pretty spiffy. As good as with the Frey's tube stage in the mix? Maybe not, but still really good. Since the transparency and spaciousness of the Microrendu is very similar to that which I heard from the Emotiva PA-1 mono block amplifiers, I'm most eager to hear the Microrendu AND the PA-1s in the same system. The amps are currently being auditioned by garbulky, but he hopes to have them back to me soon. Will the combination be "too much of a good thing," or will some positive synergy occur? I'm hoping for the latter, but will have to wait to find out. As to klinemj's opinion that the Ultrarendu is significantly better than the Microrendu (even with the 1.4 board upgrade), then again, I'll have to hear it for myself. Since Mark's been right so far, I'm suspecting he's right again. But I'm not in the ballpark for paying for an Ultra until some of my current gear sells. Oh well... |
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Post by klinemj on Nov 21, 2018 13:15:56 GMT -5
Boomzilla Just invest in a new printer and print all the $ you want. That's what I do. LOL! Mark
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Post by novisnick on Nov 21, 2018 13:18:25 GMT -5
Boomzilla Just invest in a new printer and print all the $ you want. That's what I do. LOL! Mark Dang! Our secret is out! Ink was the hard part. 😁 |
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Post by pedrocols on Nov 21, 2018 13:41:12 GMT -5
3 pages already.....let the dreadfulness begin...
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Post by DYohn on Nov 21, 2018 13:42:01 GMT -5
Since my new self-imposed rule is once a boomzilla thread hits 4 pages I'm out, let me add this before it does:
1) The Uptone is maybe one of the best power supplies you can buy, right up there with Vinnie Rossi, because it is a battery/"ultracapacitor" power supply. That's also why it is in "two modules."
2) Network music players are a different kind of animal than other digital sources like direct off a computer or a CD player. They are far more flexible in where they cn be placed and how they can be used, and they are much quieter/ As far as "comparing their sound" that is absolutely subjective, please remember that.
3) The Ultrarendu is miles better than the Microrendu ver 1.4. IMO. Almost in a different class better.
4) Audio nervossa is a terrible disease. I am on the wagon.
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Post by novisnick on Nov 21, 2018 13:55:37 GMT -5
3 pages already.....let the dreadfulness begin... I’ll start! LOL I personally think that the Sonore product line as a whole is but a gateway drug to streaming! Only a small taste at the beginning and as you climb their gear structure you get in deeper and deeper! That said and with NO audible comparison I do believe that the sotm products start the same way, aka sms-200 and then go further beyond i sound quality and construction. The end of their first offerings ( sms-200 Ultra SE ) can get a bit expensive even before jumping to their next set of offerings. Sotm Ultimate. Love to demo the Ultimate line but where does it end,,,,,? Just my opinion, which Im sure will ruffle a few feathers. The “dreadfulness “ has begun! 😁 |
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Post by wilburthegoose on Nov 21, 2018 13:58:43 GMT -5
FWIW - I just assembled another HifiBerry Digi + Pro (Raspberry Pi) - this one is in my critical listening area. Gotta admit the sound quality is better than the USB from my PC or Oppo UDP-203. Best of all, it cost me about $100.
Not saying it's better than Sonore products - it's just a very effective option if money is a factor. (And I finally got to use one of those Coaxial inputs on my XMC-1)
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Post by DYohn on Nov 21, 2018 14:18:19 GMT -5
3 pages already.....let the dreadfulness begin... I’ll start! LOL I personally think that the Sonore product line as a whole is but a gateway drug to streaming! Only a small taste at the beginning and as you climb their gear structure you get in deeper and deeper! That said and with NO audible comparison I do believe that the sotm products start the same way, aka sms-200 and then go further beyond i sound quality and construction. The end of their first offerings ( sms-200 Ultra SE ) can get a bit expensive even before jumping to their next set of offerings. Sotm Ultimate. Love to demo the Ultimate line but where does it end,,,,,? Just my opinion, which Im sure will ruffle a few feathers. The “dreadfulness “ has begun! 😁 FWIW www.audiostream.com/content/audiophile-conundrum-sonore-vs-sotm |
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