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MattFs
10
Feb 14, 2019
The good news, this DAC is fantastic. The bad news, after about a month of use it remains locked when trying to connect to my Mac via USB, or sometimes it will display DSD512 (I don't have any DSD files, and have never seen this displayed before). Has this happened to anyone else? I did a factory reset on the D1, restarted my computer, and I still couldn't get it to connect. I plugged another DAC into my computer which is working fine, so I don't think the issue is with that. I contacted Massdrop, and they can't do anything because it's been longer than 30 days, and they claim no one else has reported this issue. Looks like I may have to make a warranty claim directly with SMSL. Edit: I tried unplugging the USB cable from the back of the D1 while it was in standby mode, then turned the D1 on, then plugged the USB cable back in. My computer once again could see the D1, and now it is working fine (thankfully).
(Edited)
cwatters
29
Apr 19, 2019
MattFsMaybe you can help? Tried going out of a Bluesound Vault streamer both USB and Optical into my preamp. Nothing. Did what you tried above and it is showing optical or usb or unlock. but in any mode no sound is passing through from the streamer in the D1 and the the preamp. Any ideas?
MattFs
10
Apr 19, 2019
cwattersHi, I should amend my message above. I thought unplugging the USB from the D1 and replugging it in fixed the issue, but there's more. When the D1 wont unlock, I put it on standby with the USB cable still plugged in to both the computer and the D1. After an unknown amount of time (overnight, or perhaps a few hours?), I then do the procedure I mentioned in my first post, and my computer recognizes the D1. Maybe doing this will help with your Bluesound Vault. If you are able to get the D1 to connect, leave it on all the time. For whatever reason I was able to put the D1 on standby as I mentioned above when not using it for about a month with no issues, but I've learned to just leave it on all the time. This isn't too strange of a concept for me, I had other (significantly cheaper) DACs that I never turned off before, so I started treating the D1 like my old DACs. I even plugged it into my CyberPower UPS, so I don't have to go through that reconnecting process every time the power goes out. I find this DAC does get a bit warmer than my previous units, but it doesn't heat up too much leaving it on all the time, especially when no music is being played. Another mystery is when I restart my computer with the D1 connected and recognized, it stays that way after the computer restarts. The only time the D1 stays locked is when it is placed in standby mode, or if there is a loss of power. Woah, this was very long winded, but I hope this can help you. I really hope you can get it working because this DAC is amazing, if not a bit frustrating as you well know. Actually, if anyone is still reading, does anyone know how this DAC compares to the SU-8? I've never heard the SU-8 so I'm curious to know what people think.
(Edited)
cwatters
29
Apr 19, 2019
MattFsSo I got iTunes to work from the MacBook via usb but only the library. No streaming. Also got my Pioneer XDP 300r to work via usb but only via the pioneer player software and again only files in the library. No streaming. USB Pro app requested to connect but then crapped out. You were right though, what I’ve been able to hear so far sounds really go through the D1. This is going to become a project. Sent an email to smsl support earlier but no response yet. We’ll see but thanks for your help. Anyone else been able to stream through the DI. Anyone at MD have any ideas or access to SMSL?
Deepspace57
52
Jun 6, 2019
MattFsI wonder what USB cable you currently use. There is hot discussion on the potential contribution of USB cables to overall sound quality. On the other hand, Some call as SnakeOil. Have you got any experience ?
MattFs
10
Jun 6, 2019
Deepspace57I use a modestly priced audiophile grade Pangea USB cable. It's well built, well shielded, and has gold plated plugs. I don't think it makes the connection any better, or effects the sound, but it is quality and figured I could spend $25 to $50 for a quality USB cable for my DAC connection. I could not see ever spending more than this for a USB cable, though one certainly could ;) As for the D1, I have kept it on for months now. It's staying connected and sounding great. I know I made a huge leap in price tier when I got this, but I don't think I will ever need another DAC. The first time I heard a cymbal crash I did a double take. I never heard that kind of detail in my audio system before, a system I've used for years. The treble sparkles, and has detail like it never had before, and everything else sounds great too. I don't know if I had to go to a DAC this expensive so soon, but I'm glad I did.
phoenixsong
1055
Jul 11, 2019
Deepspace57I've tried different usb cables on my SDAC and OL DAC. If there is any difference, it is less than that between the 2 dacs
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