Intriguing.
First observation: this little box from Oehlbach is 50 euro (plus 7 for p&p) very well spent.
Second observation: SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES DO NOT LIKE THE BMU.
Starting off with the well-known 'Slinger configuration' (Tinkerboard -> Wyrd -> Masterclock -> DAC) the sound was interesting but I found it to be a bit anaemic, brittle and with a narrower soundstage than the Wyrd alone. Switching back to just the Wyrd confirmed that.
Cabling used here is Inakustik Excellence from the Tinkerboard, the supplied 15cm Oehlbach link between the 2 regenerators and the AQ Carbon into the DAC.
Feeling a bit let down by the Oehlbach, I swapped things around with that then running before the Wyrd. This was better. It felt like the Schiit unit was happy with the cleaner data stream and was sounding really rich and full. Taking the Oehlbach out of the link actually tightened up the detail a bit.
Starting to wonder if there was something wrong with the XXL Masterclock (or was it a bit of cheap rubbish?). Then I remembered a battle I had had with the Schiit units and their wall-wart power supplies being really unhappy when plugged into the BMU. Shifting the plug of the Masterclock into a non-BMU supply I tried it again.
Things changed .... A lot.
The Oehlbach sprang into life, providing a level of detailed authority which is a definite step above the performance of the Schiit Wyrd (in itself, still a lovely music-maker). Imaging is sharper. Bass deep and well-defined. Bucket loads of fine detail. Musicality to the max.
Putting the Wyrd into the loop ahead of the XXL now slightly degraded the sound, making it warmer but less focussed. This might be down to the quality of the short interlink - I'll be trying things out another time.
So the Wyrd is off. The Oehlbach XXL Masterclock is in place between TB & the Chameleon and I am enjoying some superb sounds.
Con's: bloody bright blue LED on the front of the thing.
Pro's: sounds absolutely amazing for silly money.
Bottom line: get one.
Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
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Re: Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
Upstairs:
VinylPro-Ject 1.2 + Grado Sig Jr + Cambridge Alva Duo
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Little Bear MC2 + AQ NightHawk
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Re: Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
Interesting read, and looking at the Oehlbach website, price reduced from 199 to 49 euros. Very tempted to buy one to go with my newly acquired Topping D30 dac which I will be taking with me when I go abroad. Just a note on the Topping dac, very detailed but simple cannot match my Calyx for music making, not surprising really considering the price difference.
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Re: Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
Well I've pulled the trigger on Oehlback XXL. Will let yo know how I get on when the unit arrives.
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Re: Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
Good move Antonio.
Upstairs:
VinylPro-Ject 1.2 + Grado Sig Jr + Cambridge Alva Duo
DigiVolumio PC + Kiss DP-500 + Sabaj A20d
NVA: Cube2 - SSP - LS6+ Sabaj A10a {x2)
Little Bear MC2 + AQ NightHawk
Downstairs:
VinylLogic DM101 + Syrinx LE1 + Grado Sig MCX
DigiDenafrips Ares II + Volumio PC + Cambridge CXC
NVA: P50 & PSU - BMUAiyima A07 MAX + Arcam One
HP: Allo DigiOne + Sabaj A10d + AQ NightOwl
Office: Allo DigiOne SIG + SMSL M300se + Douk G4 (x2)
Mission 760 + Monolith 887 + German Maestro GMP 450
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Re: Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
That's it! I'm flogging my Oehlbach now EVERYBODY'S getting one.
Amps - NVA P50, AP30, A40, Stanislav Palo Tube Headphone Amp BB 85
Speakers - Monitor Audio Silver RX2
Cables - NVA LS1+LS3, SSC, Gotham S/PDIF, IBRA Optical
Digital - NAD C516BEE, SONY ST-SDB900 DAB TUNER, TEAC UD-H01 DAC
Analogue - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB, Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Phono
Cans - Grado SR80, ATH-M50X
Speakers - Monitor Audio Silver RX2
Cables - NVA LS1+LS3, SSC, Gotham S/PDIF, IBRA Optical
Digital - NAD C516BEE, SONY ST-SDB900 DAB TUNER, TEAC UD-H01 DAC
Analogue - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB, Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Phono
Cans - Grado SR80, ATH-M50X
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Re: Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
Well - you did point out that they were now dirt cheap...
... and we all love a bargain.
Upstairs:
VinylPro-Ject 1.2 + Grado Sig Jr + Cambridge Alva Duo
DigiVolumio PC + Kiss DP-500 + Sabaj A20d
NVA: Cube2 - SSP - LS6+ Sabaj A10a {x2)
Little Bear MC2 + AQ NightHawk
Downstairs:
VinylLogic DM101 + Syrinx LE1 + Grado Sig MCX
DigiDenafrips Ares II + Volumio PC + Cambridge CXC
NVA: P50 & PSU - BMUAiyima A07 MAX + Arcam One
HP: Allo DigiOne + Sabaj A10d + AQ NightOwl
Office: Allo DigiOne SIG + SMSL M300se + Douk G4 (x2)
Mission 760 + Monolith 887 + German Maestro GMP 450
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Re: Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
DOH!
Amps - NVA P50, AP30, A40, Stanislav Palo Tube Headphone Amp BB 85
Speakers - Monitor Audio Silver RX2
Cables - NVA LS1+LS3, SSC, Gotham S/PDIF, IBRA Optical
Digital - NAD C516BEE, SONY ST-SDB900 DAB TUNER, TEAC UD-H01 DAC
Analogue - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB, Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Phono
Cans - Grado SR80, ATH-M50X
Speakers - Monitor Audio Silver RX2
Cables - NVA LS1+LS3, SSC, Gotham S/PDIF, IBRA Optical
Digital - NAD C516BEE, SONY ST-SDB900 DAB TUNER, TEAC UD-H01 DAC
Analogue - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB, Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Phono
Cans - Grado SR80, ATH-M50X
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Re: Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
Seeing as my photo of the XXL Masterclock got lost in the forum upgrade here it is again - along with another one just to get you all green with envy.
Upstairs:
VinylPro-Ject 1.2 + Grado Sig Jr + Cambridge Alva Duo
DigiVolumio PC + Kiss DP-500 + Sabaj A20d
NVA: Cube2 - SSP - LS6+ Sabaj A10a {x2)
Little Bear MC2 + AQ NightHawk
Downstairs:
VinylLogic DM101 + Syrinx LE1 + Grado Sig MCX
DigiDenafrips Ares II + Volumio PC + Cambridge CXC
NVA: P50 & PSU - BMUAiyima A07 MAX + Arcam One
HP: Allo DigiOne + Sabaj A10d + AQ NightOwl
Office: Allo DigiOne SIG + SMSL M300se + Douk G4 (x2)
Mission 760 + Monolith 887 + German Maestro GMP 450
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Re: Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
And as I said in my original reply... You should try some Blu-tak under it. It probably doesn't need the isolation but it will stop the cute little bugger flapping around in the breeze.
Amps - NVA P50, AP30, A40, Stanislav Palo Tube Headphone Amp BB 85
Speakers - Monitor Audio Silver RX2
Cables - NVA LS1+LS3, SSC, Gotham S/PDIF, IBRA Optical
Digital - NAD C516BEE, SONY ST-SDB900 DAB TUNER, TEAC UD-H01 DAC
Analogue - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB, Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Phono
Cans - Grado SR80, ATH-M50X
Speakers - Monitor Audio Silver RX2
Cables - NVA LS1+LS3, SSC, Gotham S/PDIF, IBRA Optical
Digital - NAD C516BEE, SONY ST-SDB900 DAB TUNER, TEAC UD-H01 DAC
Analogue - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB, Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Phono
Cans - Grado SR80, ATH-M50X
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Re: Tinker, Tailor, Streamer, Pi.
Anyone got any more thoughts on the Masterclock XXL . I've just ordered one and just want to know what to expect (-: