2. tech-talk
  3. 163014-5323

Troubleshooting my Dac

Hi,
I’m looking for any thoughts on this problem I’m having.  My system looks like this:
Stream with Node 2i or Sonos Port > Electrocompaniet ECD-1 Dac > VTL 2.5L > Odyssey Khartago > Kef r11s
All of my gear is powered on via programmable outlet > Panamax Max 5100 > audio gear.
Here’s the problem which seems to be occurring more often.  When I get home from work, everything is on and ready.  I open my blueOS app, chose Qobuz and grab a playlist.  Input 3 on the Dac. The app, indicates the music is playing, but no sound.  Try Sonos, (input 4) switch input on the Dac.  Sonos app says music is playing, but no sound.  Sometimes, toggling through the 4 inputs on the Dac will fix the problem.  I can hear a relay operate for each input.  Last night I heard a loud snap when I reached input 3, like a static shock, amplified through the speakers when I toggled the inputs and then the music began playing.
Tonight, a little different.  Apps again indicate music is playing, but no sound.  Toggle through the Dac inputs. Nothing. Power cycle the Dac.  Boom, we have music.
Could there be an input related relay that’s going bad?
Any other thoughts?
Thank you!
Jeff
jfmerk
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
jfmerk
All of my gear is powered on via programmable outlet
This is not a fix for your problem, but I see a potential big one switching everything on at once.
As your Odyssey amps could be damaged by switch on thumps from anything before it.
Amps should be the last thing turned on, and the first thing turned off. This may save the amps and speakers.

Cheers George
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,582 posts
 
Oops. I didn't see anything about trying both sources in your post. The obvious test would be to try another DAC. Everybody should have a spare tire.

Great "reminder" advice from George.
That is why I’ve married myself to triggers.
jfmerk OP
20 posts
 
Thanks all for the comments and ideas!

I wasn't very clear on "how" everything is switched on.  The programmable outlet just turns on the Panamax power center which has 10 outlets. 2 of which are high current outlets with adjustable ON delays.  My amp uses this outlet, set to a 30 second delay and is the last component to receive power and the first to be turned off.

I'll just keep monitoring the no sound symptoms and wait for them to tell a clearer story.  Thanks again.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
My amp uses this outlet, set to a 30 second delay and is the last component to receive power and the first to be turned off.
That good if as below and shows someone was thinking when designing it.

ON: Amps take 30sec to come on after everything else is on.? 
OFF: Everything else gets turned off 30sec after the amp gets turns off 
  
Cheers George
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
This does sound like a classic relay problem. My guess is that there is are relays for the inputs and then relay that disconnects the output while the input is being switched to prevent a thump. It is the output relay that is bad. You need to send the DAC in for service or buy another one. The little Benchmark is extraordinary! 
More to discover