|
|
Post by MartinT on Jul 21, 2022 9:24:09 GMT
It's good to be back. I powered up the system at 03:00 this morning so that it's ready for me today. Absence makes the heart grow fonder? Yes, but the reality is rewarding, too.
I'm amazed that the clocks have settled in so quickly, and I'm picking up the modified U18 later - so even without it, Hugh Masekela - Hope sounds truly wonderful.
I will have the U18 in circuit later and will report on it in that thread. I also have the German BlueOptics SFPs and fibre cable to play with. Nice final day off!
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Jul 23, 2022 21:25:53 GMT
Things I've learned in recent times...
In a digital replay chain, you can never have too much noise isolation:
- air-gapped 4G router
- moat inside the EtherREGEN
- optical fibre internet feed to streamer
- moat inside the Gustard U18 DDC
SFPs make a difference to sound quality, and so does the optical cable.
Single-mode optical cable and SFPs sound better than multi-mode.
A DDC feeding I2S to the DAC sounds better than connecting USB direct to the DAC.
Streamer quality matters, all other components being equal.
SR Purple fuses are a significant step up in performance for DDCs and DACs.
Grounding boxes work very well on digital components but never share them.
Good vibration control and damping goes hand-in-hand with heavy weights.
Give new and modded components time to burn-in before evaluating their merit.
Only ever make one change at a time, making stepping back easier.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Jul 25, 2022 7:35:45 GMT
Updated...  |
|
|
|
Post by MikeMusic on Jul 25, 2022 9:55:06 GMT
I come back to your diagrams every now and again to understand what is going on
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Jul 25, 2022 11:10:58 GMT
I find myself referring to it because I can't always remember where I'm at!
|
|
|
|
Post by MikeMusic on Jul 25, 2022 15:26:26 GMT
I find myself referring to it because I can't always remember where I'm at! I ain't surprised sunshine !  |
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Aug 3, 2022 17:08:43 GMT
One tiny improvement: after moving the pre-optical kit to the left-hand corner of the room, I didn't need the 3m MeiCord Opal any more and was using a gash 1m length of ethernet lying around for the router to EtherREGEN link.
Well, we can't have that, can we? So I ordered a 1m Supra Cat8 from that fine Brooky chap and it arrived this evening in the usual speedy manner.
It's in place now. Not going to say I could hear an immediate improvement, but then with two reclockers and an optical link downstream I would be surprised if I did. It'll creep up on me over time, no doubt.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Aug 4, 2022 17:03:39 GMT
Correction, I can hear exactly what the Supra Cat8 has contributed. It takes a little time because it's a benefit of omission. There is simply less harshness, grain, glare, whatever description you care for when hi-res digital can get a little hard on occasion. It's a very small effect, let's not go overboard here. However, I can hear it and removing that gash length of ethernet from my system has had a very pleasant effect on overall sound, with a more fluid delivery and the last tiniest bastion of harshness gone.
I hear no downside: fine detail, deep bass, great vocals, lightning dynamics are all present and correct. The Supra Cat8 is tremendous value for its low price.
|
|
|
|
Post by nicholas on Aug 4, 2022 19:13:11 GMT
The Supra range has been a go to cable of choice for me owing largely to their shielding which all but eliminates external interference from RFI and EMI. Currently using their HDMI/I2S and Cat 8 network cables in my main system to good effect. I find their cost/performance to provide a safe choice for anyone interested in quality non-esoteric approaches to sensible cabling.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Aug 9, 2022 18:44:26 GMT
I had wanted to sort out DC power to the pre-system as the Coherent modified (non-dual) Weiliang was sharing 12V between the router and 1st master clock - not ideal. Meanwhile, my Coherent QP-1 in the main system was being slightly wasted by powering the 2nd master clock from one of its dual outputs and nothing from the other.
So I switched things around. The QP-1 now sits in the pre-system powering the EtherREGEN and 1st master clock from independent 12V outputs. The Weiliang powers the router only. The Zero Zone has moved to the main system to power the 2nd master clock.
It's too close to call at the moment, possibly because I haven't allowed time for the PSUs and clocks to settle. I will keep listening and if there is anything to report, I will do so.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Aug 11, 2022 17:11:57 GMT
I gave myself another day on this so that I could reconsider with fresh ears. Now it's more obvious and a positive move.
I suspect the 1st master clock has benefitted the most, by not sharing the router's 12V power. The router gets the Weiliang to itself while the clock gets Coherent power. The EtherREGEN gaining Coherent power while the 2nd master clock gets the Zero Zone probably makes little difference.
There is a little more immediacy, a few more gasp moments when a track reveals the soundstage before the song starts, and some more of that infectious note decay, especially on well recorded cymbals. I'll take it.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Aug 11, 2022 18:49:04 GMT
Updated diagram showing the Supra Cat8 cable and power supply switcheroo.  |
|
|
|
Post by brettj on Aug 12, 2022 10:41:45 GMT
May be quicker for me just to ask, rather than scroll these pages.
Have you had any work done on the Gustard X26 Pro Martin?
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Aug 12, 2022 11:10:56 GMT
Have you had any work done on the Gustard X26 Pro Martin? No, Brett. Maybe one day? |
|
|
|
Post by julesd68 on Aug 12, 2022 15:20:34 GMT
Difficult to know with DACs whether it's worth investing / upgrading what you have or buying new tech at a later date.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Aug 12, 2022 18:45:39 GMT
Agreed, Jules. For now, the X26 Pro does everything I want in a DAC. Who knows what the future holds?
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Aug 13, 2022 19:12:38 GMT
There can be a middle ground with SFPs. Out of curiosity, I switched the sending end SFP in the EtherREGEN to a BlueOptics while keeping the HP at the receiving end, the Sig Rendu SE.
More detail without losing any of the beauty of the HP's sound signature. It might help the ER run just a tad less hot, too.
You can only do this if the SFPs match in mode, speed and protocol. I don't recommend doing it at all, you should roll your own SFPs to match your system as there is too much variation in sound quality.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Aug 15, 2022 6:18:54 GMT
My Samsung S7 FE tablet has decided to suddenly stop accepting charge. It happened on Saturday and no amount of persuasion can make it work again. I've allowed it to run down until it will barely attempt to start, but no joy. I'm going to have to pursue Samsung for a warranty repair or replacement.
Meanwhile, I'll switch over to my older Neocore.
|
|
|
|
Post by petea on Aug 15, 2022 6:36:09 GMT
I'm sure you've checked, but have you tried an alternative charger? I have had units that seem to work, but have dropped below the minimum current needed to 'trigger' charging.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Aug 15, 2022 7:46:28 GMT
I'm sure you've checked, but have you tried an alternative charger? I have had units that seem to work, but have dropped below the minimum current needed to 'trigger' charging. I've tried three, including my high power Oppo charger for my phone. During the failing start cycle, it says 'Connect charger' despite the USB-C charger being connected. I'm trying to run it completely down on the chance that this will 'reset' the charge circuitry. I've known it to work with laptops but it does rather look like the charge circuit has failed. I've found Samsung's repair page where they will collect and repair the tablet, so I shall invoke that by this evening if it still won't charge. |
|
