DAC hookup/problem

opus

Hi All,

so I got my DAC from Madmax and hooked it up as follows:

from digital out on cdp to digital in on DAC.(coax)
from analog out on DAC to cd inputs on preamp.

When I play a disc I get some sound and some static. I swapped out the analog Ic's with the same result. I ran the coax straight to the preamp and the sound was good. So any ideas on the problem?

Any help is good:)

kevin

audiobliss

Isn't there a switch on the front of the DAC that selects either a COAx or different digital input? Make sure that's set for COAX.

Hmm...other than that, I don't really have any ideas. Sorry for the elementary suggestion...that's as far as my knowledge extends!

opus

Thanks 'bliss

there is a selector switch for digital 1 or 2 and a phase switch 0,180. On the back is another switch called I^2.. No other settings or switches available. It sounds like maybe some sort of electrical interference.

audiobliss

When you say you get some 'sound and some static', do you mean you just get noise and static? Or do you actually get music and static? Is the music at a lower volume level than usual?

The only culprits I could think of would be terminals and cables. Assuming those are good, I guess the problem would have to be with the CDP's digital output, the DAC's digital input or output, or the receiver's analog output. Since you were previously using the RCA inputs on the receiver, those should be good.

I don't know.

opus

audiobliss wrote:

When you say you get some 'sound and some static', do you mean you just get noise and static? Or do you actually get music and static? Is the music at a lower volume level than usual?

.

.

Music and static:mad:

danger boy

what type or brand of DAC is it? Is it a tube DAC? Ask MadMax, i'm sure he'll know what the problem is.

audiobliss

It's the Audio Alchemy DAC "Digital Decoding Engine V1.0" madmax sold in the FM here

opus

I'm sure Madmax will stumble across here sooner or later.

opus

Ok, so here is what I think. It seems that male and female power connectors on the back are not connecting properly. Sometimes the plug works its way out a little. When properly inserted and held in the unit sounds fine. Looks like the female part has some sort of tensioner or "springy" clip to hold in the male that doesn't always hold good enough.

audiobliss

Just for reference, here's a pic of the back of the unit, with the DC input on the far right.


I'm not sure what you can do about that, but at least it's nothing wrong with the actual audio-related parts of the equipment.

Tour2ma

With AA DAC's and DTI's (jitter units) you MUST make the power supply connection to the unit first and then plug the PS into the wall outlet. In the other order you endanger frying the DAC/ DTI.

Not sure how you started off, but your loose connection is likely making and breaking the electrical supply at the wrong end.

Unplug the PS from the wall until you figure how to make the connection solid at the DAC's end.

Not sure off-hand how to tell you to do this, but as soon as I can (Thursday will be the earliest), I will look at my units and see if I can sugest something.

opus

Tour2ma wrote:

With AA DAC's and DTI's (jitter units) you MUST make the power supply connection to the unit first and then plug the PS into the wall outlet. In the other order you endanger frying the DAC/ DTI.

Not sure how you started off, but your loose connection is likely making and breaking the electrical supply at the wrong end.

Unplug the PS from the wall until you figure how to make the connection solid at the DAC's end.

Not sure off-hand how to tell you to do this, but as soon as I can (Thursday will be the earliest), I will look at my units and see if I can sugest something.

Thank you:)

Tour2ma

You're welcome...

Which AA DAC is it? V1.0, DITB, 2.0, etc...

audiobliss

Tour2ma wrote:

Which AA DAC is it? V1.0, DITB, 2.0, etc...

*sigh* Here's one of my earlier posts. :rolleyes:

audiobliss wrote:

It's the Audio Alchemy DAC "Digital Decoding Engine V1.0" madmax sold in the FM here

Tour2ma

Gotta get my money back from Evelyn Woods...

Got it...

madmax

Hi Opus,
Yes, the power supply should be plugged into the DAC before plugging it into the wall otherwise you could get a small spark. It can make a short as you slide it in the jack due to the design. The plug pulling out of the unit seems odd. I've used it off and on for various CD players and have never had that happen. Is the weight of the power supply pulling on it? It should not be hanging. Let me know. Worst case I offer a full warranty.
madmax

Sending PM.

opus

madmax wrote:

Worst case I offer a full warranty.
madmax

Sending PM.

Nope. that is just what Audiobliss wants:p.

It is my opinion (uneducated as it may be) that the plug is not making a proper connection with the receptacle. I still get static and music when I hook it up DAC first and wall outlet second. There seems to be an inordinate amount of play in the connections. What do you think about that?

reeltrouble1

I think its a bad connection. Your saying the connection to the DAC is loose? Can you very carefully crimp the connector on the coax cable a bit? Sometimes I can just squeeze them with my fingers hard enough to close them enough, sometimes I use a small plier with a cloth around the connector to help minimize any damage.

Are we talking a big bucks connector?

RT1

madmax

opus wrote:

Nope. that is just what Audiobliss wants:p.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaa...


Answered your PM. There shouldn't be much play.
madmax

Tour2ma

Forgot all about this.... Still having issues?

audiobliss

I guess not, dad-nabit. Guess that means he's keeping it! :cool:

opus

Tour2ma wrote:

Forgot all about this.... Still having issues?

Thanks Tour for remembering.
Nope. No more issues. I got the plug to seat properly and have left it alone since then. Sounds wonderful and even better with new flea market PBJ's. Max offered to fix it but I don't want to be without it for the week:)
Now if I can find a jitter reducer I will be set...(never ends does it:o )

kevin

Tour2ma

LOL.... well, at least I remembered that I forgot...

Cool.... AA has several different models, and I own them. I loaned one (the v1.0, I think) to Russman and he noticed no improvement. I sometimes do.

As you are a member in good standing, if you want to try one, PM me your addy.