USB vs. AES/EBU from G4 K22 to Mola Mola Tanbaqui

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Greetings!

I have just ordered my G4 K22 and intend to connect it to my Mola Mola Tanbaqui DAC.

It seems there are different opinions re which of USB vs AES/EBU is the best connection method.

I understand that with previous versions of the K22, USB was generally seen as inferior but by some accounts with version G4, the outputs are now on par with each other, and everything else being equal USB may have some benefits.

I would love to hear if experienced users of the newer G4 version can weigh in on this.

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Hello

It probably depends more on the Tambaqui inputs than K22 output.
Many people were not satisfied with what they were listening with USB compared with AES/EBU or I2S, shared their opinion which lead to a sort of consensus. But it was often because USB was the weak entry of their DAC. I chose a B.audio because I was sure all entries were managed the same way and I am happy with the results.
But I also learnt that a good UBS cables is really important, and I am pretty sure you have to spend more on this side, especially used, compared to other liaisons, important factor in the equation.

JC

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This is what I gleaned as well from reading forum posts from owners of that DAC.

Excellent point.

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I have just spent an hour with Antipodes tech support as up until then, I could only get the Direct Ethernet comm between the K22 and the Mola Mola Tambaqui to work.

We got the USB connection to work (but not the AES, it may be due to a faulty XLR cable - to be investigated).

Here’s what Antipodes recommendations are (with the G4 version of the K22):

  • The USB output is the best, and it is now also reclocked

  • Best approach is to run both Roon Core and Roon endpoint on the K22. In other words, do not run Roon Core plus squeezelite - it actually taxes the K22 MORE.

  • If adding a K41 to the K22, and run Roon Core on the K41, then squeezelite is a good option for the K22 (then it’s mostly a matter of taste which renderer to use), but squeezelite is not recommended unless using a K41 + K22, a K50, or an Oladra

But bottome line is, USB is now with G4 the output Antipodes feels is the best to use.

(Of course if the DACs USB input sucks, that’s a different story…)

I think that’s it. :slight_smile:

//Christer

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