[michael2v]

Is the RU6 a good match with a monarch mk2?

I did read some post earlier in this thread about it getting bass heavy, I just cancelled my order for the RU6 but I've got a bit of time till they act on it. I really liked the idea of a unique analog take with old DAC tech, some of the old pro gear sounded great due to this stuff. But After spending about 8 hours with the new MK2 via my RME babyface pro directly it sounded great, better than the Lehmann BCL which I thought was sounding a bit dull, odd because I thought it was a bright amp on its higher voltage settings. the MK2s love the RME for my ears. Though on the other hand I like that I read the RU6 has a tad bit of mid boost, but I'm worried this MK2 thing is near perfect and that it'll upset the apple cart.

I haven’t heard the Mk2, but with the Mk3 I think the RU6 is much more enjoyable than more “analytical” dongles like the THX Onyx, so I couldn’t recommend it enough.

 

[InvisibleInk]

If you are happy with the thing you have, and don't mind carrying it around, then save your money for the music.

 

[Twangsta]

I haven’t heard the Mk2, but with the Mk3 I think the RU6 is much more enjoyable than more “analytical” dongles like the THX Onyx, so I couldn’t recommend it enough.

From what I understand the MK3 is on the brighter side so I'm assuming some roll back is a good flavour perhaps.

If you are happy with the thing you have, and don't mind carrying it around, then save your money for the music.

Desktop I'm done, I need something for on the go. The last cog, but you make a good point, we sometimes we forget what all this is about. Truth be told these MK2 have taken be back to music, this kind of tonality and presentation is alien to me. I'm not even 24h into this experience, the HD800 I've been using so far is nowhere near to the tonality. My humble Rokit 5 KRKs are much better in that department but the Monarch MK2 is on another level, yes honeymoon but I don't think I'm overreacting

 

[dharmasteve]

I've had the RU6 since it first came out. With my Xiaomi phone there was so much noise it was unusable. Same with an older Sony phone, so I stuck with my DAPs. Just picked up a Google Pixel phone and got the dust gathering Cayin out of the drawer......wow quite taken aback, no noise and a clean as a whistle, musical treat. Great synergy. A really nice surprise. Lovely dongle and now I know what all the fuss was about. With the Penon Fan 2 and the ISN Neo 3 it sounds great. Strangely with my favourite....the Penon 10th anniversary, it sounds quite thin. We know what synergy can do and what can happen when synergy is missing.

 

[ExTubeGamer]

I've had the RU6 since it first came out. With my Xiaomi phone there was so much noise it was unusable. Same with an older Sony phone, so I stuck with my DAPs. Just picked up a Google Pixel phone and got the dust gathering Cayin out of the drawer......wow quite taken aback, no noise and a clean as a whistle, musical treat. Great synergy. A really nice surprise. Lovely dongle and now I know what all the fuss was about. With the Penon Fan 2 and the ISN Neo 3 it sounds great. Strangely with my favourite....the Penon 10th anniversary, it sounds quite thin. We know what synergy can do and what can happen when synergy is missing.

RU6 is such a sensitive little buddy that different cables have different noise profiles. Even passive usb filtering like AudioQuest FMJ helps to make it sound better.

 

[Yanec]

Which option provides less noise and less distortions: Low gain with higher volume, or High gain with lower volume? Or is there absolutely no difference?

I tried to find an answer before asking but couldn't, may be my eyes got blurred scanning 245 pages of info.

Thanks!

 

[michael2v]

Which option provides less noise and less distortions: Low gain with higher volume, or High gain with lower volume? Or is there absolutely no difference?

I tried to find an answer before asking but couldn't, may be my eyes got blurred scanning 245 pages of info.

Thanks!

If there is a difference, I can't hear it!

 

[Yanec]

If there is a difference, I can't hear it!

I hope if there is any it isn't audible indeed.

 

[TYATYA]

Which option provides less noise and less distortions: Low gain with higher volume, or High gain with lower volume? Or is there absolutely no difference?

I tried to find an answer before asking but couldn't, may be my eyes got blurred scanning 245 pages of info.

Thanks!

I always use L gain unless it is too lacking power.
Any volume level 85% is my criteria for driving headphones in which has high dampening factor (high impedance) and 70% if lower dampening.
Beyond it I swich to H gain.
For feeding an amp, criteria volume is up to 90% or even 100% if I am sure input impedance is like 50k or more, it will be like open condition (no load).

 

[Yanec]

I always use L gain unless it is too lacking power.
Any volume level 85% is my criteria for driving headphones in which has high dampening factor (high impedance) and 70% if lower dampening.
Beyond it I swich to H gain.
For feeding an amp, criteria volume is up to 90% or even 100% if I am sure input impedance is like 50k or more, it will be like open condition (no load).

Thanks, case solved for me: For iems it would obviously be BOTH Low gain and volume below 80%.

Given that I listen to Redbook 16/44.1, Low gain and volume below 80% should be a combination making the difference between the RU6 actual DR and the needed ~90db inaudible.

Perfect, thanks!

 

[TYATYA]

Thanks, case solved for me: For iems it would obviously be BOTH Low gain and volume below 85%.

Given that I use red book material 16/44.1, Low gain and volume below 85% should be the optimal combination to make the difference between the RU6 actual DR and the needed ~90db indistinguishable.

Perfect, thanks!

FYI
This is voltage out put from Ru6 at max volume (100) then each step reduction of 5 level to volume70.
Unit milivolt
SE and Bal measurement.

SE @ L gain 1082 - 800 - 600 - 451 - 334 - 240 -180.
SE @ H gain: twice of L(max 2175mV)

BAL @ L gain 2160 -1612 -1206 - 900 - 675 - 479 - 360
BAL @ H gain: twice of H(max 4310mV)

BAL support much voltage than SE.
Regarding measurement audio data printed on Ru6 package, example, THD 0.00xx @1V Bal4.4 then you will know the volume lvl by look the above

 

[Yanec]

FYI
This is voltage out put from Ru6 at max volume (100) then each step reduction of 5 level to volume70.
Unit milivolt
SE and Bal measurement.

SE 1082 - 800 - 600 - 451 - 334 - 240 -180.

BAL 2160 -1612 -1206 - 900 - 675 - 479 - 360

BAL support much voltage than SE.
Regarding measurement audio data printed on Ru6 package, example THD 0.00xx @1V then you will know the volume lvl by look the above

Thanks again!

Excellent, I can probably use the SE with my Monarch Mk3 at levels below 80%. This would keep THD+N acceptably low.

The BAL won't be needed which is good given that it would degrade the THD+N in the case of RU6, (as it looks like it's not really balanced just a more powerful option, which is cool to have but to be used only if necessary.)

 

[TYATYA]

I have big mistake above post between L and H and edited post.
#3671.
I just found when remeasument just now.
Ru6 is a volume monster!

 

[TYATYA]

This is top output 4.31V
More than actual of SP1000 (specs 4V actual 3.9)

 

[Yanec]

I have big mistake above post between L and H and edited post.
#3671.
I just found when remeasument just now.
Ru6 is a volume monster!

This is great news, as this means that most, I for sure, can use the "cleaner" 3.5 instead of 4.4 and stay within 80% where the sound is again "cleaner".