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Post by Loop 7 on Nov 21, 2018 14:33:54 GMT -5
...and I give my highest marks to the Bluesound Node 2i. You are not alone, seems like a lot of people love the Node 2i. |
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Post by novisnick on Nov 21, 2018 15:12:46 GMT -5
And from what I’ve found in my continuous research is that the triple set is the setpping off point of the sotm Ultimate series!
I have further found (without hearing for myself ) that one could ommit the the regenerater without lossing much in SQ. Bu I have not confirmed this. I just may in the near future.
At this point sotm has offered the Neo which is the same sms-200 but they have changed the tonality of the unit slightly. Pick your tone kind of but without loss of SQ
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Post by fbczar on Nov 21, 2018 17:00:32 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 Boom, on Black Friday of last year a Small Green computer offered an UltraRendu/SBooster power supply bundle that was an incredible value. I think the combo is hard to beat unless you spend big bucks for another power supply. Anyway, relative to your question, I believe the weakest link in a system defines the ultimate sound of that system. I also think the most important part of the chain is the quality of the recording followed by the transport or in this case the renderer and so forth up the audio chain. Basically, it is garbage in garbage out. Long term, I think an UltraRendu is one of the smartest purchases you can make if you really care about the sound of your system. I am also pleased you decided to listen. It speaks well of you. |
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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 21, 2018 22:10:11 GMT -5
So this evening, I ran the Microrendu to the Mytek Liberty with balanced analog outs to the Schiit Freya (tube mode) to BasX A300 amp & subs. The result - Amazingly wide & deep soundstage with loads of speed & detail - but maybe (only maybe) a tad bright in the presence region. Artifact of the tubes? I'll find out tomorrow when I go to JFET-buffered mode only on the Freya.
Boom
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Post by brubacca on Nov 22, 2018 7:42:02 GMT -5
Boomzilla,
I am not sure that you can go Balanced Input on the Freya and output single ended with the JFET. If I recall correctly only using the Tube allows this configuration.
I guess I am saying check it out. I remember something being wierd that way with that Pre-Amp. (I almost purchased one)
Edit: I can't verify this. This was the case when first released, but may have been changed.
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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 22, 2018 13:00:01 GMT -5
The Freya manual doesn’t say. The front panel lights only indicate “passive” or “tube” modes. The remote control’s mode button cycles only between those two. But the front-panel mode switch claims to select between THREE modes (including the mysterious JFET buffer mode. Time for some quality Google time...
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Post by bluemeanies on Nov 22, 2018 14:06:48 GMT -5
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-sotmExactly...when does it end. Great to read all of the experiences of music nirvana via ultra rendu but now before you is the SE. I stream thru AUDIOSERVER via Mac Mini with a audio quest mini toslink with a tube pre-amp & tube dac. Precision! From rendu to ultra rendu to rendu SE. When do you enjoy the music more than the system? Just asking. |
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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 22, 2018 20:53:59 GMT -5
Well, I'm finding that I'm spending a LOT more time enjoying music since I put the Microrendu in the system. Make of that what you will...
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Post by novisnick on Nov 22, 2018 20:58:48 GMT -5
Well, I'm finding that I'm spending a LOT more time enjoying music since I put the Microrendu in the system. Make of that what you will... So very happy for you! 👍 |
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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 22, 2018 21:36:58 GMT -5
And so far as I can tell (apropos of nothing), the Schiit Freya WILL do all three modes despite using the balanced inputs to unbalanced outputs. The lights on the front panel apparently indicate:
passive volume mode = left light only
tube buffer mode = right light only
JFET buffer mode = neither light
I make this conclusion because each of the three modes provides a different volume level. Passive volume mode has the least gain, JFET buffer mode is louder for the same volume setting, and tube buffer mode has the loudest output.
I also heard from Schiit (yes, today on Thanksgiving!) that they no longer offer or make the LISST solid-state tube replacements. This is a bit of a disappointment to me, because I was hoping that with the LISST gain modules, I'd be able to leave the Freya on continuously instead of having to switch it off every time I finish a listening session. Oh well...
Just a FYI.
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Post by garbulky on Nov 22, 2018 22:18:25 GMT -5
And so far as I can tell (apropos of nothing), the Schiit Freya WILL do all three modes despite using the balanced inputs to unbalanced outputs. The lights on the front panel apparently indicate: passive volume mode = left light only tube buffer mode = right light only JFET buffer mode = neither light I make this conclusion because each of the three modes provides a different volume level. Passive volume mode has the least gain, JFET buffer mode is louder for the same volume setting, and tube buffer mode has the loudest output. I also heard from Schiit (yes, today on Thanksgiving!) that they no longer offer or make the LISST solid-state tube replacements. This is a bit of a disappointment to me, because I was hoping that with the LISST gain modules, I'd be able to leave the Freya on continuously instead of having to switch it off every time I finish a listening session. Oh well... Just a FYI. You may be able to purchase used LISST. |
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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 23, 2018 1:54:24 GMT -5
I'd need four...
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klinemj
Emo VIPs 
Official Emofest Scribe
Posts: 15,083
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Post by klinemj on Nov 23, 2018 9:14:40 GMT -5
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Post by liv2teach on Nov 23, 2018 13:27:59 GMT -5
Jeez, I sometimes hate this hobby...or is it a compulsion? Okay, Despite my new found love for the Bluesound Node 2i, I think (or am compelled) to give one of the Rendu's a try....be it Micro or Ultra. My issue is that I don't feel like having my electrician come back and have to run cat 6 out of the media room, through the garage, and up through the walls to my office (where the internet enters our home).
Is there a way to make it possible to audition one of the Rendu's without going to the hassle of having to run the cat6?
I guess if it was a huge improvement over the Node, I would invest the time and effort to then run the cat6, if it would make even more of an improvement.
With the amount of time, effort, and $ I spend in my media room... I think my girlfriend is starting to think perhaps the walls should be padded.
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Post by jdmusante on Nov 23, 2018 13:51:41 GMT -5
Anyone out there using the sonicTransporter i5? If so, how do you like it? The bundle with the Ultrarendu, PS and transporter w/SSD looks like a pretty nice deal. Been looking to ditch the MacMini and use a dedicated server. |
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Post by brubacca on Nov 23, 2018 13:54:29 GMT -5
Jeez, I sometimes hate this hobby...or is it a compulsion? Okay, Despite my new found love for the Bluesound Node 2i, I think (or am compelled) to give one of the Rendu's a try....be it Micro or Ultra. My issue is that I don't feel like having my electrician come back and have to run cat 6 out of the media room, through the garage, and up through the walls to my office (where the internet enters our home). Is there a way to make it possible to audition one of the Rendu's without going to the hassle of having to run the cat6? I guess if it was a huge improvement over the Node, I would invest the time and effort to then run the cat6, if it would make even more of an improvement. With the amount of time, effort, and $ I spend in my media room... I think my girlfriend is starting to think perhaps the walls should be padded. You are looking for an Ethernet Bridge. It will take your wireless signal and give one one (or a couple) hard wired ports. I use one from D-Link. Not sure who sells them anymore, but you should find one available. |
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Post by wilburthegoose on Nov 23, 2018 14:37:53 GMT -5
For an audition, you could just run CAT-5 to the Rendu over the floors. Yeah, it's a tripping hazard, but it'd only be that way for a day or two...
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klinemj
Emo VIPs
Official Emofest Scribe
Posts: 15,083
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Post by klinemj on Nov 23, 2018 14:38:40 GMT -5
Anyone out there using the sonicTransporter i5? If so, how do you like it? The bundle with the Ultrarendu, PS and transporter w/SSD looks like a pretty nice deal. Been looking to ditch the MacMini and use a dedicated server. It sure is a nice deal. I've not heard the i5 sonictransporter, but I have head the i7 with a signature rendu SE...very impressive. Mark |
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Post by frisco on Nov 23, 2018 17:00:29 GMT -5
Jeez, I sometimes hate this hobby...or is it a compulsion? Okay, Despite my new found love for the Bluesound Node 2i, I think (or am compelled) to give one of the Rendu's a try....be it Micro or Ultra. My issue is that I don't feel like having my electrician come back and have to run cat 6 out of the media room, through the garage, and up through the walls to my office (where the internet enters our home). Is there a way to make it possible to audition one of the Rendu's without going to the hassle of having to run the cat6? I guess if it was a huge improvement over the Node, I would invest the time and effort to then run the cat6, if it would make even more of an improvement. With the amount of time, effort, and $ I spend in my media room... I think my girlfriend is starting to think perhaps the walls should be padded. |
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Post by frisco on Nov 23, 2018 17:23:29 GMT -5
A last gen airport express will work as a bridge too. I’ve used that approach. One question is whether the use of a wireless bridge limits sound improvement from the Rendu.
There is another option— connect the Rendu through an Ethernet link from a computer that controls music through Audirvana Roon j river etc. I think that was reccomnded by Sonora elsewhere for situations where Ethernet to the router is not available
You might ask does connecting the Rendu to the computer produces any sound improvements. There are those who cliam a massive sound improvement compared to a rendu connected to a router by ether net!! Once again, I’m not sure if it matters how the computer is linked to the router.
Lots of confusing options for both testing and a permanent system.
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