Audiobyte Hydra Stack: Hydra.Vox + Hydra.Hub + Hydra Zap

[ncampos]

I tried most of these combinations. Currently, I separate the Roon core (fanless NUC PC running Linux and Roon Rock software) from the music files (Synology 4-bay NAS), and use various Roon endpoints (such as the Hub) around the house to stream to DACs and speakers. In theory, Roon Nucleus should probably be a better (and neater) solution for the Roon core, but I could not detect the difference in sound compared to my NUC PC housed inside the Acasa fanless case, so I invested more in DACs (Rockna Wavedream, Holo Audio May) and cables. In my experience, NAS performed poorly as a Roon core, a dedicated NUC PC or Roon Nucleus were much better.

The forthcoming Rockna Wavalight Server promises to combine the streamer and Roon core into one unit, but I am curious about the performance and looking forward to tesitng it. When you read Roon white papers, they clearly recommend separating the core from the streamer for best performance, but maybe this advice is outdated.

Yup. this is the setup that also works for me, a Roon Rock in a NUC, a NAS storing the files, tucked away from listening areas, as endpoints, AudioByte HUB, SMS-200 Ultra, Chord 2Go, with a multitude of DACs.
just to add a bit more gasoline into the fire of the Innuos, Nuc rOck, Roon Nucleus, also check Silent Angel line of music servers and streamers.

 

[rynopr]

I use Wiim Pro into hub with Coax. I2S out to Vox. DSD direct on in Vox. Everything from Amazon Music upsampled to DSD 512.

 

[Arisitizbal]

w/ my ears: USB (from PC) < LAN < SPDIF/AES (w/ SU6 DDC)

w/ FMC (Fiber Media Converter) Mod on LAN its nearly LAN = SPDIF/AES (w/ SU6 DDC).

However chose LAN due to convenience.

hi Mickey, if use the FMC mod, the connection is
HUB->LAN cable->FMC->Fiber cable->second FMC->LAN cable->router/switch.
Is it right?

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Yes! See to it that your FMC has a good power supply (LPS). Lan cable from HUB to FMC as shortest possible.
Cost me around 220Eur with this setup. Explanation for the FMC mod is here.
Saving to buy both of these. A cheap alternative is this (waiting for impressions if it is ok).

 

[Arisitizbal]

OK. so this mod can also solve the issue of song delay?

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Don't know if it was a FW update or the FMC mod. But have haven't experience lag/delay for a time. Using now Roon.

 

[Arisitizbal]

I still have the delay after FW update. May be your mod can really solve this issue.

 

[rynopr]

Mickey does it matter if either the blue or yellow SFP module is connected to the streamer side? Also, your set up list looks like it shows a duplex cable and I think it
should be a simplex cable. It's not a double cable that connects to those SFP modules-correct?

I can't get my firmware to upgrade on either the VOX or the HUB. Both are showing that they need updated, but it just keeps giving an error. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Mickey does it matter if either the blue or yellow SFP module is connected to the streamer side?

Does not matter...On mine the blue goes to the HUB. Yellow from the router.

Also, your set up list looks like it shows a duplex cable and I think it
should be a simplex cable. It's not a double cable that connects to those SFP modules-correct?

Got a duplex cable. I split it in half for Simplex.

I can't get my firmware to upgrade on either the VOX or the HUB. Both are showing that they need updated, but it just keeps giving an error. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

For hub be sure its connected on a LAN and the (i) info menu shows an IP address. When you hit update and says error might be you have the latest update (or none at all).
For comparo:

Mine (HUB) is: 1.05 | 1.04 | 1.07 | 1.30

For the VOX I have:
BULLET
FPGA Ver: 1.53
Control Ver: 2.75
Display Ver: 1.19

HUB
Control Ver: 3.73
Display Ver: 1.07
BT App Ver 1.37

For the VOX FW need to download on their support site: https://support.audiobyte.net/
153_276_119 For FPGA ver 1.41 and lower
154_276_119 If you have FPGA ver 1.42

Once downloaded play bitperfect (no dsp, oversampling or anything) via USB (no DDC or something in between).

 

[rynopr]

Thank you much! I will investigate.

 

[rynopr]

I have an iFi Lan silencer coming this evening. Im going to try plugging that into the HUB and then have the 6in ethernet cable from the fiber converter running into that. Many positive reviews about the noise that it cleans up. Im just thinking that if any noise gets into the 6in mini ethernet jumper after the fiber cable that it could be potentially eliminated. Meaning once it is converted back to the short cooper ethernet connection that maybe there has a chance for noise returning. Anyway, for around $95 US, I thought I’d see if all the positive reviews hold up.

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Got 2 simpler (and much cost less) Delock 62619. Like you placed it (in a series) at the HUB end. Subtle improvement. A forum member suggested it to me too last month.

 

[igniter]

Would like to get users feedback on the quality of the headphone amp. It is neutral / warm / forward etc. Good control, digital vs analogue… thanks

 

[Franco66]

Hello everyone I have turned my Vox + Zap back on after a year and a half due to moving problems.
Now I would like to upgrade it. My FPGA version is 1.41 , Control Ver. 2.72 and Display Ver. 1.19.
I do not have the HUB
I have often read your posts but you will understand that with the DAC in the box there was not much point in delving.
So I kindly ask for some help, thank you
Anyway summarizing:
From the App on the phone with the machines off it asks me if I want to update the Firmware, can I do it from there?
I knew that you have to download the Rar files from the Audiobyte Support Page unzip it and then connect the computer to the Vox USB port and run the file right?
Also what should I install I guess the latest version the one dated 04/29/22 right?
Many doubts...what to do based also on your experience and field trials.
I am waiting for a kind reply, thanks again

 

[igniter]

Would like to get users feedback on the quality of the headphone amp. It is neutral / warm / forward etc. Good control, digital vs analogue… thanks

Any luck on this?