Optical vs Ultra Rendu.
Is it worth the $696 more to go with the optical Rendu:
Over the standard (ethernet connected) ultra Rendu:
Has anybody compared these units, is there a notable difference in sound quality between these two? Both still connect to the DAC via USB.
@audioman58 -- you don't need two opticalRendus. You can get the opticalRendu bundle (which gives you everything you need to set it up) for under $1700. I'm not sure why you think you need two opticalRendus. I have only one in my system and it is a really good streamer for the price.
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Your setup would be modem>(via ethernet cable)router>FMC>(via optical cable)OpticalRendu>USB in on dac. OpticalRendu $1500 plus FMC $25 or so, $6 optical cable, plus lps for opticalrendu and FMC (optional lps). Get good power supply for OpticalRendu, best you can afford. At some point you may want to look into getting a switch rather than going out from relatively noisy router. |
+1 @arafiq It looks like the bundle is called the FMC bundle on their website. The price changes automatically when you choose it. I got a $49 extra when I clicked it. You can also choose to get a better power supply, an LPS, which also adds a bit extra to the total price. You do need the FMC bundle unless you already have an optical converter. |
I too asked the same question when I was purchasing their products. The optical Rendu seemed to be the same as the ultra Rendu with a built in media converter for the +$700 bump in price. I went with the uR and decided to use two media converters to make the optical filter : router > ethernet cat 8 > $15 switch > cat 8 > i5 Transporter. Same switch > cat 8 > FMC > Fiber optic > FMC > cat 8 > uR > USB cable to DAC. I had completely solved all power problems in my system to achieve a superior black background. The above still had grunge : 1. I added a LPS with a Y adapter to power both FMC = better 2. I added a LPS to the Transporter = better 3. I replaced the LPS power chords with Pangea Audio AC-14SE MkII = better 4. I wrapped my fiber optical cable in bubble wrap. It seems they are sensitive to vibrations. = better 5. I replaced the 3 post switch cat 8 ethernet cables with Pangea Premier SE = way way way better, but STILL some remaining niggly grunge! I had not bought into the $700-$2000 ethernet switch nonsense. I had bought my $15 plastic covered switch from Home Depot. I did try a more expensive switch and sent it back because I could hear no improvement. I rewired post switch and removed the FMCs. LISTENED. Then I added the FMCs back in. They were definitely improving the sound, by a lot! 6. I ordered a iFi iPower X Ultra Low Noise AC/DC Power Supply for the switch. I took out the FMCs again and installed the new PS. WHAM!! The sound came into complete focus. I reinstalled the FMCs again and now all the grunge had disappeared. The background is black and transparent to source. I now can hear exactly what Qobuz is offering. It is easy to parse all the different sound qualities offered to us. So, no, I have not tried the oR, but I am satisfied that I am getting the best sound and saving about $500 in the process. Of course I have 9 boxes and associated cables, but I try not to think of that. This was a 2 year journey. I learned a ton along the way. I hope it is helpful to someone else.
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