AES/EBU or USB into Denafrips Venus II
I have a Denafrips Venus II on the way and am wondering what the best connection is from my Lumin U1 Mini. I asked Vinshine and they prefer USB over AES. I have read several in this forum say that AES is clearly better than USB. The more I read, the confusier I get. I know this can be system dependent, so I would like to hear from those that have compared. I’m would prefer warmth over detail. Specific cable recommendations would be helpful. Thanks.
It depends on the DAC. Avoid confusion. Why not listen to Vinshine or (gasp) try your ears? In this case configuration supercedes cable quality as long as the impedances are OK. My DAC is engineered so that all inputs are equivalent although coax to a Matrix to i2s sounds pretty sweet. Revelation Audio Labs CryoSilver Reference cable. Good luck getting one.
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@steverrino The short answer is you'll need both because native DSD can usually only be transmitted over USB or I2s. If you only use AES/EBU you'll need to listen to DSD in DOP, which is over 90% as good as DSD but it does lack the sparkle of DSD. You'll also find that PCM formats FLAC and WAV will sound differently over USB and AES/EBU. No easy answers. |
Thanks for these helpful responses. I was thinking I’d buy one type of cable and be good, but I can see that having both will be best. No sense in frugality at this point.
@fthompson251 in what ways has the Hermes improved the sound of the Venus II?
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@steverrino Yes, the biggest noticeable improvement was in the bass, so much better definition. It also improves the vocals they are more vivid and realistic now. The soundstage got deeper. more layered. |
