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microRendu in the house - pics

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Posted on July 8, 2016 at 22:37:20
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 I couldn't access the microRendu via the web url provided in the online user manual so I had to 'snoop' my network to determine my microRendu's IP address. The mRendu runs it's own web server which I was able to access by inputting it's IP address in my browser url field. The microRendu's browser user interface (BUI) is pretty straight forward with various Apps pre-installed and a few more available for download.

Before microRendu: Mac Mini #1 running Roon & HQPlayer direct to my USB DAC -or- Mac Mini #2 acting as a networked end-point attached to my USB DAC.

After microRendu: Mac Mini #1 running Roon & HQPlayer. microRendu is now the networked end-point attached to my USB DAC.

microRendu in the box, plus the iFi iPower 9v wall wart PS - with "Active Noise Cancellation+® drawn from military radar technology". ;-)

microRendu on my home Gigabit Ethernet network and attached to DAC via USB cable. It's not very big, runs on the warm side but not hot.

microRendu web BUI Settings screen

microRendu web BUI Apps screen.

The first thing I did was to run the Software Manager utility shown above to check for and update to the latest mRendu software version 2.2. The download took all of a minute or so with no issues. Booting the microRendu takes less than 1 minute. The DAC Diagnostics utility outputs some interesting information on your DAC's USB connection mode, capabilities, manufacturer, and other very detailed info to aid in troubleshooting. There's also a screen for custom DAC settings if your DAC is not automagically recognized by the microRendu.

microRendu web BUI Audio App Switcher

When HQPlayer is selected in the App Switcher I'm guessing that the microRendu runs the networkaudiod daemon. This is the same networkaudiod that you can download, install, and launch manually on any Mac or Linux client from the command line to turn it into a HQPlayer NAA end-point. That's what I did in the first photo above on the 2nd Mac Mini. Similarly I ran Roon Bridge as a lightweight client on the 2nd Mac. I'm guessing that Roon Bridge software with some customization is launched on the microRendu when RoonReady mode is selected.

Interestingly, there are DIY Raspberry Pi based HQPlayer end-points that run networkaudiod as well as Raspberry Pi based Roon Bridge end-points. And there's the tiny CuBox-i which is what the Sonore Sonicorbiter SE uses. Might be a fun project to assemble one's own inexpensive NAA end-point for much less than a microRendu... but that's another topic.

I use the iPad to remotely control Roon from my listening chair.

iPad screen shot of Roon streaming directly to microRendu. In this case RoonReady is selected in the microRendu App Switcher.

Roon as a front-end to HQPlayer, but it still outputs to the networked microRendu.. HQPlayer NAA is selected in the microRendu App Switcher.

How does it sound? Perfectly fine so far. I just got it set up and will have to compare it against running Roon + HQPlayer on the 1st Mac Mini directly out to my USB DAC vs via the networked microRendu. I'll experiment with placing the Mac Mini in another room even though it is completely quiet and sounds great where it sits. I could place it down in the basement where my network router resides. But no, I will not wire my home with thousand dollar golden-ear Ethernet cable. ;-)

To be continued. Good night.


 

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RE: microRendu in the house - pics, posted on July 9, 2016 at 04:03:24
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 Nice work Abe. You are elevating this site's content. It is refreshing not to see the petty arguments and insults that have defined this place in the past.

 

RE: microRendu in the house - pics, posted on July 9, 2016 at 07:10:58
Gary
Audiophile

Posts: 1294
Location: New York, NY
Joined: April 21, 2000
 Hi Abe,

Were there any obvious differences in sound between the mRendu and the Mac Mini that struck you right away? Thanks for those photos. I didn't realize the device was that small.

Thanks.

 

RE: microRendu in the house - pics, posted on July 9, 2016 at 09:05:06
Mikey8811
Audiophile

Posts: 188
Joined: June 4, 2011
 Nice pics and neat layout as always.

I'm ashamed at my garbage heap coil of cables at the back of my rack whn I look at your setup.

What ethernet cable did you end up using?

 

RE: microRendu in the house - pics, posted on July 9, 2016 at 11:47:20
AbeCollins
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Location: USA
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Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
Just using standard CAT5E Ethernet cable. Probably bought it off Amazon. I have a variety of lengths stored away plus a bulk box with crimp tool and RJ45 connectors.

 

RE: microRendu in the house - pics, posted on July 9, 2016 at 11:54:46
AbeCollins
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Location: USA
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  Since: February 2, 2002
 Nothing that struck me right away between the Mac Mini & microRendu. There was no ah-ha jaw dropping moment. But last night was mostly equipment setup and familiarization. I'll do some serious listening over the next week.

Ignoring the microRendu for the moment as I have not auditioned it seriously, I can say that I heard a noticeable difference with the Mac Mini running HQPlayer more than any HW tweaks that I played around with in the past including the Regen, AQ Jitterbug, Intona USB Isolator, and a variety of USB cables.

Other than a couple different DACs, I'd say that HQPlayer software has so far had the greatest impact on sonics in my setup.


 

RE: microRendu in the house - pics, posted on July 9, 2016 at 14:06:51
Gary
Audiophile

Posts: 1294
Location: New York, NY
Joined: April 21, 2000
 I'll be interested to hear what you think after some serious listening. I agree with you about HQ Player. I'm current running the trial version on an Intel Intel NUC BOXD54250WYKH2 Win10, i5, 16GB, 250GB SSD, Roon Core. Sounds great.

 

"Runs on the warm side", posted on July 9, 2016 at 14:20:40
E-Stat
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Posts: 37609
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Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 While the IFI is "recommended", it runs at 9V whereas the optimum value is 7V.

Sonore says it should work, but will run hotter than intended.

 

Running 7.2v now on lab power supply - pics, posted on July 9, 2016 at 17:45:16
AbeCollins
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Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 It runs noticeably cooler at ~7vdc but it wasn't exactly burning up on ~9vdc. I found the correct size DC plug for the microRendu so I was able to use the lab power supply or a couple LiFePO4 batteries in series.



 

RE: Running 7.2v now on lab power supply - pics, posted on July 9, 2016 at 22:28:42
motberg
Audiophile

Posts: 66
Joined: May 19, 2013
 Thanks so much for this, great report and more valuable than the hundred other posts I read concerning mR setup....

 

RE: Running 7.2v now on lab power supply - pics, posted on July 9, 2016 at 22:45:54
E-Stat
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Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 I just noted in the manual a comment about extended hot running will decrease its life. Which is one reason I opted for the 7V @3A HD-Plex supply.

 

RE: But running 9v is perfectly fine, posted on July 9, 2016 at 23:35:35
AbeCollins
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Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 I'm not concerned. Anything in the 6v - 9v range is fine, and the mRendu designers even have a couple 9v power supplies on their recommended list.

From the manual:

"The microRendu itself, gets a little warm at 6V and quite warm at 9V, all well within the operating range."

If the case ever gets too hot to hold your finger on it, it is too hot, turn it off and either decrease the voltage or provide more ventilation. But this could only happen if you have a DAC that pulls close to the maximum current (0.5A). If your DAC doesn't use any current from the VBUS or only uses a small amount, then anything in the 6-9V range should be fine.

My DAC draws less than 0.05 amps (1/10 the max they recommend) from the VBUS and the total current draw of the microRendu with my DAC is less than 0.25 amps. Peanuts.

No concerns here running on 9v.

 

Of course it matters...., posted on July 10, 2016 at 07:37:31
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 If it sounds different with 6v vs. 9v it matters a LOT.

WHOOPS!

Sorry.

Forgot who I was replying to.

My bad. ;-)


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

Does it sound different on 6v vs 9v ?, posted on July 10, 2016 at 08:08:45
AbeCollins
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Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
If it does, the designers screwed up. ;-)



 

OK, back to the important issue...., posted on July 10, 2016 at 08:59:20
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 Does it LOOK any different running on 6v vs. 9v?


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: OK, back to the important issue...., posted on July 10, 2016 at 12:13:58
AbeCollins
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Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
No. There's no warm orange glow on 9v and there's no cool blue hue on 6v. ;-)



 

RE: microRendu in the house - pics, posted on July 11, 2016 at 04:23:29
el34eh@yahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 1933
Location: Michigan
Joined: September 6, 2003
Very nice write up Abe, and one that always draws my interest, so I for one shall be awaiting your verdict at said time.

Wonderful insight as always......

 

RE: microRendu in the house - pics, posted on July 11, 2016 at 17:31:53
jrdoe
Audiophile

Posts: 114
Joined: April 14, 2015
 Agreed. So much BS out there. This is valuable.

I'll be downloading the HQPlayer trial ASAP.

Thanks again!

 

HQPlayer settings, posted on July 11, 2016 at 19:38:13
Bibo01
Audiophile

Posts: 648
Joined: December 18, 2008
 For HQPlayer settings it all depends very much on your DAC.
For yours, in order to be able to "upsample" to PCM or DSD, I suggest

filter: poly-sinc-shrt or poly-sinc-shrt-mp
ns/modulator: NS5 or NS9 for PCM output; ASDM7 or DSD7 for SDM output
frequency: highest frequency your are allowed for PCM and DSD (you can leave it on "Auto")
type: PCM or, possibly better, SDM

Settings -
Pipeline SDM: enabled (if you have a quad core cpu)
AutoRate family: enabled
Vol Max: -3dB

DSF Setting -
+6dB: gain enabled

 

RE: HQPlayer settings, posted on July 11, 2016 at 19:55:58
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 Thanks! I've bee playing with various settings as you describe up to support for DSD128 which is the maximum my DAC will do.

I have not tried any "Pipeline SDM" settings as I am not yet familiar with what this does.



 

RE: HQPlayer settings, posted on July 11, 2016 at 21:16:21
Bibo01
Audiophile

Posts: 648
Joined: December 18, 2008
 If you have a quad core cpu, as I think you do, Pipeline SDM distributes the filter calculation on all cores.
When CUDA is enabled, it needs to be enabled too.

Vol Max -3dB is also recommended because it avoids digital clipping present in many recordings. Indeed, if you leave it on 0db, you may find sample counter "Limited" going up in certain recordings, especially rock/pop.

 

RE: HQPlayer settings, posted on July 11, 2016 at 21:45:18
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
I have an i7 quad-core. I'll give Pipeline SDM a try. Thanks.


 

" I was able to use the lab power supply or a couple LiFePO4 batteries in series.", posted on July 12, 2016 at 01:19:37
beppe61
Audiophile

Posts: 4705
Joined: January 29, 2004
Hi !
and the winner is ? which power solution do you prefer ?
Thanks.
Kind regards,
bg

 

RE: " I was able to use the lab power supply or a couple LiFePO4 batteries in series.", posted on July 12, 2016 at 07:15:33
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
They all work and sound perfectly fine.



 

RE: " I was able to use the lab power supply or a couple LiFePO4 batteries in series.", posted on July 12, 2016 at 07:46:23
doak
Audiophile

Posts: 636
Location: New Orleans
Joined: June 4, 2000
 Yes, though they DO sound different ... TMEIMS (to my ears in my system).

 

RE: " I was able to use the lab power supply or a couple LiFePO4 batteries in series.", posted on July 12, 2016 at 09:28:52
beppe61
Audiophile

Posts: 4705
Joined: January 29, 2004

Thanks a lot for the helpful reply.
I am getting a little frustrated by all the discussions about power supplies mainly because i would like to check with instruments their performance.
I would need a nice spectrum analyzer to get a nice graph like the one attached.



Kind regards,
bg

 

RE: " I was able to use the lab power supply or a couple LiFePO4 batteries in series.", posted on July 12, 2016 at 09:57:27
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
The extent to which various power supplies might 'sound different' depends a lot on the device they are powering. Some devices will be more affected by differences in power supply quality than others.





 

RE: " I was able to use the lab power supply or a couple LiFePO4 batteries in series.", posted on July 19, 2016 at 05:41:55
doak
Audiophile

Posts: 636
Location: New Orleans
Joined: June 4, 2000
 How are things developing with your microRendu Abe?

 

RE: " I was able to use the lab power supply or a couple LiFePO4 batteries in series.", posted on July 19, 2016 at 11:05:36
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 It still sounds wonderful but I have yet to do a serious side-by-side critical listening session compared to my slightly tweaked headless Mac Mini. If there were any obvious and immediate differences I would have noticed it right off. My plan is for some long term listening then provide my findings in a fresh post.



 

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