AUDIO over IP - REDNET 3 & 16 Review. AES67 Sets A New Standard for Computer Audio

[REXNFX]

Well it depends on what are you using as transport for qobuz streaming. Even with melco n1a, qobuz streaming is far behind its wav download. The rednet is the game changer.

Now that is interesting, if Qobus streaming beat CD rips (WAV) too i'd be a very happy to just stick to streaming.

 

[mourip]

Yes, standard windows pc-ethernet cable-d16-spdif coax-chord hugo tt. This setup so far beats usb device:melco n1a with or without usb/spdif converter (melodious audio mx u8). Really glad to leave usb madness.

Even desktop qobuz streaming app under windows improved significantly by the rednet d16aes setup.

How are you directing Qobuz sound out through the Dante Virtual Soundcard? I would like to use Pandora on occasion but I have not found an easy way to divert it through the ASIO driver. Seems to need Windows Sound.

 

[alubis]

Fortunately, under the preference setting in qobuz desktop app, the ASIO DVS popped up and I just need to select it.

But if I remember correctly, one member here (I think kewlona) suggested to use virtual cable (I don't remember the exact app name) to route audio for YouTube and the likes to ASIO DVS.

How are you directing Qobuz sound out through the Dante Virtual Soundcard? I would like to use Pandora on occasion but I have not found an easy way to divert it through the ASIO driver. Seems to need Windows Sound.

 

[rb2013]

  What is the D16 connected to, a PC?, then SPDIF out to your DAC? Cheers

Yes from the PC Ethernet port (or you can add a nice PCIe Intel GB card to maintain your open port) to the REDNET then AES/EBU Digital or SPDIF coax to DAC
 

Yes, standard windows pc-ethernet cable-d16-spdif coax-chord hugo tt. This setup so far beats usb device:melco n1a with or without usb/spdif converter (melodious audio mx u8). Really glad to leave usb madness.

Even desktop qobuz streaming app under windows improved significantly by the rednet d16aes setup.

The Chord Hugo TT has a really good USB input - beating that is quite an accomplishment.  But you do give up DSD native and +192k PCM SR's.

 

[rb2013]

Hey jabbr do you mind sharing clock sync info? This is what LiveClock does for my D16. It would be cool to compare with the Grimm.

Thanks!

Checking mine last night with the Antelope OCX and Oyaide BNC cable +2ppm  on the offset. 
 
On another note I am able to get 150us latency setting to work with the RN3 - I understand the lowest the RN16d will only do is 250us. The 150us setting sounds the best - funny the BK2 card does not seem to be able to offer this (I believe it's grayed out on the 16D).
 

 

[rb2013]

  How are you directing Qobuz sound out through the Dante Virtual Soundcard? I would like to use Pandora on occasion but I have not found an easy way to divert it through the ASIO driver. Seems to need Windows Sound.

 
https://www.audinate.com/solutions/dante-overview
Quote:

Fully Integrated with Windows and Mac OS X

With Dante Virtual Soundcard, your computer becomes a Dante audio interface for multitrack recording and media playback, using the computer’s existing Ethernet port — no additional hardware is required.  Digital Audio Workstations, software-based media players, Skype, iTunes, Pandora, Spotify and other applications are easily integrated into your network via Dante Virtual Soundcard.
Ask for the Dante. Dante is easy to integrate, easy to install, and easy to use.

 

Fortunately, under the preference setting in qobuz desktop app, the ASIO DVS popped up and I just need to select it.

But if I remember correctly, one member here (I think kewlona) suggested to use virtual cable (I don't remember the exact app name) to route audio for YouTube and the likes to ASIO DVS.

You can also use the WDM driver if your program requires it - but not ASIO and WDM at the same time.  Good that Qobuz uses ASIO.
 
Or use a Virtual VB bridge
http://vb-audio.pagesperso-orange.fr/Cable/
http://www.jdm12.ch/Audio/2016_Windows-DSP.asp

 

[alubis]

To my ears, interface/transport is more important to final SQ than hires or dsd files. I would rather listen 16 bit 44.1 khz files via d16 rather than dsd via usb. My usb transport which is Melco N1A has received lots of excellent reviews. In fact, hifi news did a measurement on the Melco N1A and showed reduced jitter and higher a-weighted s/n ratio on Chord Hugo. However, SQ wise the d16 beats the Melco N1A significantly.

The Hugo TT spdif is capable up to 32-bit/384kHz and I've tested the d16 using foobar to Chord Hugo TT for 24bit 192khz files and it's working fine with no dropouts or hiccups.

Yes from the PC Ethernet port (or you can add a nice PCIe Intel GB card to maintain your open port) to the REDNET then AES/EBU Digital or SPDIF coax to DAC

The Chord Hugo TT has a really good USB input - beating that is quite an accomplishment.  But you do give up DSD native and +192k PCM SR's.

 

[rb2013]

To my ears, interface/transport is more important to final SQ than hires or dsd files. I would rather listen 16 bit 44.1 khz files via d16 rather than dsd via usb. My usb transport which is Melco N1A has received lots of excellent reviews. In fact, hifi news did a measurement on the Melco N1A and showed reduced jitter and higher a-weighted s/n ratio on Chord Hugo. However, SQ wise the d16 beats the Melco N1A significantly.

The Hugo TT spdif is capable up to 32-bit/384kHz and I've tested the d16 using foobar to Chord Hugo TT for 24bit 192khz files and it's working fine with no dropouts or hiccups.

Completely agree on that about SQ vs Hi Res and DSD.
 
Great feedback - the Melco N1A is a very sweet unit - so to top that is pretty amazing.

 

[alubis]

Well, I have to say a big thanks to you. I started following your journey since the gustard u12 onward. Since following your thread, I've bought gustard u12, melodious audio mxu8, and now focusrite rednet d16 aes. You hurt my wallet.

Completely agree on that about SQ vs Hi Res and DSD.

Great feedback - the Melco N1A is a very sweet unit - so to top that is pretty amazing.

 

[rb2013]

Well, I have to say a big thanks to you. I started following your journey since the gustard u12 onward. Since following your thread, I've bought gustard u12, melodious audio mxu8, and now focusrite rednet d16 aes. You hurt my wallet.

Sorry about that!  You missed a few in between - my wife has shredded my wallet.  But my ears are very happy

 

[somestranger26]

Fortunately, under the preference setting in qobuz desktop app, the ASIO DVS popped up and I just need to select it.

But if I remember correctly, one member here (I think kewlona) suggested to use virtual cable (I don't remember the exact app name) to route audio for YouTube and the likes to ASIO DVS.

I use the "Hifi cable / ASIO Bridge" from here: http://vb-audio.pagesperso-orange.fr/Cable/. Don't get the 'regular' cable as it doesn't do what you want.

 

[jabbr]

 

If replacing the SMPS what voltage DC do you need?

I don't want to go into too much detail - as I may be working with a friend to offer a heavy duty mod package to the BURL.

LPS power supply, upgraded Neutron Star clock, and maybe a tube output version - and some other very special mods we are working on.

So far the results are stellar!

PS I have some very favorable experience in modding DACs

http://www.head-fi.org/t/740362/lite-dac60-pcm1704-r2r-tubed-dac-mod-project

PSS If you are looking to get a BURL B2 DAC - be sure to order the right one.  There two versions at the big ProAudio shops being offered.  One with Dante AOIP capability and one without.  You want the one that says DANTE capable - like this one:
http://vintageking.com/burl-audio-b2-bomber-dac-with-dante-connectivity?gclid=COf-uejG1s4CFYhqfgodm3MDxg

NOT THIS ONE:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/B2BomberDAC?adpos=1o2&creative=54989979481&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CO683_nG1s4CFYqPfgody4ALRQ

Hi Rob

I have been reading some about the B2 and I have the impression, the DAC isn't automatically setting the sample rate of the incoming signal but needs to be set manually.
Is that indeed the way B2 works?

Cheers

 

[somestranger26]

Hi Rob

I have been reading some about the B2 and I have the impression, the DAC isn't automatically setting the sample rate of the incoming signal but needs to be set manually.
Is that indeed the way B2 works?

Cheers

Yes, just look at the front panel which has a sample rate selector
 

 

[mourip]

  I use the "Hifi cable / ASIO Bridge" from here: http://vb-audio.pagesperso-orange.fr/Cable/. Don't get the 'regular' cable as it doesn't do what you want.

 
 

   
You can also use the WDM driver if your program requires it - but not ASIO and WDM at the same time.  Good that Qobuz uses ASIO.
 
Or use a Virtual VB bridge
http://vb-audio.pagesperso-orange.fr/Cable/
http://www.jdm12.ch/Audio/2016_Windows-DSP.asp

 
Thanks for the tip. I got it up and working. Perfect for doing a little music exploration using Pandora.
 
I just need to remember to turn off the ASIO Bridge before going back to JRiver...

 

[rb2013]

Hi Rob

I have been reading some about the B2 and I have the impression, the DAC isn't automatically setting the sample rate of the incoming signal but needs to be set manually.
Is that indeed the way B2 works?

Cheers

Yes there is a front panel knob to set the SR. Since Dante does not allow SR following not a big deal.