HiFi Subjectivist ¦ Audio Forum ¦ NVA User Group

George Hincapie wrote: ↑Mon Jul 24, 2017 11:46 am Also, I forgot to add that I have found a super high quality USB cable that looks like a Curious USB but is 1/10th the cost. I should have it this week, so I'll post and let you know. If you'd like to look then Google 'Ghent Audio U01 JSSG'.

Just an update on this cable. I've had it for a few days now and it compares really well with the Supra USB that Fretless kindly mailed me to trial. Not sure how the cost compares, but I think both are reasonable and good choices; the presentation is different with each though, so it's a personal taste thing.

The Schiit PYST is a good cable, but not as good as the options above.

George Hincapie wrote: ↑Fri Aug 04, 2017 12:00 pm Just an update on this cable. I've had it for a few days now and it compares really well with the Supra USB that Fretless kindly mailed me to trial. Not sure how the cost compares,

The Supra USB is about 40 pounds for a 2m length in the UK.

Fretless wrote: ↑Fri Aug 04, 2017 1:34 pmThe Supra USB is about 40 pounds for a 2m length in the UK.

I think the Ghent Audio U01 JSSG is around $35 for 1M, so not hugely more.

The Supra USB cable is built like a tank - very thick with excellent shielding and solid mouldings around gold-plated plugs. It came in to replace an AudioQuest Cinnamon which cost about 2x as much. I found the sound of the Supra to be fuller, richer and more detailed than the AQ Cinnamon.

It does have a very nice presentation.

At long last Volumio have made the necessary adjustments in kernel processing to apply support for the HifiBerry Digi+ PRO board, which has separate clocking chips for 44.1 and 48 KHz data streams. The latest update is a two-part affair needing a preparatory reboot before the main update can be loaded.

Having had Moode on this player for a while, I can hear an immediate and dramatic improvement in SQ now that Volumio is installed. Crisper reproduction with improved soundstage, a more vivid and vital presentation of instruments and voices which are completely free of the speakers. Finally an OS which appears to take full advantage of the newest Hifiberry board, revealing what it is capable of.

did I say 'dramatic'? Oh yes !

Fretless,

I have to say that now I've tried Roon using both the HiFiBerry Dac+ Pro and Digi+ Pro boards, the idea of losing that level of refinement, functionality and ease of use just doesn't appeal.

If you'd like to try Roon with your set up, please send me a PM and I'll send you my login credentials. At least that way you could make a comparison over the weekend and I am always interested in your thoughts.

I am thinking about buying the TauDAC with the Lundahl output stage; the designer has just got in touch to let me know the output stage is now available. It's a lot of money for two Pi HATs, but if the quality is anything close to expectation then it ought to be superb.

Can't see a price for the TauDac. Have you got one?

TauDAC-DM101: 399 Euro
TauOUT-TP101: 249 Euro
32GB SD card with Volumio, Raspbian, Diet Pi & Roon оr piCorePlayer, configured for TauDAC: 20 Euro

So £650. Add £200 for a SBooster and it isn't cheap. But, it is a lot cheaper than the alternatives. Let's see if the performance matches the price. I have bought all of it; have 2 weeks to trial it or return for full refund.

Can't say fairer than that.

Thanks to George H. for allowing me access to Roon for test purposes.
Hope to be able to give it a try sometime in the coming week.