Optical vs Ultra Rendu.

+1 @arafiq 

It looks like the bundle is called the FMC bundle on their website. The price changes automatically when you choose it. I got a $49 extra when I clicked it. You can also choose to get a better power supply, an LPS, which also adds a bit extra to the total price. You do need the FMC bundle unless you already have an optical converter.

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

Your setup would be modem>(via ethernet cable)router>FMC>(via optical cable)OpticalRendu>USB in on dac. OpticalRendu $1500 plus FMC $25 or so, $6 optical cable, plus lps for opticalrendu and FMC (optional lps). Get good power supply for OpticalRendu, best you can afford.

At some point you may want to look into getting a switch rather than going out from relatively noisy router.

@audioman58 -- you don't need two opticalRendus. You can get the opticalRendu bundle (which gives you everything you need to set it up) for under $1700. I'm not sure why you think you need two opticalRendus. I have only one in my system and it is a really good streamer for the price.

Ok Thank you , I take it I need 2 Ethernet cables or 3  from modem to router at least one Ethernet cable then rendu optical to a rj45 Ethernet converter ,then run fiber optic to another optical rendu then Ethernet cable to computer, from computer 

usb cable to dac , plus linear power supplies ,the optical Rendu I thought like 

$1200  each , is this correct ? Total outlay $$ wise around $4 k ,

unless there is a much easier less expensive way .

thanks much Everyone forthe options and assistance ,please letme know the$$ cost ,

@audioman58 -- I have the opticalRendu in my second (home office system). SmallGreenComputers sell a bundle that includes a separate power supply and an FMC bundle -- the cost of the bundle adds an extra $200 I think. My system is setup like this ...

Router >> Switch (which is optional) >> ethernet cable >> media converter >> fiber optics cable >> opticalRendu >> USB >> DAC

The only additional step compared to other streamers is that you insert a fiber-to-ethernet converter in between the streamer and your ethernet connection. It sounds more complicated than it really is. The other option is to buy a network switch that supports fiber optics output.

What I don’t understand is do I need 2 optical Rendu ?

my setup from modem to router ,then long run of WWorld starlight cable 

to uptone Etherregen to AQ Diamond Ethernet cable ,to dedicated Audio computer to Final Touch Audio Callisto usb cable . What’s needed to make the optical rendu work in my system ?

@high-amp No I have not compared them. I've only read about the opticalRendu anecdotally. It seems to garner very high praise, especially against streamers costing much more. I believe this is due to a combination of the fiber optic input and a low noise USB output. I don't have a need for one in my system presently. I am in the process of building a music server that will have a fiber NIC, so in the future I may get one to replace the Raspberry Pi I currently use. Sorry I can't help compare it to the ultraRendu.

I can only compare directly to SOTM SMS200 Neo with two FMC, all powered by lps. OpticalRendu not an insignificant upgrade to that setup, really plays in different league, significantly lower noise floor and far more relaxed presentation. I presume lps used with OpticalRendu important, I use Uptone JS-2.

Sorry, can't help with UltraRendu, but based on a number of impressions from various reviewers OpticalRendu and/or Signature version both improve on some much more expensive streamers. OpticalRendu is really special IMO.

Sonic79 - Thank you for the Explanation. Have you personally heard the difference between these two units?

The difference between the two is in the name: opticalRendu has a fiber optic SFP port while the ultraRendu has an RJ45 ethernet port. Copper ethernet and fiber optic both offer galvanic isolation, making them an ideal connection between digital components. Fiber optic is also immune to EMI & RFI–a characteristic not found over ethernet. This is why many report a lower floor noise after implementing fiber optic.

Unless your server has an SFP port, you will need to use a fiber media converter to convert ethernet to fiber optic and then into the opticalRendu. This adds another device, another power supply, another cable.

@sns recently switched from a SOtM sMS-200 to the opticaRendu. Perhaps he can share his impressions.

arafiq - great feedback, thanks.

By chance, did you happen to compare the Optical to the Ultra?

I had the ultraRendu for a few months before moving up to the opticalRendu. At least in my system, it was a noticeable improvement ... the main benefit is noise floor reduction. With the opticalRendu, I can hear more details emerging from a blacker background. During the same time period, I auditioned Innuos Zen Mini, Lumin D2, and Lumin U1 Mini. I found the opticalRendu to be better than the aforementioned streamers.