@dougthebiker ... Haan Beekhuyzen has another video where he talks about the differences between the microRendu, ultraRendu and opticalRendu ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0A0l6keKTg
He feels that the opticalRendu is a step above the ultraRendu, which in turn is a step above the microRendu.
@hiphiphan ... couldn't agree with you more. I bought the opticalRendu several months ago, and was pleasantly surprised at the level of improvement. It lowered the noise floor considerably resulting in a darker background, and is highly recommended at its given price point. It beats the Node 2i, Apple TV, and Chromecast hands down, these are all the streamers that I still own. I felt that it was at least equal to the Innuous Zen MK3 in terms of sound quality, but to be fair I did not hear the Innuous in my own system, so I might be wrong.
Also, don't worry about the so called 'frequency graph warriors', you don't owe them an explanation. Most of them are armed only with theoretical knowledge, where actually listening to the equipment is not only considered unnecessary but undesirable. It's understandable that they would take potshots at someone as accomplished and knowledgable as Haans Beekhuyzen, who actually reviews the equipment in his own setup (the horror!!!) before passing judgment. Remember, there is no compression algorithm for actual listening.
He feels that the opticalRendu is a step above the ultraRendu, which in turn is a step above the microRendu.
@hiphiphan ... couldn't agree with you more. I bought the opticalRendu several months ago, and was pleasantly surprised at the level of improvement. It lowered the noise floor considerably resulting in a darker background, and is highly recommended at its given price point. It beats the Node 2i, Apple TV, and Chromecast hands down, these are all the streamers that I still own. I felt that it was at least equal to the Innuous Zen MK3 in terms of sound quality, but to be fair I did not hear the Innuous in my own system, so I might be wrong.
Also, don't worry about the so called 'frequency graph warriors', you don't owe them an explanation. Most of them are armed only with theoretical knowledge, where actually listening to the equipment is not only considered unnecessary but undesirable. It's understandable that they would take potshots at someone as accomplished and knowledgable as Haans Beekhuyzen, who actually reviews the equipment in his own setup (the horror!!!) before passing judgment. Remember, there is no compression algorithm for actual listening.