Tobias
Rank: Quartet
Posts: 320
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Post by Tobias on Nov 18, 2024 18:54:50 GMT
If i may guess, then i think the ethernet cable quality is now much more important than before, when it was used prior to extra filtering devices before reaching your DAC. Now it goes directly into the DAC box.
Having said this, i think the ethernet cables are very much dependent on the radiation it is exposed for. I live in the city and have A LOT of Wifi networks coming up on my mobile, in my listening room... For me, expensive ethernet cables used to make a very big difference.
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Post by MartinT on Nov 18, 2024 21:40:53 GMT
Upon returning to the Signature Rendu SE > Gustard U18 > X30 Dac the contest was over. The latter clearly had a presentation that is a bit more live and expansive. I switched back to the Rendu > U18 > X26 III earlier this evening for a sanity check and concluded that you're absolutely right, Nick. Two things come to immediate attention: Authority and Glare (lack of). In these respects, the Rendu > U18 > X26 III has it and you can't unhear it. I won't pursue the CelAudio streamer any longer and will conclude this experiment with the following thoughts: - The CelAudio is a perfectly good streamer and may even get an update or two to improve it - The X26 III as a combined streamer/DAC represents superb value for money - UPnP works perfectly as a control system for something like the Bubble app However, ultimately, the DAC is capable of a higher performance level than the streamer. As a DAC alone the X26 III is one of the best I have ever heard, perhaps even the best. A little unfair since I've only heard mega expensive DACs at shows, but few of them (like the Chord Dave) would get house room at mine. It really is outstanding and therefore represents outstanding value for money. |
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Post by John on Nov 19, 2024 8:12:54 GMT
It sounds like the streamer has improved since I tried it with the R26, I remember finding it flakey at the time. It was hard getting bubble to work.
I am not surprised you're streamer is better as so much has gone into pushing it to where you are at now. It's been a steady journey of evolution from the pi to where you are now.
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Post by stellabagpuss on Nov 19, 2024 9:47:11 GMT
Good results indeed Martin, l only use Jriver to send direct to my R26 via LAN, its flawless at my end operationally, and sound wise is better than the other inputs.
Of course l can't comment on the streamer services,or Bubble, but it seems Gustard are doing a superb job, whatever your taste in DAC sound signatures are.
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Post by MikeMusic on Nov 19, 2024 11:27:17 GMT
For it to be anywhere near the Rendu is a fantastic performance if the DAC section is already stellar
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