AC Kassandra Inputs - Is There a 'Best' Option?

[WLGMuzza]

I have Kassandra Ref 2 DAC and an considering a server / streamer.

I'm looking at two options: USB output only, and USB/SPDIF/AES with an uplift in cost.

I use the USB input on the Kassie today.

Given the double reclocking of the USB input on the DAC, what is your experience between the USB and synchronous inputs on the Kassandra?

Appreciate your knowledge.

Cheers

 

[Audio Addict]

I have Kassandra Ref 2 DAC and an considering a server / streamer.

I'm looking at two options: USB output only, and USB/SPDIF/AES with an uplift in cost.

I use the USB input on the Kassie today.

Given the double reclocking of the USB input on the DAC, what is your experience between the USB and synchronous inputs on the Kassandra?

Appreciate your knowledge.

Cheers

Could I suggest instead of streaming to look into adding Baach SP as a more significant improvement? I was using an Innous Zen MK3 to stream to my Helene (replaced with Kassandra next week) and when I went to Baach4Mac software you can't stream since it needs to go in the USB from my Mac mini. I listened without the Baach4Mac and the difference was not really too significant. However, using the Baach SP software was a significant step up. Of course YMMV.

 

[acg]

@WLGMuzza the 'best' input to the Kassandra probably depends on the streamer you are trialling at the time. I've found nothing better than Antipodes Oladra using AES into my Kass. Other streamers will be more focused on USB and therefore will have their strengths there. Note that synchronous inputs such as AES/SPDIF etc. are limited to certain data rates so some high-res music will not play...if you bother with hi-res at all.

 

[RaChiK]

I have Aurender N20 streamer. Have tried digital RCA and USB: For me USB input has best sound in my system. USB has more body, better bass better separation of instruments and possibly bigger soundstage. Digital RCA has slightly better image focus, but overall, USB was better.

 

[WLGMuzza]

Could I suggest instead of streaming to look into adding Baach SP as a more significant improvement? I was using an Innous Zen MK3 to stream to my Helene (replaced with Kassandra next week) and when I went to Baach4Mac software you can't stream since it needs to go in the USB from my Mac mini. I listened without the Baach4Mac and the difference was not really too significant. However, using the Baach SP software was a significant step up. Of course YMMV.

Thanks for the advice AA. I'm in a position where I need to swap out my server as it's on its last legs. Baach looks interesting and could be an option down the track. Cheers

 

[WLGMuzza]

I have Aurender N20 streamer. Have tried digital RCA and USB: For me USB input has best sound in my system. USB has more body, better bass better separation of instruments and possibly bigger soundstage. Digital RCA has slightly better image focus, but overall, USB was better.

Thanks RaChik, great feedback.

 

[eskamobob1]

Could I suggest instead of streaming to look into adding Baach SP as a more significant improvement?

Maybe im misunderstanding (their website inst super clear), isnt the baach sp a server/streamer its self? Just with lots of added DSP options like a weiss DSP501/Grimm MU-1?

@WLGMuzza This is entirely second hand info, but i was told AES is the way to go with AC when I was looking into getting the Kassandra myself

 

[Willgolf]

I will be getting a Kassandra 2 DAC at the end of the year. In my current set-up with a Lampi Horizon, I have a Lucas Audio LDMS server hooked up to it. It is absolutely the best move I have made in the last two years. I had USB and SPDIF jacks and I switched between the two. I much preferred the SPDIF. I am getting an ugraded LDMS at the end of the week and I will add a BNC jack in addition to the straight SPDIF and USB. I will use the BNC when I get the Kassandra.

I would highly recommend you give Lucas Domansky a call at Lucas Audio. He is a computer genius and can offer you great advice and help. He will be selling my existing serverto anyone in the USA. My unit is Roon ready with 8 tb storage and I use Tidal and Qobuz also. It really made a difference to my Lampi DAC's.

 

[Audio Addict]

Maybe im misunderstanding (their website inst super clear), isnt the baach sp a server/streamer its self? Just with lots of added DSP options like a weiss DSP501/Grimm MU-1?

I have the Baach4Mac on a Mac2Pro. Roon Core feeds the Baach4Mac software, which combines Roon with Baach SP and then goes USB to my DAC. So I guess maybe it does.

 

[Bobbi]

I have Kassandra Ref 2 DAC and an considering a server / streamer.

I'm looking at two options: USB output only, and USB/SPDIF/AES with an uplift in cost.

I use the USB input on the Kassie today.

Given the double reclocking of the USB input on the DAC, what is your experience between the USB and synchronous inputs on the Kassandra?

Appreciate your knowledge.

Cheers

Using a pink faun ultra the usb is the way to go. better in every way compared to aes.
The good thing about this server is you can install a new usb/aes/? card in the future when a better one is developed. So your not stuck with the old tech down the track.

 

[WLGMuzza]

Thanks everyone for the input. I've ended up with the Antipodes K50 connected via AES, double reclockwd, to the Kassandra, running Squeeze server and player.

Things are sounding pretty good in this configuration. Once the K50 has finished breaking in I'll do a comparison against the USB input.

Cheers

 

[acg]

@WLGMuzza I've done this comparison so have an idea what you may hear. Was also able to directly compare K50 vs Oladra into my Kass Ref 2...oh my...pity you can't unhear some things, but thankful I was able to make the comparison.

 

[Verdier]

pity you can't unhear some things, but thankful I was able to make the comparison.

@acg What do you mean by that specifically?

 

[acg]

@acg What do you mean by that specifically?

I had to dig deeper to buy the Oladra. K50 is very nice, Oladra is wonderful.

 

[Verdier]

O.k., I understand this statement. I don't know the K50 myself, but I just listened to the Oladra and yes, it is really good. When I say something like that, I mean: close to the vinyl record.

 

[interiors]

Using a pink faun ultra the usb is the way to go. better in every way compared to aes.
The good thing about this server is you can install a new usb/aes/? card in the future when a better one is developed. So your not stuck with the old tech down the track.

I have the same setup: PF Ultra —> Kassandra. Given the Kass is optimized for USB, it’s definitely the way to go.

 

[WLGMuzza]

Thanks folks. I see Antipodes has released a V3 of the K50 with a reworked USB interface, but I bit the bullet bfore that annoucement and got the (now superceded) K50 at a good price. It helps that I'm based in NZ and about 45 minutes drive from the Antipodes facilities. I'm currently using the AES connection and very, very happy with the sound. I'll experiment with the USB connection at some stage in the future, but for now I'm just enjoying music!

I appreciate all the responses / input.

Cheers

 

[Verdier]

Another interesting question would be whether a Cassandra would benefit from a private clock. Are there any opinions - or better: experiences - about this?

 

[Argonaut]

Another interesting question would be whether a Cassandra would benefit from a private clock. Are there any opinions - or better: experiences - about this?

That is an interesting question … however I suspect that only Stavros might be in a position to answer that.