Would you pay £3,249 for this USB reclocker?

No.

After just accepting USB interfaces replacing an old multiplexed interface with all its known weaknesses we went on in time. Nothing worse than SPDIF right!? USB for audio it was. First synchronous, then asynchronous, isolated etc. The new standard it was. Finally.

Today I think USB offers many possibilities mostly beneficial for computer audio but my ears yell that that SPDIF (with the right receiver) on stand alone audio devices even with high res playback still is quite competitive.

Even better is to skip both, also skip the 2 box model, quit the silly “every year a new one” DAC race and have a superb audio player with built in excellent DAC board. For £3249 one can have the very best possible internal AKM DAC board designed custom by a good designer 😉

 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Reactions: Speedysteve7
But you defend them and think their product is technically sane. Right?

Nope. I don't defend.
Product is as it is. If it has some claims, that it will do smth, but does not - then it is a fraud. Frauds should be prosecuted by the 2-4 letter governmental agencies. If it has no exact claims, then I see it as a status symbol or a piece of art or an element of fetish or whatever. I have nothing against someone desire to have such "thing" at home.
 
Last edited:
If you believe in the “person/brand cultus” such things happen. Next is an influencer that states you have to immerse your devices in purified water.

The simpler & affordable stuff is made in high numbers, the higher the chance it is a good product. A certain TikTokker Jean-Paul said that on Instagram.

Of course it is nonsense to spend so much money on a device doing nothing. But to many having more boxes is happiness.
 
Last edited:
You (as a group) just don't have audio systems that are revealing enough 😉

Just read what HifiPig reviewer had to say about it (https://www.hifipig.com/innuos-phoenix-usb/#more-174377):

Sound Quality:

Increased level of bass “slam” on all genres

Heightened sense of focus at high-frequencies

Overall better definition

Value For Money:

I think it is worth the asking price given the sonic improvements it made in my system

We Loved:

The sonic improvements are plain and simple. It would be very hard to go back to not having the Phoenix USB in my setup now that I’ve heard what it brings to the party,
 
  • Thank You
  • Like
Reactions: svp and jan.didden