Hello MSB folks,
Doing some research on streamers and notice several reports that the way Aurender implements their AES/EBU output results in better performance than through USB. The question I have is for any MSB owners who own an Aurender N20 or higher: Have you tried both AES/EBU and USB/ISL fiber and found AES to be better? I find it hard to believe, but I want to hear from anyone who has any experience on this topic.
Thank you!
Hello Hubbman,
The N20 and above (and the older W series) allow MSB’s word sync output to be sent to Aurender’s word sync input by adding a BNC digital cable This allows MSB’s Femto clock to be synchronous with Aurender’s play back. There is a setting in the Aurender to accept the word clock input.
Beyond my own experience I tend to repeat what I hear from customers over and over. Customers in the US using the XLR connection with BNC word sync 100% prefer this connection compared to the USB. There are some reports from our international markets that they prefer the Pro USB/ISL connection. It is fair to say MSB’s pro USB/ISL input module provides excellent isolation from the USB process. it is preferred with virtually all other servers. The Renderer Roon ready streamer is also excellent especially when adding ethernet filtering in line with the ethernet cable.
This is a good time to say that many of the highly regarded server companies are adding MSB’s fiber ISL output to their servers. It is either available now or coming from companies like Taiko, Antipodes, Innuous, Pink Faun, and the Aurender N50. We believe more will follow!
Please ask any further questions.
I ordered a PinkFaun 2.16 Ultra. Look forward to the implementation of the Fiber ISL module on it for the connection to my new Cascade.
really glad to hear Antipodes is joining!
I’m really glad to hear Antipodes is joining,My K50 wil be changed.
How do you find this streamers user experience? The UI seems a bit dated, but I hear good things about the sound.
Also, do you run USB or AES/EBU from this streamer to your DAC?
To me UI is where Antipodes shines; it’s the hub to all playback possibility (Upnp/Roon/Squeeze…etc) so you could find the best sound to suit your system. Currently I find upnp (JPLAY) the best balance among UI/SQ but who knows if it will change in the future? Flexibility is always good!
Currently I’m using I2S or sometimes USB(Pro-ISL) from my Oladra G4.
If I finally find an N20 at a reasonable price, I will try both AES and USB. As far as the word sync, I’m supposed to use a 75 ohm cable correct? And, this connection is used with both USB or AES connections right?
Thanks for your guidance!
Mike
Hi Mike,
When I looked at the N20 I looked at AES vs USB. This is what I found…
If you use the MSB Fiber Pro USB you don’t need a Word Clock cable. Pro USB is synchronous on its own. Pro USB also has a higher bandwidth than AES/SPIDF. The Word Clock serves no purpose if you are using Pro USB.
Pro USB also supports higher sample rate. It can be used up to 24/768kHz. AES/SPDIF is limited to 96kHz (maybe 192kHz, bit not typically).
Cable length for AES/SPDIF is limited. For Pro USB the length can be up to 1 Kilometer.
Dan
Hello Vince,
I want to try the AES/EBU connection as well as ISL.
Can you please direct me to the exact BNC cable I need to this set up. I see many options and don’t want to screw this up.
Thank you!
For this use case I decided to go with the Wireworld Starlight 10 SPDIF Digital Cable with BNC’s.
Not crazy expensive and probably all I need to sync these clocks.
The AES/EBU is a very nice Synergistic Research Galileo SX cable.
Hi Mike,
The word clock cable should be a standard BNC digital cable. The most common 75 ohm word clock cable works fine but you can also use a 50 ohm cable without compromise. I have not tried various cables to see which brand sounds best. Nor do I have feedback from the fiels about a must have cable. Looking forward to your AES/XLR with word clock vs Pro USB test.
Vince - Any news on the Pro ISL module for the PinkFaun?
Thanks!
Mike
Hi Mike,
I think this is a question for Pink Faun. It is waiting for them to finish something.
VG
Thx Vince!
I’m in the process of comparing the AES/EBU connection with a digital BNC between the Reference DAC and my Aurender N20, vs. the Pro Isl/USB connection.
So far I prefer the AES / EBU route. The difference is slight, but I hear more body and a bit more detail in recordings.
I’m currently using a Synergistic Research Galileo AES/EBU cable, along with a Shunyata digital BNC. I just ordered a Shunyata Omega AES/EBU cable based on several reports that this cable makes a significant impact on sound quality. The best cable will stay, the other will be sold.
For now I’m keeping both modules and I’ll see where this goes after so system settling.
Interesting and please keep us posted as the next question will be native fiber vs usb to fiber
Well, the Shunyata is a better cable. Is it monumental..no.
The Shunyata has a bit more detail and the imaging seems deeper. Vocals are a bit more clear.
Now, as I move toward integrating a Digital Director, I wonder if the AES/EBU vs. USB/Pro ISL debate my be a mute issue.