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

[occamsrazor]

  I meant to say I have it connected directly from an Intel PCI-E NIC in my computer to the RN3, with the CAT6A cable that came with it.

 
Just a suggestion, but have you tried it WITH a switch?

 

[Albrecht]

  Are you on his email group list?
 

 
Yep.
 
Never been to Port Townsend & will likely spend 10 days traveling around with the GF as she finishes up Grad-School in Sept.
 
Likely won't have time though to visit Jason for more than a cup of coffee or something....
 
Cheers,

 

[lateboomer]

 
I use their 'Self Powered BCS' with Teflon plugs in my office system for my tuner and phono preamp.  The Cerious Tech Graphene Extreme IC's for the Digital there (they're better then the SP BCS Aurals - but not nearly as good as the tube BCS Aurals).
 
I'll share some of my other stuff later.
 
Cheers!

Cool and thank you! Really an eye opener that you are so hard-core in pushing the SQ envelop. The website says you can do interconnect rolling with BCS Aurals. Do you use their Big Boss interconnects or your own ones? Because of active shield, does it rob away a little bit of airiness or ambient cues from the music which gives you the black background feeling?

 

[rb2013]

Rb2013,

Did you ever get the specifics on the copper tubing you purchased?

Length, diameter, item number, did you buy it pre-cut or did you have to cut out yourself?

Thanks.

Joel

I found it - Lowes 1.5" by 2.25".  I like to use some fine sandpaper on the edge if it has any bur left.
 
The 1.5" fits over all my power cords with a nice lose - but not to lose fit.

 

[rb2013]

   
Yep.
 
Never been to Port Townsend & will likely spend 10 days traveling around with the GF as she finishes up Grad-School in Sept.
 
Likely won't have time though to visit Jason for more than a cup of coffee or something....
 
Cheers,

One of my favorite NW towns.  You can visit so many great water front parks nearby as well.  Fort Worden State Park is great.

 

[somestranger26]

  Just a suggestion, but have you tried it WITH a switch?

Yes I had the same problem.
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by rb2013 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
i set the F2k buffer to 50ms the lowest setting with out any issues at all.  Not a single pop or click.  Are you using AO or FO?

I don't use any of those tweaking softwares. I manually disabled non-essential services on my computer but reactivated to isolate the root cause.

By the way, I bought a couple of those Graphene Extreme power cables as I was finally able to get a hold of Mr. Grost to get them at a sale price. Did you say there was no difference with upgraded power cable on your RN3, or the difference is just smaller than on the Mutec?

 

[rb2013]

  Cool and thank you! Really an eye opener that you are so hard-core in pushing the SQ envelop. The website says you can do interconnect rolling with BCS Aurals. Do you use their Big Boss interconnects or your own ones? Because of active shield, does it rob away a little bit of airiness or ambient cues from the music which gives you the black background feeling?

It comes with the IC - that have the power lines attached.  I don't think it would work with normal IC's.  Yes the Big Boss with the silver teflon plugs.
 
You can see them in the picture:

 
Those small wires connect up to the tube box - not the IC itself.
 
I think he was referring to the Teflon/Silver plugs - that you can buy separate to reterminate your existing IC's
 
 
 
Check this tube active shield unit by Synergistic Research called the Enigma - never heard it - but looks so cool!
 
$6000 no cables- those are extra.

 

[rb2013]

My Speaker cables are the same kinda deal - went through Nordost Valhalla (and SPM), SR Tesla Apex, etc...
 
Using these, they combine the best of the Valhalla and the best of the Tesla, and add just an amazing flow factor I've not heard from any other speaker cable.
 
Tellurium Q Ultra Black in the main system and the Black in the Office (the reg Black are a great bargain).  Funny tried their IC's  - was not impressed.
 
They're from the UK - I almost signed a US distribution agreement with them - great guys!  Well deserving rave reviews on the Ultra's speaker cables.
 
http://hifiheaven.net/shop/Tellurium-Q-Ultra-Black-Speaker-Cables-2m?language=en&currency=USD&gclid=CjwKEAjw7qi7BRCvsr3N58GvsTkSJAA3UzLv2kxEX2XMxK7IrRbJr-_AY4s5Hj8nE-wqeEfSoIh6cRoCHMPw_wcB
 

http://forums.naimaudio.com/topic/tellurium-ultra-black-speaker-cable---a-financial-health-warning?reply=1566878604226912
 
Quote:

Tellurium Ultra-Black speaker cable - a financial health warning!
 
 

Members - the Hi-Fi+ review on this stuff is accurate - don't listen to it!​

​

​

OK it's stupidly priced but having had a dem sample for a couple of days, it's the biggest value upgrade I've ever come across (better than adding PS's to kit by some way).​

​

​

The noise floor is so low in relative terms and the spaciality and detailing coming through is something else, plus it doesn't lack the PRaT we all love nor does it bloat the bass like many high-end cables I've tried.​

 

[rb2013]

  The discussion over here has turned to AOIP. AOIP is taking over!!
 
 
http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?20768-I-m-Not-Gonna-Tell-How-Great-My-MicroRendu-plus-Sonore-Signature-Power-Supply-Sounds!/page9

Nice!  I found the other link you posted fascinating.  Thanks

 

[Iving]

Update on the D16 AES > spdif/coax > Yggy story (http://www.head-fi.org/t/806827/audio-over-ip-rednet-3-16-review-aes67-sets-a-new-standard-for-computer-audio/555#post_12668123) ...
As of a few hours ago, we had no known cases of successful RedNet > spdif/coax > Schitt except for a Gungnir BNC input reported to be working (not a resolution of my problem - both the Gungnir and Yggdrasil have RCA/Phono and BNC inputs - it is the Phono input on my unit that doesn't work). There may be other success reports in the pipeline. We have one known failure apart from mine (and very like it it seems): http://www.head-fi.org/t/806827/audio-over-ip-rednet-3-16-review-aes67-sets-a-new-standard-for-computer-audio/555#post_12668224. The finger of possible fault points at the Yggy - whether as a species (until we get reports of success) or my particular unit - also because (other things equal) a Cambridge DAC works fine in its place. On the other hand - the finger points at the D16 because: 1) it didn't work with the Linn DAC which works fine with a Gustard U12; and, 2) it doesn't work with the Yggy. My cable works in lots of scenarios and, with live telephone Focusrite support, I tried two other cables with same results.
Stop Press
Mark Dolbear at Electromod very co-operatively dropped off an Yggy at Focusrite UK this morning (both are in the same town - High Wycombe). The Yggy performed with flying colours - working perfectly with a D16 AES - including responding to changes in SR etc. Focusrite conducted a range of electrical tests which confirmed that the Yggy is actually very input-tolerant. So we are nowhere nearer understanding why *my particular* brand new Yggy will not detect *my particular* brand new D16 AES via spdif/coax/Phono.
Demonstrating stellar customer service, Will Kent at Focusrite offered to take my two units - along with the enigma lying between them (and also my digital cable) - back to HQ for tests parallel to those successful ones just reported for Mark's Yggy. The courier was arranged within minutes! and the Yggy and D16 are en route now. The earliest I may hear the results is Friday - but could be early next week depending on the availability of engineering time at Focusrite. If somehow the Yggy I bought only hours ago it seems is, after all, exactly as it should be on leaving the factory and requires no remedial attention - then I shall welcome its return - use AES - but have the satisfaction of knowing that it is otherwise just as it ought to be - for example if I ever wanted to sell it. Otherwise I presume I am faced with lengthy waits for repair or replacement - and I don't relish that outcome on several grounds - including the prospect of owning a fettled DAC + tbh a little part of my buying decision was to have an Yggy now rather than wait a few weeks - and even then with no real certainty about timescale - for a Gungnir. So we shall see what Will says in the next few days. He has confirmed that if the D16 AES is faulty they will simply replace it. Of course it may just be something we have all (OK, I!) have overlooked.
I'm aware that this may simply turn into a consumer issue for me personally - what an ordeal it's been getting on board the good ship RedNet! I posted the behaviour issue in case there lurks after all some RedNet/DAC (or Schitt in particular) compatibility problem that could affect others (as well as help with the detective work on my issue). I guess Soundsgoodtome and gefski will be interested to hear the lab outcome on my own recent purchases. I have to say I am struck by the bespoke attention Mark and Will have afforded me. Whilst I have spent £3,000 across both, part of my untold story has been far more "lump it or return it" at best.

 

[Albrecht]

 
One of my favorite NW towns.  You can visit so many great water front parks nearby as well.  Fort Worden State Park is great.

Awesome...  Thank you

 

[rb2013]

  I don't use any of those tweaking softwares. I manually disabled non-essential services on my computer but reactivated to isolate the root cause.

By the way, I bought a couple of those Graphene Extreme power cables as I was finally able to get a hold of Mr. Grost to get them at a sale price. Did you say there was no difference with upgraded power cable on your RN3, or the difference is just smaller than on the Mutec?

I moved the Cerious Graphene (Red) from the RN to the Mutec and noted an improved SQ.  Not earth shaking but better - notably the depth of the image increased.
 
The story on those is Cerious Technology ran a Christmas Black Friday special on these interesting cables - normally $500 - $250 on 'sale'.  Anyway did a little research (their previous version was well reviewed) and bought them.
 
When I used it to power my DAC - I was very impressed!  It's by far the best PC I have heard.  And I have rolled through so many I lost count.  Nordost Valhalla, SR Tesla, yatta-yatta...
These for the money are a real audio bargain.
 
I bought a third!  He was so kind to honor his Xmas price of $250.  I posted my experience on my old Gustard thread and his was slammed with orders - it became impossible to reach him!
 
Anyway they are great  - I only have the low current RED version - there is a high current BLUE version I have not tried.
http://www.cerioustechnologies.com/cables/lcHome.html
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/interconnects-cerious-technologies-graphene-extreme-1m-interconnect-2015-06-04-cables-85382-peoria-az
 
Since then I have tried their RCA SPDIF Digital - not as good as the AS Statement -sent it back to him.  Tried the Graphene ICs they were pretty good - not in the same league as the AT BCS Tube - I used them in my office system.  He had a great deal going on them.

 

[rb2013]

 
Update on the D16 AES > spdif/coax > Yggy story (http://www.head-fi.org/t/806827/audio-over-ip-rednet-3-16-review-aes67-sets-a-new-standard-for-computer-audio/555#post_12668123) ...
As of a few hours ago, we had no known cases of successful RedNet > spdif/coax > Schitt except for a Gungnir BNC input reported to be working (not a resolution of my problem - both the Gungnir and Yggdrasil have RCA/Phono and BNC inputs - it is the Phono input on my unit that doesn't work). There may be other success reports in the pipeline. We have one known failure apart from mine (and very like it it seems): http://www.head-fi.org/t/806827/audio-over-ip-rednet-3-16-review-aes67-sets-a-new-standard-for-computer-audio/555#post_12668224. The finger of possible fault points at the Yggy - whether as a species (until we get reports of success) or my particular unit - also because (other things equal) a Cambridge DAC works fine in its place. On the other hand - the finger points at the D16 because: 1) it didn't work with the Linn DAC which works fine with a Gustard U12; and, 2) it doesn't work with the Yggy. My cable works in lots of scenarios and, with live telephone Focusrite support, I tried two other cables with same results.
Stop Press
Mark Dolbear at Electromod very co-operatively dropped off an Yggy at Focusrite UK this morning (both are in the same town - High Wycombe). The Yggy performed with flying colours - working perfectly with a D16 AES - including responding to changes in SR etc. Focusrite conducted a range of electrical tests which confirmed that the Yggy is actually very input-tolerant. So we are nowhere nearer understanding why *my particular* brand new Yggy will not detect *my particular* brand new D16 AES via spdif/coax/Phono.
Demonstrating stellar customer service, Will Kent at Focusrite offered to take my two units - along with the enigma lying between them (and also my digital cable) - back to HQ for tests parallel to those successful ones just reported for Mark's Yggy. The courier was arranged within minutes! and the Yggy and D16 are en route now. The earliest I may hear the results is Friday - but could be early next week depending on the availability of engineering time at Focusrite. If somehow the Yggy I bought only hours ago it seems is, after all, exactly as it should be on leaving the factory and requires no remedial attention - then I shall welcome its return - use AES - but have the satisfaction of knowing that it is otherwise just as it ought to be - for example if I ever wanted to sell it. Otherwise I presume I am faced with lengthy waits for repair or replacement - and I don't relish that outcome on several grounds - including the prospect of owning a fettled DAC + tbh a little part of my buying decision was to have an Yggy now rather than wait a few weeks - and even then with no real certainty about timescale - for a Gungnir. So we shall see what Will says in the next few days. He has confirmed that if the D16 AES is faulty they will simply replace it. Of course it may just be something we have all (OK, I!) have overlooked.
I'm aware that this may simply turn into a consumer issue for me personally - what an ordeal it's been getting on board the good ship RedNet! I posted the behaviour issue in case there lurks after all some RedNet/DAC (or Schitt in particular) compatibility problem that could affect others (as well as help with the detective work on my issue). I guess Soundsgoodtome and gefski will be interested to hear the lab outcome on my own recent purchases. I have to say I am struck by the bespoke attention Mark and Will have afforded me. Whilst I have spent £3,000 across both, part of my untold story has been far more "lump it or return it" at best.

What a bummer - good luck in getting that resolved.  At least they are working to resolve that. 

 

[rb2013]

Well I dropped the hammer on one of these Audience Au24se digital cables - good deal on Audiogon.
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue72/audience_au24se.htm
 
 
It was between that one and this

 
Almost went for the Valhalla - so sweet - but another grand?
 
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/digital-nordost-valhalla-1-5-meter-digital-cable-75-ohm-bnc-rca-new-sealed-2016-05-26-cables-33487-highland-beach-fl

 

[somestranger26]

  I moved the Cerious Graphene (Red) from the RN to the Mutec and noted an improved SQ.  Not earth shaking but better - notably the depth of the image increased.
 
The story on those is Cerious Technology ran a Christmas Black Friday special on these interesting cables - normally $500 - $250 on 'sale'.  Anyway did a little research (their previous version was well reviewed) and bought them.

I know you said it's more noticeable with the RN, but do you notice a difference with a cheapo vs cerious on the RN alone?
 
In addition to the blue there's also a yellow "power conditioner optimized" which I purchased to use with my power regenerator. I'll put the red one on the DAC or the RN probably.
 
Also, I came across this interesting post in the CA thread that was linked. Could the SU-1 be a cheaper alternative to the Mutec for reclocking?
 
 

On another forum (not head-fi!) someone compared it against USB with the new xmos chip (f-1) and could not really find an improvement. He ended up returning the RedNet.

I would not jump to conclusions at this point.



There is a desktop version of the f-1 with AES [He is referring to the Singxer SU-1] and some folks seem to think it does better job than the Mutec 3+ USB as a re-clocker. Its getting rather confusing with myriad of choices....