Many thanks for your kind words. I forgot to mention that connecting the Pachanko and SPEC through a Melco S-100 switch gave me another serious improvement in performance with the cost of an extra Ethernet cable.
My Pachanko Server is here. A bargain at 16k Euros?!
- Thread starter Bogan88
- Start date
From my short experience, the optimal Diretta connection between the Pachanko Constellation Reference and the SPEC RMP-UB1 is as follows:
Step 1. You need to use a good quality switch. I personally use a pair of Melco S-100 switches powered by Plixir dual power supply
Step 2. You need one Ethernet cable from the switch to Pachanko in order to connect it to the network.
Step 3. You need a second Ethernet cable from Pachanko Diretta output to switch in order to send back to the network the Diretta signal.
Step 4. You need a third Ethernet cable to connect the SPEC Diretta Bridge to the network.
The quality of the Ethernet cables is extremely important. The best value for money solution is probably the Neotech 1008 silver Ethernet cable but of course you can further improve the sound using the Way Cables Substance, Pachanko Stellar or some other top Ethernet cables .
For those that use a pair of switches, it is interesting to mention that when i connect the ethernet cable that carries the Diretta signal from Pachanko to the Melco switch, it makes a difference in which of the two switches you connect the cable. I personally prefer to connect it to the switch No1 (closest to the router) and the SPEC to the switch no.2
Step 1. You need to use a good quality switch. I personally use a pair of Melco S-100 switches powered by Plixir dual power supply
Step 2. You need one Ethernet cable from the switch to Pachanko in order to connect it to the network.
Step 3. You need a second Ethernet cable from Pachanko Diretta output to switch in order to send back to the network the Diretta signal.
Step 4. You need a third Ethernet cable to connect the SPEC Diretta Bridge to the network.
The quality of the Ethernet cables is extremely important. The best value for money solution is probably the Neotech 1008 silver Ethernet cable but of course you can further improve the sound using the Way Cables Substance, Pachanko Stellar or some other top Ethernet cables .
For those that use a pair of switches, it is interesting to mention that when i connect the ethernet cable that carries the Diretta signal from Pachanko to the Melco switch, it makes a difference in which of the two switches you connect the cable. I personally prefer to connect it to the switch No1 (closest to the router) and the SPEC to the switch no.2
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@geopolitis I love how this is very specific, and yet very helpful to one considering the Pachanko+Diretta combo!
Edit: Most of those using such a nice server will probably have a switch, so very helpful info. I look into Pachanko for over a year and even saw a Mini SE in action without Diretta, and never knew the part that the source (server) has to send signal via ethernet back to the network. It makes more sense the way you described than the diagram often seen at diretta related websites.
Also, by your previous post, it seems you added a second Melco to your system later. How did you find the improvement, if any, on that second switch to the overall sound, which I suppose should be quite fine before that , with the Diretta and all?
Edit: Most of those using such a nice server will probably have a switch, so very helpful info. I look into Pachanko for over a year and even saw a Mini SE in action without Diretta, and never knew the part that the source (server) has to send signal via ethernet back to the network. It makes more sense the way you described than the diagram often seen at diretta related websites.
Also, by your previous post, it seems you added a second Melco to your system later. How did you find the improvement, if any, on that second switch to the overall sound, which I suppose should be quite fine before that , with the Diretta and all?
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By the way, the Mini SE that I heard, was playing at a very nice shop that also carried other server brands, and I could Even A/B for a few songs Against the Antipodes K21, which as far as I know, costs at least 2.5x the price of the Mini SE.
Although I was not familiar with the other components, I prefered the Mini on all 3 songs I did the comparison. While a close call to be honest, I liked more what I heard with the Mini regarding voices, specially female, highs were a bit more natural. I couldn’t tell any diferences in bass and soundstage. Definition was similar, but at some moments I also prefered the Mini SE. I prefer not to overdo with comments since it was a brief comparisson (one hour altogether) and I enjoyed both sounds. I Only wish they had the Reference there..
Although I was not familiar with the other components, I prefered the Mini on all 3 songs I did the comparison. While a close call to be honest, I liked more what I heard with the Mini regarding voices, specially female, highs were a bit more natural. I couldn’t tell any diferences in bass and soundstage. Definition was similar, but at some moments I also prefered the Mini SE. I prefer not to overdo with comments since it was a brief comparisson (one hour altogether) and I enjoyed both sounds. I Only wish they had the Reference there..
I always had the two Melco switch combo to connect my streamer because it clearly outperforms the one switch setup in any case. But this creates a problem about which switch you should use to connect a NAS or a Nucleus Roon core . For a Roon core server for instance, it seems that the sound is better when there is a dual switch buffer between the server and the the Roon end point. But you need to experiment and decide for yourself.
Regarding Diretta connection setup, the normal connection recommendation would be to connect the SPEC directly to the Diretta output of the Pachanko. But when you use the setup with a switch in between the sound is much much better.
After I purchased CH Precision C1.2, I connected my former Roon server; Mac Mini (recent model) to both my Lumin U2 (via USB to C1.2) and direct to C1.2's Stream HD in. Although the difference between Lumin vs. Stream HD was tone / taste more than quality, I preferred Stream HD of CH. (Note: Lumin was well burned-in, CH Stream was only a few minutes in back then, didn't compare later on)
Later I "upgraded" my system to Pachanko - Reference. I connected the Pachanko via USB to C1.2. I didn't go for Diretta since I'm satisfied enough for my digital listening range. Maybe if in the future CH starts supporting Diretta, I may try it, but for the time being Pachanko reference via USB is good enough for me.
Anyone considering going the same route or not, here is the deal; in my system, in my room, upgrade from Mac Mini to Pachanko Reference was even from first minute was an upgrade and with time it got better. Better detail, better soundstage especially in terms of depth, way more airy. Difference was not "I have been listening to garbage till today, now I'm in heaven" but sound quality got better, clearly audible.
I went for Reference just that local import / tax regulations makes Mini SE + PSU relatively expensive, so the hardware upgrade from Mini SE to Reference against the price difference needed no second thought. I didn't compare the two models, directly went for Reference, I can not comment between the two.
Later I "upgraded" my system to Pachanko - Reference. I connected the Pachanko via USB to C1.2. I didn't go for Diretta since I'm satisfied enough for my digital listening range. Maybe if in the future CH starts supporting Diretta, I may try it, but for the time being Pachanko reference via USB is good enough for me.
Anyone considering going the same route or not, here is the deal; in my system, in my room, upgrade from Mac Mini to Pachanko Reference was even from first minute was an upgrade and with time it got better. Better detail, better soundstage especially in terms of depth, way more airy. Difference was not "I have been listening to garbage till today, now I'm in heaven" but sound quality got better, clearly audible.
I went for Reference just that local import / tax regulations makes Mini SE + PSU relatively expensive, so the hardware upgrade from Mini SE to Reference against the price difference needed no second thought. I didn't compare the two models, directly went for Reference, I can not comment between the two.
I want to come back to this post from Christiaan.
I like very much the visual appearance of the "power supply" housing but I dislike the "computer" housing.
So my question directed @pachankolabs :
It would be very nice to have a Constellation Reference in two identical "power supply" housings.
Is this possible?
Thank you
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My report from using Pachanko is very positive. I've been using the Pachanko MINI SE for a few months. To be honest, I also have a Pink Faun 2.16Ultra. Strange thing, I listen more to the MINI SE with the Helipolis as a Diretta Target with aes/ebu output(not usb like Oliospec or Spec). It doesn't have the ultimate resolution and 3D space of Pink Faun, but to my ears it's very very musical. I finally got the Constellation Reference server, which is a huge step up from MINI SE. This C.Ref. reminds me of the Taiko´s sound I've heard a few times eventhough it costs like 4x less, I know it is a serious statement and I can get a lot of kicks in my butt for that. I can´t help it. It has similar sound signature, full sound with huge resolution and analog like feeling with proper tember and outstanding instrument separation. I am sure my gear helps that a lot. I need to point out that my system has enough resolution to support that strong statement.
It's so strange, Pachanko has 2 more models above this one, the Constellation SE and the Masterpiece, I'm curious how these bigger brothers will sound, since this Reference is already such a top player. My Clarisys along with the Aries cerat preamp and DAC show the incredible qualities of this Reference server, I don't have enough words to describe my feelings when I listen to this beauty. People please don't underestimate such an important link in your system - your source. My weakest link was the server and cables. If you're serious about streaming, you owe it to yourself to listen to this gem of an audio world. My friend heard this unit and immediately ordered one, he said, finally I heard something I like, he had a Hifi Rose, Aurender and a few other top servers on his bench. Personally, my goal is their top model 3psc the Constellation Masterpiece. Without hesitation I reward this brand as one of the TOP servers for the money upthere and 5 star digital tool for streaming needs, period. And I agree with the title of this tread, it is a bargain.
I can´t help it. It has similar sound signature, full sound with huge resolution and analog like feeling with proper tember and outstanding instrument separation. I am sure my gear helps that a lot. I need to point out that my system has enough resolution to support that strong statement.It's so strange, Pachanko has 2 more models above this one, the Constellation SE and the Masterpiece, I'm curious how these bigger brothers will sound, since this Reference is already such a top player. My Clarisys along with the Aries cerat preamp and DAC show the incredible qualities of this Reference server, I don't have enough words to describe my feelings when I listen to this beauty. People please don't underestimate such an important link in your system - your source. My weakest link was the server and cables. If you're serious about streaming, you owe it to yourself to listen to this gem of an audio world. My friend heard this unit and immediately ordered one, he said, finally I heard something I like, he had a Hifi Rose, Aurender and a few other top servers on his bench. Personally, my goal is their top model 3psc the Constellation Masterpiece. Without hesitation I reward this brand as one of the TOP servers for the money upthere and 5 star digital tool for streaming needs, period. And I agree with the title of this tread, it is a bargain.
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oh my Diretta Target Helipolis with Aes/ebu from Tweak Guru Czech rep helps this server to sing even better. It is not cheap device but it works well, it has slightly more organic sound depending on what setup do you have and whatAes/ebu cable you are using when you do a comparasion tests. No metal box because it would ruin the sound according to the creator Vlado.
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it looks nice and I like aes ebu. However it really need some clothing instead of running naked
Congratulations for the new pachanko purchase. Yeah the statement really works well and sounds amazing!My report from using Pachanko is very positive. I've been using the Pachanko MINI SE for a few months. To be honest, I also have a Pink Faun 2.16Ultra. Strange thing, I listen more to the MINI SE with the Helipolis as a Diretta Target with aes/ebu output(not usb like Oliospec or Spec). It doesn't have the ultimate resolution and 3D space of Pink Faun, but to my ears it's very very musical. I finally got the Constellation Reference server, which is a huge step up from MINI SE. This C.Ref. reminds me of the Taiko´s sound I've heard a few times eventhough it costs like 4x less, I know it is a serious statement and I can get a lot of kicks in my butt for that.
It's so strange, Pachanko has 2 more models above this one, the Constellation SE and the Masterpiece, I'm curious how these bigger brothers will sound, since this Reference is already such a top player. My Clarisys along with the Aries cerat preamp and DAC show the incredible qualities of this Reference server, I don't have enough words to describe my feelings when I listen to this beauty. People please don't underestimate such an important link in your system - your source. My weakest link was the server and cables. If you're serious about streaming, you owe it to yourself to listen to this gem of an audio world. My friend heard this unit and immediately ordered one, he said, finally I heard something I like, he had a Hifi Rose, Aurender and a few other top servers on his bench. Personally, my goal is their top model 3psc the Constellation Masterpiece. Without hesitation I reward this brand as one of the TOP servers for the money upthere and 5 star digital tool for streaming needs, period. And I agree with the title of this tread, it is a bargain. View attachment 143540View attachment 143544
as I said, the creator does not want that, it will not perform well naked it, it is like in sex I guess, naked won´t work
We will put plexiglass cover over it
New acqusition - SPEC diretta target. We tested Spec vs Helepolis(Tweak guru). Spec is little lighter in sound which some preffer, Helipolis sound more meat and bone, thicker. Both are great sounding. No winner. 
Basicaly adding diretta target elevated the sound to the next level. I just can not believe Pachanko Lab does not have more coverage in music magazines and internet reviews to have more visibility. All we can do to try to help this Pachanko lab is by writing and talking about this little miracle and hidden jewell among friends and in forums. But here is one nice review of MINI SE : https://www-audiophile--videophile-...l=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=fr&_x_tr_pto=wapp
Agree. Chan and team makes one of the best server/streamer I have come across. Adding the Diretta target is pretty incredible.
DeepL Translation of this thread in Czech rep Highend forum:
Friends it is an honor to finally compare these 2 diretta targets. It is my duty as a vendor to inform about this revolutionary concept of a different audio signal transmission called diretta protocol. I am not technically savvy so I can only copy technical descriptions and explanations of this new protocol that I found on the internet. it may or may not be interesting to many. I am among the latter. I like the innovative approach of the founders, but sound comes first.
So is the diretta protocol interesting to us users of streaming services like Tidal and Qobuz?
That's what I'm trying to find out with the help of Diamond sound and Vlad(Tweakguru). Vlado as a domestic manufacturer of Helepolis(aes/ebu) and Diamond sound, a manufacturer of ground boxes, which after purchasing from Mecca highend provided a Japanese original diretta Spec(USB) to test. Just for completeness, after this comparison test I immediately ordered the Spec in black. So it is possible to hear both in the studio and choose which one suits your ears better.
As we know, I became interested in this data transfer and was approached by Tweakguru with his solution, which was materialized in his own Diretto target Helepolis. After trying it out with the Pachanko MINI SE, which is apparently the only commercial company to have a physical arrangement that allows the direttu to be connected by Ethernet cable to the direttu Target with the Ethernet output isolated from the incoming Ethernet feed from the network.
So from the router we connect via switch lan cable to the MINI SE server input and from the direct output we connect to the direct target Helepolis or SPEC. From this diretta target, which processes the signal from the router to the diretta protocol, we connect to Helepolis via Aes/ebu or in case of Spec via USB to the DAC. Then I just switch inputs on the DAC from Aes/ebu or USB to test.
The sound of the two diretta targets clearly enriches the final sound, but each in a different way. That's the beauty of being able to choose which sound suits us better.I would leave that decision up to the listeners. I can only describe my first impressions. Playing through the Spec, the music is somehow more open, a little clearer, with slightly higher resolution, it has such a fresher presentation. Through Helepolis, the music gains more fullness, more power and somehow more fatness in the mids, while the resolution and dynamics remain more or less the same. Lest I forget, another very useful feature of the Diretta is that you can customize and tune the filters in the settings via Pachanko, from precise sound to big and musical. I've tried 3 filters and it's really very audible. Diretta is just about being able to adjust how many packs for how long , what cycly, how big packs etc...
So I hear differences in my setup, in another setup the results may be different, that's clear.
In any case, I would say that the Helepolis is significantly underpriced, on the other hand the Spec is more appealing to those who like boxes, and the user experience.Here I would say that the Spec has a big advantage. It is appealing to watch the Spec logo change colors as it connects. It glows red when in standby,when the signal is connected via ethernet it glows half green and orange,that's when we know it's ready and properly connected,when the recording starts it turns completely green,and the music starts playing. Helepolis is a digital tree, it's nice to look at too. Unfortunately, it has no cover. I recommended the manufacturer to have a plexiglass cover made(translucent or black). This should not affect the maximum result of the tower, according to the designer, just the box would reduce the efficiency by almost half, and that is why the tower is designed this way. I wanted to point out the exceptional sound through the new directt log technology, and the differences of the 2 top concepts. Also to point out that Pachanko is the only commercial server manufacturer to innovate in this way and bring this technological gadget to the general public!
Friends it is an honor to finally compare these 2 diretta targets. It is my duty as a vendor to inform about this revolutionary concept of a different audio signal transmission called diretta protocol. I am not technically savvy so I can only copy technical descriptions and explanations of this new protocol that I found on the internet. it may or may not be interesting to many. I am among the latter. I like the innovative approach of the founders, but sound comes first.
So is the diretta protocol interesting to us users of streaming services like Tidal and Qobuz?
That's what I'm trying to find out with the help of Diamond sound and Vlad(Tweakguru). Vlado as a domestic manufacturer of Helepolis(aes/ebu) and Diamond sound, a manufacturer of ground boxes, which after purchasing from Mecca highend provided a Japanese original diretta Spec(USB) to test. Just for completeness, after this comparison test I immediately ordered the Spec in black. So it is possible to hear both in the studio and choose which one suits your ears better.
As we know, I became interested in this data transfer and was approached by Tweakguru with his solution, which was materialized in his own Diretto target Helepolis. After trying it out with the Pachanko MINI SE, which is apparently the only commercial company to have a physical arrangement that allows the direttu to be connected by Ethernet cable to the direttu Target with the Ethernet output isolated from the incoming Ethernet feed from the network.
So from the router we connect via switch lan cable to the MINI SE server input and from the direct output we connect to the direct target Helepolis or SPEC. From this diretta target, which processes the signal from the router to the diretta protocol, we connect to Helepolis via Aes/ebu or in case of Spec via USB to the DAC. Then I just switch inputs on the DAC from Aes/ebu or USB to test.
The sound of the two diretta targets clearly enriches the final sound, but each in a different way. That's the beauty of being able to choose which sound suits us better.I would leave that decision up to the listeners. I can only describe my first impressions. Playing through the Spec, the music is somehow more open, a little clearer, with slightly higher resolution, it has such a fresher presentation. Through Helepolis, the music gains more fullness, more power and somehow more fatness in the mids, while the resolution and dynamics remain more or less the same. Lest I forget, another very useful feature of the Diretta is that you can customize and tune the filters in the settings via Pachanko, from precise sound to big and musical. I've tried 3 filters and it's really very audible. Diretta is just about being able to adjust how many packs for how long , what cycly, how big packs etc...
So I hear differences in my setup, in another setup the results may be different, that's clear.
In any case, I would say that the Helepolis is significantly underpriced, on the other hand the Spec is more appealing to those who like boxes, and the user experience.Here I would say that the Spec has a big advantage. It is appealing to watch the Spec logo change colors as it connects. It glows red when in standby,when the signal is connected via ethernet it glows half green and orange,that's when we know it's ready and properly connected,when the recording starts it turns completely green,and the music starts playing. Helepolis is a digital tree, it's nice to look at too. Unfortunately, it has no cover. I recommended the manufacturer to have a plexiglass cover made(translucent or black). This should not affect the maximum result of the tower, according to the designer, just the box would reduce the efficiency by almost half, and that is why the tower is designed this way. I wanted to point out the exceptional sound through the new directt log technology, and the differences of the 2 top concepts. Also to point out that Pachanko is the only commercial server manufacturer to innovate in this way and bring this technological gadget to the general public!
Attachments
God questiin. 2 waya. 1 option. Lan to Ref input from second switch, lan from diretta output directly to Diretra taeget. The other option, lan from second switch to Ref input, from diretra oztput back to second switch and from switch to diretta target. I have it connected this way. .
What do you think of this connection?
Sotm 1 , router to switch via fiber , switch to pachanko diretta port
Sotm 2 , pachanko lan port to switch , diretta to switch
Two sotm switch connection via fiber
Sotm 1 , router to switch via fiber , switch to pachanko diretta port
Sotm 2 , pachanko lan port to switch , diretta to switch
Two sotm switch connection via fiber
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