Hi Jay1,
I have a Pontus II and a LAIV Harmony DAC. I would start with the USB connection between the Rivo and the Pontus. You will automatically get a better connection than coaxial. Because USB is an asynchronous connection, it will demand the Pontus CLOCK is the master clock, which is what you probably want in this case. Both USB and I2S will be superior to COAX with the Pontus. Later, you can play with the I2S once you are willing to fiddle, and you are used to the sound you are getting from the Rivo/Pontus combination. The I2S is a little fussier, in that you must set the correct I2S pinout configuration on the Pontus to match what the Rivo is using. This can involve adjustments on both sides. It should work, but you must get the configurations matched. In that way, the USB is faster, simpler, and error free. Good luck.
Thank you David, think I will try USB from the Revo to the Iris then the i2s to the Pontus I dont really know what Im doing but I do have good ears recently had my Naim amps recapped into some SBLs so fingers crossed. Still trying to get the volumino app to see my Tidal playlist.
The other option is I2s from the Rivo to the Iris DDC then AES EBU to the Pontus guess trial and error is the answer really need help from someone who know what they are talking about
Jay1:
I have heard that both the USB and I2S are superior to AES with these particular components. If you do I2S between the Rivo and the Pontus BE SURE to get the pinout match correct, or you will not get good results. The pinout configuration can be modified BOTH on the Pontus and on the Rivo using the Volumio app. Volumio even has a drop down box this I believe includes Denafrips. Unfortunately, since Pontus can be set to several different pinouts, Iâm not sure the drop down selection will actually match what your Pontus is set to. You will need to research the exact pinout configuration. A fun geek task, but I still think you could more easily explore the sound of your new devices by just using USBâŚfor now. There is nothing wrong with the USB connection, supported well by Pontus and by Rivo. As Hans Beekhuyzen, the Dutch audiophile and technical journalist always says, âWhatever you do, enjoy the music.â
I am looking at this power supply on Aliexpress: Smart Ver Hi-End S.S-LPS-1706A Ultra-Lage Ruis Lineaire Voeding Dc 5V-24V Voor Audio-Apparaat Met Overdrukbescherming - AliExpress Zerozone is a serious manufacturer, and they also built their own power supply for their tpa3255 mono block amps. Since I have two iPower X by IFI I wouldnât immediately need one. Has anyone tried the iPower X on Rivo or Rivo+?
But as per the test
Power consumption 4W (1W standby)
5V@1A looks to be fine
Well The iPower X outperforms the stock by quite a bit. Adds more body to the sound. A better balanced tonality. It is a relatively cheap upgrade. My Zerozone supply hasnât arrived yet.
Now it has. It is still burning in but I can already tell it is better than the iPower X. More separation between instruments, better spatial cues, improved sound stage and layering, especially depth. Everyting has become more natural and pleasant. Bass has become more dynamic and authoritive. Treble more natural, and mid range smoother and a bit warmer.
This is where I got it: Smart Ver Hi-End S.S-LPS-1706A Ultra-Lage Ruis Lineaire Voeding Dc 5V-24V Voor Audio-Apparaat Met Overdrukbescherming - AliExpress 44
I am using it with a Furutech 3ts20 power cable, also from Ali.
Congratulations on your LPS. I got the LHY LPS and it was a major improvement over the stock SPS. At first, it sounded a little dull, but with much more authority and command of bass frequencies. SPSâs are known to be a little faster than LPSâs initially. But after about 100 hours, everything evened out and the upgrade was definitely worth it.
Beginning to wonder if my Lineo5 will ever arrive from Elite Audio
Did anybody experiment with the DC power cable between LPS and Rivo(+)? I ordered one that is silvered from Ali (for another set up but I tried it out for the Rivo+) and it is making a significant impact changing the balance of my tonality to the higher frequencies. More acute presence and sound etching but a bit less warmth (it might yet change over time). Tonality/sound balance definately changes.