Digital Transports - USB Solutions, CD and SD Players, DAPs, and More!

I'm going to try to good side-by-side impressions this weekend. I brought the MC-1.2 to work today along with the Regen and an iFi iPower.

This is a truly legit setup.

I actually swapped it to USB power and unplugged the power cord because I think the MC-1.2 powered by the Regen w/ iPower is slightly better than when it's powered by the internal PSU.

You're adding to the cost of the MC-1.2 this way, through. It's an extra ~$225 (new, not used). That takes the "modest" setup up to $700, but it's clearly besting the Transient MKII in its stock form with these additions while still being less expensive.

 

Last chance to win a Mutec MC-3
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As if … LOL

 

I umm... well, I went ahead and bought both Mutecs.

The MC-3+ USB is clearly better than the MC-1.2, no question.

The MC-1.2, however, is not terribly far off. Add a Regen in front of it and power it from clean power to the Regen? It really closes the gap.

As I understand it, the MC-3+ USB can also be pushed further with a Regen in front of it, but I had trouble distinguishing improvements.

 

If you guys are interested, I'll take and post some pictures if my LPS arrangement; a dual positive rail, single case PS that powers a REGEN and a Mutec 3+USB. As is my preference, each is powered by a tuned Reflektor-D supply. A younger me would say that it's the best possible USB->AES/Coax/SPDIF converter, but there always seems to come along another devices that pushes it a bit farther. I will say that feeding a Yggdrasil driving my Studio, I simply cannot imagine better sonic performance.

Uploaded some images of the PS. For a cleaner Mutec mod, I've built a 3D design of a replacement back plate that replaces the current plate exposing IEC and switch. This PS feeding a REGEN & Mutec, sounds pretty damn good.

 

Similar experience here. The gap gets bigger with more resolving equipment. With my midrange X-Sabre the difference is quite noticeable between them, but I think I am also hearing more of the limitations of the dac, not what the bridge can ultimately bring to the table. On a system that has much more expensive and resolving equipment the gap grows wider in my experience.

 

I concur. Driving Yggdrasil->Studio, it's ridiculous.

 

Makes me sad.........................Me need more better dac, hahaha

 

Sorry dude. It sucks, yea - that's what I meant to say

 

yes, we want pics!!!

 

But..but...Purrin said that Gungnir Multibit with Wyrd is 90% Yggdrasil! So is Gungnir Multibit plus Mutec 1.2 91%?

 

I've tentatively decided that I was crazy and the power cable is as good as the Regen -> USB power. Going to sell the Regen.

 

Oh m8, you're killing me! The plot is getting twisted

It would be very nice indeed to see a picture of the lpsu, possibly naked.
How do you power the mutec? Did you bypass the meanwell smps? I read that a guy in another forum did the mod bypassing the smps and went linear but found very little to no difference. Did you find substantial improvement doing so?
The reflector current should be about 600ma, I take it is enough for the mutec 3+ usb. Good to know.

 

Ok - before weekend's up, I'll open it up and snap some photos. Yes, I bypassed the smps. Yup, Reflektor can be configured to provide enough current. I'm using a .51Ohm Mills 5watt to set current; enough to give a bit of headroom. Using Keratherm Red for thermal / isolation - I'm able to sustain ~600Ohms and stay just cool enough to touch (the heatsink). I found it a noticeable improvement, but I suspect that a run of the mill LPS wouldn't provide much of an improvement, as Mutec paid attention to adequate shielding, LDO's, etc.

Y'all are probably tired of hearing it, but for digital circuits - RD yields the best results I've ever heard.

 

Thanks for the clarification. One more thing, "RD" stands for what?

 

Salas Reflektor-D?

 

Yup

 

Anyone know of a place to buy the Mutec 1.2 in the US that offers a 15-30 day return?

 

Check the dealer list here: http://www.sonicus.net/