ginetto61
1000+ Head-Fier
I know this thread has detoured a bit into a modding one, but I hope I can ask some of the folks who own the U12 or Melodious if they think it might be beneficial when fronting a Matrix X-sabre dac?
Hi very difficult question. I can only say that i have both and i think the Melodious is better. I should keep just one i would keep the Melodious, more expensive.
IMHO they have both margins of improvements, especially regarding mains filtering.
My current setup has a power leg less USB cable direct from mac mini to usb input on the Matrix. Sound is best with this bespoke USB cable with no power.
Could you tell me a little more about this cable ? have you bought it or made it yourself ?
I see that a usb cable has: screen, data + and - , Vcc and ground. In your cable only the data wires are connected or also the screen ?
Unfortunately many usb dacs still rely on power from the pc to work. While even my cat knows how dirty is pc power.
With some dirty and other very very dirty ... and also weak in terms of availbale current.
This is quite bizzarre for me. It should be one of the main requirements when designig a usb interface.
I tried a Schiit Wyrd with wireworld usb to computer and same powerless usb cable going into the X-sabre. Not as good as the first scenario with direct powerless usb.
I also tried an Audiophileo 2 with wireworld usb and very good spdif coax to the x-sabre. I could not reliably detect any preference compared to the regular usb powered input on the x-sabre.
Given these observations, would anyone have any other or similar experience that might highlight the u12 as a possible sound quality improvement with the Matrix?
as i said you should try and listen. If you test the U12 you should use also a usb power supply (like the Wyrd) because the unit does not provide usb isolation by itself ...
and i would use the AES/EBU out from the U12.
It could be that the DD conversion of the U12 is better than the one inside the X-sabre. But you will never know unless you try.
With the right recordings and a decent system you should be able to hear some differences and then the choice is up to you.
Good luck !
Bye, gino