My Pinkfaun 2.16 ultra experience

[flkin]

By the way, have you had a chance to listen to the Dual Ultra?

No, not yet. This trip was specifically to trying out the bridges and hear the differences. No time to do much else.

Besides it might be too tempting .. stick to baby steps!

 

[Goetzfam]

Have you decided which bridge you are going with, and if the USB, do you know if the one now available is for the Ultra?

 

[flkin]

The new USB bridge isn't out yet but probably very soon. Weeks to a month I guess? It's not that specialised, probably just need a standard PCIe slot so it should work in full sized streamers including the Ultra. That said, it has a case so we'll have to see how it fits and if it takes more than one slot width on the motherboard.

I've already asked Jord to reserve one for me so that's my path. Currently using the old PF USB bridge with the OCXO ultraclock. Externally powered with a Paul Hynes DR7t+.

 

[Goetzfam]

So is this different from the one available now on the website?

 

[flkin]

Ah didn’t know they updated their webpage already. Yes this is the new version.

Although the pic is the older bridge still.
Work in progress

 

[matthias]

Ah didn’t know they updated their webpage already. Yes this is the new version.

It is a pity that MacOS is not supported.

Matt

 

[Goetzfam]

Ah didn’t know they updated their webpage already. Yes this is the new version.

Although the pic is the older bridge still.
Work in progress

I heard from Jord. This is a new version of the basic bridge. And although it will fit into the streamer, the Ultra bridge is still a few months out.

 

[flkin]

I received the Pink Faun v2 USB bridge last week and have put music through it for a few days now. The bridge with the clock module attached is the v1. Here's a short write up of my experience:

100 hour mini review of the Pink Faun USB v2 bridge (card)

For the discussion below, I refer to v1 but that is the older v1 card with the Ultra clock module attached. This card is warmed at least 24 hours (makes a big difference when cold). The v2 is burned in around 100 hours.

Both are externally powered by a 5V Paul Hynes DR7t+ double regulated, extreme version.

After burning in the v2 for around 100 hours, my overall impression is this:


- More accurate modern sound
- Tight, controlled, great imaging which can challenge the v1
- Detailed and dynamic
- At the upper edge of dynamic sounds, the treble was a little shouty during the break-in time. After 100 hours of burn, this seemed to have reduced but not gone

Compared to v1:

- V1 is more liquid softer sounding, natural but slightly less clear
- Bass slightly less tight than v2
- Slightly more body, thicker in the lower mids and bass especially when clock is not warmed up.
- Vocals remain preferable especially with female voices. More analogue? Feeling of being present and real with no treble issues.


I think both cards can appeal to different audiophiles in different ways. After spending a lot of time optimising my system with the v1 inserted, it’s not surprising that I prefer its sound. And at 4 times the price, this should be the case. That said, I was surprised at the v2 performance. That newer tighter sound is engaging.

For those using Euphony as the playback software, one can try switching kernels 5.14 and 5.18 as an optimising tool to balance the sound character of the v1 and v2 cards. It is possible to use the v1 card with Euphony 5.18 kernel which then gives the modern sound of the v2.

And for those wanting to add a bit of the Pink Faun clock magic - natural sounding, spatial awareness and emotional connection especially to vocals, will have to wait for the Ultra card due later this year. Perhaps they will incorporate some of the newer tech of the v2 card into it as well?

Some of the tracks used for this evaluation:


Live a FIP - Musica Nuda
Tracks: Quando, I will survive
Great live album where bass lines and dynamic vocals show the extreme edges of the system



Chasing a Dream - Gabor Csordas
Tracks: Chasing a dream, Fresh
The electric bass guitar and drums are pretty good tests for bass resolution and separation.



Alive at the Village Vanguard - Fred Hersch, Esperanza Spalding
Tracks: A Wish
Esperanza voice is goosebump real when the system is firing well. Emotional engagement at 100%. Lots of 'things' happening in the venue background which can show resolution power of the system

My system details within which the cards were playing is in the signature link below.

 

[matthias]

@flkin
Reading between the lines of your nice review I have got the impression that going either for USB V2 or for USB V1 is merely and simply a matter of taste.

Matt

 

[flkin]

Thank you.

And cost too. There’s quite a difference between the 2 once an Ultra clock is added. Not sure if the v1 with clock is still for sale. Doesn’t show in the website anymore.

The v2 is a more modern sound with clear imaging and dynamics. The v1 with the clock is more liquid, analogue with the added character of a good clock. Details, engagement, ‘elegant’.

Yes I think there’s a place for both depending on the current system character.

 

[Zappadaddy]

I am kind of sad Pink faun owner of 2.16X Ultra. I was going to try Euphony but I have to pay the subsription, in 2.16 Ultra it is already installed in it and you do not have to buy the subscription anymore. When I bought the unit, I was told it is modular and future proof that it could be upgraded in the future and that was one of the reason why I bought such an expensive streming transport. Well it is not the case with my unit. I was told that the only way is to trade my unit for Ultra version, cost more then 10000 euros. Any thoughts if it is worth it to do this trade?

 

[pjwd]

I am kind of sad Pink faun owner of 2.16X Ultra. I was going to try Euphony but I have to pay the subsription, in 2.16 Ultra it is already installed in it and you do not have to buy the subscription anymore. When I bought the unit, I was told it is modular and future proof that it could be upgraded in the future and that was one of the reason why I bought such an expensive streming transport. Well it is not the case with my unit. I was told that the only way is to trade my unit for Ultra version, cost more then 10000 euros. Any thoughts if it is worth it to do this trade?

I faced the same situation and took the plunge. It is definitly better and the PF stylus program is much nicer to use and its sq is great. Although I end up using roon most of the time as my partner prefers it
A friend now has my old unit and his system sounds great. Like you I was not happy about the pivot from the upgrade path but as it turned out I am happy I did .. there is just more nuance and presence in the presentation.
Now of course there is a new usb card coming...
Good luck
Phil

 

[flkin]

I was told that the only way is to trade my unit for Ultra version, cost more then 10000 euros. Any thoughts if it is worth it to do this trade?

Now of course there is a new usb card coming...

I have the 2.16x unit also. My plan is to get the new USB Ultra card once it’s ready and ensure it has a good external 5V power supply. The card is will fit the 2.16x but needs a minor mod ( remove top tab) which can be done at PF.

From my experience switching usb cards and using internal and external supplies, I feel this is an area of streamer weakness that offers significant improvement value if done right.

I guess one day I will also switch to the Ultra streamer and the USB Ultra card will still fit so it’s a good temp solution.

 

[pjwd]

I have the 2.16x unit also. My plan is to get the new USB Ultra card once it’s ready and ensure it has a good external 5V power supply. The card is will fit the 2.16x but needs a minor mod ( remove top tab) which can be done at PF.

From my experience switching usb cards and using internal and external supplies, I feel this is an area of streamer weakness that offers significant improvement value if done right.

I guess one day I will also switch to the Ultra streamer and the USB Ultra card will still fit so it’s a good temp solution.

That seems a good plan !

 

[Goetzfam]

I went for the new unit and thought it was definitely worth it. And although I couldn't modify the 2.16x to an Ultra, the trade in that Jord offered me was more than fair. In fact, by my calculations, he practically reimbursed me the full cost of the original 2.16x!

That doesn't mean that I am not also looking forward to the new USB card.

 

[RdW]

I am really interested in this thread. The Ultra or the Extreme.

A question. I heard, that a sub supplier to Taiko is Pink Faun. Correct? I don’t remember from where nor what parts.

My project for this year is upgrading my power cords. Next year my plan is to replace my old Melco N1Z. I see two main option. Just replacing it with their top version or make a “bigger” change. This second option is also to replace my Naim streamer at the same time. Meaning going for the Ultra or the Extreme and a DAC. I don’t think it will be a huge difference in price between these two main options. But believe that to replace my streamer with one of these two streamers would add sonic value.

I have not heard nor seen any of these two streamers but believe both are really good. I have a Lan cable from PF and their modified Melco S100 switch. That switch really impacted the sound. Right now without hearing these two streamers I would initially try the Ultra due to my positive experience buying from PF (and Farad) .

A question to @Bobbi . Dual Ultra is what?

Hi Gunnar,

I read you are using a Melco S100 modified by Pink Faun. Can I extract from this that PF recommends the Melco S100 nowadays. Thanks.

 

[flkin]

During the Switch wars, some people found that the Melco sounded good but better when a PF Ultra clock was added inside. PF accepts modification jobs, usually related to swapping in their clocks, but it doesn’t mean they recommend the device. PF doesn’t sell switches from what I gather.

 

[Gunnar]

Hi Gunnar,

I read you are using a Melco S100 modified by Pink Faun. Can I extract from this that PF recommends the Melco S100 nowadays. Thanks.

No, not as far as I know. PF is not recommending Melco S100 as a switch. I am fairly sure they are neutral in switches. The reason I went for the PF modified S100 where all positive comments on WBF. I bought the ”complete“ package from PF. PF sourced the S100 themselves. They provided also the two Farads Super3. So one invoice. Guarantee 2 years on everything.

And I am very pleased with the improvement the package made. If there are anything better on the market now I don’t know.

Gunnar

 

[RdW]

Thanks both.

There is so much to read, as there are as many different views and opinions. It goes from adding a single Uptone EtherRegan (eR), to chaining a couple of Cisco's (Meraki, 2960 or SG100D) to SoTM's and Bonn's in the wildest configurations.

But it is good to learn that an investment in a Melco might make sense, but will only consider this after a test at home. Maybe in a chain with eR. A nice article can be found here.

UpTone Audio EtherREGEN Review and Comparison

UpTone Audio EtherREGEN Review and Comparison Rajiv Arora Introduction The UpTone Audio EtherREGEN (shortened to eR for the rest of this review) is a diminutive Ethernet switch with a bold value proposition. UpTone claims it “...is capable of producing surprisingly audible sonic improvements in f...

audiophilestyle.com

 

[Gunnar]

Switches……. True a lot to read and a lot of opinions…..

i started with a 2960. Then replaced it with an ER. Then added a Super3 to the ER. Bought the Chord EE8. Did not find it better than the ER. More the opposite.

Felt it was still more to do so I went for what at that time was seen as one of the absolute best switches on the market, the S100 PF.

Each switch “upgrade” improved the sound. For me the S100 PF was worth the investment. Later I added the fibre converter ADOT.

I think it’s impossible to make a home demo of the PF modified switch as it is not a shelf product.

Much more good switches on the market now than when I bought mine….. so if the S100 is the best option today I don’t know.

Gunnar