You might consider the Denafrips Gaia that has a USB input and an I2S output. I think it reclocks using a OCXO clock for improved jitter performance.
I also have a N100H and I bought something similiar to the Gaia, a Innuos Phoenix USB reclocker that also has an OCXO clock and a Sean Jacobs linear power supply. The Gaia might have been a better route for me too but at the time, I was using a Bryston BDA-3 DAC that doesn’t have an I2S input. Since then, I sold the Bryston and upgraded to the Holo May KTE. The May has two I2S inputs so I could have benefited from the Gaia I2S output. The Phoenix USB relocker was a nice improvement to the N100H. If I were you, I would look into the Gaia. |
Just to clarify my above post, the Gaia would added to your existing system between the N100H and the Terminator. From my understanding, the Gaia reclocks the USB signal from the N100H and outputs I2S to the Terminator. This should improve the N100H quite a bit since the Gaia uses an OCXO clock. Maybe a Denafrips user that has a Gaia can comment. |
I'll second the Gaia recommendation. Adding this to my Terminator and switching to an i2s connection to the DAC really made a nice improvement in sound quality.
I've since upgraded to the Terminator Plus. |
Thanks for the recommendation on the Gaia. I've seen this on the Denafrips website but felt it would add a layer of complexity that I was looking to avoid. But it seems you're both saying that i2s is the way to go, it's just a case of finding the right compatible hardware. |
The easiest path forward is what @smatsui and @jaytor have suggested.
It allows you to stay with what you know and are comfortable with in the Aurender or if you choose to upgrade your Aurender NH100 in the future.
In my opinion, it does not add a layer of complexity. It is a natural pairing for the Denafrips. It brings overall upsides in sound quality and performance to the table, as well as the ability to optimize around the I2S input into the Terminator. It also gives you flexibility in Input/Outputs that you are, at present, not considering. If I recall correctly, it allows for an external clock should you be interested in adding one. |
Thanks for the inputs above.
I decided to 'tinker' with Roon, setting up Roon server on my Macbook and just getting a feel for its UI and such.
To cut a long story short, I purchased a sonicTransporter i5, ultraRendu, iFi Zen Streamer and an ultraDigital for its i2s connectivity.
The iFi Zen Streamer is a great little unit, tons of features and easy to get up and running. It's going into my office system feeding an Ayre Codex USB Dac.
I'm still playing with the main setup into the Terminator DAC but so far I'm pleased with the results. Yes, it's a bit more complicated than I'd intended, but I think the results are worth it.
I looked hard at the Gaia but didn't want to splash the cash at this point.
The sonicT i5 gives me better options, controlling multiple endpoints etc, which would've been difficult to do via the Aurender and Gaia. I may still add a Gaia at some point down the line.
Just closing the loop here, thanks again y'all.
Rooze |
Musica Pristina A Cappella works great via I2S over HDMI. |
I'm a bit confused - wouldn't / shouldn't the N100 > DAC trump the three new items in the chain going to DAC?
I've never used an aurender product yet, but they do seem appealing and by all accounts offer fantastic SQ?
I myself have a somewhat complex chain, but I would like to try one their products just to see
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@redlenses03 My N100H is out on loan so I can't do a side-by-side just yet, but word has it that the i5, ultraRendu, digitalRendu into i2s is a step or two up from the sound of the N100H. I'm hoping that turns out to be the case. I'm certainly enjoying what I'm hearing so far :)
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@rooze
good to know. I’ve been using an OpticalRendu as an naa for HQP and SQ is pretty damn good.
I’m just curious about the Aurender architecture |
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I recently purchased a Rockna DAC. I am using it with my Roon Nucleus. Looking to upgrade the nucleus. Have been looking at Baetis servers as well as the SGC. The Rockna has the I2S option, but as far as I can tell will only work with the Rockna server. Are there any servers I2S options that are not proprietary?
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@mpomerantz want to upgrade your Roon Nucleus get a Teddy Pardo LPS. Just heard one installed at a dealer and the sonic improvement was startling. Would not have believed it if I hadn't heard it myself. |
@mpomerantz I’m not sure about your DAC but the ultraDigital has dip switches for different i2S configurations, so you might find that yours is viable. It defaults to the PS Audio i2s but supports other options. |
So far I’m hearing a fairly big difference using i2s via the Sonore ultraDigital, most notable is the soundstage moving forward into the room. I prefer a more recessed presentation so I’m not liking this aspect of i2s. But it’s more detailed and a little more dynamic. |
The Terminator sounds best with I2S vs USB but the USB and or I2S cable makes or breaks the deal. I use an Iris between my server and Terminator Plus. I spent more each on the power cord and I2S cable than for the Iris but its all about what you need to do to get it right. The Terminator responds well to I2S cable upgrades. |
@anzaanimalclinic - what I2S cable are you using? I read such mixed opinions on HDMI cables (no different than with any other cable, I guess), that I went cheap and bought an Audioquest, it's a 'Cinamon' I think, but I'd have to check. |
