metaflux

Oh. By the way, I hear this extremely faint, slowed down music as well. Today I tried 2xDSD native again and it played correctly the first time, quite to my surprise. Trying another song I encountered the same sinus noise yet again, but then, after restarting the song, as suggested by you, it did play normally. When the upsampled song does play correctly, the output information of JRiver says: "DSD 5,6 Mhz 1bit 2ch using ASIO (not enough bits for direct output)" On the DAC-2 DSD "DSD128" is displayed. Has there been any word or possible explanation from the manufacturer for this?

Can I ask if there is any benefit to sending an upsampled DSD signal to the DAC-2 DSDse? I tried various settings with redbook material in JRiver to see what works. Up until "2xDSD in DOP-format" it works fine and displays DSD128 on the DAC. There is obviously more strain on the CPU as far as I can tell. However, the setting "2xDSD in native format (requires ASIO and 2xDSD capable DAC)" only produces a faint sinus-like tone and some noise, no music. I guess this is to be expected? Am I correct that this setting would only work with (native) DSD files then?

I'm now 140 hours into the DAC-2 DSDse. My last session was good. Everything sounded as I would expect it to, mostly the bass reproduction. But then, I also had sessions when I was less than content. So, I can say that I do hear differences between sessions (and even within sessions), some changes, but it's very hard to put a finger on, and of course, there may be other factors involved (psychoacoustics, software/hardware aspects etc.). There are times when I feel the treble is a bit coarse or glazed over, and there are moments when I feel the soundstage is collapsing. This may have to do with my computer and/or the playback process. My plan is to get a dedicated and optimised laptop for playback. One issue that I (still) have is that I feel I'm not getting into the ballpark volume-wise on the DAC. It's 48 tops and usually below, through the preamp with maximum volume set to 62, I'm still not even touching noon on the dial, the speakers still have their -3db pad, or otherwise the volume would have to be even lower. I'm wondering how it is with the STP-SE preamp. If the DAC outputs at 70 fixed, how high do you have to dial the pot on the preamp? Of course, I understand that speaker input sensitivity is another factor here. Just for completion's sake, I would like to list a few measures I have taken to further optimise playback in my system (as they might help someone else, too): - Making sure the DAC-2 is using its own USB hub. As I found out, it was previously paired with my power-hungry Scarlett audio interface. - Playing back FLACs from the internal hard-drive instead of using an external HDD (via USB). - Minimizing latency using Fidelizer. All in all, I would say the sound is now smoother and more relaxed with better imaging. My next updates will involve cables and possibly Acourate (my listening room is less than ideal). But I guess it would be wise to wait out the full break-in period of the DAC-2 in order to have at least one constant.

This may or may not be relevant to you, but do know the tool Fidelizer? I've had absurd latency issues with my quad-core computer, at least according to Latency Monitor (at the moment it's 11600+ μs!). It was only when I tried Fidelizer, which basically redirects priorities to audio playback (at various levels you can set), that the latency issue disappeared into thin air. It's like reducing all computer activity to the absolute mininum. Needless to say, all other processes are slowed down, but this hardly matters when you just want to listen to music.

I want to chime in with a little update. Recently, I spent an afternoon assessing the DAC-2 DSDse through my preamp. The options I tried were as follows: DAC-2 > GS-X > preamp out -- using the GS-X analogue volume control, DAC fixed volume DAC-2 > GS-X > preamp out -- using variable volume control from the DAC, GS-X volume at noon (low/mid gain) DAC-2 > GS-X > preamp out -- using JRiver MC 19 internal volume, DAC fixed volume, GS-X volume at noon (low/mid gain) I won't bother with JRiver volume control. To my ears, it has an effect, and reducing the volume there seems to take away openness. I cannot hear this effect using the DAC-2 volume control. Incidentally, a few days ago, while listening via headphones, I switched between internal volume and volume disabled in JRiver during various songs and was able to hear similar (slight) differences. From the options above I liked having the DAC-2 at fixed output going into the GS-X and controlling the volume there best. Of course, this leaves me without a much needed remote control option. I guess it's going to be the STP-SE sooner or later, as it seems to my ears that having the DAC-2 at full output and only regulating via an analogue pot seems to sound best so far. Using the preamp's gain at low to medium with the pot at noon and employing the DAC-2 volume control also gave a highly satisfactory performance. Everything sounds smoother and more solid. The bass definitely benefits (all around tighter and more defined). I'm able to roughly move between 40 and 48 on the DAC-2 volume with this setup. Of course, the higher up, the better everything seems to sound (more micro-detail). I tried going back to DAC-2 direct to active speakers to assess the differences and was able to confirm my initial impressions that there is perhaps slightly more airiness and even more detail to be had with a hint more brightness (the one may result in the other and vice versa). With the preamp in, the presentation is a little more full-bodied, laid back and overall easier to enjoy. For now, I've settled on using the tape out again. This is basically listening to the DAC-2 DSDse itself with whatever happens when putting the signal through the loop out of the GS-X. Here I can at least control the volume remotely and will also get to appreciate the DAC-2 DSDse own sound more. So far, I conclude that having the DAC-2 DSDse at full output with the volume controlled in the analogue domain is probably optimal to my ears. This is 50+ hours in. Next to nothing, as some would say, I'm sure. ;-) It can only get better. I'll be away on holiday for two weeks from Thursday onwards. I won't leave my gear powered on, so breaking-in and further assessment will continue in August.

Interestingly, stridency was one of the words that came to me when assessing the difference between DAC-only and DAC through preamp. Something curious has happened. I haven't had much time to deal with my system these past few days, except for some short headphone sessions here and there. Today I powered up the speakers again, the DAC-2 still going through the tape out of the preamp, and now I had to turn up the volume more than before. It's as if the DAC-2 has become less hot, so to speak. Previously, I was in a range between 38 and 42, now I'm well up to 48 or beyond. I haven't changed any settings. This is still USB variable 5/70. Curious development. I need to examine this further. The DAC is now at the 45 hours mark.

Good morning, everyone! Sorry for letting the suspense rise, but here's the solution. I may quote from my own post #1054 one page back: This was written in an e-mail to me in which I inquired about volume control options, albeit before my actual purchase. Hope this brings clarification. Thanks for posting EJ's explanations, Richard! They do indeed offer more insight. Regarding the truncation, so far I'm only listening to 16 bit audio from my redbook collection, but I will surely venture into high resolution territory once my setup is fixed. I would prefer staying with my XLR cabling, but it is reassuring to know trying RCA is a possibility. Although on second thought, I remember what BWaveit said earlier in this thread about not splitting the output between RCA and XLR connections (I would still want to use my headamp, remember) due to incorrect load issues. But I will try going to the active speakers just via RCA to see what difference it makes gain-wise and ultimately sound-wise. If this option turned out to work best in my system, I probably would have to plug and unplug the headamp (via XLR) each time I wanted to listen to headphones. It would at least be a possibility. In my system, I really need to work out the gain, it seems. This explanation surely sheds further light on the issue. So, in other words, going RCA (over XLR) would not be more detrimental to the sound than having a preamp in the chain. Unless it is a very transparent one, like Wyred4Sound's own STP-SE. Now, my GS-X is usually hailed as a most transparent headamp/preamp, basically just wire with gain. So I should be good in that department. Naturally, I've been wondering all this time what synergies might be derived from a DAC-2 DSDse plus STP-SE coupling (over my current setup) or if indeed the STP-SE would be yet another level compared to my GS-X preamp. But, as I wrote in a previous post, one shouldn't ponder too much about the endless possibilities. I want to work (and be happy) with what I have at the moment. Thanks for the kind help and good input so far! I don't have too much time today for experimentation. I'm waiting for the weekend. Anyway, the journey continues...

Not at all! I simply felt the desire to clearly state my own standpoint. We have said very similar things clad in different words. I'm enjoying my stay in this thread, and my next post will be fully devoted to DAC-2 DSDse goodness again. Thank you and goodnight (for me)!

I must admit I'm not well-versed when it comes to the scientific aspects of hifi, so I largely depend on my research on what others have to say. Thank you for your valuable input! I'm currently using JRiver. Its internal volume operates at 64bit, and even EJ has said in a personal e-mail to me that it would probably be a "smidgen better". The reason why I favour a physical remote control is that I find controlling the volume via iPad (I sit removed from my computer) not very comfortable. For me it is impossible to adjust the slider in very small increments. And then I find simply pressing a hard button on a remote is much more efficient and quicker than grabbing my iPad and having to slide. However, I will definitely try using volume control in JRiver, too. It will be part of my quest to find the best-sounding option for my setup. I will certainly report back with my findings. In addition, I must research the programme (?) you have mentioned. I hadn't heard about it before.

I just wanted to add that you are very welcome to share your viewpoints on my expositions whenever you are so inclined. In places like these and among intelligent individuals it should be self-evident that no system is alike. There are so many factors and components involved that even if two people did have the same setup, there would still be aspects like room size, individual hearing abilities and idiosyncratic filters of perception. This is a physical, biological as well as a philosophical issue. We do have different maps of the world in our heads after all. Having pursued a few other (potentially costly) hobbies such as photography and guitar amps, I have made plenty of experience on various forums and with diverse kinds of people. Of course, not everyone acts sensibly when it comes to discussing oftentimes expensive gear. Less aware people often confuse statements about certain qualities of a given piece of equipment that contradict their own findings with ad hominem invectives and tend to read everything through an affective filter. In truth, we all have different tastes, preferences and abilities of discernment. In the past I have argued with people who did not see any advantage of HD content versus standard definition, for instance. I would not do this again now that I am older (and perhaps a little wiser). In fact, as you said, there are many ways to fulfilment. Some reach it via shortcuts and roads most travelled by, while others take longer via more exclusive routes. I have no doubt in my mind that someone can enjoy music just with their iPhone thinking it the optimum to be had without any desire to venture further. In my personal experience, looking deeply into matters often brings hidden gems to the surface but also tends to increase yearning for more and thus may lead to temporary unhappiness. That's why I'm glad the well-researched purchase of the DAC-2 DSDse has rekindled my true passion for music, and I intend to spend more time listening and less time worrying and pondering about equipment, settings and prospective purchases. I'm in the lucky position to be able to devote time and money to my hobbies, but I would never look down on someone who with much simpler means derives just as much pleasure from their setup. Consequently, I'm happy to discuss and compare findings without there being the danger of feeling contradicted, criticised or looked down upon by someone with different or more expensive equipment. So, summing up, it should be clearly understood by anyone reading my descriptions that they are only true for my specific setup, heard through my ears and processed through my own filters. And now back to the DAC-2 DSDse, which I gave a little rest today. As you can see, I'm not aggressively burning it in. I'd rather put a few hours on it every day in addition to listening and enjoying it.

Tomorrow's listening session will be dedicated to using the preamp function of the GS-X and trying different max volume settings (in fixed mode) on the DAC. I will also look for more information in the history of this thread. After today's session using the tape out from the GS-X, I can say that it was a great overall improvement. Shuffling through my library, I found that I was using volume steps 38 to 44 on the DAC. Not yet where I would like to have it, but better than before. The benefits to be had were quite audible. Everything was more controlled. I found the soundstage to be more holographic than before. The improvement in the bass department I was hoping for was delivered. Actually, the music is coming bigger and deeper than before while at the same time feeling more relaxed and fluid. Whatever I felt was wrong about the layering or the soundstaging was the wrong phase. Fortunately, the DAC-2 has a phase button right on the remote and voilá, everything was in order again. Great to have such a feature! So, whether it's the DAC-2 DSDse reaching more comfortable territory volume-wise (38 onwards) or the tape out of the GS-X driving the cables better, the conclusion is to leave the GS-X in the chain. In my opinion, the improvements were more than slight, especially when it comes to bass response and handling as well as soundstage and imaging. If one looks at my original post asking for connection options, the one I've outlined just now is number 5 and it actually sounds good enough at the moment for me to be happy. Of course, I will experiment more - it is a hobby after all. But this option combines my current gear in the best way possible, since I need only plug in my headpones and I have the DAC-2 DSDse available for this mode of listening as well. Perfect! Currently, my DAC-2 DSDse has 22 hours on it. I can't wait to hear what improvements come with further and much longer burn-in.

Hello, I have just found the FAQ section on the Wyred4Sound homepage. I must admit I had overlooked it. Quite a few issues are addressed there. Regarding my own setup, I found this passage very helpful: Source: https://wyred4sound.com/faq/i-am-using-pre-amp-my-dac-2-and-am-unable-achieve-favorable-volume-range-without-adjusting-dac

Just wanted to add a quick update here: I just tried DAC-2 DSDse > GS-X > tape (loop) out > active speakers. Now I was able to get into the 45-52 region on the volume. This is still with the -3 db pad on the active speakers. However, I feel good things are happening. The songs I mentioned in my previous post now display better bass detail than before. I assume that the tape out output stage or anything else in-between acts as a line driver. I also tried using the preamp part of the GS-X. I set the DAC-2 DSDse to fixed output and to my surprise, I was able to go well beyond noon on the GS-X volume in low gain mode. In medium gain I was able to rest the volume around noon. I haven't done any in-depth comparisons yet, but so far having the GS-X in the chain, either as simple tape out device or with amplification has improved the sound somewhat, especially the bass reproduction. It also pads the output of the DAC-2 to a certain extent (in both tape out and preamp out modes). More to come...

2nd listening session: DAC-2 DSDse > active speakers Volume: variable Burn-in: 14 hours at the time I put the speaker input gain to 0db, loaded a song, and slowly went up from 0 on the DAC. Between 20 and 30 I already had sufficient volume for my room, at 30 it was starting to get too loud. I set the input gain on my speakers to -3db and was subsequently able to raise the volume on the DAC to anything between 35 and 42, depending on the material. Generally, when reaching into the 40s I had the impression that the sound became a little fuller, more fluid, more detail, less held back. If this is simply because the music is louder or because it's more in the comfort zone of the DAC I cannot tell. Let me say beforehand that I had some amazing and eye-(ear)-opening moments in this session! Not having an ideal setup at the moment is one thing, but I can already say that the DAC-2 DSDse is a gigantic step up from the DacMagic. Firstly, there's cohesion and stereo imaging. This is now worlds better than before. To be honest, with my previous setup, I always felt there was something off in the stereo balance. It didn't feel rock solid and was sometimes irritating. The DAC-2, as outlined before, builds a cohesive and well-balanced image from left to right. I'm thinking that despite the DacMagic having balanced outputs, it is only now that I'm really hearing the advantages of a fully balanced system. This is probably due to the superior output stages of the DAC-2. Secondly, there's detail. The DAC-2 DSDse puts out tiny nuances with ease. It lays everything it can find out on a table before you to feast on it. Thirdly, there's unheard realism. This has amazed me the most! I'm sure I've never heard such a faithful reproduction of instruments before. This is simply another level than any previous setup I have owned. Individual instruments sound big and detailed. It's possible to hear fingers gliding on the strings, little mistakes musicians make, smacking of the lips with wind instruments. I can already say that the DAC-2 DSDse excels with acoustic music. There were moments I couldn't believe my ears. I was pinned to the chair and had to listen to each song from beginning to end without skipping to the next one. In fact, I now want to experience my whole library to see what sort of details and extents of realism I have been missing out on so far. I listened to the bass and tried various songs that I'm very familiar with. It is there, it is well-controlled and punchy when needed, not too blown up. However, I felt it was rolled off and in some songs I had the impression there were bits missing. They sounded completely different to what I'm used to and there are details in the bass and things it does that were not present in my listening session. I find that strange. However, and I must say it at this point, when I listened to the DAC-2 DSDse with my D7000 headphones two days ago, it was all there. So it's not the DAC itself, it's something that happens in-between. I'm suspecting that the cable run of 5 meters may have something to do with it. Perhaps a line-driver is needed. In my previous setup, I had the preamp in the chain. I will surely try this today or at least very soon. I also need to replace my generic XLR cables. Another thing I noticed is that in some songs the wide soundstage this DAC produces makes everything more airy, sometimes to the point where certain instruments or layers get pushed back. Especially with rock music this strips some songs of their impact. But again, this may be due to inefficient cabling/line-driving in my system. So far, I would say the DAC excels with acoustic and classical music. Soundtracks also for the first time sounded like the orchestra was playing in the room. I realised I may have a latency issue with my computer. Certainly it is potent enough, but the programme LatencyMon indicated possible issues resulting in clicks and pops (which is what I'm hearing in FLACs) when I check for kernel timer latency (it lists some drivers and also USB ports as possible causes). I re-checked with the same settings just now, and all of a sudden everything is fine. So much about my second session. Overall, I feel happy with the purchase. The DAC-2 DSDse lets me hear music in ways I have never experienced it before and adds realism that I hadn't realised was present. Perhaps it helps if I mention a few go-to songs I use to check for various qualities of music reproduction and how I feel the DAC-2 DSDse performs with them: Loreena McKennitt - An Ancient Muse Track 2: The Gates of Istanbul This track lets me check for details and cohesion. There's so much going on in this song in a very complex way, lots of instruments playing at the same time, sometimes only little ornamentations, that a less capable DAC will either leave out entire layers or muddle everything up. The DAC-2 DSDse excels! There's also a bass drum throughout the song. It sounds well-defined and dynamic, although a bit rolled off (as mentioned above). But what I found was that I now can hear the air being moved as well as the subsonics given off with each beat. I can "see" the drum being hit. This is amazing! Loreena McKennitts - Nights from the Alhambra Track 1: The Mystic's Dream Everything already said for the above album plus live reproduction. Stunning! Madredeus - Ainda Track 9: Ainda This is basically fado-inspired music. Here I had my first "falling off the chair"-moment! The reproduction of the female voice and the guitar sounds were ultra-realistic and stood in the room. I had truly never heard this song this way before! OK, I think that's enough for now. I need to investigate other connection/volume options now.

Thanks for the tip! I will try this next. Yesterday's listening session was focussed on my speaker setup only. So I would control volume in JRiver. This is how I did it with my old setup. -6db would be 88% percent volume, for instance. This is very thoughtful of you! Thank you! I guess I should have written EJ an e-mail all along, but I thought I'd rather try out a few options myself first, and I also need to get to know the DAC a little better. And, as you've mentioned, whatever is written in this forum may help (silent) readers with their setup.