microrendu to dac v1

DAC-V1 is quite sensitive to sources & USB cables. I have an mR on order too, looking forward to giving it a listen.

Brubacca posted:

I am assuming that you have the Mac Mini attached to a network switch.  You would also attach the microRendu to the switch.  If you are willing to control the mR via a app (tablet or phone) you can then move the Mac Mini to another location (and the hard drive) and connect it to your switch to serve up the data as the Tablet calls for it.  

 

If you really still want to sit at your Mac Mini and direct what files are to be played you would then need 2 network connections (1) for the Mac and another for the mR.  In this scenario the output of your Mac Software would send the music to the mR.

I am also assuming that the Gustard is a USB --> S/PDIF interface.

Tell us how you are controlling the Mac Mini now and we can be more specific.

Gustard's function is as an isolator, to remove the inevitable noise from Mac Mini (as any other computer). 

Re using Existing MM with mR, it is no different from a NAS - just needs the MM to have UPnP server software (Many available)', then just like any NAS it will serve avross a network to the mR. The attached Thunderbird disk is no different from an internal drive.

the interesting question is how does mR to DAC compare to Audirvana in ultimate mode on the MM through Gustard to DAC?

I found that I preferred the Gustard U12 (spdif) > Oppo 105D to using the Oppo's direct USB input.

I cant answer the last question (how does mR to DAC compare to Audirvana in ultimate mode on the MM through Gustard to DAC?) yet.  Regarding UPnP server software, Plex seems a good option but does not support AIFF music files, all my music is in this format, any recommendations?  

Rob

When I used Mac Mini with Naim ND5 Before Audirvana, I used Serviio UPnP server, which worked well. It is free, but no idea about AIFF files. 

I post also here an answer of Steven Hopkins from Naimaudio to my question if I need any additional devices if bit perfect in DAC-V1 USB input is ok from my laptop. The answer was: "If your DAC-V1 passed the bit perfect test then there is no need to worry or put any device on the USB cable." He also kindly attached a technical document telling about asynchronous USB input of DAC-V1. 

Hi Tuomo,

I could be getting hold of the wrong end of the stick, and if so I apologise in advance.

The mR is not the equivalent of, say, a Regen or Audiophilleo. It replaces the laptop, a non-specialist and noisy piece of hardware. I believe the mR DOES contain Regen technology as well, and this bit may well be superfluous in your setup.

M

I have been running the mR powered by a TP 6V supply for three days. It is in DLNA mode and is fed by J River v22 from  either an HP 8440 i7 Win10 laptop or a Win 7 dual core desktop all on the same network (with CAT 5e cables).  The DAC-V1 (v1.16 f/w) and TEAC UD-501 are both used. Normally the DACs are fed from the PCs directly via USB connections.

1. The mR seems sensitive to noise - I had to replace the standard SMPS on my TP-Link switch by the iFi iPower which fared much better. There probably would be further improvement by replacing the router and the switch power with low noise LPSs. This can get expensive!

2. I expected the mR to better the laptop, and it easily does. Resolution, 'space and air' are much better but remains musical ( it keeps your attention).

3. I expected the mR to better the desktop,  it comes close but does not quite match it (low end def and the perceived 'ease of flow' of the music). It probably would equal or surpass it if I invested in linear power supplies for the router and switch, but this  then gets rather expensive for a computer based system!

If you already have LPSs lying around (or care to invest), and normally use a laptop - this will likely be a big upgrade.

Thanks Brilliant,

Your experience is really valuable. It means that there really are some differencies.

I asked from Naim support: "People say in Naim Connection forum that different computers would effect on sound quality of DAC-V1 even signal is BitPerfect and using USB input."

The answer was: "I would simply advise that you audition a couple of different computers in that case and decide for yourself."

Maybe I could try different configurations. I have now a coaxial cable television connection in wall socket having also a max 40 M transmission rate in the same socket/cable - normal Cisco router connected to this - normal Asus ethernet switch - Lenovo T420s laptop - Chord Silver USB-Cable - DAC-V1 (1.16). I have a big desktop at 5 m distance, but I understand that USB cable to DAC-V1 should be max 1 m to avoid signal errors. This becomes interesting if also power supplies of router and switch would have an effect on sound.

Would be nice to hear further experiences of different people...