d_elm

MA3 volume bypass vs 100 is just changing the default power up from 60 to 100. I used an EMM NS1 and AES into the MA3. Same sound as ethernet into the MA3.

With an open NAS running Linux (eg your Synology) you can use minimserver for DLNA/UPNP support or run Roon server. I have used both on a QNAP NAS and now am using Roon server. I added an SSD drive to my QNAP with the USB interface for the Roon database. I have since replaced the two HDDs with an SSD as my library is small. The DAC is where the upstream noise either matters or is dealt with. I have a Meitner MA3 streamer/DAC and nothing special upstream from it.

I am using firmware 3.9.20 with a static IP address for the MA3.

I have an MA3 and am most surprised the ethernet receiver and processor are so well implemented I was able to sell my EMM NS1 streamer as I could not determine any difference in sound between Toslink (glass) and Net inputs. Nothing fancy upstream either, ethernet straight in on cat5e from the household switch.

Kal got it right in the third thread post. I can add a few suggestions. For effects in a home theatre system one sub can be used. For two channel music two subs, or more, should be used. It is not likely running full signal to the mains is optimal. Use a low pass/high pass crossover either built in the sub or separate. Experiment with cheap wire and upgrade the wire when you are happy with the setup. The mains can produce cleaner mids if the low bass is moved to the subs. It depends on the crossovers in the mains and the crossover frequency you choose for the sub/mains split. Use a miniDSP Umik-1 or Umik-2 microphone and REW software to decide on the best crossover setup. A final setup cannot be done by ear. The setup takes a few hours when you have experience, longer if none.

I record DSD 128 and use Vinyl Studio to split tracks and convert to 192/24 or 96/24 for playback. Vinyl Studio is also good with pop/tick removal if needed.

From the Ultimate Analog test LP following is a spectrum analysis of Side 1 Track 9, 60 Hz and 4k Hz with 4:1 voltage ratio of the two frequencies. The goal is for the cartridge/arm to playback what was recorded. Here we see 120 Hz, 4k +/- 60 Hz, 8k, 12k. Something going on at 20 Hz related to the length of the I-Beam (I installed a longer I-Beam and 20 Hz went up) on the ET-2 and the resonant frequencies of 9.5 Hz vertical and 4 Hz horizontal. Plot was generated by REW from a recording of the track. I could probably produce the same, or better (I will try it) plot using a PicoTech 4262 scope.

I have the original low pressure manifold and SPP-6GA pump, 3psi I think. Pump is 1 metre below the TT and pump noise measures 30db at 1 metre. Higher pressure is probably better and it would be interesting to have spectrum plots of before and after installation. To get a plot I record a mono track with a Tascam DA-3000 (or equivalent) and then get a spectrum analysis with REW. I can post a plot if there is interest.

The obvious difference in sound is with channel balance. With proper setup of the ET-2 there is no skating force. Hard to say that about a pivoted arm but for a magnetic cartridge skating force causes distortion that may not be noticeable. With the DS optical transducer skating force causes channel imbalance. The Pedersen mods replace the original acrylic with two larger pieces, increase the weight by filling with sand, and replace the three springs with three adjustable O-ring columns and lock the horizontal motion with cord. The result is much better internal vibration handling. In addition my TT is nicely isolated from the room with a wall mount and a Gingko Cloud 11.

Picture of Orbe SE with Gert Pedersen mods, Eminent Technology ET-2 arm, and DS-W2 cartridge.

In the last sentence of my previous post I should have written "skating forces" instead of "shaking forces" and I cannot edit the post. I will post pictures.

I have purchased an Eminent Technology ET-2 tangential tonearm. My plan is to make an armboard from acrylic and mount the board/arm to a modified Michell Orbe SE, modified with Gert Pedersen kits. My interest in the ET-2 is for the lack of needle skating with a tangential arm. I need this because the cartridge I am using, DS Audio W2, shows shaking forces as channel imbalance.

Keep in mind the optical transducer cartridges from DS audio. The entry level E1, with their equalizer, is money but not too much to exclude consideration. There are many good reviews. https://www.ds-audio-w.biz/ds-e1-【new】/

In September 2020 I switched from a moving iron cartridge to a DS-W2, optical transducer, cartridge from DS Audio, https://www.ds-audio-w.biz/ A different type of phono stage is required and I am using an EMM Labs DS-EQ1. There is a less expensive cartridge, DS-E1, and future equalizers will be less expensive. Hi-Fi News has been following the development of DS Audios cartridges for a few years. Optical cartridges were developed about 40 years ago but heat from the light source ruined the elastomer in the cartridge. Now with LED source the heat problem is solved.

Stephen, an excellent device to record LP, or any source, is the Tascam DA-3000. I record DSD128 to memory card, edit with Vinyl Studio Pro, and output 192/24 for playback.