2. amps-preamps
  3. 192478-110266

Preamp issue

I am having a problem with my preamp would like some feedback/guidance from the members of this forum.

For the past two years my system has been a WIIM Pro to PSAudio Stellar Gain DAC to Backert Labs Rhumba 1.0. preamp to Classe CT2300 amp to Harbeth SHL5 speakers, 

System worked fine and I liked the sound. But, then you get the itch. . .

I was interested in trying to an r2r DAC so I purchased a used (one year old) Denafrips Pontius II 12th DAC. Today I swapped out the PSAudio DAC, fired up the system and listened for about 5-10 minutes, then there was a POP in the speakers and the Rhumba preamp went into its mute mode. I shut everything off and restarted the components now have low frequency(100Hz?), low volume, vibrating sound coming out of both speakers. I have swapped out pieces from a second system an definitely isolated the problem to the Rhumba preamp. 

I am going to have the pream repaired. But since the Rhumba preamp failed shortly after swapping in the Denafrips DAC-

Could the Denafrips DAC have caused the preamp to fail? How? Was it just coincidence? Should I have the Denafrips tested as well or just return it and find a different r2r unit? Your input will be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Happy Holidays

128x1282tuby
2tuby's avatar
2tuby OP
35 posts
 

Elliottbnewcombjr-

I like the Denafrips but I am like you and will probably return it. 
 

ianx003 

I agree that the Wiim pro is the weakest link. The “itch that I was “scratching” was to improve my digital input. I picked up the Wiim on Amazon and will be retuning it. 

2tuby's avatar
2tuby OP
35 posts
 

larryi,

Indeed, intermittent problems are the worst.  I would like to think that the preamp was the issue because what little I heard of the Denafrips I liked. 

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,200 posts
 

You  should have consulted me as the Denafrips sales rep 

the New Pontus 15 are what was the Venus 12 with upgrades for $1300 less then last year , look at the Venus now in a Bigger case 42 lbs- now the Terminator !!

Not trying to be pushy but all New Denafrips are one step up in models for no added costs and on sale. do you have another dac you can borrow ? How old was the dac normally these dacs are very robust.

larryi
4,068 posts
 

If you can, talk to manufacturers of both components.  The Backert Labs folks should be able to tell what was the likely cause of the damage to its component.  At high fi shows, their folks seem to be quite frank and forthcoming.

2tuby's avatar
2tuby OP
35 posts
 

audioman58-

I do not know the age of the Pontius DAC I have. Since it is a 12th version I would think not too old. I have sent an email to Denafrips asking for the date of manufacture. I know there is a software fix that might address the popping problem but if the unit is too old the unit will not update with the new software. 

You spoke of the newer units being on sale, do the newer units still have the popping issue?

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