cchang

"Ultracapacitors (often called supercapacitors).........they have never been designed as the heart of an external DC power supply for audio components as we have done with the UltraCap LPS-1." Sorry but i don't think the above statement is correct. Audiobyte Hydra ZPM is a DC supply which is released 2015. "The Hydra ZPM makes a step further, letting behind the Hydra X concept, which was battery powered. Instead, ZPM is using a ultracapacitor bank consisting of 2 x 310 Farads (1 Farad equals 1.000.000 uF) which will provide lower internal resistance and longer life and reliability, compared to a battery solution." source: Hydra ZPM | Audiobyte Desclaimer: I once owned Audiobyte ZPM, Uptone Regen & Uptone micro Rendu as well. Nevertheless, I'm tempted to buy a Uptone LPS-1 given the price tag $395. I believe it is a very high C/P value DC solution.

X2 I own a Rockna WDN but a pure disc transport version (pair with Rockna WD Signature dac via I2S overHDMI). My uRendu has arrived but I am away from home on business trip for two weeks. And I need more input for composing a setup to best utilise the uRendu.

Having a Sonore microRendu on the road & a HQPlayer Mac/Linux license, what will be a best sonic set up then?

I've my new Wavedream Signature on backorder. Hopefully it would arrive by coming Jan. BTW, the media server Wavedream NET is released. Initial impression at dealer is promising. Both CD & file replay via I2S are very good sounding.

Yes, I wish I could afford the Transport. I simply find the HZ combo (HZ & H ZPM) a better home then.

Feeding the Rockna Wavedream via I2S by Hydra Z is much more enjoyable sonically than via USB from same "source". The "source" is a Macbook equipped various software players like HQplayer, Audirvana + an Uptone Regen Amber. USB cable where applied is a Light Harmonic 10GHz. But I eventually manage to use solid usb adaptor all the ways.

Hi there, MB>USB solid adaptor>REGEN>USB solid adaptor>Audiobyte Hydra Z>HDMI cable (by Mapleshade)>Rockna Wavedream Balanced.

So many people have reported very positive findings and I am not exception. The Regen Amber is a steal. My system : MacBook > Regen > Audiobyte Hydra Z (ouput I2S over HDMI)> DAC. Both MacBook & Regen are powered by original SMPS with DC filter insert.

Oh really. It seems we come from different planets then. I wish I could telling more about an audition under a same system consist of MSB Platinum DAC IV plus. The system owner turn out in favour the visitor Rockna Wavedream more.

Hi there, I own a balanced version and I love it.

correction: "The Lightspeed power leg is in fact idle."

I second to kennyb123 findings on LS. It sounds a bit thin in vocal for the 1st 10 hours. But it becomes full enough upon 30 hours service. Most important the vocal is most accurate, natural & clear ever in my system. No mention the well layering of vocal and the band sound playing behind. Just a change of the USB cable. My previous own were Black Cat and Acoustic Revive. Mine LS is a split version and my DAC equips a self-powered USB port. Only the signal leg is connected. the power leg is idle. Might it help to the sonic quality.

Mine Lightspeed is a split one in 1.5m length. It sound very good fresh from box and it wins my pre-owned $150/1m usb cable hands down. And now it improves further in 20 hrs service time. I just wonder what would it achieve by 200 hrs time. BTW, my DAC equips a self-power USB input. The Lightspeed power leg is in fact abundant. Much appreciate if there is a pure signal version Lightspeed at a lower price tag.

Good News! I'm tempted to move out from Mac based CAS. Quality of USB cable is significant but is at high cost.