Bridge 2 needed?

Audio Components DACs
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1

I am using an Innuos Zen Mk3 via a PSA DSD DAC Mk1 - does having the bridge 2 card add anything, or is it unnecessary?

2

I have the same setup and donā€™t see any need for a Bridge.

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3

If youā€™ve got things working via the USB output from the Zen to the DAC, you donā€™t need a Bridge. But . . . .

The USB input on the Mk1 doesnā€™t sound as good as the I2S inputs (it is much improved in the Mk2). But I donā€™t think the Zen provides I2S output. If your Mk1 came with a Bridge, it would be worth experimenting to see whether USB or the Bridge sounds better.

The Bridge has issues of its own; some folks here believe it is electrically noisy. So you have to try and see. If you prefer the USB sound quality, you might improve things further by removing the Bridge as some users have done (hopefully you have the little metal plate to cover the opening where the Bridge goes).

Also, be aware that the quality of USB and Ethernet cables will affect SQ.

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4

Ditch the bridge as it is a source of noise. I have the Zen Mk3 into a DSD Mk 1, and a ZENith Mk3 into Phoenix Re-clocker into a DSD Mk1.

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5

ā€˜soundsā€™ good - will do - for sale 1 barely used bridge 2!

6

by the way, i just ordered the phoenixNET while it was on saleā€¦ very stoked to hear the difference

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7

My Zen is connected via usb to a Matrix SPDIF 2 which has a hdmi/I2S cable to the DSD Mk 1. It sounds really good. Therefore I donā€™t see the point of having a Bridge ( which has been reported to be noisy, clumsy, etc.).

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8

Iā€™m sure you will be pleased with the PhoenixNet. I had dabbled with ā€œlesserā€ audiophile switches and the impact on the sound was relatively small. The PhoenixNet is a different beast. When I got mine, I was shocked (in a very good way) by how much it lowered the noise floor and how much better that made the system sound. Worth every penny. While I have moved on to a Network Acoustics Tempus switch, I have no hestitation in recommeding the PhoenixNet.

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9

Removed the Bridge 2 and am ā€˜hearingā€™ less noise around the insturments and vocal for sure. undeniable. Wow.

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10

I always thought that the Bridge 2 was sweet.

11

Me tooā€¦the infamous noise was not overtly discernible IMEā€¦I only moved on due to the decline in MQAā€™s popularity and my dropping my Tidal subscription.

:man_shrugging:

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12

I use Qobuz and wonder if I would need MQA (Bridge 2 allows for that, right,?), but the DSD MK1 sounds so good - still plenty of hi res selections from Qobuz as well as my ripped CDs that sound really amazing via the Innuos Zen Mk3.

13

No need for a Bridge 2 with the Innuos Zen IME. The ZEN offers more flexibility, especially with the Innuos Sense app. Sonically a step up from the Bridge 2.

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14

Agreed.

15

MQA was a Tidal thing.

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