First thanks to MSB for the fast renderer repair which I believe all that was needed was a firmware update to current status.
The combination of the renderer and the digital director has brought Roon SQ up to my other digital sources. I think Vince had mentioned this when discussing the DD upgrade. Before now Roon hasn’t been close in SQ. Anyone else experienced this with a digital director upgrade?
I’ve just got a Digital Director for my Discrete + Network Renderer 2 weeks ago; still undergoing burn-in process at this moment.
Before DD, I also felt that sound quality of renderer was not as good as my streamer connected with I2S. But right after installing the DD, I heard some improvements immediately. I have some music that sounded shrill and harsh when being played with renderer; with DD in place, they’ve become enjoyable now.
Blackness of background is another improvement I was aware of. Before installing DD, I felt slight difference of blackness between I2S and renderer; I2S seemed “blacker”. (But I thought both were acceptable) With DD now, I feel no difference anymore.
But on the other hand, I also feel that micro-dynamics is a bit curbed now. “Texture” of sound (vocal in particular) is not as gritty as it was. This reminds me of a similar situation when I upgraded my Discrete power supply to Premier Powerbase last year. That time, grittiness of “texture” came back upon sufficient burn-in; so this time, I suppose I just need to let it burn-in again. (Fortunately, Daniel told me that DD requires much shorter burn-in period than DAC.)
I was startled at the increased SQ when I added the DD to my Premier DAC.
Can’t help but recommend!
MSB clearly understands, as both new DACs are built incorporating a DD at their core.
If not already…when using a DD, pls consider using an AOC fiber connection, you’ll get just a bit more out of your MSB DAC.
Take a look at: Fiber Connections Guide | MSB Technology
I would suggest a minimum of 2mtr length, shorter is possible but -in my humble oppinion- will make the sound more harsh.
Advised by MSB: https://www.fs.com/nl/products/74607.html?attribute=10633&id=2101152
Enjoy listening, Eric
Yes! Directors bring an overall sense of relaxation, akin to what a great server will do all you have is USB (and no Director).
So yeah, Directors are pretty much a must-have at this point!