Optical connection to B&K REF50S2 Receiver

polkatese

For those who owned B&K gears (REF30, REF50, 307/507), do you notice any issue with your optical connection? specifically, the signal is having difficulty to lock in when optical connection is used?

I am having problem getting the signal locked in, if I switch between inputs to the one with optical. I don't think is the optical cable, since I remembered a few years ago when I had REF50 instead of REF50S2, I had the same issue. If I un-plugged the plug and re-plugged it back, then it works fine. But, if I switched the input to a different one, and went back to it, then it failed to lock in again. Repeating the unplugging the plug will resolve it, but it gets old if I have to keep doing it.

Would anyone care to explain if it is a possibility that optical signal degrade its strength on a longer cable? mine is 6 footer, so I don't think that is the case, but I am open to that possibility. The cable is brand new from monoprice, no sharp kinks, so I ruled out that possibility from this scenario.

TIA

mantis

I had a few issues with Dss receivers not putting out enough signal and the B&K preamp would think the signal was not there. This happens when you change channels. They also would make a "pop" or static discharge. From what I learned about the pop was that B&K didn't use soft muting circuits. So you hear all the things you want and the things you don't. B&K feels putting soft muting circuits effects overall performance. They want the cleanest signal possible.
I stopped Installing B&K at the 507, I didn't do hardly no s2 series. I woulf figure by now that would have got it right.

On a side note, I worked with a Ref70 today, what a great sounding pre. I'm gonna dig deeper into it and learn everything about it. It has 3 notch filter now.

Dan

polkatese

Dan, I had that issue before with DirecTV and REF50, but has not happened with REF50S2. Would you rule out optical cable length?

How's the REF70 on 2 channels audio?

One thing that so far stop me from considering REF70 is its lack of DTS-MA. I dunno, I've been pretty content with REF50S2 since December '2004. Next stop, if ever be one, would be a pre/pro from Anthem, AVM series.

andrew_mac

Just and FYI. I have a ref 50 s1 and have had no issue with my optical inputs. I use them for sat and dvd. I switch back and forth with a Logitech harmony remote ever day. I'm using monster and bluesjeans optical cables.