I am in the same position currently.
Getting in the newest EMM Labs DV2i that is a DA/Preamp/Streamer all-in-one unit.
Will it be able to surpass the sound quality I am getting from my Taiko Extreme music server?
Can’t wait to find out!
But…
- I’m curious
- I’m under the influence of our mentor
so…
never say never!
Upgrade and vacation?
Instead of upgrade or vacation.
I think i’m doing something wrong.
Is the influence of the Network Acoustic muon pro on SQ bigger than the LHY sw6 via the isolated output?
I am very impressed with the SW6 after 2 weeks in use.
The switch needed at least a week to break in.
I use the switch through the isolated output to the streamer.
Don’t use the optical option.
So far I don’t like optical.
I use the LHY SW6 to transmit the signal to my Melco S100 switch. The isolated input is connected to the modem. It then goes to my Melco S100 switch with fiber optics. My Muon Pro is between the Melco S100 switch and the streamer to clean the signal again at the end point.
I am comparing an apple to an orange here, but I will do it anyway.
SW-6/FO/SW-10 helped Lumin U2 more than a Shunyata Omega ethernet cable. The combo switches had cleaned up so much noise ahead of Lumin, that I thought I was done with streaming chain. But then our cult leader Al started a new thread on MU2, and the rest was history.
Muon Pro System helps MU2 more than the switches combo in my system only because Muon and MU2 seem to have a special bond together. Al was correct to mention that Muon Pro should be mandatory with MU2. I want to add that a great ethernet streaming cable, such as Omega, would squeeze out the last bit of magic on top.
Recently I added a Muon streaming cable between SW-6 and the satellite, and I was frankly surprised to hear a not-so-subtle improvement yet again. This was never the case before after trying a few other ethernet cables. So, the only logical explanation is that my system is more resolving than before.
That will be very interesting - keep us updated.
Regarding Muon Pro: for me a must have in every streaming setup. And it alone outperforms most other „isolation“ approaches.
I would trade my MU2 for your MSB stack any day. Not a bad acquisition in your barn. And, your strong investment in cables has made that gear sound even better.
Donald, I think the new muon Ethernet cable is simply a class above the previously used Ethernet cables. Now it seems like you’re finally done with your streaming chain. At least until nothing else shows up here.
Well, I already realized that I am a cable nut. I have not gotten a pricy PC lately and I am itching.
Here is a well-regarded new TakShaka line from Snake River Audio that intrigued me. I sent Jonny of SNA an email asking how his new cord compared to the best from AQ. Of course I got an answer I did not want to hear. I may get myself into trouble again.
I narrowed down my selection to Marantz link 10n, Moon 791 and Grimm MU2. The Meitner seems a bit cheap compared to this competition. Especially the housing and the spartan features. Grimm MU2 and Moon 791 cost €18,000. The Marantz €12,000. Moon offers a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty. The Grimm MU2 does not have a phono amplifier like the other two. Not that I need one. The Grimm is the end point for roon. The disadvantage is that without roon it doesn’t work and I would definitely need a subscription. Now the question is which of the three sounds better to my ears? Moon 791 is the current reference from lowbeats and in the future there will be the option to add a separate power supply, which should be able to increase performance even further. The Marantz is very solid and well thought out. But it also has the weight and dimensions that are similar to an amplifier. The Moon also has a very high-quality feel. I don’t want to say that the Grimm is a bit behind in terms of material and workmanship. Grimm without a remote control, Marantz with an extensive remote control as you would expect with a large number of buttons that you have to find. The Moon has probably one of the most beautiful remote controls. Ultimately, the sound should decide. Some people already have experience with the Grimm MU2. The Marantz still seems too new. But maybe someone knows the Moon 791? Greetings Andreas
Can we know a little more about Snake River Audio’s response?
Most likely AudioQuest is the McDonald’s of audio cables. (Correct)
His customers like the new cables (not just PC) over AQ better. However, none of them had compared the PC to AQ Dragon yet. But he is confident and eager to know how his TakShaka will compare to Dragon.
It takes three weeks for him to make one cord, and he does not have any in stock. Needless to say, one is coming to me. Hopefully, I will get it in early January so I will have a little time listening to it with MU2 (Dragon HC resides currently) before my vacation.
I first read about Snake audio cables and Zenwave on the Audio Bacon website. Donald gets a new power cable?
Then you probably know this article too.
No, I will read it after this post.
Okay, my top cord is a Zenwave PSR-11, but somehow I did not like more than one in my system. The next best is AQ Dragon, and so far, Stealth Dream is the better one from users at a significantly higher cost.
Then Snake River caught my eye with their Takshaka. It took Jonny a long time to come up with it to better his signature line. So, if this cord could beat Dragon HC, then I will settle with my search with the power cord upgrade.
I know, it only makes sense to me.
Thanks for the article, yet another positive review on MU2, particularly on its pre.
The reviewer is right, the footers seem to make less of an impact compared to other components in my system, and fuses even less. However, power cord is a different matter.
I tried Dragon HC, Source, plus a Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 3, and everyone made a noticeable change is SQ. I still like Dragon HC best with MU2. I have high hopes that SRA Takshaka will be the new king.
I also pay more attention to power cables than any other cable in the system. My search ended after I discovered the Furutech Project V1 power cord. A discussion between Dave Zenwave and some users of the Project V1 in a forum piqued my interest. Dave’s opinion there is that a cable like the V1 can’t beat his PSR silver cable. Those who demoed a Project V1 power cord in their system fought with hands and feet, advising Dave to first hear a V1 power cord for himself and not judge it first. Those who were able to try out a V1 power cable were consistently impressed. So I decided to buy one when I found a used one for a good price. What was first impressive is the solid bamboo wooden box in which the cable lies. Plugged it in and I was immediately amazed by the natural performance. To date there is no criticism that I can find. The current and therefore the sound simply seem to flow untouched. After I had one and was so impressed, I bought two more Furutech Project V1 power cables. Now I’m first thinking about another preamp with a streamer. Donald, I hope you like your new power cable. I am excited.
Greetings Andreas
I tried an AQ Dragon XLR. I sent it back.
I tried an AQ Dragon high current PC to my P20 for about a month. I was perplexed. I sold it.
What do you use now Ron? Audience frontrow?