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

I initially used a Blue Jean hdmi and then I upgraded to a DH labs Reference HDMI. I believe I have the Hermes set to ‘000’ and the DAC set to ‘001’ and this worked for both cables. The DH labs cable was a nice upgrade for $110. I got a little bit better instrument separation which is the biggest difference I noticed going from AES/EBU to i2s. 

Thank you again @cforsythe. I also use DH Labs 2.1 HDMI...Very helpful indeed. I'll start with 001 on Pontus and go from there.

I honestly don’t think the pin out is the problem because you said it ONLY happens with the USB connection from your streamer. The other connections (Coax and optical) to your Hermes play fine yet ALL of them go through the I2s from Hermes to your DAC. Secondly I don’t understand why it is taking so long to make a changes in a USB cable and see if that changes it.

I didn’t notice this using Coax (CD player) or Optical (Brennan B2). Just on the streamer and again only certain tracks...

These are your words above.

Thanks @fthompson251. I am away and won’t be home until tomorrow. That’s when I’ll try the config on I2S and/or go direct with USB cable…I initially didn’t think it was the config due to it only happening on certain tracks. Kinda quirky which is why I was so confused. 

@kingbr  I don't think you are following me. Do not change your pin out configuration, it's not the problem because the other two sources RUN THROUGH YOUR HERMES and that I2s cable sound fine. It can't be the pin out or they would present the same problem as the streamer/usb. Swap the USB cable out of the gizmo and go direct to the Hermes, I expect that will fix it and it's easy to do. Let me know because it can also be a bad USB cable, but you have two to try. Unless you are having the problem with ALL sources.