My Pinkfaun 2.16 ultra experience

Both Roon and the PF OS runs entirely from RAM including the Roon database. The system performs a backup every 3am to the drive. Because the drivers are custom, the data routing is different. The Linux IO is bypassed entirely and the RAM PF OS now directly communicates with PF’s audio cards.
Another question:
Did Jord tell something about the SQ of local stored files vs streaming from Qobuz/Tidal with the new OS?
Thx
 
No he didn’t talk anything more that what’s above. Only that the overall sound has exceeded the existing Euphony/Stylus output.

And probably solves many of the existing issues current Euphony/Stylus users face. That was the driving factor for them to build the new OS. Timely from Euphony wasn’t not forthcoming affecting PF’s support to their customers.

For example I was facing some Euphony setup issues so I deleted my UPnP link to setup again. Couldn’t be done, a new discovery can’t take place once the old link is deleted. No solution to date so I’m unable to play to my UPnP device.

That said I can share my experience with my PF 2.16x streamer. After spending painstaking time trying the Expert Settings setup - CPU and IRQ isolations and ethtools settings, I’m not hearing much difference between local and streaming files anymore. We discussed this and Jord did say they further optimized this in the Ultra so that might suggest it’s a resolved matter. But he didn’t say if this was the case for the Scion.
 
  • Like
Reactions: aangen and matthias
Do we know what’s the price of the Scion?
According to Rhapsody.nl the price of the Scion will be about 17500 EUR and it will be available next spring.
I must admit that I thought it is less expensive since this is not too far away from the 2.16 Ultra.
Anyway, I am curious about the SQ vs 2.16 Ultra but also vs other servers/streamers.
 
Last edited:
Mike Bovaird, the new Pink Faun distributor in the US, said the Scion is $20k on his latest podcast.
How much is the 2.16 Ultra in the US?
 
Some updates with my Pinky, recently I got the new USB bridge installed and new software replacement. Both are very nice. The USB is an immediately noticeable improvement in many ways of sounding, but please please give it some time because the clock needs time to stabilize the temperature, as well as the other electronics. Just leave the machine on for a week, the little hardness will disappear, and the fluidity will show. The new software will make the music little more involving, not too much, but still better. Great work by Pink Faun Team!
 
  • Like
Reactions: NigelB and flkin
Am I correct that Paul is no longer in business?
Not only is he not in business, but he has left a fair amount of corpses in his wake. Audiophile Style has a thread about it.
 
Yeah Paul has retired and I’m one of the last customers that received my custom build before he did.

He licensed his tech to Angelo at www.dr7t.com. So the technology lives on and is still available. I’m familiar with Angelo’s work having worked with him before and I dare say his workmanship is better than Paul’s.
 
I thought I would bring this thread up to date. I installed a new Pink Faun DUAL Ultra in my system. The dual version splits up the housekeeping and audio tasks between units. They are connected with an Ethernet cable provided by PF. I have transferred my files to the internal SSD. I use the USB output on one of the chassis to feed my MSB Cascade DAC through their proISL ( USB to Optical converter) input module. I am coming from a Wadax server feeding their Reference DAC. Both of these systems have their strengths but for me and my audio preferences, the latest Ultra / Cascade combination is the "best" audio I have ever had in my room. Even after only a few hours, the vocals sprang to life with huge air around them. Every nuance of the recording is brought to your attention. Sound stage is very deep and wide and articulate without being fatiguing. My reference tracks from Chesky, Mapleshade and their ilk all had very dense fundamental frequencies with black, black backgrounds.

PF is continuing to work on the software. The version I have does not need the Stylus app to manage the library and achieve the best sound. According to Jord who FaceTimed in to my music room to assist in the setup, the Roon integration with his OS is complete and that set up provides their best sound without any need for other interfaces. I am enjoying the result of this effort. Pink Faun is not a household name in the high end audio world but I have to believe they soon will be. I am extremely pleased with their product and I'm sure others who have the opportunity to hear it will be too.

Eric
 
I thought I would bring this thread up to date. I installed a new Pink Faun DUAL Ultra in my system. The dual version splits up the housekeeping and audio tasks between units. They are connected with an Ethernet cable provided by PF. I have transferred my files to the internal SSD. I use the USB output on one of the chassis to feed my MSB Cascade DAC through their proISL ( USB to Optical converter) input module. I am coming from a Wadax server feeding their Reference DAC. Both of these systems have their strengths but for me and my audio preferences, the latest Ultra / Cascade combination is the "best" audio I have ever had in my room. Even after only a few hours, the vocals sprang to life with huge air around them. Every nuance of the recording is brought to your attention. Sound stage is very deep and wide and articulate without being fatiguing. My reference tracks from Chesky, Mapleshade and their ilk all had very dense fundamental frequencies with black, black backgrounds.

PF is continuing to work on the software. The version I have does not need the Stylus app to manage the library and achieve the best sound. According to Jord who FaceTimed in to my music room to assist in the setup, the Roon integration with his OS is complete and that set up provides their best sound without any need for other interfaces. I am enjoying the result of this effort. Pink Faun is not a household name in the high end audio world but I have to believe they soon will be. I am extremely pleased with their product and I'm sure others who have the opportunity to hear it will be too.

Eric
Hi Eric
I have recently upgraded to the new software and have had a stark improvement . It was technically impressive and very enjoyable before but now there is effortless engagement .. you just get drawn in to the music....I can't imagine what 2 units sound like :).. have you tried just one PF as a comparison.
My local dealer has just set up a dual system and I am expecting his report soon
Phil
 
  • Like
Reactions: aangen
Hi Eric
I have recently upgraded to the new software and have had a stark improvement . It was technically impressive and very enjoyable before but now there is effortless engagement .. you just get drawn in to the music....I can't imagine what 2 units sound like :).. have you tried just one PF as a comparison.
My local dealer has just set up a dual system and I am expecting his report soon
Phil
Phil

No I have not tried just one. Once you hear two, there is no going back!

Eric
 
  • Like
Reactions: pjwd and Elberoth
Just to add my 2 cents. The new software sounds wonderful and works seamlessly. I also upgraded my network switch to the Melco S100/2 with a Farad Super 3, given that the 2.16 Ultra no longer has the "Play and Relax" setting and again noticed a considerable improvement in sound quality.
 
  • Like
Reactions: flkin
Phil

No I have not tried just one. Once you hear two, there is no going back!

Eric
Ha ... that happened to me when I added the fibre box to the edison switch .. its a never ending rabbit hole of improvements in the digital world :)
 
Phil

No I have not tried just one. Once you hear two, there is no going back!

Eric
Have enjoyed reading your many posts over the years. By any chance did you try the Aurender N30SA or Antipodes Oladra? The reason I am focused on these (vs Taiko or Wadax) is because the PinkFaun, Aurender and Antipodes have internal masterclocks which feed into the DAC...the Zanden DAC we have is best served by this via an i2s ethernet connection. (The Taiko and Wadax expect the clock to be in the DAC, I understand and would require a 3rd party external clock...not impossible but one more thing to have to put together.)

Any guidance on any thoughts on Aurender or Antipodes would be appreciated.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sibarita

About us

  • What’s Best Forum is THE forum for high end audio, product reviews, advice and sharing experiences on the best of everything else. This is THE place where audiophiles and audio companies discuss vintage, contemporary and new audio products, music servers, music streamers, computer audio, digital-to-analog converters, turntables, phono stages, cartridges, reel-to-reel tape machines, speakers, headphones and tube and solid-state amplification. Founded in 2010 What’s Best Forum invites intelligent and courteous people of all interests and backgrounds to describe and discuss the best of everything. From beginners to life-long hobbyists to industry professionals, we enjoy learning about new things and meeting new people, and participating in spirited debates.

Quick Navigation

User Menu