STREAM Series Megapost

[mikehughescq]

what should I say…..speechless

Thank goodness no-one is buying a Decware amp to go with then…

 

[perhauge]

When you describe the STREAM1 & LPS1 you write: “…and would exceed the PULSE with the presence of an output module”. Please clarify if that means that you need to buy an “additional” output module e.g. the PhoenixUSB to get a better performance than the Pulse if you use USB? And does the PhoenixUSB output module to STREAM1 provide the same performance as the standalone PhoenixUSB reclocker?

 

[TMY168]

We just got the demo units. STREAM1, LPS1, PhoenixUSB board, SPDIF board, and Standard DAC board.
(Thailand)

 

[Stephen Healy]

When you describe the STREAM1 & LPS1 you write: “…and would exceed the PULSE with the presence of an output module”. Please clarify if that means that you need to buy an “additional” output module e.g. the PhoenixUSB to get a better performance than the Pulse if you use USB? And does the PhoenixUSB output module to STREAM1 provide the same performance as the standalone PhoenixUSB reclocker?

There is not a strict 'need' to buy an output module because there is still the standard onboard USB output. On its own like this, I would not expect the STREAM1 to outperform a PULSE. By the time you add the LPS1, it becomes a lot more comparable. By the time you add a PhoenixUSB module, I would say its ahead of the PULSE - the point there is that the system is quite configurable to an upgrade path at different levels/price points. So if you are looking for an improvement over a PULSE, yes should consider a dedicated output module being fitted inside.
The standalone PhoenixUSB would still have the edge in performance because it has more dedicated linear power supplies and isolation etc, but in terms of relative value, reduced box count, and reduced expense of additional (upgrade) cables to power and USB, the module is a very effective option. But for someone who perhaps already owns a PhoenixUSB and is not fussed about reducing the number of boxes, it makes sense to keep it and carry on using it rather than replace with a module.