2. digital
  3. 1419746513

My DAC no longer working using digital inputs

I just purchased a lightly used Cambridge Audio Azure DacMagic-B. It came with no cables.

It was working fine using a USB connector from my Macbook as well as an IC from the CDP co-axial output jack to one or the other of the two digital input jacks on the DAC. Since I did not have a proper coaxial cable, for a couple of days I used a regular interconnect from the coax out on the CDP but replaced that today with a coaxial cable. The regular IC did work except the signal was cutting in and out. I did not have a proper coax cable until today otherwise I would have started with that.

When I put the coax cable into the system, that's when the DAC the problem started. Now, no matter what kind of IC I use from the CDP to the DAC, I can't get the digital inputs to work. The USB input continues to work fine.

My CDP is a Shanling T1000 SE. I've not been able to test using another CDP but I think that's the next step.

Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Should I suspect the DAC or the CDP or both? :)
ps
elevick
2,636 posts
 
are you unplugging everything else when trying the coax? start with that. also, what kind of format are you using from the mac? can the dacmagic handle that?
ps OP
756 posts
 
Elevick:
Thank you. I followed your excellent suggestion by unplugging the USB from the MAC to the DAC. I then plugged the co-axial cable from the CDP to the DAC and bingo, John Coltrane was in the room, making me a very happy man.

I have not yet plugged the USB cable back into the DAC for fear of messing things up. Since the DAC has a source button I assume that's OK. I will proceed with caution.

I am using iTunes to play Internet radio into the DAC. I have a trial of Amarra but can't tell much, if any difference with it on or off. Digital audio is a completely new activity for me but so far I find it very enjoyable. I have much to learn.

Thanks again.
hgeifman
2,194 posts
 
Ps: When using Amarra sQ 2.0, please start iTunes first and then start Amarra sQ 2.0. This allows the correct connections to be made between iTunes and Amarra sQ. Please verify that Amarra sQ 2.0 was installed correctly. I had to install a 2nd time to get it to work correctly. This was my fault since I do NOT follow the instructions correctly. The first time the music was playing but was NOT playing through Amarra sQ.

Look at the Amarra screen to ensure the volume bars are showing. This means Amarra sQ 2.0 is working. If not, please review your Amarra sQ settings to ensure the DAC is connected, etc. Amarra recommends the volume on your amplifier be set to max BUT I do NOT feel comfortable doing that. I set my amplifier volume control where I like it and ADJUST the volume on Amarra sQ so that the yellow bars are just showing but not the red bars. You might have to experiment with the Amarra sQ settings to get it the way you like.
ps OP
756 posts
 
Hgeifman:
Thanks for your comments. I double-checked and Amarra 3.03 is running with iTunes.

I've been thinking about the issue of my pre-amp having but one set of line inputs and I think I'm better off plugging and unplugging the DAC and CDP depending on whether I want to input from iTunes or the CDP. It doesn't seem to make sense to me to run my CDP through the DAC or am I missing something? Would not the DAC in my CDP be better than in my modestly-priced Cambridge Audio DAC? Plus, the Shanling has tube outputs which sound better to me than the SS.
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