Reviewed by Hans Beekhuyzen
Mano ULTRA mkIII.5 FARAD Music Streamer
Introducing the new **Mano ULTRA mkIII.5**—an evolution in power and performance. This latest version features an upgraded computer board, making it significantly more powerful than its predecessor. At its core lies the Broadcom BCM2712 2.4GHz quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 CPU, delivering exceptional processing speed and efficiency. With 4GB SDRAM, it ensures smooth multitasking and rapid data access.
The Mano ULTRA mkIII.5 also includes a microSD card slot with support for high-speed SDR104 mode, offering quick and reliable storage solutions. Additionally, it is equipped with 2x USB 2.0 and 2x USB 3.0 ports, providing ample connectivity for a variety of peripherals. The “.5” in its name signifies its compatibility with Pi5, marking it as a cutting-edge upgrade in the Mano ULTRA series.
Mano mk3.5 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.
Experience the future of computing with the Mano ULTRA mkIII.5, where advanced technology meets unparalleled performance.
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 Audio, Singxer, Matrix and Audio-GD, Denafrips and many other DACs supporting I2S HDMI)
- 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
STREAMING SERVICES
Streaming services availability depend on the selected software. Streaming services like Spotify, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, Pandora, Internet Radio (Tune-In), Radio Stations and Airplay (Apple) are available.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
- 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.
- CPU: Broadcom BCM2712 2.4GHz quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76
- RAM: LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM (4GB)
- CARD SLOT: microSD with support for high-speed SDR104 mode
- USB: 2 × USB 3.0 ports, supporting simultaneous 5Gbps operation
- USB: 2 × USB 2.0 ports
ETHERNET :Gigabit Ethernet - CLOCK: Real-time clock (RTC), powered from external battery
INPUT CONNECTIVITY
- 1x RJ45 LAN Gigabit Ethernet port
- 2x Local USB 3.0 hosts for media (USB drives)
- 2x Local USB 2.0 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 31 × 21 × 4,5 cm (both Mano & Farad stacked 31 × 21 × 9 cm)
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