Reviewed by Hans Beekhuyzen
Mano mk3 supports RCA or BNC SPDIF or AES/EBU and IIS HDMI digital outputs. IIS allows the DAC to derive ultra low jitter synchronous timing of the serial data that will be set up for transmission. Two femto ultra low jitter clocks, Crystek 957 series, are applied for extremely detailed signal handling and exact timing.
High-end streaming from any smartphone, tabled or PC or a laptop or whichever wireless device is at hand. This makes the listening experience much easier without compromising sound quality. The Mano Streamer is the ultimate streaming source for any DAC supporting coaxial SPDIF or supporting IIS HDMI inputs. IIS allows the DAC to derive ultra low jitter synchronous timing of the serial data that will be set up for transmission. Two femto clocks are applied for extremely detailed signal handling exact timing and low jitter thanks to these extreme accurate clocks powered by low noise (nV) discrete regulators.
FARAD SUPER3 POWER SUPPLY
A well designed circuitry, smart PCB design, grade A components, a sturdy aluminium housing and the drive to bring out something special in any sound system make up for a nifty and potent supercapacitor linear power supply with a very small footprint that will find a place in even the smallest of environments.
It’s not a case of throwing in some premium components and expect instant succes. They need to work in harmony to get an optimal result. It all starts with a clear concept of goals, how to achieve them, and painstaking testing: by measurements and by many hours of listening.
DIGITAL OUTPUTS
- I2S HDMI – LVDS signal processing (PS-AUDIO “STANDARD”) – Compatible with all Holo, Singxer, Matrix and Audio-GD DAC’s)
- RCA SPDIF – 0.5V pp @ 75Ohm
- Optional: BNC SPDIF 0.5V pp @ 75Ohm
- Optional: AES/EBU 110Ohm
FILE TYPES
- Supported File Types: AAC, AIF, ALAC, DIF, DSF, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV, WV and WMA
DIGITAL OUTPUTS
- HDMI I2S LVDS = 44.1 Khz – 192 Khz | 16-24 bit
- SPDIF OUT = 44.1 Khz – 192 Khz | 16-24 bit
Mano ULTRA mk3 is compatible and preconfigured with:
GentooPlayer (license not included, trial license is available via Gentoo)
- Optimized system based on Gentoo, includes various system modifications for better audio performance and very low system latency.
- Minimal System The system starts with very few processes. Just what you need to play music. A lot of attention has been paid to this.
- Diretta Protocol You can use GentooPlayer both as a host and as a Diretta target. (Mano is target only)
- The possibility to choose between different Audiophile players. Squeezelite-R2, Squeezelite, Mpd, UpMPDcli, BubbleUpnp, Networkaudiod (NAD), RoonBridge, HQPlayer Embedded, HQPlayer, LMS (LogitechMediaServer), Sox-dsd, RoonServer, Cantata (mpd Client), Shairpor-sync, Spotifyd, MinimServer.
- Optimised configuration for Mano ULTRA mk3 for ultimate performance
Logitech Media Server solution (piCore)
- iOS app (iPeng9) and Android app (Squeeze Orange) avaialble
- Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, and Deezer, Spotify Connect
- local USB / NAS storage mount
- Internet Radio (TuneIn Radio)
- Airplay Playback
- Localized in many languages including France, German, Dutch, Spanish
Ropieee (XL) a ready-to-go solution
- RoPieee is specific endpoint software that can be used with ROON Software
- UPNP streamer via iOS app (MConnect) or Android (BubbleUPNP)
Volumio Audiophile music player
- Supports all filetypes: FLAC, Alac, Aac, Vorbis, Mp3, DSD etc
- UPNP Playback
- Airplay Playback
- Integrated WebRadio
- Mount USB drives and NFS Network Attached Storage, with an auto-discovery function
- Localized in many languages including France, German, Dutch, Spanish
- Native TIDAL and Qobuz Integration (MyVolumio Virtuoso subscription required)
- TIDAL Connect (MyVolumio Virtuoso)
- Alexa Integration (MyVolumio Virtuoso)
MoOde™ audio player (supports Airplay, Spotify, Squeezelite)
- Radio Stations
- Mount USB drives and NFS Network Attached Storage, with an auto-discovery function
- Airplay, Spotify, Squeezelite
- UPnP A/V and OpenHome renderer for MPD
- MiniDLNA UPnP A/V media server
- UPnP browser with folder scan
- Qobuz and Tidal access via UPnP
STREAMING SERVICES
Streaming services availability depend on the selected software
- Spotify, Spotify Connect
- TIDAL, TIDAL Connect
- Qobuz
- Deezer
- Pandora
- Internet Radio (Tune-In)
- Radio Stations
- Airplay (Apple)
- Automute I2S signal when switching between sample rates
- Supports volume control from application (Can be disabled)
- Fully re clocked I2S over HDMI output PS Audio / Audio-GD / Holo Audio / Singxer compatible
- Galvanic isolated and reclocked SPDIF output (RCA or BNC or AES/EBU Connection)
- 2x CRYSTEK FEMTO Clock’s. FIFO Oscillators designed specifically for High Definition Audio (HD Audio). It features a typical low close-in phase noise of -100 dBc/Hz @ 10 Hz offset, and a noise floor of -169 dBc/Hz. With this extreme low phase noise performance, you will “Hear the Difference”.
- Ultra low noise Tentlabs shunt regulators for oscillators and digital audio circuit. The shunts drop in instead of commonly used industrial types of regulators. Having much lower noise, true wide bandwidth and linear output impedance, they’ll bring improvement to sound in terms of: Higher resolution, better transparency, clean low ends and increased dynamics.
- Quad-core (ARMv8) 64-bit @ 1.4GHz
- RAM: 1GB LPDDR2 SDRAM
- Networking: Gigabit Ethernet
- OPTIONAL 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi
- Storage: Micro-SD
INPUT CONNECTIVITY
- 1x RJ45 LAN Gigabit Ethernet port
- 4x Local USB hosts for media (USB drives)
HDMI LVDS I2S OUTPUT
- THE HDMI I2S output is “PS-Audio compatible”. Most of the manufacturers of DACs with HDMI I2S input use this format.
- I2S is like USB asynchronous connection. Compared to standard S/PDIF where clock signal is integrated in data stream a complex process is required in the DAC to transform signal back to asynchronous.
- With I2S the shortest possible signal path from streamer to DAC to analogue conversion is achieved.
- No additional encoding and decoding steps are required. USB does require this.
- The HDMI cable from streamer to DAC is less impacting the sonic quality and no expensive cables are required to obtain best sound quality.
The only disadvantage you could think of is I2S is not really a standard, although more and more vendors are supporting I2S as external in or output.
Dimensions
- Dimensions (mm) per. unit 190x132x48 (both units stacked 190x132x96)
Terhe (verified owner) –
I found that the Mano Ultra mkIII sounded clearly better. It had larger more three-dimensional soundstage, instruments had more natural and fuller sound with more overtones, especially acoustical instruments and voices.
My streamer was powered up for 15 hours before comparing the two.
Gage C. (verified owner) –
I wanted a music streamer with a proven technology and this attracted me to the Magna Mano/Farad combo. There are multiple streaming solutions available for this pair and I selected BubbleUpNP and RopieeeXL. The sound quality is excellent and has all the attributes of a great streamer; holographic, large sound stage, bass, detail, musicality, warmth, analog sounding. Magna customer support has been responsive and helpful. Getting the Mano working was relatively straight forward as I explored the settings in Ropieee and the BubbleUpnp Android app. The Mano and Farad enclosures are well finished in black anodized aluminum. Just listening this morning and noticing the Mano and Farad are breaking in and sounding better and better!
Edward (verified owner) –
Just a few words about Mano and the pleasures of good audio.
The streamer has been performing flawlessly. In addition, I discovered that a better Ethernet cable considerably improves the audio. I changed from a generic something or other to a Cat 6 – my, what an uptick in sound quality.
Hope you are well and thriving … and enjoying the music!
Stephen (verified owner) –
I’m really enjoying my Mano Ultra purchase.
Thanks for everything even the generic HDMI cable you tossed in, it is the perfect length to my Denafrips Ares 12th-1.
Well done Team
Manu –
2nd assessment:
I strongly encourage mano processors to install a Diretta protocol system.
Sound quality takes a leap forward into a whole new dimension, and there’s no going back.
I’ve never before heard a dematerialised sound source so natural and engaging, and the quality/price ratio is outstanding.
(You’ll need to pay €300 for a minipc and the gentooplayer licence, but Diretta is free if you use CD quality).
Edward (verified owner) –
Set up was a breeze. Roon recognized the unit immediately, in two versions ASLA and Airplay.
What strikes me immediately is the “musical insight” created from the tonal and harmonic properties the Mano reproduces, set within an acoustic field that is deep and wide. Metaphors come to mind such as ‘fullness’, ‘body’, ‘naturalness’. The musical insight carries over to rhythm, just the right forward movement. The tone overall is warmish, appealing, devoid of digital glare. (As I write I am listening to S. Richter playing the Eroica Variations – full-throated piano tone!)
The power cable no doubt contributes to the overall effect.
I am impressed … and know for sure that I have received a musical gift.
W.H. –
I purchased the Mano-Ultra Mk-lll about 3 months ago, as the new PS DirectSteam
Mk-ll does not have the network bridge as the DS-1
The Mano-Ultra Mk-lll is simply an outstanding music streamer…it out performed the install network bridge in the DS-1 in transparency, resolution, and sound stage
depth and width
In fact playing a track on the PS Audio DirectStream Memory Player Mk-Il, then switching to the same track on Qobuz through the Mano-Ultra Mk-lll is almost impossible to tell the difference..it’s that great
I am using I2S connection, but I installed a custom made 110 ohm digital cable made from Mogami AES-EBU Cable and difference is hard to hear…
If have the knowledge the Mano-Ultra Mk-lll can be set up for YouTube as an app to be controlled by the Mano-Ultra Mk-lll same as Qobuz or Tidal bypassing AIRPLAY…
The Guys at Magna HiFi are great for technical support…Rob especially help me understand how to setup the Mano-Ultra Mk-lll
THE MANO-ULTRA MK-lll is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Manu –
Salut,
Premier retour sur ce streamer après une semaine de rodage et de tests.
Après avoir testé Moode puis ropeee, je suis passé à gentooplayer, c’est de loin la meilleure solution, le rendu est remarquable. Mon Holo red est déjà revendu et mon wattson digital ne peut pas suivre malgré son homogénéité. Le Mano va plus loin : plus le signal est complexe, plus il creuse l’écart. Il y a plus de détails, tout reste toujours en place, le grave est plus défini et profond, les voix sont plus denses, les aigus jamais stridents comme parfois avec le red, mais surtout, le message n’est jamais analytique, la musique est toujours fluide et cohérente, engageante. Une grande source à prix raisonnable, merci!
Bonus : la liaison i2s par câble HDMI Audioquest du site magna avec mon dac Extraudio est au moins aussi bonne voire meilleure qu’en aes avec un câble numérique Jorma design a 1200€…
Heinrich (verified owner) –
Hallo, ich glaube, ich hatte schon alles, bis ich auf Mano Ultra Mkiii stieß. Nach einer Stunde Spielzeit habe ich beschlossen, dass es nicht notwendig ist, Auralic Aries 1.1 einzuschalten, weil es keinen Vergleich gibt. Ich ging weiter und dachte, ich würde einen Test mit dem T1 Lumin vs Mano MKiii verdienen, mir ging der Auralic aus und Lumin verkauft 😀. Was mich betrifft, das beste Streaming, das ich bisher hatte. Danke Magna 🙏Ich habe natürlich alle möglichen Extras gekauft und ich bereue keinen Cent.
Jos Schellevis –
Translation in English (by Google) is:
Hello, I think I had it all before I came across Mano Ultra Mkiii. After an hour of gameplay I decided that there is no need to turn on Auralic Aries 1.1 because there is no comparison. I went ahead and thought I deserved a review with the T1 Lumin vs Mano MKiii, I ran out of the Auralic and Lumin sold 😀. As far as I’m concerned, the best streaming I’ve had so far. Thank you Magna 🙏 Of course I bought all sorts of extras and I don’t regret a cent.
Joel N –
The streamer is exceptional and if the purchased through a normal dealer network would cost a lot more.
The only reason i have not given 5 stars is because there is no WiFi possibility. I am however extremely happy with the sound quality of this device. The sound quality exceeds my expectations.
Antonio (verified owner) –
I have tried both the Gentoo player and Roopieee XL configuration to use as Roonbridge. I recommend Gentoo player software, it has more microinfo and better 3D image. This combo is fantastic! My Holo Spring KTE connected via I2S is now giving its best in combination with the Mano Ultra MKIII. I strongly recomend this streamer for Holo DACs or any other DAC
Johan U. –
Glad everything was sorted out quickly.
I am very happy with my ‘new’ installation.
The fun started last Saturday.
Really great as I sound the Ultra III!
Kind regards from a very satisfied customer.
Jeremy –
I am really enjoying the Mano! ULTRA mk3 It replaced the Bridge II network card in my PS Audio Directstream and it has added a ton of clarity and separation that I didn’t have with the Bridge II. Not a subtle change.
Goran (verified owner) –
I have only used it for 48 hours so far so it’s not fully burnt in I guess, still it sounds great. I use it as a pure Roon endpoint and I’ve tested the supplied MoOde Player 32-bit v7.25 which I upgraded to v7.30
and installed the Roon Bridge, everything else turned off in MoOde. Later I switched to MoOde Player 64-bit v8.25 and it sounded even better. I also tested the Ropieee 2023.02. It also sounds nice, but I
think I prefer the MoOde Player 64-bit v8.2. I have yet to try your recommendation of the GentooPlayer, but I will have to obtain a test license first.
The Mano Ultra mk3 leaves the HoloAudio Red and the iFi Zen streamer miles behind. The Mano Ultra mk3 is even better than the Lumin U2 mini streamer at twice the cost behind, which I also have tested.
Hennrik S (Denmark) (verified owner) –
MANO ULTRA Mk III with FARAD Super3 LPSU streamer vs. Bluesound NODE (N130) streamer:
I have for some weeks tested MANO ULTRA Mk III with FARAD Super3 LPSU streamer vs. Bluesound NODE (N130) streamer via I2S HDMI-LVDS output to my HoloAudio Spring 3 DAC (level 2). The MANO has lifted the soundstage 1-2 levels higher than the NODE.
The sound textures are quite awesome with good separations between instruments ec. when playing London Grammar – music number: Hey Now or Strong or playing Agnes Obel – music number: Aventine or The Curse. The tempo, melodic and harmonic in the instruments are combined very separated and very clear and open in the heights up and down in the sound specter and in the wideness too, compared to the soundstage of the NODE. There are not huge differences, but it is very easy to hear the differences, wen switching between the 2 streamers playing the same music piece.
The MANO Ultra III/ FARAD is worth every penny and even more.
Steve –
Got my new streamer today and wow what a difference. My system has never sounded this good before. Using i2s connection to my gustard r26 dac, and it sounds amazing. New details, depths, dynamic range and a lowered noise floor. Enjoying registering and discovering new musical facets in music that I am very familiar with.
Karl –
I’ve recently purchased my Mano ultra mk3 streamer with the matched Farad super 3 power supply from Magna Hifi. This streamer now feeding my HoloAudio Spring 3 DAC, also from Magna Hifi. The team is super professional with an extremely high level of customer care service approach. Rob was helping me choosing the right components and now my system reached an unparalleled sonic performance. I’m very satisfied with my purchase and I only can recommend Magna Hifi as one of my best partners setting and completing my Stereo. Thanks again and wishing lots of success to the company! Kind regards, Karl
Prosper (verified owner) –
I am very much satisfied with this combo. Rob was very helpful in configuring my sd card with Gentoo player. I configured also Ropiee SD myself & both work fine. I cannot say now which software is better. I had a doubt if Mano will function with my Gustard DAC on i2S output. But it functions without problem. Thanks to Magna team.