Mercury V3 Streamer/DAC Impressions

I'm running the V3 via AES to the Gungnir 2

 

One thing I have noticed is that the apparent volume levels are different for the different interfaces depending upon the DAC that is decoding them. Now this has been noticed on a topping DAC so may not be true for the DAC you have. Having said this, I'm gonna assume it's not just a simple change in volume that is brought about the differences you're describing.

but, otherwise I have no idea how that could be!

 

Alright Mike. The only conclusion that I can come to after going through the volumio system is that after the update I noticed that fusion dsp had been removed from the plugin section. Previously it was still there but turned off. Do you think it's possible by that plugin simply being removed would have an effect on SQ?
I suppose I could reinstall it and put it in the off position again and see?

 

if it's off, it shouldn't make a difference, unless it is still also passing the signal through that chunk of code and then theoretically sending it back out without any changes. Perhaps that is causing frequency dependent delays? This is pure speculation, though so, it would be a useful bit of information if you did as you suggested and reinstalled without enabling and see if you can hear the difference

 

You updated volumio. From which version? I don't use volumio, but i know with my experience with Gentooplayer that software chances can have a huge effect on sound quality.

A different kernel can have a big effect.

https://community.volumio.com/t/volumio-changelog/1446

 

@Michael Kelly, your website indicates that you optimize the Volumio/RoPieee/Moode settings before you ship out the unit. If we apply updates from the OS developers, does that alter those optimized setting such that we should adjust them again for ideal performance?

 

the changes we make are to support the proper driver, as well as the settings for the front panel LEDs and power switch. With Volumio, those are not overwritten during an upgrade as they site located on a special user_config.txt file. But with moode and ropieee they are and would need to be put back into the config.txt file for each. In addition when you change certain settings within ropieee, and don't ask me which ones cause I'm still trying to figure it out, it overwrites config.txt and wipes out our settings.

Other than that we don't make changes to the rest of the stock/default settings.

 

I'm not sure which version I had. I purchased the V3 back in I believe November. Wednesday was the first update I've received. Whatever the update did I'm not complaining LOL! I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. It's a spooky good change. Buena Vista Social Club really highlights the change. There's just a bigger sense of realism and space that wasn't previously there. Tonally nothing has changed. Just more perceived space all the way around. The layering is just incredible. Previously to the update I always remained in a jaw drop state while listening. Now I feel like I'm staring at Medusa when the tunes roll!

 

@Michael Kelly, another question: If I download the optimized version of Volumio from your website (https://www.pi2design.com/mercury-v3-dac.html) and then install Volumio’s Roon Bridge plugin, will that mess up the optimized settings?

 

the version on the website has all the necessary tweaks for Mercury V3. You can then install any plug-in, including the ROON plug-in and that will not change the config.text file.

 

Note: this was mostly written before Kisune ceased distribution in the US. Hopefully that is only temporary.

Note 2: Just remember, the differences here might be exaggerated because I know these tracks and system well.

DAC: Yggdrasil OG+/A2+
Amp: MJ1, DNA Starlett, Crown D75
Headphones: ETA Genesis 1.1, LCD-2, HD650

Let me first talk about the things I like about the V3. I really like the all in one box with digital outs. I like that it has I2S output and like even more there is a “Swap” button just in case your Left and Right channels are swapped on your DAC from the non-standard HDMI pin-out mapping. I like the small and sturdy case.

I also like the micro SD card slot is on the front. It makes changing OS’s pretty easy. I also like the power button on the front. It makes turning off my gear when I am out of town pretty easy. I don’t always remember to turn off my RED

I agree with others that you don’t really need a DAC onboard, but I also get that people using streamers are putting them everywhere (garages, bathrooms, bedrooms, etc.) and what issue is the DAC because the DAC chip only runs only a few mA. Ignore it if you want and it is an extra feature when you need it.

V3 vs Holo Audio Red

Yeah…this is what everyone is here for. I will keep this short. I still prefer the Red. If you would like to know more, read on. (Red = more sharp, clean, snappy. V3 = slightly hazy, softer)

I first loaded both with the latest version of Volumio and just playing tracks I know from my collection. Local files, same play engine, etc. AES out into a Yggdrasil A2+/OG+ (whichever you want to call it). And again, I preferred the Red. The Red to me was just a tad more “clear” and concise, maybe even slightly sharper on transients. It seemed to just sound more present and all the instruments had space. The V3 sounded more distant and slightly hazy. This made the separation seem closer or more “mushy.” The V3 also seemed softer for this reason. So I think you have a preference because I know some categorize the Red as sounding aggressive, but to me digital IS aggressive (most of the time). To me, it is not supposed to sound soft and distant.

Now, the differences here are very small. It does sound better than the Pi3 AES that I had for a short time and would call this an upgrade. I can see why some prefer the V3 over the Red as the Red can seem more “up front” or sharp or too aggressive sounding. Although to me, going back seems kind of hazy. Maybe my DAC choice, but I also have a couple of pretty up front amps (MJ1, Crown D75).

V3 vs the Metrum Ambre

Note: Awhile back a few years ago, I pitted the Ambre against the Pi2 AES long ago and decided to go with the Ambre. The Pi2 AES just kind of a etchy thing going on that I did not like. I heard that it is mitigated with a linear 5V power supply. However, the Ambre still sounded smoother and more natural sound overall, although I always thought it had a warmer tilt. Both use the same Wolfson chip in a similar way, the Ambre is just more simple device with an attached LPS with a toroidal transformer and two relocking crystals. It also is a Pi3B module in the Ambre vs a Pi4 module in the V3.

So I loaded the same Volumio card that was in the Red to the Ambre. And well, surprise surprise, the V3 seems more “airy” and seems to bring out out more inner details than the Ambre. The Ambre sounds kind of muted and is now the more hazy one that seems to miss some details. The V3 one here is the one that sounded more “alive” and could bring out things like tape noise and things like that. I did not detect any etch or nasties with the V3 and it sounded quite natural and lively.

V3 with the Noise Nuke

My Noise Nuke finally arrived back after its tour with the Weiss DAC tour. (Special thanks to @shotgunshane and @netforce for getting this back to me!) The Noise Nuke is good for most things below 48V and 1A. I figured the V3 with 24V was going to be totally fine. And yes it was.

Sound wise, it seemed to lean more towards the Red sound being slightly sharper and a little more concise sounding. I was hoping it was going to equal the Holo Red in this department and totally get rid of the haze. It did bring it closer, but I would say not all the way. It still seemed slightly more 2D and not quite as clean or clear as the Red. However, I thought the Noise Nuke was a vast improvement and it or the upgraded PSU would be recommended if you have the V3.

Conclusion

I would say to me the Red might be 5-10% better than the V3, but I would also say it is 25-30% better than the Pi2 AES. The V3 really is a nice improvement. And like I said before, I also think it might come down to preferences and synergy as some might find the Red too aggressive and sharp and prefer the V3 - I totally can see that and I get it. Neither one gave me etchy sounds or digitus.

 

I've not heard Red, but I wholeheartedly concur with this comparison to Pi2AES.

 

interesting... this is essentially daisy chaining 2 noise nukes together since the V3 has one internally.

 

I understand the V3 does not have the Noise Nuke, however the upcoming LPS has it included:

https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...go-rpi-aes-streamer.10471/page-23#post-376107

The V3 does have a small Triad CMF23H, and I thank @Michael Kelly for his transparency:

​

 

Is the LPS still slated for release? The link you posted is from 2022.

 

I was basing my statement off of this post and @Michael Kelly 's multiple statements about using a mini atomic bob inspired noise nuke in the device.

Of course, I don't have the EE chops to confirm or deny anything, but I thought the significant performance difference between v2 and v3 was supposed to come from the mini noise nuke

 

were you running the mercury at 24 V? This is not good if you were, it is rated for 12 V. Well, it won't necessarily die, it will consume a lot more power on the linear path that feeds the critical audio circuits. Please confirm.

 

unfortunately we had to set that aside as the cost ran a bit out of control, especially after factoring in safety and environmental.

we have recently been investigating self testing and it seems as long as we have the right equipment and create the proper documentation we will be OK. So it's not dead, but it's not currently moving forward

 

I ran with whatever was in the loaner box. I thought it said "24V". I could be wrong.

 

unless someone in the chain changed them we're ok.