I had the U2 Mini with a SBooster PS (about $4K CAD). I then tried the Denafrips Arcas, ($2.7K CAD) which was clearly better than the U2 Mini. I had some reliability issues with the Arcas and switched to the Rivo Plus (1.9K CAD). The Rivo Plus/HDPlex PS sounded better than the Arcas. The Rivo Plus is neutral in timbre, displays low level details with a wide soundstage. Very easy to the ears on long listening sessions. In fact quite a bargain for the audio quality you get, when compared to the bigger manufacturer names in the audiophile community.
I am interested in having a streamer with external 10 Mhz clock input. However, these are much more expensive. The candidates that I have in mind are the Matrix NT-1 ($6K CAD) and Hifi Rose Rs-130 ($8.5 K CAD). I am looking forward to your Rivo Plus/ Hifi Rose RS130 comparative study.
SQ Comparison of 3 streamers
Do you concur these assessments if you were the owner?
SQ Comparison: Eversolo T8 vs Innuos Zen Mk3 vs Volumio Rivo Plus
| Feature | Eversolo T8 | Innuos Zen Mk3 | Volumio Rivo Plus |
| Tonal Balance | Slightly warm, musical | Neutral, reference | Neutral-warm, slightly lush |
| Midrange | Lush, expressive | Transparent, accurate | Smooth and natural, slightly forward |
| Bass | Tight, controlled | Tight, maybe leaner | Solid, full-bodied, a bit warmer than Zen |
| Detail Retrieval | High, smooth | Very high, analytical | High, clear |
| Dynamics | Natural, engaging | Precise, accurate | Great, rhythmic and musical |
| Soundstage Imaging | Spacious, slightly forward; enveloping | Very wide and deep; highly precise | Wide, deep, more relaxed |
| Overall Impression | Engaging & musical | Neutral & resolving | Balanced, musical, and slightly “polished” |
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Like the OP I had the T8 and now Rivo+. I started streaming with a Bluesound Nano and then bought a T8. In my system, the T8 sounded very clean, detailed and dynamic, but any listening session of an hour, and I was finished. Violins especially sounded too thin and bright. I found that I actually preferred the tone of the less revealing Nano, so I sold the T8. Then I bought a used rivo+ and LPS. I’ve had it a couple of weeks now and enjoy it. It sounds more relaxed and tonally rich than the T8 did. I get no fatigue listening to the Rivo+. I read with great interest the SQ difference between Qobuz connect and Volumio OS. I find the same, that Volumio sounds richer and more fleshed out tonally than QC. The bass has more weight as well. I have no idea why. My system: Rivo+ via USB Harmony uDDC reclocker with SMSL master clock Denafrips Pontus 15th Ladder Bach SS Preamp Orchard Audio Strarkrimson Ultra Buchardt E-50 fully balanced system using XLR
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A great system. I really like your digital front-end / DAC setup. The preamp is top choice as well. I heard the Orchard Starkrimson amp at this FL audio show—very impressive. The bass is solid, nimble and well controlled. I enjoyed the Buchardt S400 II in my second rig, and the E-50 is in the next level. How does the SMSL G1 help with a micro DDC? I know it has a better OCXO 10MHz clock inside, but since that clock is not a multiple of the word clock for a Denafrips DAC (mathematically), I wonder whether it delivers significantly better sound than the DDC alone. Thanks. |
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