Early Thoughts on the Musical Fidelity V-Link 192

Lee

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Feb 3, 2011
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Just got this new V-Link gizmo in today. I have gone from using a MacMini to USB input on Benchmark DAC1 Pre to Mac Mini into V-Link 192 into the Benchmark DAC1 Pre. Using the fine AQ Diamond as USB cable and a Stereolab UltraXV SPDIF. Next up is trying an AES cable which I hear moves the DAC1 Pre up another level.

This device simply converts the USB data stream from a server in my case the Mac Mini into and SPDIF or AES digital stream. This allows one to use any DAC with an SPDIF input as many do not have the USB input. In the case of the DAC1 Pre there is some discussion on the quality of its USB input since it is not asynchronous.

Some observations:

1. Very transparent sound. Even better sound than I had before. Vocals are better, midrange and HF seem smoother and great bass is still present.

2. Very well built for the money.

3. I like the different colored LEDs that show the various sampling rates from 44.1 to 192 including the 176 we use for our classical recordings.

4. High value price. I got this used for below retail but for $399 I would have still have been happy.

Highest recommendation.

Computer audio seems a bit mysterious in how many cables and devices can impact the sound and moreso than reasoning would suggest. It's definitely a journey.

I will comment soon on any observations using an AES cable between the V-Link 192 and the Benchmark.
 

amirm

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Thanks for the review. I was not a fan of the original V-Link because it did not have isolation. As a result, its performance would be system dependent. I believe this incarnation has one.
 

Lee

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Thanks for the review. I was not a fan of the original V-Link because it did not have isolation. As a result, its performance would be system dependent. I believe this incarnation has one.

Correct sir. There is galvanic isolation on this one.

Alas, one of your customers who is a friend says the Berkeley USB converter is even better. It never ends! :)
 

Lee

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Feb 3, 2011
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One more thought here. Although you are adding an extra cable here, SPDIF or AES, you are probably getting less jitter on the input to the Benchmark. Or at least that is my theory based on what I have heard and read.
 

Andre Marc

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Mar 14, 2012
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Just got this new V-Link gizmo in today. I have gone from using a MacMini to USB input on Benchmark DAC1 Pre to Mac Mini into V-Link 192 into the Benchmark DAC1 Pre. Using the fine AQ Diamond as USB cable and a Stereolab UltraXV SPDIF. Next up is trying an AES cable which I hear moves the DAC1 Pre up another level.

This device simply converts the USB data stream from a server in my case the Mac Mini into and SPDIF or AES digital stream. This allows one to use any DAC with an SPDIF input as many do not have the USB input. In the case of the DAC1 Pre there is some discussion on the quality of its USB input since it is not asynchronous.

Some observations:

1. Very transparent sound. Even better sound than I had before. Vocals are better, midrange and HF seem smoother and great bass is still present.

2. Very well built for the money.

3. I like the different colored LEDs that show the various sampling rates from 44.1 to 192 including the 176 we use for our classical recordings.

4. High value price. I got this used for below retail but for $399 I would have still have been happy.

Highest recommendation.

Computer audio seems a bit mysterious in how many cables and devices can impact the sound and moreso than reasoning would suggest. It's definitely a journey.

I will comment soon on any observations using an AES cable between the V-Link 192 and the Benchmark.

Hi there:

See my review:

We are on on the same page!

http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-accessories/av-cables/musical-fidelity-v-link-192-review.html
 

Lee

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asiufy

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Jul 8, 2011
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I have one of those as well, as tested it against the dCS Puccini U-Clock's USB input. Of course, not a fair comparison, given the price difference, but the V-Link didn't fare too badly in this case. Both hooked up to a Paganini DAC.
The V-Link 192 was more etched and dry, and more instantly likeable, but fatiguing in the long run. Still, a hell of a good device for $399...
I still use it to play files above 96k, which is the limit of the U-Clock...


alexandre
 

Lee

Well-Known Member
Feb 3, 2011
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Here is a grainy pic of the new setup. Will try the AES cable later.

photo.jpg
 

Andre Marc

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Mar 14, 2012
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Terrific Andre. Thanks.

I started with a Belkin Gold as well but the Audioquest Diamond has just blown it away. I was surprised what a good USB cable can do. I guess it is all analog at the end of the day.

There is no doubt USB cables make a difference. But the AQ Diamond costs more than the V-Link 192!
 

Lee

Well-Known Member
Feb 3, 2011
3,210
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Alpharetta, Georgia

Lee

Well-Known Member
Feb 3, 2011
3,210
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1,260
Alpharetta, Georgia
I did use the Apogee Wyde Eye AES cable tonight and it made a difference.

So it seems Mac Integer Mode with Pure >> VLink >> Benchmark DAC1 is the key to a really fine sound via computer files.
 

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