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Post by John on Aug 1, 2022 21:25:41 GMT
I have been using Bluetooth for a while now. I like its ease of use and lack of leading edge in my system, something I am sensitive too. However I know it is not the last word in detail but I prefer a clean sound to hearing leading edge.
I have a long history of first a pc audio (i started this about 15 years ago. Before having a modified Nuvista CD player). I tried Jplay and even went to a 2pc setup I then moved to Bughead which it crazy set up procedure. I tried the pi with various hats, ASUS Tinkerboard, Limetree Bridge and sonus micro redhu and could not settle on any of them. Whilst I do not think the Limetree Bridge and micro rendhu I was not prepared to go down the whole cleaning my internet connection as just did not see where this would end. Looking back I do think my Ethernet connections was the weak point.
I tried the U18 and with a laptop to noisy, with my Tablet not to bad but a slight edge and crapy USB C connection and with the micro rendhu just sounded a bit naff as not addressing the internet connection issues so I went back to the BT
I been keeping my interest seeing what is out their.
So my plan is to try a DDC with different inputs and a network bridge with WiFi capabilities at not to crazy prices. But have good reviews.
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Post by petea on Aug 1, 2022 21:32:42 GMT
Sounds like the start of an interesting journey, John.
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Post by John on Aug 1, 2022 21:36:40 GMT
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Post by petea on Aug 1, 2022 21:53:24 GMT
Intersting. Have you seen this review from him?
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Post by John on Aug 2, 2022 4:19:04 GMT
Yes I have seen this
The piaes looks like a great bargain
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Post by John on Aug 2, 2022 4:53:43 GMT
The Ifi Zen stream arrived first
Initial set up through the IFi app for the first 30 mins I could not see the IFi stream on my network, but then it started to appear and WIFI setup was easy after that.
It uses a variation of Volumio so you can connect to Spotify Connect, Roon, Tidal Connect and Qobuz via DNLA. No YouTube or Amazon HD
I wanted to go WIFI as just know my Ethernet is not up on par and reading the reviews this seemed like a good place to try. The Bluesound node has a nicer interface and the limetree bridge but from aural memory I say it is performing sound wise at a higher level than both.
At present I am using the IFi power which is a quiet Switch mode power supply, but I have a linear PSU from china on the way.
Early impressions was the sound had more resolution but was etched in the treble to the point that I would find this annoying. I played around with grounding first the small Aucharm this helped a bit, but not enough to make me feel feel happy with the unit. So I then connected to the RTZ after 20 mins I was no longer hearing any harshness.
The best way I can describe the sound is that it has more oomph and balls. The sound is at the moment appearing to be clean. This is just using Spotify Connect.
I have decided to try Qobuz again and for the first time in my system it just sounds right. Even more resolution than Spotify and not a once of fatigue I can see myself living with Quobuz. I see this as yet again being down to the ethernet acting as a bottle neck.
I am hoping that over the next few weeks that I do not hear any edgy sound as this is something I cannot live with.
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Post by MartinT on Aug 2, 2022 5:09:07 GMT
It's great that you revisited something that didn't give you satisfaction the first time round. I think you've gone the right route (well, of course I do) and this sounds like one you can live with. Physical broadband connections can be very noisy, so wi-fi is providing you with the necessary isolation. In my case, a 4G router does the same thing, as well as an optical run. Grounding is the other part of eliminating harshness.
I've always thought Qobuz is the best streaming source and hope you get on with it better now.
Good luck and keep us informed!
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Post by John on Aug 2, 2022 5:46:17 GMT
Your journey has inspired me but I just knew my broadband was acting as a bottleneck
To be honest I was going to just use a BT receiver coaxial out to the the Audio GD DDC but decided to trail this properly and glad I did. Damien to blame for that
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Post by stellabagpuss on Aug 2, 2022 6:57:42 GMT
l get the blame for everything 😆 Great result, and l would imagine, the Stream will even better in 48 hours,once it's burnt in more. Really pleased it's working out, l run the Stream connected to a external HD, but the app kept crashing, unit would switch off, it's sounding great when it worked,but l couldn't live with the faults. l never tried the other features, and it's looks like wi-fi streaming doesn't tax the unit at all. Something you can try in improve reception, is to use a WiFi scanner app,you will be able to see if any other Wi Fi boxes are using the same frequencies,including your neighbours. A good example is all Sky Routers are set up by default for the same frequency, l find doing a scan, and then moving your Router frequency can help,plus your WiFi signal should be able to reach a little further. Of course you may be all over this already. Link for app play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farproc.wifi.analyzerDamien |
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Post by mikeyb on Aug 2, 2022 8:51:49 GMT
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Post by petea on Aug 2, 2022 10:12:02 GMT
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Post by julesd68 on Aug 2, 2022 12:08:20 GMT
The Ifi Zen stream arrived first  iFi??? I am most concerned for your soul John, what kind of Faustian pact have you made? The shimmering spawn of iFi is Beelzebub, the Devil himself, and now it’s a slippery and treacherous path towards the Pit of Audiophilia from whence there is surely no return. |
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Post by John on Aug 2, 2022 14:18:54 GMT
Yes the dark side took control
I did not want to go the Bluesound Node 2i it has a lot better GUI but would require work from Tony to get to a similar level.
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Post by MartinT on Aug 2, 2022 18:26:31 GMT
OMG I just realised it's that hideous casework, I didn't clock it at first. I hope you have (very) dark shades, John!
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Post by John on Aug 2, 2022 18:32:19 GMT
It's hdden
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Post by Clive on Aug 2, 2022 20:18:51 GMT
Good luck with iffy :-). Their kit can be good though I’ve not experienced their latest stuff, post Thorsten. I feel out of it, I am listening to Aftermath on my Garrard 301 with a mono cartridge… though not with the main amp and speakers in my signature.
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Post by John on Aug 3, 2022 6:01:40 GMT
This is a good comparison between the Bluesound node which I think is a fair comparison But GUI is a much better with the node
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Post by John on Aug 3, 2022 19:03:54 GMT
The Audio GD DI20HE arrived today
Initial set up Zen Stream via USB to DDC via Optical to the Gustard A22
Initially via Spotify and then Quobuz
Then via AES from DDC to DAC
First off I prefer the DDC via AES just a bit more of everything good and a darker background
I rarely do wow. But this is wow!
Initially its the depth and clarity that is coming across. It kind of strange the system seems more relaxed but the attack of kick drums have moved up a few notches too.
Early days yet I am not sure I will try I2s
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Post by MartinT on Aug 3, 2022 19:35:30 GMT
Do I glean from your post that AES sounds better than optical? No surprise there.
As for AES versus I2S, you chose the former in my system and I wonder how you'll find them this time?
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Post by John on Aug 3, 2022 20:37:48 GMT
Yes AES just better
I may try I2s in the future
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