Streaming via Ethernet to QX-5 or USB to DX-5
 

I've concluded that the sound quality from streaming via Ethernet to my QX-5 Twenty is essential equivalent to USB to my DX-5 DSD, both superb.

In my case, the iMac that runs Roon bridge is within 16' of the DX-5 DSD, so I plan to use USB to the DX-5 DSD and move the QX-5 to another setup where it will replace a microRendu and Ayre Codex. Setup 1 will be DX-5 DSD, KX-5 Twenty preamp, KV-5 Twenty amp, and KEF Reference 1s supplemented by Velodyne HGS-15s; setup 2 will be QX-5 Twenty digital hub, C-5xeMP disc player, A7e integrated amp, and KEF LS50s.

db

So...help me to understand.

You're planning to run a 16' long USB cable directly from your iMac to your DX-5 DSD?

Less than 16' given that 16' is the recommended maximum. Why, do you think 16' is too long for a USB cable?

Actually, my question was more around whether you plan to connect the USB cable directly to your iMac.

I was thinking of connecting the USB cable directly from the iMac to the DX-5 DSD, as I had previously. Now I'm wondering if it might be preferable to connect USB from a microRendu or ultraRendu that's on the Ethernet. If I replace the microRendu/Codex with the QX-5 in the living room, I can try that microRendu with the DX-5. Some argue that a microRendu is a better source for audio USB than a Mac, that an ultraRendu is even better, and that an ultraRendu with UpTone LS-1 is best. As I recall, I was impressed with the sound of the direct iMac to DX-5 connection.

Puma Cat,

I think I'm buying a Senore ultraRendu from a seller in Canada that will deliver USB to my Ayre DX-5 DSD. I'll be using a Channel Island Audio power supply. Would it be worth adding an UpTone LPS-1.2?

db

Hey db,
Sounds like a good idea. As for the Uptone LPS-1.2, yes absolutely. Its GREAT.

Thanks, Puma Cat. I bought the ultraRendu. Next I'll check out the LPS 1.2.

db

The key thing about the LPS-1.2 is that it will not transfer high-impedance leakage currents to your streamer and on to the DAC that result in increased clock phase noise. The impact of removing this is clearly audible.

Thanks, Puma Cat. Is an LPS-1.2 the only power supply I'd need for the ultraRendu? That is, would it replace the CIA power supply I now use?

db