Innuos Phoenix USB Reclocker Film
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 พ.ย. 2020
- #Innuos #InnuosPhoenixUSB #Audiophiles
As usual I go through functionality, design and crucially how it adds to the HiFi from a sound quality perspective, and whether value for money? Plus what can your money get alternatively?
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SPECIFICATIONS :
Type: USB reclocker, regenerator and power supply
Clock: 24Mhz, OCXO
Format: any
Power supplies: 2 independent linear supplies
Accessories: USB cable
Size H x W x D: 85 x 215 x 335mm
Weight: 6kg
Warranty: 2 years
My System : PMC twenty523 speakers, Hegel H390 Amp, Innuos Zenith Mk2, DACs: Hegel bit perfect DAC, Chord Qutest, RME ADI-2 DAC FS, IsoTek Aquarius, Cyrus CD-t cd transport, Cables : Chord/Audioquest/Atlas
Video Credit : shots of insides of Phoenix USB : Kronos AV : www.kronosav.com/
Innuos website : innuos.com/en
** I can't respond to questions when people ask me : "How will it sound with X or Y DAC?", when I have not ever reviewed that DAC etc. - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
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Interesting. I was looking at the mutec mc3+ because I wanted to use it with lesser dacs also more versatility. With asynchronous USB 2 audio protocol, I would've thought higher end DACs with better clocks slaving the computer or whatnot would actually get less benefit from this clocker unless it doesn't act as master? Maybe it's reference class.
I thought the DAC worked as a master Clock when using USB input....
Morning.
Clear and honest review as always. You’ve mentioned in the comments about the Mutec reclocker. Have you heard one in your system?
I haven’t heard the Innous and Mutec side by side - yes they do perform some similar tasks - however the Mutec actually does even more. It can convert digital DSD signals as well as having other connections spidf, optical and aes balanced.
I heard one in my home between a modded Node 2i with an Sbooster LPS(we’ve debated before) and Topping D70 and it didn’t go back. It made a stunning improvement. You could certainly borrow it but I’m a bit far away.
You really seem a grounded sensible audiophile and not one swayed by marketing and hype. You let your ears be the judge.
Cheers
Thanks very much Jim, I'm on the hunt for a better DAC because the H390 from Hegel is so good. Something as good as the Chord Hugo TT2 I reviewed but more sensible prices, as chord are expensive. I think based on this Innuos experience a USB reclocker is a finishing off component so maybe best to try the Mutec (on the radar) once I've reached the end game DAC, which should be easy to trial at the Mutec's price. I want to review the new KEF LS50 meta next for a video, maybe out before xmas. Any suggestions for any really good products? BW Simon
Really enjoyed you review as usual. I wonder whether you’d thought about looking at Entreq going forward? I’m pretty new to it, but the results are a joy to listen too
Thanks very much. What is that out of interest.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 have a look at their website, the range of options is staggering both in terms of options and cost. But at the more affordable end it does clean up signal noise via a combination of grounding boxes and either grounded signal cables or just grounding cables. I’m using ground box with 3 grounding posts, all separated in terms of grounding, then RG45 grounding of Melco library, S100 switch and router. The affect isn’t instant the sound improves in steps over a week or so, when you remove the grounding I loose sound stage, separation, extension and clarity in base and higher frequencies, it’s as if the music goes ‘dull’ if that makes sense
I listened to the Phoenix at the last Rocky Mountain Audio festival in Denver where they had it paired with YG Accoustic speakers and Boulder amps.. don't remember the DAC, but I don't recall the Phoenix doing a great deal in terms of the sound stage, what I do remember very vividly and physically, the Phoenix version sounded more relaxed and I noticed my shoulders dropping and relaxing. For anyone who's not attuned to their body may not appreciate or notice it, but for me it was discernible and can imagine it may contribute to longer listening sessions . If you gave me that system which is north of $50K, I would have been happy without the Phoenix.. In reflection I don't know whether it takes $3K and a Pheonix to make digital music equivalently more relaxed. There are certainly many reclockers and even USB cables which to some degree provide enhancements - I Think the A/B or comparison testing may not be enough to do it with-and-without the Pheonix in the chain, but a DAC/source with the Pheonix compared to various other competitors in the market in the same category..
that's an interesting take. It certainly does get a lot harder to benchmark products when you can't make A to B comparisons with more in the mix, but it was good to have Chris bring it around and share his views regarding comparison too. Also I think shows are often difficult as there is often no reference level and familiarity with the other kit like speakers, when equipment is swapped out. For more budget conscious Audiophiles the Mutec MC-3+ Reclocker might be a better bet, but whether it would be a similar or lesser level of performance I'm unsure. The companies look like they exist in difference markets - Mutec look more pro audio and Innuos in the Audiophile sphere, which 'can' account similar performance but different prices (eg RME ADI2 DAC v Chord Qutest). If I was spending £2200 on the Phoenix USB I'd definitely be borrowing an MC-3+ and putting it side by side, to see if performance is similar as in the UK you can get them for around £650.
Enjoyed your comment. I know what you mean by something feeling instinctively’right’, it is difficult to describe
Just to clarify, where does the Reclocker reside in the audio chain? If you already have a PC Source, Streamer (iFi Blu Zen Bluetooth), M-Scaler & Hugo TT2 DAC. Would it sit between the PC Source/Streamer and the Upscaler? I always learn something new from your excellent reviews! Thank you.
Thanks for nice comments....yes I think you are right: USB from pc or streamer, then into the USB input of the M Scaler then using the dual data mode, dual bnc out to TT2.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Thanks again, as the improvements you have observed seem to be marginal, I think chain upgrades to the amplifier firstly and then possibly the installation of a dedicated music server would be money better spent in audio system upgrade.
Bear in mind I’d expect with great speakers and a better DAC that you’d hear more than with the Aeon 2. So always try yourself too! Please subscribe or support this channel, if only small amounts if I’ve helped.
Hi are you saying that the bluesound node 2i are as good as the Innous Zenith Mk3 when connectedt a dac and only used for streaming?
Mine is a mk2 but in my system yes the node 2i sounds clearer and cleaner, less tonally smoothed to the zenith which is probably due to triple linear psu which mk3 uses too. The tonally warm music is relatively lacking dynamically too. Playing off the hard drive the Innuos goes further than node 2i with more timbre and expansive soundstage.that’s why you buy it, plus Roon and ripping sever! but go for smaller hard drives as Innuos charge a lot with bigger ssd drives for what they are as Samsung evo drives
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Appreciate this response - makes me wonder 'why' spending thousands on the innuos system if you 'mostly' stream. Especially the case where you can upgrade the node psu too :)
So would one need to bother with a DDC in the chain, in between the DAC and Streamer if the Pheonix USB Reclocker is already cleaning up and maximizing the USB sound?
No
That album cover 😂
What do you mean Markus?
Sorry I’ve got you, funny shapes. Lol
@@13thnotehifireviews7 dubstar cd cover 😂
@@markusschulzbro yes I bet it would certainly get a few men buying it when it was on the shelves in the 90s! lol