|
|
Post by petea on Jun 29, 2022 10:40:37 GMT
You should get a move-on, Mike: while we still have electricity!  |
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Jun 29, 2022 17:19:03 GMT
It's clear to me that the SFPs need some burn-in too. They run pretty warm - these Finisars consume about 1/2W each. I'm leaving them in as I very much enjoy their sound and feel in no rush to move on.
I've already mentioned the enhanced soundstage but feel I should also mention potency/clout/bass. Stand by Jewel tests midrange punch with its high impact electronic drum. Nelly Furtado's Cold Hard Truth has some brutal bass lines that really exercise the system, showing off how tight it all sounds. Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man recorded by Telarc has incredible impact from the bass drum, not to mention the tam-tam. Finally, Anywhere Out of this World by Dead Can Dance has some great bass rhythm, all present and potent.
It's all sounding magnificent. I'm going to leave the Finisars in place for a while longer.
|
|
|
|
Post by MikeMusic on Jun 29, 2022 18:45:49 GMT
Keep us updated !
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Jun 30, 2022 17:27:46 GMT
An SR Purple fuse is now in the Coherent 6D power cable. Was shocked to find a HiFi Tuning in there, I thought I had eliminated them all now.
Immediate improvement in background detail. Currently playing an old favourite, k d lang's The Joker.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Jul 2, 2022 10:40:45 GMT
Third SFP to try is the HP JD094B-C 10Gbps single mode which consumes a whopping 1W and is definitely going to run warm. These came straight out of old servers at work, which is useful as they are not inexpensive. To match them, I'm using ipolex single-mode OS2 (yellow) LC fibre, again 5m in length.
The theory with these 1310nm wavelength devices is that the opto electronics are faster, supporting 10Gbps. Single mode fibre is much thinner and does not rely on reflections off the sidewalls like multi-mode, but rather on the central beam going straight down the middle. There should be less smearing from group delay at the receiving end, which means lower jitter at the all-important receiving end.
In practice, I'm not going to lie, this setup is hard to tell apart from the excellent Finisar multi-mode SFPs. I do detect some more edge detail, especially on acoustic guitar and mandolin. I need to leave them running for a couple of days to fully warm up (no burn-in should be required as they've been in service for over 5 years).
I cannot hear a downside so that is good.
One other possibility remains which I want to explore. AfterDark recommend the Finisar FTLX1475D3BTL as the best SFP they have ever tested for audio. It's also single-mode but consumes a third less current than the HPs. I'm mindful of something Martin from Audiostore said about lower power SFPs generally sounding better.
I will see if I can source a pair.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Jul 3, 2022 14:11:22 GMT
Conclusions
I thought I'd better write my overall thoughts on the Signature Rendu SE before my ongoing experiments distract from what an absolutely stellar component this is. The Rendu gives you the basic building block around streaming that makes no apology whatsoever to either CD or LP playback, or indeed to any other streamer. Given the source material, it can take you as close as you might ever think possible to what was on the original master tape.
It doesn't achieve this alone, of course. The optical feed gives you the basis of an excellent quality Internet connection and the rest is up to you. Similarly, it needs and deserves a great DAC to output into. It also needs careful attention to power, supports and vibration control. All these things are necessary because the Rendu is transparent and gets out of the way, allowing the maximum amount of detail, soundstage and performance through without tainting it in any way. It achieves this by very careful circuit design and layout, attention to noise throughout and precision clocks, as well as serious build quality. There is also the question of which SFPs to use to achieve the sound you prefer.
What you are rewarded with is music that is wide band, an open window into the performance with soundstage, detail, dynamics and vivid performances to die for. I'd be astonished if anyone listened to their favourites through this device and didn't think "Ive never heard that before" on multiple occasions. The Rendu is an excavator for missing musical detail. Not just that, it presents it in a full bodied, almost lush way that is not all all harsh or edgy to listen to, but is strikingly rich in detail. Note decay is noticeable and the shimmer of cymbals or the startling clarity of a tambourine just turns the pleasure up some more. If the recording has deep bass or lots of air movement it comes through very powerfully.
I've bought a few superb components in my time which have fully deserved their price and reputation. Sonore are not a particularly well know company in the UK but on the basis of the Signature Rendu SE Optical more people should sit up and take notice. A truly superb bit of kit that I know is going to give me many hours of musical pleasure.
|
|
|
|
Post by nicholas on Jul 3, 2022 15:54:27 GMT
Excellent summary, Martin... which USB cable did you select to run between the Signature Rendu SE and the Gustard U18 DDC?
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Jul 3, 2022 16:29:43 GMT
which USB cable did you select to run between the Signature Rendu SE and the Gustard U18 DDC? That's easy, Nick. The Mad Scientist Black Magic USB that I've been using. The best USB cable I've found so far. |
|
|
|
Post by stellabagpuss on Jul 4, 2022 18:10:31 GMT
Superb write up Martin, I love the fact you are always pushing digital further.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Jul 23, 2022 10:39:34 GMT
Fourth and Final SFP to try is the BlueOptics BO35J13610D together with a matching 4m BlueOptics single-mode LC-LC fibre cable. This SFP is claimed as a higher performing Finisar FTLX1475D3BTL which doesn't seem to be available anywhere. They have replaced the trusty HP JD094B-C ex-server SFPs that have been giving me great service up to now. I always use a matching pair of SFPs at the EtherREGEN and Rendu SE and after a full restart of both devices they negotiate and connect without any difficulties. Well, I'm not going to claim any massive improvements as the sound I've been getting with the HPs is truly magnificent. However, I do detect a little more transient attack - it's almost imperceptible, but it's there. So the BlueOptics win the day and I'm not going to fiddle around with SFPs any further. They also have the benefit of consuming 250mA rather than 303mA so will run a little less hot than the HPs and put less stress on the power supplies. SFP ConclusionsIf you want the best sound, I think single-mode fibre is the way to go. The HP JD094B-C SFPs are a bargain as there are many ex-server ones appearing on the used market for very little money. If you want the best sound, it's the BlueOptics (or possibly the unobtainable Finisar FTLX1475D3BTL). The best multi-mode SFP I've listened to is the Finisar FTLF8519P3BNL. In all cases, make sure you match the fibre mode to the SFP or it's not going to work or will work very poorly.  |
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Jul 23, 2022 14:09:37 GMT
Not so fast, Martin! The BlueOptics definitely need some more burn-in but I'm detecting a slight lack of body compared with the HPs. Switching them around once more, I'm going to declare it a draw with slightly different characteristics: the BlueOptics with more attack, the HPs with more body.
That does make the HP SFPs an incredible bargain seeing as how inexpensively available they are.
|
|
|
|
Post by nicholas on Jul 23, 2022 14:35:03 GMT
And so the SFP adventure begins... upon checking, my Finisars are FTLF1421P1BTL-NN which are 1310nm and have been performing acceptably well with an inexpensive single mode fiber cable.
It will be a welcome diversion to further investigate and source the alternatives that you suggest as I wait for the SR SE to be delivered.
L8r,
Nick
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Jul 23, 2022 14:38:56 GMT
So Sonore supplied you with single-mode SFPs to start with? Different markets, I guess. Well, those Finisars may be the beginning and end of your SFP journey.
When do you expect the Sig Rendu SE to arrive? Exciting!
EDIT: oh, silly me, the Finisars can't have come from Sonore.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Jul 23, 2022 18:42:22 GMT
OK, mind is now blown. It transpires that I had been too confident in swapping from the 5m ipolex fibre cable to the 4m BlueOptics. I just wanted the cable length to be spot on.
Silly me, why would I think that all fibre cables meeting the spec would sound the same? They don't. The ipolex is quite a lot thicker in construction (diameter of the yellow jacket) compared with the BlueOptics. The stated insertion losses are very close, so I don't know what is going on inside the cables but the ipolex sounds better. Clearly enhanced definition on fine detail and weightier bass.
Mad, absolutely mad. The ipolex is available from Amazon.
|
|
|
|
Post by MikeMusic on Jul 23, 2022 19:02:20 GMT
The more we know the less we find we know
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Jul 24, 2022 12:48:31 GMT
I've done a lot of SFP swapping today in order to double-check my findings and make a firm recommendation. I powered off the EtherREGEN when swapping SFP but hot-swapped SFP at the Sig Rendu SE end so as not to require a restart between sessions.
The optical cable was the ipolex throughout, which I definitely prefer over the BlueOptics optical cable.
There is not much in it, the HP SFP offers stiff competition but I give the nod to the BlueOptics for just a touch more sparkle at the top end, and that's all the difference I can hear. You can select according to system requirements, if your system already runs 'hot' in the treble then select the HP.
Final Recommendation
BlueOptics BO35J13610D 10Gbps SFP both ends
ipolex X000T56NEB OS2-LC-LC-D5M single-mode optical cable (choose length to suit)
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Sept 21, 2022 6:57:11 GMT
I feel it necessary to return to this superb high-end streamer and say something more about it. There are two things really worth noting again:
1. the sound quality is better than any other streamer I've heard. Yes, it's not inexpensive but the value for money is actually very high. It doesn't look sexy, there is no display, but all of those things are unnecessary frills (which, unfortunately, some people find important). It does the job asked of it: plays streams or files to a very high standard with low noise, a well-developed soundstage and incredible detail and dynamics.
2. it is staggeringly, impressively, reliable. When I see the issues others have with setting up of streamers, I am reminded of the two-step setup of the Sonore devices. Go to mysonicorbiter.com which finds the device for you. Install and configure the modules you need, such as Roon, DLNA, Spotify, Logitech etc. I come back home from work every evening, turn on the tablet and play music. No freezing, no glitches, just great music. Every. Single. Day.
It's a shame that Sonore are not better known in the UK. There is much input from the designer John Swenson (of Uptone EtherREGEN fame) and it shows. The US team's support and customer service is exemplary and so is the UK importer's. You can start at the bottom of the range, with a microRendu, and already get a major dose of what these players do so well.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Sept 21, 2022 20:38:44 GMT
If you can stand the ropey YouTube auto-translation, this gives a decent overview of the Signature Rendu SE for those who haven't seen one in the flesh.
EDIT: the translation offered me "toothpaste wind moose" at one point.
|
|
|
|
Post by nicholas on Sept 21, 2022 21:26:05 GMT
Just to add to Martin's observations on the Signature Rendu SE, its SQ is not just better than any other streamer that I've heard... but it is significantly better by a large margin. The work done on Sonore's proprietary power supply and excellent optical interface shines through brightly in everyday use. The simplicity of the unit's backplane is shocking at first: there is only one input for an optical network connection and one output for USB. That's all, folks... don't get no simpler than that.
Sonore's somewhat cheesy named Sonic Orbiter software is simple while highly functional accommodating the most popular player interfaces in a flexible yet straightforward fashion. In my use case with Roon there hasn't been one disconnect or freeze. Not one.
Pairing the SE with one of the newer DDCs and a DAC like the Gustard X26 Pro will bring an amazing audio experience to your listening environment. Adding a quality clock, cables, SFP and SR purple fuses will put you at or near the top of what is possible with a modern digital front end.
This is an expensive piece of kit, but from my perspective, knows no peer relative to its SQ, functionality and impressive reliability. I have mucked about with a rather large number of streamers and the Sig Rendu SE easily smokes the lot. Will be serving brilliantly on my rack for a long time to come.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Sept 22, 2022 15:53:37 GMT
Sonore's somewhat cheesy named Sonic Orbiter software is simple while highly functional accommodating the most popular player interfaces in a flexible yet straightforward fashion. In my use case with Roon there hasn't been one disconnect or freeze. Not one. That's what I mean about reliability. It's the same with DLNA for me. It gets found first time, every time. It just works. Would that previous streamers I have used were this reliable. Oh, and this wonderful monolith NEEDS an SR Purple fuse just like the U18 and X26 Pro. |
|
