Massdrop CTH + SDAC DAC/Amp Discussions | Drop

Mar 3, 2018

Twice now the CTH+ SDAC just cuts out completely and starts playing through my laptop speakers. Then the SDAC no longer shows up on my audio device list. It also has a terrible distortion when using the CTH+SDAC when still connected to the LCX as a stack but listening to the CTH+SDAC. I have to completely unplug the LCX in order to get the static to go away when listening to the CTH+SDAC. I have lost connection now three times. Once since I have been typing. Could be my laptop USB but not one Amp/DAC /laptop I own has ever done this. I use this laptop with several amp/DACs a day. Never have I had an issue with the laptop or USB. It’s starting to look like this might not be a great product. Sounds nice but not worth the money with all the quirks and issues I’m having. Certainly haven’t experienced these issues with any of my other equipment.

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Mar 4, 2018

Lostdog54After a frustrating evening with the CTH+SDAC cutting out or losing connection to my laptop I decide to find out if any of my other amp/DACs would do the same. Thought it was possible that it was the USB on my laptop. Although this had never happened before with my laptop or other equipment used with the laptop. Well, after listening to the Mojo, Teac HA p5, RHA L1, and gustard H10 X12 all day, not one time did the laptop have trouble or lose connection with the Dac I was using. This leads me to believe something is wrong or defective with the CTH +SDAC or LCX. @CEE_TEE Not sure how to handle this issue but certainly would like to get it straightened out ASAP. And I also bought the Yulong DA9 in a drop but still no shipping or update. It was supposed to ship March 1. Between these two units that aren’t working properly, the Yulong and the Nobles 10’s that haven’t arrived I have spent a lot with MD and I’m starting to wonder if it was a smart move. Not an ideal situation

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Mar 6, 2018

Lostdog54I am having the same issues. after dropping the signal, how did you get your computer to recognize the SDAC again?

Mar 6, 2018

jennajammsBy unplugging and plugging back in. Sorry to hear you are having the same problem but glad to know I’m not the only one. I contacted MD support and MD offered to send out a replacement unit. Hopefully it’s just a couple of Units that have this defect. Seems to me after testing this weekend I was able to narrow the problem down to the USB port or internal connections around the USB of the CTH+SDAC. It was the only unit out of at least five I heard any interference or static. While listening. Might want to contact support and see if you can send that one back for a new replacement unit. Some people have said they thought it was the tube settling but mine never had the problem unless being feed from source to SDAC USB. I was almost over 100 hours burn in on the CTHSDAC when I received the LCX and became aware of the static interference issue. Never had the problem before connecting the stack. But they could very well be experiencing a similar problem in symptoms of static interference but since it comes and go be a different issue all together. When I disconnected the LCX from the Chain and went back to the CTH+SDAC that’s when I started experiencing the loss of SDAC signal to my laptop. MD will work with you and CEE_TEE has a great wealth of knowledge and very helpful in problem shooting this type of stuff. Let me know if you do continue to experience these issue. And/or new developments with the replacement unit if that’s the route you end up taking. I will chime in when I receive the new unit myself. Good or bad. Have a feeling it’s just a couple defective units which happens. No biggie.

Mar 6, 2018

Lostdog54Thanks for the reply! I got it working again, but only after some head scratching.
For people with similar problems and looking to troubleshoot, these are the things I tried
1. I tried unplugging the USB connection and then replugging it back in, at both the Computer port and SDAC port, with the CTH off, and still had problems connecting.
2. Went into the device manager, which surprisingly had the SDAC identified and showed a positive connection. I disabled it, uninstalled the drivers, re-enabled it and then manually installed the drivers. Still could not connect through the audio manager.
3. Restarted the PC. Upon restart, no signal.
4. Re-tried 1 and 2. Still would not recognize.
5. Unplugged the USB, and plugged it into a different port on the computer. Finally, the Audio manager recognized it.
6. Out of curiosity, plugged in my Schiit Modi M into the original USB port, and the PC recognized it just fine.
7. Got a USB hub and tried that with the SDAC and the Modi, Modi worked but SDAC did not.
I'm going to see if I have any other problems with the SDAC for the rest of the day, and if so then I will contact support.

Mar 6, 2018

jennajammsI'm not too upset with Massdrop about this. This is a collab between 3 different companies, and collabs are always tricky to QC and integrate. Plus, this is an initial manufacturing run, which will always have unique problems. In addition, this is the first problem I have had with a MD product (of which I have several).

Mar 6, 2018

jennajammsI forgot that I restarted the computer and still nothing one time. I never could get the SDAC to pop up in sound manager. And had no trouble plugging in and seeing the those other DACs.
I have a good feeling its the SDAC or the USB path or connection to it that is the culprit.
Massdrop is great and I agree with your statement below. I too own several of there collaborations and never had an issue. Very pleased in fact. Anytime there is a problem customer service is always quick to offer a fair if not great solution.
Thanks For the reply and rundown of your tests.

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CEE_TEE

3480

Mar 8, 2018

Lostdog54Thanks Lostdog54 & jennajamms. Appreciate you as customers and will need to check on these observations...

CEE_TEE

3480

Mar 8, 2018

jennajammsI just had an issue with my PS Audio PerfectWave DAC. Always works...today it would not connect. Different ports, turning it on/off...restarted computer. Tried SDAC and no problem with SDAC popping up. Ah, my PWD thought that USB was locked on even without cable attached. Had to pull the IEC power cable out and re-start DAC in order to reset. I use a Mac Laptop, current OS.

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Mar 9, 2018

CEE_TEE @CEE_TEE I haven't had any problems with the SDAC hardware since the first day. I wish I knew what was going on and what changed, but as long as I keep getting the solid performance I have been getting I won't complain!
Like another user, I have noticed I need to be a little careful where I place the unit so I don't pick up any interference. BUT the system is very resistant to any physical vibrations impacting sounds (Not true with my Schiit Stack, so very happy there).
Pairs great with my HD6XX and DT1990. Makes my TH-X00 EB extraordinarily dark, which I actually like as a complement to some of my brighter phones. Overall, very pleased with the Hybrid performance!

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Michael_Grace

432

Grace Design

Mar 9, 2018

jennajammsHi All, If anyone is having any USB connectivity issues with the SDAC we would like to know about some of the details. Please report the computer model, operating system, and playback software that you are using. This helps us look for issues. It is possible these are isolated hardware problems as well. In this case replacing the hardware is the solution. The SDAC uses tried and true USB Audio Class 1 drivers that are generally stable. However, from time to time OS updates can break things. Usually these problems get sorted out by Microsoft/Apple and then fixed in later updates.

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Tex1954

Mar 9, 2018

Michael_GraceI had a problem but it seemed to be by plugging the connection into a USB 3 slot. And once I moved it to USB 2 all was fine.

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HyeGIMD

Mar 22, 2018

Lostdog54Had the same problems with the SDAC and CTH as separate components. Worked for a day or 2. Then only playing through computer speakers. Removed SDAC from computer, reinstalled worked for a night then not the next day. Bypassed the SDAC entirely, going directly through the CTH using RCA's from CD player, and other pairings and nothing. Sounded great while it lasted but I will be returning. No regrets though as a good effort, just wish it still worked and hope I can find something comparable in sound.

Mar 22, 2018

HyeGIMDI returned the first one to Massdrop and the replacement also has distortion when stacked with the LCX. I gave up trying to stack the CTH +SDAC with anything and only use it by itself. Have moved the LCX to another room because it deserves to be used as a stand-alone pairing with the Yulong DA9. I really like the sound of the CTH. Thanks for letting me know yours has the same issues.

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Mar 24, 2018

CEE_TEEI just stacked the CTH+SDAC successfully with the LCX for the first time. No fuzz, distortion or hum, at all. All it took was a $200 dollar Cardas iLink 3.5mm to RCA cable. Haha. But it really does sound incredible. Whats interesting is the cheap 3.5mm to RCA cable I was using before work with every piece of equipment I have with no issues except for the CTH+SDAC. Its fixed now and sounding amazing. Check the interconnect being used if you have experienced any similar issues. Just MIGHT clear that up.
Sidenote: While waiting for the iLink cable to arrive I stacked the LCX with the Yulong DA9 with Cardas RCA interconnects and Oh My!!!!!!!!! The Cavalli collaborations are really great pieces of gear. At that price point truly hard to beat. Both have impressed me but the LCX is special. It pairs so well with everything I have paired it with. So clean and powerful. Worth every penny. If you want a great stand alone amp I think it would be hard to beat. Especially at $300.

Mar 24, 2018

Lostdog54It seems that a cable upgrade cleared everything up when stacking the CTH+SDAC and LCX. Finally. Funny part is that the cheap cable I had before worked well with all the other gear I have. No issues or fuzz/distortion. Read the post below. Might want to check you cables or get a better quality 3.5mm to RCA cable. Solved my problem. Hope this helps

CEE_TEE

3480

Mar 26, 2018

Lostdog54This is great news and makes my weekend. :) Appreciate your helping the community in case they have a cable that is finicky with our stack. Really glad to hear that you can now use as you like and sounds great!!