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IIRC on head-fi those few who were able to compare both preferred the RedNet or found them equal. For me the tip-off vs. the Rendu is the fact that the Rendu has an optional $1500 power supply. To me that says there is still a bottleneck to be dealt with in terms of sound quality. My experience with the RedNet was I didn't even think twice about does it need a better power supply (although I think it could be taken up a notch as can anything that uses an smps). The RedNet will have an uphill battle for acceptance because it is pro-audio oriented and does not have any audiophile buzzwords or software affiliation to commend it. You just have to hear it. It made for a genuine 'whoa' moment. RedNet expands the soundscape, completely remove digititis, has tremendous depth and separation. It's just... different. Even with a $30 dac it sounded terrific.The tradeoff is convenience. If sound quality is the priority, I am willing to bet the RedNet wins out. If you're in the U.S. Sweetwater has a terrific return policy and there is no shortage of buyers on head-fi if you sell it used.It's a component that I think every audiophile with the funds should hear.
Again, it's comparing apples and oranges. Just because something fits your specific needs and preferences doesn't make it better or worse than another component. Pro audio components can be very good, but aren't always suitable for home environments. That is one of the reasons they often aren't accepted by audiophiles - it doesn't necessarily have anything to do with buzzwords, etc. RedNet might be great, but it doesn't fit in my home setup - not in terms of size, looks, or in terms of connections - the ethenet>USB connection is critical for me and lots of other home users. In addition, the "software affiliation" aspect that you dismiss is exactly one of the important selling points about the mR for many home users. I understand that may not matter to you, but it's important to lots of people. Doesn't mean the RedNet isn't great, it means that for a lot of home users it just isn't a fit. That's why it's an apples and oranges comparison. Different people have different needs. You write as if the two products are basically identical in terms of form and function - and compare them on that basis: The problem is that that they aren't identical in either form or function. The mR wouldn't be a good device in a pro setup, and the RedNet3 is not an ideal device for a domestic audiophile setup. As far as relative sound quality, I'd bet it is system and setup dependent over which one works better. People have also reported "whoa" moments with the mR. I'm glad you love your device. Assuming it is better than another device you haven't heard doesn't mean much. The "$1500 power supply" comment is sort of a red-herring comment. The mR is sold without a PS, and there are something like 7 "recommended" supplies, starting at less than $50 dollars. How is that a "bottleneck"? Audiophiles tend to buy an improved PS for just about any component, and often already own multiple "audiophile" power supplies, so Sonore left it up to the buyer what PS to use. Pro audio users don't tend to by fancy add on power supplies, so it isn't sold that way. Products intended for different markets are sold differently. No other significance to either component being sold with or without any PS. If the RedNet comes into fashion with audiophiles, I guarantee you that posts will start appearing about which upmarket PS to use with it. That doesn't prove anything about the RedNet or any other unit.
which is why I say it should be heard if possible. not owned. just heard.
+1Are you still happy with your Rednet? I'm at a point where I feel the need for an upgrade. The question is whether to upgrade my dac first or replace my Bolder SB3 with the MicroRendu or the Rednet. My current dac doesn't have USB so it I went with the Microrendu I'd need a converter which is another box in the circuit plus extra $. With the Rednet I could use my current dac. On the other hand, the Rednet would probably be more difficult to get installed properly. I don't want to get too heavy into nerdy installation aggravations.The easy way out would be to keep my current SB3 setup and just get a very good dac.
