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

[InsanityOne]

  There is a new Dante product that looks like a step in the right direction. It is a small two channel ethernet to analog converter board that talks to a Dante network. Just 96K though.
 
https://www.audinate.com/products/manufacturer-products/dante-analog-output-module

 
Yes, we discussed this product awhile ago. Unfortunately Ethernet --->Analog is not what we need. We need Ethernet ---> S/PDIF (anything digital really) so that we can make connections to our DACs.
 
See this post by Rob:
 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 

  There is the possibility of a very small AOIP Dante analog output device - the size of a pack of gum:  Maybe less then $200?  Now that would be interesting.  Add a HP opamp output  and you have a AOIP 'AQ Dragonfly' type of device.
 
https://www.audinate.com/products/manufacturer-products/dante-analog-output-module

 
 
 
PS - Here you go.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1266502&gclid=CLqdntS8lNACFcdbfgod0DkB4Q&is=REG&ap=y&m=Y&c3api=1876%2C52934714882%2C&Q=&A=details
 
$199

PSS Here is a $5 Ethttp://www.flyteccomputers.com/product/609/Tycon-Power-POE-INJ-LED-S-Shielded-POE-Inserter-w-Power-Current-LEDS&wre=1?gclid=COzVg9G9lNACFQ5xfgodPXAA9whernet power inject - so this could be ext LPS powered? Class 1 802.3af POE - 48VDC-never mind.

 

 
- InsanityOne 

 

[mourip]

   
Yes, we discussed this product awhile ago. Unfortunately Ethernet --->Analog is not what we need. We need Ethernet ---> S/PDIF (anything digital really) so that we can make connections to our DACs.
 
See this post by Rob:
 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 
 

 
- InsanityOne 

 
Yup. I have two D16s. I just posted it as an example of movement toward new products.
 
Thanks. I must have missed that post. There has been a lot of wandering in this thread lately.

 

[johnjen]

 
That sounds VERY interesting. If not too much bitter could you PM me when you start? I would love to be in on the ground floor on this.
 
Which LPS did you buy?

I have ordered a PowerVolt triple output LPS.
They stated a 4-6 week build time.
Here is a link to more of the specifics.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/806827/audio-over-ip-rednet-3-16-review-aes67-sets-a-new-standard-for-computer-audio/2355#post_12965064
I'll probably post my results in the DIY'rs Cookbook thread (see below).
 
 

   
 
Interested!
 
Have you thought of contacting UK Focusrite for info, advice even service?

No, not for this.
But previously I did ask them about what fuse they use and was told "There are no seviceable parts inside".
Which translated means there is no reason to open up the unit and fuss with anything inside.
 
Performing this bit of surgery will void any warranty and anyone who attempts this MUST take that into account.
 
This is the beginning of a series of posts about this whole process…
http://www.head-fi.org/t/781268/the-diyrs-cookbook/690#post_12898661
 
JJ

 

[Cornan]

 

A general rule is to limit the amounts of DC powered devices in the chain. Any "tweak" that is improving something needs to be passive...and if absolutely necessary it needs to be powered isolated from the AC mains. Keep that in mind for AOIP as well!

Battery power is passive?  Anyway not my kind of sound - not when I'm getting these explosive dynamics.  So lifelike!
 
For me all the theory is fine - but after doing this for 25+yrs I know what I like.
 
Weren't you using a UpNP/DNLA USb chain?
 
Cheers

 
Batteries is isolated against the AC mains and that plus that the grounding is one of the true advantages with battery supplies. I have just turned 50 and have been an audiophile since I was 15 years old...but with a growing interest for each year.
 
Yes, I am using a UPnP/DNA + USB chain with great results. I am even using wireless connections between from my Aries Mini to router and control point to wireless extender with great results. Better than wired ethernet in my own setup.
 
Here is a simple spagetti image of my current system with Tidal as the only source. 
 

What I would like to add somehow is a wireless or wired AOIP solution.

 

[Cornan]

  http://www.digikey.com/en/articles/techzone/2016/sep/a-designer-guide-fast-lithium-ion-battery-charging

Thanks for sharing. Just for notes. When using Li-ion in a non-mobile setup it is very important that the upper voltage is close to the maximum DC voltage for the powered device...plus that the mAh rating is high enough to power than device for many hours straight without dropping the voltage below the nominal voltage. For example my 14,8v/12000mAh/6A battery for my Aries Mini is roughly 16,8v when fully charged. If I listen to music for 7 hours straight in will be down to roughly 15,5v (ie. not even down to the the nominal 14,8 v). I always charge it after each use since it will prolong the battery life (ie. using less charging cycle compared to if I charge it when fully drained). My Aries mini can be powered from 14-18v and just requires a maximum of 1A load (but much less for me since it does´nt need to provide 5v USB power or need to power a SSD). My battery provides 15,5-16,8v and can provide a max current discharge of 6A. I have compared my battery to the Auralic LPS and in my setup the battery wins hands down.

 

[Golfnutz]

  I have ordered a PowerVolt triple output LPS.
They stated a 4-6 week build time.
Here is a link to more of the specifics.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/806827/audio-over-ip-rednet-3-16-review-aes67-sets-a-new-standard-for-computer-audio/2355#post_12965064
I'll probably post my results in the DIY'rs Cookbook thread (see below).
 
 
No, not for this.
But previously I did ask them about what fuse they use and was told "There are no seviceable parts inside".
Which translated means there is no reason to open up the unit and fuss with anything inside.
 
Performing this bit of surgery will void any warranty and anyone who attempts this MUST take that into account.
 
This is the beginning of a series of posts about this whole process…
http://www.head-fi.org/t/781268/the-diyrs-cookbook/690#post_12898661
 
JJ

Looks like someone has already done something similar. Was posted last year on ebay.
 
https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&prev=search&rurl=translate.google.ca&sl=es&u=http://www.ebay.com/itm/Focusrite-Rednet-3-With-Upgraded-Linear-Power-Supply-/191681659904%3F_ul%3DBO%26nma%3Dtrue%26si%3D1wJwUZ%25252FFvQiyjpe5dTQ%25252BZ5vFaNI%25253D%26orig_cvip%3Dtrue%26rt%3Dnc%26_trksid%3Dp2047675.l2557&usg=ALkJrhiRw-a5ybzs1LkWoboyjlIJ6ChHaw
 

 

 

[jabbr]

 
Looks like someone has already done something similar. Was posted last year on ebay.
 
https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&prev=search&rurl=translate.google.ca&sl=es&u=http://www.ebay.com/itm/Focusrite-Rednet-3-With-Upgraded-Linear-Power-Supply-/191681659904%3F_ul%3DBO%26nma%3Dtrue%26si%3D1wJwUZ%25252FFvQiyjpe5dTQ%25252BZ5vFaNI%25253D%26orig_cvip%3Dtrue%26rt%3Dnc%26_trksid%3Dp2047675.l2557&usg=ALkJrhiRw-a5ybzs1LkWoboyjlIJ6ChHaw
 

 

Description says it is a 5 rail linear PSU : 

“ Unit has been modified with a 5-rail linear power supply. ” 

 

[astrostar59]

  Description says it is a 5 rail linear PSU : 

Interesting. Looks like 4 wires powering the Rednet. Am guessing 5V DC and 12V DC? Wonder if it sounded different?

 

[Golfnutz]

Here's a link to who might be the person that did the modification. You'll have to do some other searches on the net to get additional information about this person/company.
 
Without asking this person to do the upgrade, it may be worthwhile for someone (not me) to try and contact this person to get an opinion if upgrading to an ultra low noise/ripple lps/smps is actually worth it, and if there are any issues/challenges involved.
 
http://jplay.eu/forum/index.php?/topic/1420-is-it-worthwhile-to-go-the-ethernet-route-rednet-pcie-card-rednet3-instead-of-usb-audio-pcie-cards-usb-to-spdif-converters/

 

[astrostar59]

  Here's a link to who might be the person that did the modification. You'll have to do some other searches on the net to get additional information about this person/company.
 
Without asking this person to do the upgrade, it may be worthwhile for someone (not me) to try and contact this person to get an opinion if upgrading to an ultra low noise/ripple lps/smps is actually worth it, and if there are any issues/challenges involved.
 
http://jplay.eu/forum/index.php?/topic/1420-is-it-worthwhile-to-go-the-ethernet-route-rednet-pcie-card-rednet3-instead-of-usb-audio-pcie-cards-usb-to-spdif-converters/

Thanks for that. But not sure Core Audio did a mod to the Rednet. Is that who you mean? Core Audio are very expensive, they did the modded Mac Mini which retailed out as 2K+.
 
But I am convinced that there will be gains doing the mod as I got big changes after doing this to my Mac Mini, converting it to 12V DC external supply from an LPS.
 
It appears from previous posts the RedNet 3 has just 2 hook ups, one for 5V the other for 12V.

 

[Golfnutz]

 
Thanks for that. But not sure Core Audio did a mod to the Rednet. Is that who you mean? Core Audio are very expensive, they did the modded Mac Mini which retailed out as 2K+.
 
But I am convinced that there will be gains doing the mod as I got big changes after doing this to my Mac Mini, converting it to 12V DC external supply from an LPS.
 
It appears from previous posts the RedNet 3 has just 2 hook ups, one for 5V the other for 12V.

Like I said, do some additional searches on the internet. Check out the user's name on the ebay link I posted, and then search for the company's owner name.
 
Where are you getting 5v and 12v, it's actually 5v, 15v, and 51v (although there is question if the 51v would be needed for this change).
 
Above all Astro, please try to keep this thread on track and don't start bringing other things (Mac Mini) into it.
 
This is about upgrading the Rednet, nothing else....

 

[peteAllen]

Sorry if this question has already been answered, but has anyone tried out the (expensive) Rednet or Yamaha dante cards? Do they make any audible improvements over a normal network card?
Yamaha AIC128-D Dante Accelerator PCI-e card
Focusrite Rednet pcie soundcard

 

[astrostar59]

  Like I said, do some additional searches on the internet. Check out the user's name on the ebay link I posted, and then search for the company's owner name.
 
Where are you getting 5v and 12v, it's actually 5v, 15v, and 51v (although there is question if the 51v would be needed for this change).
 
Above all Astro, please try to keep this thread on track and don't start bringing other things (Mac Mini) into it.
 
This is about upgrading the Rednet, nothing else....

Hmm, there you go aggressive again. Are you the moderator?
 
I AM talking about upgrading RedNet as sharing my experiences with using an LPS on the server, the anology is getting rid if the SMPS had benefits. Also that link you supplied, Core Audio are mega expensive, so a DIY may be better IMO.
 
My mistake, 15V and 5V. Looks like 51v is not used.

 

[Golfnutz]

 
Hmm, there you go aggressive again. Are you the moderator?
 
I AM talking about upgrading RedNet as sharing my experiences with using an LPS on the server, the anology is getting rid if the SMPS had benefits. Also that link you supplied, Core Audio are mega expensive, so a DIY may be better IMO.
 
My mistake, 15V and 5V. Looks like 51v is not used.

You must have missed this...
 
"Without asking this person to do the upgrade, it may be worthwhile for someone (not me) to try and contact this person to get an opinion if upgrading to an ultra low noise/ripple lps/smps is actually worth it, and if there are any issues/challenges involved".

 

[astrostar59]

 
You must have missed this...
 
"Without asking this person to do the upgrade, it may be worthwhile for someone (not me) to try and contact this person to get an opinion if upgrading to an ultra low noise/ripple lps/smps is actually worth it, and if there are any issues/challenges involved".

I believe Core Audio Technology has gone bust. The website is down for months and there are posts all over computer audiophile about failed orders and over priced work.
 
I will wait to see how the posters on here get on with the upgrade. It has risks I realise, re warranty etc but if it sounds better.....