Empirical Audio Interchange Network Renderer - now Roon can be used
The Interchange Network Renderer enables a much simpler path than USB for achieving exceptional sound quality. It is our alternative to USB that is easier for customers to use and requires less expense and effort. There are no drivers to install on PC, Mac or Linux. Unlike USB, sound quality is not impacted by the computer hardware, only the playback software. If you need a really long cable, then a long Ethernet cable from your Router to a Switch can solve this without impacting sound quality.
The Interchange connects directly to your Router or Switch using wired Ethernet cable. Ethernet is the wired form of WIFI. Most Routers have 4 to 6 Ethernet ports on them. The Interchange has only one input, Ethernet. The outputs of the Interchange are identical to the Off-Ramp USB converter, including S/PDIF coax on BNC connector, AES/EBU on XLR connector, Single-ended I2S on RJ-45 connector and Differential I2S on HDMI connector. Any of these outputs can be used to connect to your DAC.
The Interchange is driven directly from your Router or Switch, so there is no direct connection to your computer or server. This has the big advantage over USB that the computer hardware where the music is spooled from does not affect the sound quality. The connection from the computer or other device to the network can be with wired Ethernet or WIFI. The playback apps residing on the computer do still affect sound quality, so we have some recommendations for those and how to configure them for optimum performance.
Software compatible with the Interchange:
- Roon - with the addition of an inexpensive Sonore UPnP Bridge
- Linn Kinsky
- Linn Kazoo
- Minimserver
- BubbleUPnP
- Lumin
- Twonky
- Jriver
Like the Off-Ramp 6, the Interchange uses our latest version Turboclock module with extremely low-jitter oscillators for internal clocking. The Ethernet interface is also modular, enabling future upgrades.
The Interchange uses a transport technology known as DLNA or UPnP and supports Open Home as well. This is the most common Local Area Network interface for audio and is supported by many mass-produced devices such as receivers, DVD/Blu-Ray players and Sonos. The player software automatically finds the device on the LAN and allows you to select it.
The power supply for the Interchange is our fast-reacting Hynes-based Dynamo LPS. We decided to provide the Interchange with a Dynamo because it performs best and also minimizes radiated emissions. It allows for earth-grounding of the chassis because the Dynamo uses a grounded power cord (Standard IEC).
The Interchange is capable of native DSD playback over I2S, but this has not been tested yet. The DSD interface may vary depending on the I2S implementation on the DAC.
"I have been using the Interchange for a couple of weeks. This is the best digital front-end I have had in my system. My previous server, the Aurender N10 was wonderful, but not as smooth and natural as the Interchange. I am using Minimserver and BubbleUPnP as the media/proxy server and Lumin IOS app as the controller. The Interchange is connected using I2S to the Overdrive SX DAC. If you are looking for a great digital music experience, give the Interchange a try"
Performance
The Interchange design has benefitted from the jitter breakthroughs of our other products. Empirical Audio designs are unique in the industry. We have developed proprietary techniques and circuits over the last 20 years that minimize jitter more effectively than other manufacturers. Every device from other manufacturers that we put on our bench has much higher jitter than we are able to achieve, usually by a factor of ten to a hundred. Unlike other manufacturers, we measure the jitter directly, not through a DAC. The Interchange achieves 10psec of jitter while playing a music track (as directly measured) at the end of a 4-foot coax cable in this jitter distribution plot:
The music from an Interchange is more focused and clear than anything you have experienced. The low jitter level enables a deep view into the music and extends well outside of the speakers. If your room is acoustically-treated, this will be an audio treat for sure. The interface that we use the most is the S/PDIF coax, but if your DAC allows for I2S, definitely try this because it will not be reclocked in the DAC and will benefit 100% from the low jitter of the Interchange.
Optimizations
The Interchange performance will be improved by:
- Using an audiophile quality Switch, such as AQVOX or SOtM
- Using high-performance Ethernet cables, such as Wireworld or SOtM from Router to Switch and Switch to Interchange. Cheap CAT5e can be used from computer to Router.
- Using an Ethernet cable isolator like the EMO EN-70e between Router and Switch
- Powering the Router or Switch from a fast-reacting LPS such as the Sbooster
- Using best playback app: Linn Kinsky/Minimserver combination with BubbleUPnP as a proxy server (ask for instructions)
- WIFI adapter is available if you do not have wired Ethernet close to your system
- Always use the highest quality BNC-terminated Coax cable you can afford, in at least 1.25m length. We highly recommend our Reference BNC cable, which is a giant-killer. If you use I2S, make sure you have a good silver cable. We can order this for you at no additional cost.
- It is wise to power the Interchange from the same AC outlet or AC circuit as the DAC that it feeds. This minimizes ground-loop noise.
- See Computer Audio Info/Recommended Systems for more detail
Specifications
Dimensions
- Each of the two included chassis is 4.5"W X 2.5"H X6.5"L
- The DC power umbilical is ~12 inches long
- The chassis can be placed side-by-side or stacked
Inputs
- Ethernet
- +9VDC power provided by Substation LPS
- AC power is 120VAC or 240VAC 50/60Hz selected by the IEC module
Outputs (all outputs are active)
- OTL S/PDIF coaxial – 75 ohm Canare BNC jack - Optionally can be transformer-isolated to address ground-loop issues
- AES/EBU – XLR male
- I2S on RJ-45, Empirical Audio standard (3.3V) terminated by a cable and 110 ohm terminators at the destination device or the included terminator
- I2S on HDMI - LVDS format, pin compatible with PSAudio and Wired for Sound DACs.
Compatibility
The Interchange is compatible with all playback applications capable of DLNA/UPnP network music data transfer. With the Sonore UPnP Bridge plugged into the router or switch, it is compatible with Roon.
Trial Period and Warranty
The Interchange has 30 day money-back audition, less shipping cost, so it is low-risk to try one. 1 year warranty, parts and labor.
The Interchange is $2999.00 plus shipping.