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allen_bh

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  1. Here's the benchmark I just got from my Pipeline: === Running Benchmarks (please do not interrupt) === Running 'Math' benchmark... Single-threaded integer math... 3.738 seconds Single-threaded floating point math... 2.273 seconds Multi-threaded integer math... 1.145 seconds Multi-threaded mixed math... 0.719 seconds Score: 2413 Running 'Image' benchmark... Image creation / destruction... 0.144 seconds Flood filling... 0.308 seconds Direct copying... 0.415 seconds Small renders... 1.020 seconds Bilinear rendering... 0.793 seconds Bicubic rendering... 0.449 seconds Score: 7030 Running 'Database' benchmark... Create database... 0.180 seconds Populate database... 0.976 seconds Save database... 0.335 seconds Reload database... 0.086 seconds Search database... 0.790 seconds Sort database... 0.897 seconds Group database... 0.627 seconds Score: 5526 JRMark (version 20.0.63): 4990 Not too shabby
  2. Chris, thank you so much for putting this guide out for everyone. I have a ZUMA I built based on your past guide and I truly appreciate it. Just a couple of observations and changes I made to build my version of a "Pipeline": 1. The Pipeline isn't as much a server as it is a workstation when you're using external storage on your network such as a NAS or a SAN. If you're storing all your data on the Pipeline, you'd want to run a Windows Server OS and a Xeon and a server based motherboard and ECC RAM as Chris recommends. FWIW, in my past experience, ECC RAM can be slower and has it's own issues despite additional costs, but if you're running a XEON CPU it's a must. 2. The newer Intel i7 based motherboards are optimized for multimedia so I "personally" chose to go with the i7-4790S, the Gigabyte GA-H97M-D3H, and 32GB of Crucial Ballistix (BLS2KIT8G3D1609DS1S00) with a single Samsung 256GB 850 Pro SSD. I also opted for the "Streacom ST-ZF240 ZeroFlex 240 Watt Passive PSU - Silent Power Supply" as I have a DCS Debussy and it is galvanically isolated from the USB connection. My ZUMA has a traditional (as opposed to a linear) power source and I've never had issues. I see the need for what Chris recommends if your DAC doesn't have great isolation or if you're concerned about the PC leaking noise back into your A/C line and negatively affecting the rest of your gear so YMMV if you change the design of course. 3. I also run "My Movies" off this workstation so the integrated 4600 Intel Graphics comes in very handy and it can support streaming HD video from my SAN without sweating. 4. These builds are great baselines for those who want to make a few changes and are technically savvy. They're excellent by-the-number guides to build what is being proposed. Once again, awesome guide. I know I don't post much, but I certainly get a lot from reading the guides and builds here so thanks again. Bryan
  3. Sounds more like a voltage issue (since putting the preamp in the path resolves the issue). Have you tried flipping the output voltage (6v to 2v) on the Debussy? If that fails, try the opposite analog outs that you're using (go to the single ended as opposed to balanced, vice versa) as a final troubleshooting step. This sucks to hear because the Debussy makes a great linestage preamp. You have to spend hefty bucks to get a preamp that won't discolor its sound (I know, I have Boulder gear). Bryan
  4. I also have a Debussy, but don't have the problem you do. In the past though, when I did experience this problem with my previous DAC, the problem turned out to be related to one of two things: 1. The driver. I reinstalled the driver and the issue resolved. This also brings up the question on how your Debussy is setup. Is it in USB Class 1 or Class 2 mode? 2. The playback application was at fault. What are you using to play back files? From the looks of your post you're using a mac mini. Have you tried Audirvana or Amarra? You don't need to go out and buy the program just to test this out -- just use the trial version from their site. A couple of other suggestions: 1. Have you followed the guid from dCS titled "dCs Guide to Computer Audio"? It's got a lot of setup instructions for Mac OS such as setting up your audio output device's sample rate, etc. 2. If you're using itunes without Amarra you must manually set the sample rate in order to maintain bit-perfect. This is also in the guide. From the Debussy manual, here's how to change it from Class 1 to Class 2 mode: A. To go to class 1 - Turn it off, wait 10 seconds then hold down the Input and Vol- buttons and switch on. Keep the 2 buttons pressed until all the front panel LED's flash continually. Release the buttons and wait for the LED's to stop flasing. B. To got to class 2 - Turn it off, wait 10 seconds then hold down the Input and Vol+ buttons and switch on. Keep the 2 buttons pressed until the front panel LED's flash continually. Release the buttons and wait for the LED's to stop flashing. If none of this works, I'd try driving it with a different PC and see if the problem resolves. If it does, then you at least know it's not an issue with your Debussy and it's somehow related to your Mac. Final note: For class 2, you must have Mac OSX 10.6 or greater if you're using a Mac. On Windows you'll need the driver in order to use class 2 mode. Good luck. Bryan
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