I would initially go for the DAVE solo and save up for the MScaler - by which point the MSx might be out!

A few weeks ago, I lost ROON after updating CX/EX Oladra. ROON just wouldn't 'see' THE Core. Tried rebooting and restarting etc to no avail. Arranged a remote session but it wasn't needed as everything started working the next day - don't know why but it did, and it's been perfect ever since...

Dave - Manley Absolute - ZMF Verite Closed - I think the DAVE sounds better in pure DAC mode and you can choose an amp that suits your musical tastes / phones impedance etc. Budget for quality connectors - RCAs or XLRs - your DAVE deserves them...

yes - no problems - use SanDisk with AK

I've used Commander One for this - the AK380 can be a little unstable but taking the SD card out and using a card reader works.

Thanks for the reply - it's not a big issue and only happens sometimes. I'm sure Elite Audio would sort it out if it got worse - but I don't want to be without my Manley! I'll monitor the situation.

I love my Manley; my only criticism would be the volume control can sometimes be a little inconsistent - now and again you turn the wheel and nothing happens, so you turn it a little more and IT GETS VERY LOUD INDEED (see Michael Caine acting skills). With my ZMF VCs, I find low / medium gain...

For the first time in ages I'm listening to my AK500 to MScaler via optical and it stands up very well to Antipodes to MScaler (via USB reclocker) using USB - could even be better - more relaxed, less excitable. Both good - do not discount the quality of TosLink into your MScaler.

I used CommanderOne on a MacBook which worked fine

there are a couple of tiny screws, then a normal suction cup takes the back off - the battery just unplugs - I struggled to find the correct battery for my AK380 and ended up sending it off to AK repair in Germany as it had another issue (was pretty cheap) - they told me they could replace 380...

Watch for import duties from Japan (unless this has changed recently) - buyers have been stung in the past. I bought a brand new (boxed / sealed) copper 380 + amp for around £1.5k from seller in UK not long ago - I'd be a bit wary about buying something like this from the other side of the...

Just had mine done and it's a big improvement, but is the upgrade window still open?

just restart Roon on CX menu

Have to say, I spent a bit of time with some Fostex TH900 mk2 last week and was really surprised at their performance - esp heavy metal and electronica. They're very easily driven and perfect and for DAPs.

I got 100% trade in on TT2 when I bought my DAVE (from a different UK supplier) - but you pay 100% of DAVE price this way, whereas if you just buy one for cash you'll get 15% off.

Looking at your system, I don't see a HP amp (unless I'm missing it) and I would recommend using one over the DAVE output - to my ears, DAVE seems sweeter in pure DAC mode. I went a bit mad and got a Manley which I can thoroughly recommend (see review in HIfI Choice), but there are other...

I bought the Phoenix without auditioning it - it will improve the sound of your system - it calms everything down, takes some of the fizz out of the USB connections, reduces brightness, makes it all a little darker - which is what you want. The Niagra 1200 is also a great addition - just...

Been using NH2 for about 4yrs - love it - what do you think?

Following OLADRA upgrade, I'm having to restart Roon on the CX Dashboard nearly every day before Roon can find it as my core - not a biggie but maybe something for a future software update (unless it's just me of course).

I still think the 380 sounds great - I use mine with a pair of low-impedance Audeze LCD-XCs. I find the Pro-EQ setting smooths everything, nice and bassy. Remember, the biggest influence on the sound of your DAP will likely be you HPs / IEMs and the type of cable you use. I wouldn't hesitate to...

I got there in the end!

All said and done, this CX/EX OLADRA update is pretty good - difficult to be very accurate when I've been without them for a month but everything seems to be enhanced - bass, clarity etc - really enjoying it and probably worth it just for the blue lights alone.

Good advice - knowing my luck I'll delete one and lose everything...

Once I worked that out things started clicking - also getting Roon to recognise my MScaler by confirming it in the Roon settings. Setting it up was simpler than I imagined - I did watch the instructional videos but they were more concerned with newer Antipodes products, unless I missed something...

yes - under Roon Settings / Storage / Folders I've got both Music Folder and CX / ? / Storage / Music - both with exact same tracks in them, so I suppose I can delete one.