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MBL, dCS, Goldmund, Gryphon etc Ultra High End Equipment |
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Thread Tools | Display Modes |
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#1
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DCS Network Bridge
Does anybody here have this device? Connected to the SPDIF input on a (McIntosh) SACD player?
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#2
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DCS Network Bridge
Also looking for user feedback on the dCS Bridge as it is one of the few Roon endpoints with XLR AES/EBU outputs. Although probably overkill for my needs. The Metrum Ambre seems to be a less expensive alternative.
Last edited by JemHadar; 05-09-2018 at 02:08 PM. |
#3
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Quote:
Compared to a direct connection via USB from my Macbook pro, it was a big step up. Quite happy with the improvement. Zero problems to date. |
#4
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Yes, coaxial or AES XLR are fine, maximum frequency is 192kHz. The Network Bridge works great with Roon. Future firmware update would support USB output too. Thanks.
__________________
Shunyata Research, McIntosh Laboratory, Altec Lansing, James Bullough Lansing... |
#5
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Thanks for your replies!
McIantosh How would you compare the sound quality to a cd using the transport of the MCD1100? |
#6
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Introducing the Bridge was not a subtle change by any means and a noticeable step up from the direct USB connection to the MCD1100. How much this can be chalked up to the change in interface, disconnecting the MacBook, and how much to the Bridge (and/or Shunyata cabling), I can’t tell you. But it was readily evident. Much more so than comparing USB to a disc in the spinner. So I really haven’t had the inkling that a comparison of the Bridge and a CD is really all that worth my while. If this is of any help to you, I can tell you that the lady of the house rarely (if ever) comments on the sonic improvements from any of changes I have made to my system - and I’ve made a few. She has been rather indifferent to most. The addition of the Bridge however, is the only one to date that she thought was at all worth the time and trouble. |
#7
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Interesting input!
How do you use the NB? With Roon? |
#8
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Yes, with Roon. I do occasionally stream Tidal directly using the dCS app. Here I can’t lay claim to any benefits over listening to Tidal via Roon, but this is perhaps not a fair comparison either (I upsample using DSP in Roon). It is the Roon interface/experience that pushes me to use Roon and not so much any difference in sound quality.
I do also occasionally use AirPlay as well. And here I have the Network Bridge to be a step-up compared to streaming via Airplay using an Airport Express and then via Toslink into the MCD1100. Here we are talking about 128 kbps AAC or 320 kbps MP3, but the Bridge clearly excelled here too. For me, it was the Airplay and Roon endpoint capabilities that was a significant factor in my decision to go with the Bridge. I took a bit of a leap of faith that it would yield a significant improvement (I did ‘audition’ one at my dealer, but that’s worth only so much in an unfamiliar system), but in the end it has worked out well. As I mentioned in my last post, I haven’t had the inkling to perform any hard clinical comparisons. I am too busy enjoying the tunes. And that says a lot. |
#9
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Thanks!
Appreciate the great feedback. I’m still a bit surprised the NB does not get more attention on this forum |
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