Lab12 DAC1 Reference Problem


Guys, got this DAC a few days back, and having a problem connecting it to my Electrocompaniet ecm1 UP cd player via rca digital out. The signal is not stable, goes on and off. The Bluesound streamer works fine with it. Connecting cable is Nordost Silver Shadow. Already talked to the dealer, while he didn’t know the answer he offered either to replace it or refund my money. Going to return it, but I really like its sound.

 What could be the cause of this glitch? Ideas?

Thanks.

128x128hasmarto

The Lab !2 can sometimes have trouble if a 24/48 or higher source is active on one Coax input and there is an active signal on the other Coax input.   

I ended up putting my Vault in another room so it is longer an issue.  Try the CD player alone with the Bluesound unplugged

It is a great sounding DAC,   I didn't discover this until a few months into owning it and my dealer did not believe I was experiencing a problem.   

To me it sounds  so good I can live with it.   I don't believe mine is broken, I think that the two Coax inputs are not isolated and it is confused as what to lock on,depending on what's connected and what the bit rate is

I have had 1.5 years of reliable great sound and I use it daily.  I was pissed at first but their products are built well, sound great, and they are a small company so I gave them a pass on this one.   

Also, does the CD player have a variable output that attenuates the volume in the digital domain?  If so defeat or switch to fixed out   They are rare but some players do this...

 

Basically you sometimes need to turn the component on the Coax input you are not using off for it to lock onto the active source. My experience 

Good info to know.  On mine, I used USB for my streamer with a coax for CD transport with no issues.  No longer use CD.  Send an Email to Lab12 on their website.  I have several times and they are very responsive within a day or 2 depending on the time you send it.

@oddiofyl, man much much appreciated. I did the on and off thingy, and after the second attempt it works great without dropping the signal. You just saved my Christmas gift :).

Thanks again!

@tksteingraber, thanks for your feedback. I sent the email earlier today, and yes, they’re very responsive, usually they reply within two days, like you said.