Hermes added, question


Hi, All,

 

Just a follow up on my thread last week about adding Hermes to my Pontus. All is connected and playing. I did do the left and right speaker check via Qobuz test tones and all are playing properly. I haven't sat for a critical listen yet as I want to give more burn in time. So whilst I'm not quite ready to give my impressions on any improvements, I did have a question.

 

I noticed on some tracks (not all) playing only when listening through my streamer (connected via USB running from Eversolo DMP-A6 Master into ADD-Powr Symphony In, then out from Symphony to Hermes USB In. Using I2S connecting between Pontus and Hermes. What I noticed is that on some tracks while streaming I detected some static/noise through mostly my right front speaker. I didn't notice this using Coax (CD player) or Optical (Brennan B2). Just on the streamer and again only certain tracks...

 

Any idea what could be causing this? Is the ADD-Powr possibly the culprit? The static/noise was never there before Hermes and I had ADD-Powr Symphony connected as above only direct to Pontus...Music still plays but on higher volume the noise is audible...

kingbr

Yeah, take the Symphony out and just let the excellent Hermes do its thing.  Sometimes less is more.

Thank you @soix! Another vote for less is more - definitely going to start there. USB cable (DH Labs Mirage) direct to Hermes..

One question, does this happen when you’re using all three settings and/or the off setting on the symphony?

Thanks @gkelly I always leave the Symphony on high setting. I have never switched it to low or medium. Are you thinking that maybe a low or medium might help?

I always leave mine on high as well. I just Remember working with a WIIM mini with a SCHITT modi DAC and when we would run it on higher bit rates would get pops at the beginning of a song had to lower it To a lower bit rate. That is where that idea came from. Sure hope it isn’t the symphony as I like Bill Stierhout and his philosophy on sound. Met him at the first Pacific auto Fest three years ago, was one of only a few vendors who had a product you could take home. An ElectraClear eau2. Also got a POWR bar, so I’m starting to build up my arsenal of ADD POWR.