Best next upgrade up from microRendu? Go for Ultra or SOtM or a Server or something else?

[fsmithjack]

Hey guys what do you think? What is the next best bang for buck upgrade up from the mircoRednu?

 

- Part of  my system I listed in my signature 

 

- To go with my microRendu I use and already own below. Was wondering if you guys knew of the next best thing I should plug in? I have been thinking UltraRendu but thought you guys might have some nice ideas before I pull the trigger on that. Here is the other stuff that makes my rendu sound so nice.

 

Uptone Audio: JS-2 Linear Power Supply

Uptone Audio: LPS-1 (2 units)

Uptone Audio: ISO Regen and Amber Regen

Tellurium Q Black Diamond USB Cable

Curious Regen Link

Uptone Audio 2 x USPCB A/B Adapters

Breeze Audio 12V Linear Power Supplies (2)

Ghent Audio DC Cables

Audioquest Vodka RJ/E

Cardas Clear RJ/E

Audoquest Forest RJ/E (3)

Netgear GS108 network switch

PS Audio P10 and a half dozen PS Audio Noise Harvesters

HP PC as server w/Roon 1.4 and JRiver MC22, I find JRiver to sound much better and I find PC sounds better than Sonic Transporter but really because JRiver can only be used on  pc and JRiver flat out sounds better.

 

Would love some feedback and idea;s from you guys.

 

Thanks  

 

[hurka]

Tx USB Ultra

[fsmithjack]

Yes I heard that but couldn’t remember exactly. The other person said it’s more money but it is better than the ultra. He said big improvement over ultraRendu.

 

Is that legit? If fine with the more money if it is legit better. Is there something else to go with it?

 

Can I use my ISO Regen and Uptone Power Supplies with it.

 

Would love a bit more feedback please id that is cool?

 

Thanks so much?

 

let me know if something else goes real good with this? Another clock or PS ir cable or something? 

 

Thanks 

[beerandmusic]

10 hours ago, fsmithjack said:

Hey guys what do you think? What is the next best bang for buck upgrade up from the mircoRednu?

 

- Part of  my system I listed in my signature 

 

- To go with my microRendu I use and already own below. Was wondering if you guys knew of the next best thing I should plug in? I have been thinking UltraRendu but thought you guys might have some nice ideas before I pull the trigger on that. Here is the other stuff that makes my rendu sound so nice.

 

Uptone Audio: JS-2 Linear Power Supply

Uptone Audio: LPS-1 (2 units)

Uptone Audio: ISO Regen and Amber Regen

Tellurium Q Black Diamond USB Cable

Curious Regen Link

Uptone Audio 2 x USPCB A/B Adapters

Breeze Audio 12V Linear Power Supplies (2)

Ghent Audio DC Cables

Audioquest Vodka RJ/E

Cardas Clear RJ/E

Audoquest Forest RJ/E (3)

Netgear GS108 network switch

PS Audio P10 and a half dozen PS Audio Noise Harvesters

HP PC as server w/Roon 1.4 and JRiver MC22, I find JRiver to sound much better and I find PC sounds better than Sonic Transporter but really because JRiver can only be used on  pc and JRiver flat out sounds better.

 

Would love some feedback and idea;s from you guys.

 

Thanks  

 

your chain is too long...sell it all and start over.

honest opinion....

 

If i were to start over I would buy the best used streamer/dac in your budget (that you could resell easily, e.g. ps audio, aurendar, auralic or similar) as I suspect major advances in the next year or two.

 

PS, what is your reason for wanting to upgrade?  2016 product of year doesn't cut it anymore?  That should tell you how things are advancing.

[fsmithjack]

Sell my Bricasti? There is no Streamer/DAC all in combo at any price in the world that is better than the Bricasti?

 

or do you mean sell all the stuff I have and get the best streamer to go with my Bricasti? That makes sense and have considered that if that is what you mean and that is a definite idea but my fear is that it won't be any better.

 

If someone say for sure that Aurender N10 is defiantly better than would consider it.

 

I am in cue to have my Bricasti Ethernet media player hard upgrade installed in a few weeks but honestly my microRendu with all the stuff I have sound absolutely fantastic and I already have all the supporting stuff so wanted to try upgrading this and get my Bricasti upgraded. If the Bricasti streamer/DAC is better then I will sell all of this stuff but I am not so sure it will. My system sounds great but want to squeeze out every last drop.  

[fsmithjack]

If I get this tX-USBultra do I still use the ISO Regen or does this replace it? 

[asdf1000]

10 hours ago, fsmithjack said:

Hey guys what do you think? What is the next best bang for buck upgrade up from the mircoRednu?

 

- Part of  my system I listed in my signature 

 

- To go with my microRendu I use and already own below. Was wondering if you guys knew of the next best thing I should plug in? I have been thinking UltraRendu but thought you guys might have some nice ideas before I pull the trigger on that. Here is the other stuff that makes my rendu sound so nice.

 

Uptone Audio: JS-2 Linear Power Supply

Uptone Audio: LPS-1 (2 units)

Uptone Audio: ISO Regen and Amber Regen

Tellurium Q Black Diamond USB Cable

Curious Regen Link

Uptone Audio 2 x USPCB A/B Adapters

Breeze Audio 12V Linear Power Supplies (2)

Ghent Audio DC Cables

Audioquest Vodka RJ/E

Cardas Clear RJ/E

Audoquest Forest RJ/E (3)

Netgear GS108 network switch

PS Audio P10 and a half dozen PS Audio Noise Harvesters

HP PC as server w/Roon 1.4 and JRiver MC22, I find JRiver to sound much better and I find PC sounds better than Sonic Transporter but really because JRiver can only be used on  pc and JRiver flat out sounds better.

 

Would love some feedback and idea;s from you guys.

 

Thanks  

 

 

Hi, I can see the list of your gear and your signature, but what is the actual chain?

 

For example, I don't see in your signature where the 2 Regens fit (although I can guess) but can you share the sequence/path of your chain.

 

Do you have 2 Regens on the microRendu output?

 

Cheers!

 

[beerandmusic]

39 minutes ago, fsmithjack said:

Sell my Bricasti?

 

sorry, didn't see that in the list...i see it now in your signature, but it wasn't on your list...now that i look at your post, i realize how stupid i was for not reading before responding (grin).

[fsmithjack]

Here is my chain - yes 2 regen's and both with their own LPS-1 - prob overkill but owned the amber already when upgraded to the iso regen so use them both. 

 

FiO's Quantum Gateway Router / Breeze 12v LPS > AudioQuest Vodka RJ/E > Netgear GS108 Switch / Uptone JS-2 > Cardas Clear RJ/E > microRendu / Uptone JS-2 > USPSB >  Uptone Regen Amber / Uptone LPS-1 > Tellurium Q Black Diamond USB Cable > Uptone ISO Regen / Uptone LPS-1  > Curios Regenlink > Bricasti M1SE DAC / Verastarr Grand Illusion II PC  > Nordost Baldur XLR IC > Mark Levinson No.326s Preamp / Kubala-Sosna Fascination PC > Cardas Clear Reflection XLR IC > Pass Labs X350.5 Amp / Nordost Heimdall 2 PC > Kubala-Sosna Emotion 2.5m SC > Magico S5 Speakers - Powered by PS Audio P10 Conditioner / Half Dozen PS Audio Noise Harvesters / and latest and greatest Furutech Outlets.

 

 

Server HP PC - HP Pavilion 500-214 Desktop PC AMD A8 6500 3.5 GHz (up to 4.1 GHz turbo) Quad Core, 8GB Memory, 2TB Hard Drive - plugged into PS Audio P10 Conditioner - plugged in`to Netgear GS108 via AudioQuest Forest RJ/E 

 

Running both JRiver MC 22 and Roon Core 1.4 - I find JRiver much better and love JRmote

 

rather than ripping it all down was thinking maybe adding a ultrarendu or that sotm unit and placing it this can i get a bump. thanks 

[beerandmusic]

Now that i see your gear and read your post,

I would consider the INNUOS stuff if you haven't already?

I heard that Austin pop went that way from his SOTM...

 

I know i personally would prefer simpler and maybe that is why Austin went that way...check with him on how he liked his update....he is well respected here and has extensive knowledge and experience with SOTM.

 

 

[firedog]

I think I'm about to order a Bricasti M5 Network Player as an upgrade from my mRendu and LPS-1. I'm surprised you wouldn't try that  (Or the internal card equivalent for your M1) first since you love the M1. I'd guess you'd have a very hard time beating that combo, and it saves you boxes and cables. Sell some of the accessories and they will pay for the Bricasti card.  

BTW, there is supposed to be a review of the M5 posted today at audiostream.com

 

Sorry, I'm skeptical that with so many devices and cables you really are "upgrading" every time you add one in. 

 

The Innuos MKII SE is surely  a fine unit if you want to go to that price level. It has the advantage of also being a server. 

[beerandmusic]

Here is another new product that may be worth checking out...

 

http://www.the-ear.net/review-hardware/fidata-hfas1-s10u-network-server

 

shown at ces 2018

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/ces-2018-robert-harley-on-analog-digital-and-personal-audio/

[LTG2010]

Depends really on what your budget is, agree with whats been previously listed. The microrendu is the week link and lacks resolution - thats what I would replace first with either ultrarendu and sms200 ultra. Both work well with Isoregen, the ultra warmer sounding of the 2.

 

[skatbelt]

I would wait. There is too much going on right now. Products not named already here and to consider are the Signature Rendu SE and the DCS Network Bridge. But as I said, I would wait, I am in the same boat. Did you try to power your MicroRendu with a LPS-1 instead of the JS-2? I found this to be the better sounding option. My LPS-1 is powered by the JS-2.

[ismewor]

I will wait. You have too much stuff, maybe you can simplify a bit.

[fsmithjack]

No there is not too much stuff I just list stuff you guys don’t bother with.

 

Router - Pretty common item most have one of those - gig switch pretty common also - premium power supplies for both - just better than the ones that come with them but you need to power them so why not use clean power?

 

I have a microRendu so that means you will have ISO Regen and premium power supplies and premium cables.

 

The only extra thing is Amber Regen but I already owned it before ISO upgrade so thought why not use it. I can’t tell if it helps or not but it doesn’t hurt. It’s not doing any good the draw that’s for sure? What’s is worth - a hundred bucks?! 

 

My system is really the same same as anyone that would use a microRendu but I just use premium power supplies and nice cables which everyone should use if they can.

 

Nothing complicated about it.

 

Also, that’s funny to say you should wait... lol 

 

 

oh yeah like the tech is all of a sudden going to mature and I’m getting in too early... lol 

 

this stuff is always changing - who cares - just want the best I can for the best price I can - what am I going to do sit home and wait for something to be invented - I assume you guys are just joking on that one. Why buy anything when something tomorrow maybe better comes along  / I’ve never done that in my life and never will. That’s like the old lady putting the plastic on her couch or my buddy who has a beautiful Rolex but keeps in his draw so he doesn’t scratch it. Wear proudly and enjoy it. Ware out that couch and get another one in 5 - 10 years. Have some fun... 

 

I want it and i want it now! I want to enjoy it before I die! I’m not that old but none of know what tomorrow brings. I’m always trying to make rig better. That’s the fun - the music and enjoying it and enjoying the equipment. 

 

Im an Audiogon guy that pops on here once in a while because you guys are usually out in front with this stuff so looking for the scoop. 

 

Is it the ultra or the SoTM or something else.

 

im already in the cue to have my Bricasti upgraded with the built in M5 server upgrade into my M1SE but already own all this Uptone gear so want to try this route also. 

 

I’ll Sell my clean / perfect / 3 month old Rendu non 1.4 with an iFI 9v Supply and AudioQuest Forest RJ/E for $380 and then buy an ultra for $800 so for $420 was wondering if the ultra is worth it or do I spend a few more bucks on something else. 

 

Just wait.... lol. I’m too Audio crazy  for that even if it is good advice  

 

anyone??  - I respect the folks opinions over here with digital.

 

Here is where it’s suppose to be at.

 

Thanks for time and help! 

 

 

[fsmithjack]

For what is it’s worth. My digital floors my analogue and my analogue is decent. It sounds VERY good but always looking to push it.

 

Because my digital beats my analogue I was thinking of flipping my table for Aurender N10 but honestly I’m after the sound. The best sound and don’t care about simplifying anything at the expense of sound quality. 

 

My fear is this current set up will better the Aurender $8000 server so just can’t jump live without a net on that one. Unless I knew it was superior then I’d do it but I don’t know that at all. Anyone here on of those? 

[fsmithjack]

Beerandmusic thanks - I’ll read those tonight! Thanks 

[LTG2010]

26 minutes ago, fsmithjack said:

My fear is this current set up will better the Aurender $8000 server so just can’t jump live without a net on that one. Unless I knew it was superior then I’d do it but I don’t know that at all. Anyone here on of those? 

Replacing the microrendu for the SOTM Ultra will bring a substantial improvement with what you have - no doubt and not a huge amount to spend. The best of what's been listed above is the Innuos zenith SE again it will better what you have. However the SE is reaching the end of it's 100 unit production and there doesn't appear to be plans to extend this. Therefore it can be safely assumed that there is something new on the horizon. It might be worth  few weeks wait and use an Ultra as a stopgap.

[One and a half]

To @fsmithjack, the improvements you seek are not from the pre-amps to the speakers, that's all great, including the Bricasti M1. 

 

Two improvement areas that are on the mind right now:

 

a) Remove the Small green computer i5 away from the audio components on the AC side. This is achieved by use of a Topaz iso transformer, or a run of the mill power conditioner an example, doesn't have to be, one of these. This will keep the SMPS inside the computer away as much as possible from the audio AC.

 

b) While you have a Briscasti M1, they do have an M5, or alternatively the M1 can be fitted with a network card for about $1000 IIRC. I'd bet 90% the Ethernet receiver card used in the M5 is the same as in the M1, the M5 costs $2000, which has it's own linear power supply, box and AES3, Coax S/PDIF connectors, that's where the money goes.This would then allow an ordinary PC that has the files stored to run Roon (recommended) via Ethernet straight into the M1/M5. The reaosn for recommending Roon it is a member partner of Bricasti and detects the M5 or M1 as an endpoints and aligns the protocols, so there's no issue with compatibility, it will work.

More importantly, there's distance between the noise source and the audio components and the music server PC can be anywhere in your home. For best results, there should only be an Ethernet cable between the PC and the M1. 

 

The transmission line is then super simple, Music Server PC -> Ethernet -> M1. One hit, done. No USB signals needed, it's all in the DAC. 

 

Next week I'll be home to commission the M5 and let you know how this works and how it sounds. I do have a quite a few DSD files, Roon can convert using software, and they sound very good indeed. In my case, it's possible to locate the M5 at the computer end and use the existing CAT5 cable with Ethercon connectors over 25m as AES3 and into a 100 Ohm to 75 Ohm transformer, or a Mutec MC-1.1 (optional). DSD is played as 176.4 PCM. I'd rather not use the house network as the switches and routers will just add trash to the signals, the facilities to run direct are there, so why not use them. It may mean some tricky with starting a DHCP server software on a non server PC, but there are ways around this for the computer savvy.

 

Switching to an Aurender will still output USB, and the chain of cables and power supplies are just too complex. The source PC could be fitted with a 'icing on the cake' JCat network card, but for now, perhaps give the M5 a shot or an M1 factory upgrade. 

[asdf1000]

1 hour ago, fsmithjack said:

No there is not too much stuff I just list stuff you guys don’t bother with.

 

 

I agree, especially from the DAC and later, it's a "normal length" chain, if that makes any sense (with very fine quality gear). It's just upstream of the DAC that looks long, on reading.

 

As One and a half points out just above, see if you can demo the network card option for your DAC, in your own system. 

 

If you didn't like the sound of that, the ultraRendu + LPS-1 combination should give a nice uplift compared with your current microRendu + Original REGEN + ISO REGEN

 

[fsmithjack]

Nice - thanks guys - now we’re cooking with gas - great info - thank you 

 

When you say SOtM Ultra is that the ultra 200? Also should I use that SOtM TXUSB Ultra thing also with it? 

 

also - yes I’m getting the Bricasti Ethernet card and with that all that is needed is just Ethernet which might / probably will end the rest of my search but thought because already have a ton invested in supporting infrastructure for rendu type unit / Ethernet in and USB out thought I should at least try to see if I like this option. If so my DAC with Ethernet Card is good to have and will help with resale (not that I’d ever sell it) but also good to keep it up with most modern upgrades.

 

Never heard of those other things and what is a topaz iso transformer? 

 

I have a PS Audio P10 but not sure if those are similar? 

 

I dont even use the Sonic transporter I5 because my PC using JRiver sounds better IMO. 

 

Thanks guys - this is great info.

 

A buddy of mine told me the SOtm new stuff sounds a little better then the new Sonore stuff but I wasn’t sure. 

 

 

[ismewor]

4 minutes ago, fsmithjack said:

When you say SOtM Ultra is that the ultra 200

Yes, it is.

 

6 minutes ago, fsmithjack said:

yes I’m getting the Bricasti Ethernet card and with that all that is needed is just Ethernet which might / probably will end the rest of my search

I had the M1 with the netcard Yes, it is much better than the USB connection. But then you will need a much better switch and router. I use the TCXO router from TLS which make a huge jump in sound quality. (And if you do that you don't need the 200 ultra, but than you need a much better server)

9 minutes ago, fsmithjack said:

I have a PS Audio P10 but not sure if those are similar?

Your P10 is much better than the Furman

5 minutes ago, fsmithjack said:

Also should I use that SOtM TXUSB Ultra thing also with it

It is an improvement from ISORegen

 

[One and a half]

1 hour ago, ismewor said:

Yes, it is.

 

I had the M1 with the netcard Yes, it is much better than the USB connection. But then you will need a much better switch and router. I use the TCXO router from TLS which make a huge jump in sound quality. (And if you do that you don't need the 200 ultra, but than you need a much better server)

Your P10 is much better than the Furman

It is an improvement from ISORegen

 

It may be a misread. The PC needs to be connected to something else, the simple Furman can block the computer (as best as it can). The audio equipment remains as is, on the P10. The P10 is a noise maker since it's an inverter, so it must have heavy filtering to keep it quiet.

[beerandmusic]

4 hours ago, fsmithjack said:

Beerandmusic thanks - I’ll read those tonight! Thanks 

I would pm austin pop directly.

 

He has compared sotm and rendu and has just moved to the INNUOS.  I don't believe anyone here is more respected that would have better insight for you here regarding those 3 products (e.g. rendu, sotm, and innuos).