@ViperRGD about point 1) Ipurified2 is noisy with coax, did you do any other tests or to determine the root of the noise? I just bought one to connect the Aurender to Babyface. But I’m going ahead to have the cables once I receive the Bachh package.
Have you tried an LPS to power iFI versus usb /wallwart?
@Joselo75 - no I haven’t. I was so happy with the streaming performance that I just disconnected the iFi and put it on the shelf. I’ll make another attempt in the coming week. If you have successful results with your iFi, please let us know. It’ll give me extra motivation to work on mine.
@Vmax - I’ve been just using the standard wall wart that comes with the iFi. That said, I’m a believer in what an LPS can do after using one back in my Matrix days. I may pick one up if it comes to that. I haven’t been overly motivated to this point as most of the music I have on CD/SACD is also available to me via streaming and BACCHification.
I bought an LPS for the iFI. I will wait for everything to arrive to start testing and then I can give you my opinion.
Great - thanks! Which LPS did you choose to go with?
Darren (@vmax) recommended me to go coaxial from Aurender to iFi (LPS + USB A-C) from there optical to Babyface, then USB B-A to Mac Mini (modified to use LPS) to end up connecting from Mac to MKII with USB A-B. Even I get dizzy with so much connection (I had to ask him many times to understand correctly).
the LPS that he recommended me to buy to feed the iFI is this: https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/l-k-s-audio-lps-25-usb-5v-output-low-noise-linear-power-supply
I will spend more money on cables and LPS, than the cost of the Bacch4mac!
@Vmax certainly has the experiential background so I’m sure his advice is sound (no pun intended). Have you already modified your Mac Mini to use the LPS? I’m a bit reluctant to do so only because mine is a new M2 model still under warranty. Based on how things work out for you, I may try the suggested LPS on the iFi SPDIF device.
Thanks for the update. I look forward to hearing how it works out for you once all your materials arrive.
my mac is from 2018 so i will do the change when i got this kit TeraDak MAC Mini M1 M2 Latest Audiophile power module for Linear Power Supply | eBay
the change process is simple, and no soldering is required… just remove the plug and replace it. Apple Mac Mini M1 | Can Be Powered from ANY POWER SOURCE
I am following all the recommendations of @vmax . I’ll let you know when I’ve done the tests.
I don’t want to be a party pooper, but going from a dedicated streamer to the Mac Mini seems pointless to me. You will then pass up the benefits of your streamer, because it is less noisy.
The problem is more worse than you might think and this does not only occur on audio equipment it self but all the electronics that are hooked up to your audio rig.
For example changing the standard power supplies in my ethernet networkchain, 1 modem and 3 switches all brought a pleasant improvement. The reason is that eventually all this junk comes out at your dac, where the digital to analog conversion goes wrong. Noise harms so much musicality.
Now the Mac mini is not ideal for this reason, but quite frankly I cannot afford the Bacch SP. So possibly I will go for a Mac mini and will probably feed it with a Plixir Elite bdc. This is one of the best power supplies in terms of price/quality, just look is the comparison table from audio bacon website.
Also, I would use the babyface just to do the microphone measurements and then take as your output a high quality DDC or reclocker to isolate the signal before it goes to your the dac. That way the Mac does as little harm as possible.
I have had several people switch from a Mac mini with LPS to a ± 1000.00 streamer that sounded better. This is the only reason I am still hesitant to purchase Bacch… It’s a dillema for me…
I had the same concern as yours, about adding a Mac Mini to the chain. I do not have the budget to allocate USD 25,000 in a DAC.
Ironically, the cheapest equipment is the Mac, in a dedicated LPS you spend more money (like the Plixir, I already have one and I will buy the second one for the Mac), A single USB cable is worth two to three times the cost of the apple.
I think the only way to get to know Bacch is by jumping into the pool, The desire to listen to 3D today is greater than the concerns of the signal.
I have bothered many times with all kinds of queries, which the owners have kindly clarified and patiently explained to me. The knowledge and experiences improving the noise of those who already own the software, made me decide to buy it.
Worst case scenario, I’ll go back a few steps and leave the Aurender and Transport connected directly to the MKII.
Ooops
You have to remember that the guy who invents this stuff is a genius above all else. He is perfectly aware of what people think about this and that. He offers a money back guarantee to those who purchase his gear.
For many, many, many years I ridiculed those who would even consider using a Mac Mini, or any Mac product for that matter in their Audiophile setups. I get it, I totally do. I don’t feel that way anymore do to my own experiences.
If Edgar thinks it’s worth having, and stands behind that belief, give it a try and be prepared to be won over.
@aangen I completely agree with what you mention… I watched as many videos as possible and one in particular where he deepened his search to bring REALITY to the sound we hear at home.
All the theoretical and professional support left me even more motivated. In this interview, I found the points detailed between minute 59:30 and minute 1:12:00 particularly interesting. Now waiting for the weeks to pass for the Kit to be shipped to me!!!
Thanks for the YouTube links and information. I believe I read above that one can use another soundcard for the microphone. Would be good if I could use an RME Fireface 802 instead of the Babyface, or maybe even a MOTU UltraLight MK2. Would appreciate a quick confirmation of about this from anyone who knows.
Also, can the Mac still be used for other purposes as well? For example, for streaming home theatre ATMOS to a receiver over HDMI.
I wrote to Theoretica a few times now to ask. But they did not respond. What is the best way to reach them (him) BTW?
I emailed them a couple of time and didn’t get an answer either. I’m not quite ready to buy so I didn’t try to call or pursue the connection farther.
The RME Fireface 802 should work fine since it has USB (as well as Firewire). I would verify this with Theoretica. Their email is info@theoretica.us. I know that they had problems with emails not reaching customers with Gmail accounts. This problem has been fixed recently. The Mac can be used for other purposes. I looked at the MOTU UltraLite MK2 and it has Firewire but not USB. I do not know if Macs accept Firewire. I hope this helps.
It was fascinating to hear about the three main ways our hearing and our brain senses 3D sounds. The standard stereo system really does not attempt to address any of these. It explains why the BACCH4Mac Intro made such a difference to the listening experience in my system. Thank you for posting the video!
Of course, it is extremely interesting for those of us who like audio. After that, I pulled the trigger immediately
I had a different experience, they answered all my questions in a very detailed and clear way. They take a while to respond.
Thanks. I’ll try again when I’m ready to buy. No sense wasting their time until then. It’s a really cool paradigm shift though.