[JerryHead]

So, SQ and power from the XLR4 is identical to the 4.4 except it has slightly more bass?

 

[candlejack]

So, SQ and power from the XLR4 is identical to the 4.4 except it has slightly more bass?

 

[PaulMiami]

Recently upgraded from an iPhone with the Apple USB adapter as a USB source for the Sony to a Sonore microRendu with their basic linear power supply. All with Roon as the source. I‘m shocked at how much better the Sony sounds with a really clean USB input.

 

[Umwelt]

Recently upgraded from an iPhone with the Apple USB adapter as a USB source for the Sony to a Sonore microRendu with their basic linear power supply. All with Roon as the source. I‘m shocked at how much better the Sony sounds with a really clean USB input.

iPhones do their own sampling and are overall not good source devices, so that's going to be the bigger factor in comparison to another source device more than connection types. The output is not configurable at all besides basic EQ. Phones in general should be avoided for serious listening.

 

[adrianm]

Recently upgraded from an iPhone with the Apple USB adapter as a USB source for the Sony to a Sonore microRendu with their basic linear power supply. All with Roon as the source. I‘m shocked at how much better the Sony sounds with a really clean USB input.

Have to agree with Unwelt,tested the Ta with a 300 euro node2i vs a 25k naim streamer...a bit better but not much in it.

 

[iFi audio]

Opticals main advantage is that it is electrically seperate between the 2 devices however as I understand it optical can only handle up to 24/96

Those are fair points. I'll also add that oftentimes coaxial S/PDIF connections sound better. Not always by a lot, but the difference is big enough to notice it.

 

[iFi audio]

In my example, I am pretty sure it's not placebo.

I agree with you, it's not

 

[candlejack]

I agree with you, it's not

Time to bust out the proof. I'm sure you guys have sufficient engineering to be able to do that.

 

[Umwelt]

I'll also add that oftentimes coaxial S/PDIF connections sound better.

There is no reason for them (coax vs. optical) to sound different. The SPDIF standard is the same when employed both in coaxial cables with RCA connectors and fiber optic cables with TOSLINK connectors. It's the same protocol and specs for both, so the output will be identical. Practically, the coax cable is vulnerable to interference from ground loops and RF, whereas the optical cable is not. The only advantage the coax cable has is relatively more durability to physical stress, but that's all.

 

[adrianm]

Well problem is when listening to Tidal via SPDIF ,if a high res song comes along i get an error and output is automatically switched.And i shouldn't since the desktop app does the first unfold,up to 24/96,which is the limit.No problem with usb though.

 

[iFi audio]

Time to bust out the proof. I'm sure you guys have sufficient engineering to be able to do that.

What goes through USB cables is an analogue signal, which is a good starting point why it's subject to changes along the road and there's been a lot of talk about it already. But this aside, did you compare any USB cables? If so, did they differ one from another?

There is no reason for them (coax vs. optical) to sound different.

According to the S/PDIF standard there should be no difference, but how various devices interact with each other isn't the same. After quite a few such comparisons at times I noticed no difference at all, but there were cases when coaxial connections were better. Of course that's only my own subjective opinion, you don't have to take my word for it

Cheers,
Rob

 

[Umwelt]

What goes through USB cables is an analogue signal

It's digital.

Of course that's only my own subjective opinion, you don't have to take my word for it

This one isn't a matter of opinion though. Perhaps the difference you noticed is some RF interference from the environment or power lines leaking into your sound, and you happened to like it. Maybe makes it feel more "rich" and "full-bodied" Kinda like what some vinyl lovers say.
But seriously, coax cable can be preferred for logistical reasons in industrial use cases, but for home use optical cables should always be chosen instead.

 

[nc8000]

It's digital.



This one isn't a matter of opinion though. Perhaps the difference you noticed is some RF interference from the environment or power lines leaking into your sound, and you happened to like it. Maybe makes it feel more "rich" and "full-bodied" Kinda like what some vinyl lovers say.
But seriously, coax cable can be preferred for logistical reasons in industrial use cases, but for home use optical cables should always be chosen instead.

It is digital information but while it is in the cable it is an electrical analog signal

 

[Umwelt]

It is digital information but while it is in the cable it is an electrical analog signal

This can be said of all electronics (except the analog part)...
To be clear, that's incorrect.

Misinformation is getting out of hand in this thread!

 

[iFi audio]

It is digital information but while it is in the cable it is an electrical analog signal

Yup

But seriously, coax cable can be preferred for logistical reasons in industrial use cases, but for home use optical cables should always be chosen instead.

Many people with findings similar to mine would argue on this one I'm always up for trying things and seeing what happens. All good though!

Perhaps the difference you noticed is some RF interference from the environment or power lines leaking into your sound, and you happened to like it. Maybe makes it feel more "rich" and "full-bodied"

Whatever this is, it can make a difference to my ears. Sometimes "rich" and "full-bodied" are what a given setup needs. But there are also factors other than those you listed

This can be said of all electronics (except the analog part)...
To be clear, that's incorrect.

What's incorrect about it?

Misinformation is getting out of hand in this thread!

I wouldn't go there just yet, we're exchanging what we know in civilized manner after all