IamInnocentX3
Head-Fier
Arrived at home. I should've slept more after having lunch as I am not used to camping at the airport overnight. As I was about to sleep, I suddenly thought about testing the desktop setup. I thought to myself, 'It wouldn't take more than 3 minutes to assemble, so Wynaut?' Well, it did, as I need not only to setup the DAC and Amp, but also my laptop. I also need an extension for all these equipment. In case if anyone wondering, here's a picture of my chain. Apologies for the messy wiring.
The chain is simple, connecting the signal into USB-A to B using a port from the laptop into the D300 DAC. From the DAC balanced outputs, I connect it using cheap XLR interconnects into the balanced inputs of the amplifier. Then, from the amplifier, I connect the Serratus into the 4.4mm balanced port of the HO100 Amp. Comparing the setup to the dongle, it is quite tedious to chain altogether. I also have to bring an extension for plugging power supplies into the DAC, Amp and laptop. Using my dongle would be so much simpler as it only uses a USB-C connector. I only have to connect it to the back of my power delivery port, and it would run on its own. The dongle also claims to be using a balanced circuit as well, so what does it differ from my desktop chain?
(You could squeeze the dongle with the Serratus into the case together and you will still have space for some backup foams.)
The power, the sound, and the potential. I wrote that the dongle is good for powering the Serratus. In a way, that is true if you think it is enough, an added bonus if you travel often. Seriously, I would not bring my desktop chain if I were to travel twice a month. I would have to bring two boxes, an extension, cables, and spend more time tidying the wires while setting up the chain. However, if you do not consider the following, then do consider getting a setup that has enough potential for unlocking the Serratus.
What, isn't a dongle good enough? Of course not. It might be if you're cool with what you have. What I said back then going from the Salnotes Zero to the Serratus is like into a whole different league? Now apply that same concept when going from my dongle to my desktop setup. The difference is imminent when comparing both the setups side-by-side. The sound is more defined, well-controlled, sibilant-less, more sweet, more 'realistic'. You have better resolution, imaging, and technicalities with the desktop setup, a whole different matter when A/B-ing the Salnotes on though. On the Zero, you could only sense the desktop chain being "warmer" in the overall presentation, while the dongle presents a brighter or a more detailed while being in-your-face sounding characteristic. On the Zero, I prefer pairing it with the dongle. On the Serratus though, you will not only hear the warmth on the desktop chain, but also the potential of the chain. Sound-wise, it's a no brainer. Get the desktop setup, even though the chain costs 5x more than the dongle itself.
Several examples of differences I experienced so that I can put a better picture into my words. Notes: The knob was dailed around 9 o'clock on high gain while the dongle was powered at 66% of the full volume. I also prefer 44.1kHz on the desktop chain while 48kHz on the dongle.
I'm going to compare the sound using an Electro track 'Renegade'. I always loved the treble of Electronica. The ringing synths occurred in the breakdown during the 1-minute mark marks my sweet spot of the track. This along with the sense of openness makes the track fresh and energetic. While listening with the Dawn, the sound is more mid-range focused, but 'muddier' in terms of the higher frequencies. I could not get the sweetness of the track that mesmerizes me a long time ago. At first, I thought that maybe the track is old, and I should get used to the sound of 'modern electronics'. However, that changed with the desktop chain. After switching and comparing with the dongle, I not only hear the better of technicalities and overall presentation, but the sweetness of the treble back when I used to love the track so much, it's there.
A video game that I got into recently and loved. The catchy and melodious soundtrack of the battle theme, Calling Upon Bravery, is pieced together with many instruments while climaxing unto a euphoria that provides a rush of motivation. Serratus was able to layer the instruments perfectly. With the Dawn, I was able to hear the details of every instrument, but its coldness leaves me unable to enjoy the euphonic part of its progression. My desktop chain not only presents better dynamics (Bass, likely?), but also presents me with a much realistic presence that grasp me to enjoy the piece together as a whole. Now I get why people would describe pieces as if they were present live before them. With the D300 and the HO100, I feel like the Serratus is breathing pieces as if they were presenting live on a stage before me. Oh, and they were also able to bring in the euphonic part of the song, which the little dongle couldn't.
So yeah, my take: Listen to these with a desktop chain. Maybe a FiiO K7, shown to be able to drive power hungry planars, could be my new 'portable' setup, as FiiO shows that it is able to take 12V3A DC, which could very mean that it can be supplied with Power Delivery port from the back of my laptop.
Now it's time for me to recover from my 'lack-of-sleep' camping at the airport. (I realized some things could been written better after I woke up and edited it.)
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