Optical vs Ultra Rendu.


Is it worth the $696 more to go with the optical Rendu:

https://www.smallgreencomputer.com/collections/recommended-solutions/products/systemoptique-server-player-combo-sonictransporter-i5-or-i7-cdr-opticalrendu-4-port-gigabit-switch-with-fiber-port-and-power-supplies

Over the standard (ethernet connected) ultra Rendu:

https://www.smallgreencomputer.com/collections/audio-server/products/premier-server-player-combo-sonictransporter-i5-ultrarendu-7v-linear-power-supply

Has anybody compared these units, is there a notable difference in sound quality between these two?  Both still connect to the DAC via USB. 

high-amp

Showing 5 responses by jjss49

@high-amp

i will pinch hit for @soix

fiber media converter set (a pair is needed) - this is similar to what andrew at sgc has bundled

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099JF9KJD/ref=sspa_dk_hqp_detail_aax_0?spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyUzRVN1dSQkpONUhLJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDYzNTAyM04xQVcyWEZVMlBLWiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjQwNjg3M1ZTN0ExVVJZS0MwSCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2hxcF9zaGFyZWQmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl&th=1

then get a short run of optical cable:

https://www.amazon.com/Fiber-Patch-Cable-Multimode-Duplex/dp/B07GVQ27RK/ref=pd_bxgy_sccl_1/143-3778166-2126639?pd_rd_w=SHx0x&pf_rd_p=6b3eefea-7b16-43e9-bc45-2e332cbf99da&pf_rd_r=46VSZ0146CSJXXYC77GF&pd_rd_r=da4254af-b6b7-47d7-b7e0-98c5411d2312&pd_rd_wg=BiRN5&pd_rd_i=B07GVQ27RK&psc=1

then you should use a filtered 5v dc power supply for the receiving side of the optical pair (don’t re-introduce switch mode ps noise back in on the receiving end)

https://www.amazon.com/iFi-SilentPower-iPower2-Upgrade-Electronics/dp/B08Y59FXDZ/ref=sr_1_7_sspa?crid=3HFH9WYWYQ9AD&keywords=5v+linear+power+supply&qid=1648829780&s=electronics&sprefix=5v+linear+%2Celectronics%2C152&sr=1-7-spons&psc=1&smid=A2H1DLE1VLYNIR&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyTEpPRVVXOFVQU1pHJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjI3MTAwVUNKSVRMSkpUNzRUJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4NzQ0MzgxN1FKNFUxWktLUTBPJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

or better yet - this...

https://www.amazon.com/Audiophile-Desktop-Adapter-Regulate-Raspberry/dp/B07T44S4MV/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3HFH9WYWYQ9AD&keywords=5v+linear+power+supply&qid=1648829871&s=electronics&sprefix=5v+linear+%2Celectronics%2C152&sr=1-4

the central idea of the optical rendu is to convert the audio signal into optical and then back to electrical just before sending it to the dac, such that any electrical noise on the ethernet fed electrical line is left behind

so of course, using any properly functioning fiber media converter to do the job will accomplish the objective

of course it is then key, on the receiving end of the signal that there be very quiet, noiseless power supplies used, so that new noise from such things as switch mode power supplies are then re-introduced into the music bearing signal

imho the upgrade to the optical rendu is definitely worth it, it is a noticeable improvement in my system, to my ears

But, if you purchase and Optical Rendu you wouldn’t need these media converters as the Rendu is already optical. Am I reading this right?

yes, think of the optical rendu as a regular rendu streamer with an optical converter already built in