2. amps-preamps
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Schiit setup troubleshooting

I have 2 Aegir amps set up in monoblock configuration. The Schiit Freya S serves as my pre-amp. My source is a Lumin U1 Mini, connected via optical to a Chord Qutest DAC. The Qutest is connected to the Freya via single-ended connections, and the Freya is connected to the 2 Aegir amps via XLR. So, single-ended input into the Freya, then balanced output to the Aegir amps - this setup is not producing any audio. I have confirmed that there is a signal traveling to the Freya from the DAC. As recommended by Schiit, I am using the NEXUS modes on the Freya pre-amp (i.e. active modes, which should convert the single-ended signal to balanced), to no avail. Any thoughts on what might be causing this?
vingard
vingard OP
36 posts
 
@almarg The speakers are connected correctly. I was not aware of the start-up delay on the Freya S, but it has been running continuously since I powered it on last night. I do have a powered sub connected to the speaker terminals on the amps (correctly, as far as I am aware), but I have turned the sub off as I attempt to troubleshoot this issue.  The speakers are passive - Buchardt S400.
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
I would definitely try disconnecting the sub altogether.

If I understand correctly you are connecting the two amps to a single powered sub (i.e., both amps are connected to the same sub, with the sub providing speaker-level inputs for two channels). If so, it is likely that there is a ground path within the sub that is connecting one of the two positive output terminals of each amp (the output terminal of the amp that I presume is connected to a negative input terminal of the sub) to the corresponding positive output terminal of the other amp. Which could very likely account for the problem. And that path would exist even when the sub is turned off.

Regards,
-- Al

vingard OP
36 posts
 
I'll give that a try when I get home this evening. Is there any possibility that using a single-ended input into the Freya (in this case the DAC), then outputting via balanced XLR to the amps could be the cause of the issue?
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Is there any possibility that using a single-ended input into the Freya (in this case the DAC), then outputting via balanced XLR to the amps could be the cause of the issue?
After looking at the manual for the Freya S I don't see any concerns with that, given that you are using a Nexus mode.

Regards,
-- Al



atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,809 posts
 
I know this might be a dumb question but are the tubes in the Freya lit up?
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