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  3. 158260-110028

BluOS server with USB out?

I'm using a Node2i as my streamer and just got a new DAC.
The MP D2
https://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=61&product_id=97

I'm connected between the 2 with coaxial and there is an audible clicking when shuffling through songs via Qobuz and Spotify.
The designer said USB sounds better with his DAC and that the clicking is only audible via coax.
Therefore I'm looking for a BluOS server that has USB out and can bypass the DAC.
Does it exist?

Reply to my query last night about the issue from the Garry of MP
" If you use coaxial input, your specific player cuts off signals and on very fast when selecting different tracks, the DAC follows it to switch muting relay on/off. I will try to take a look at the firmware source code to find a solution to this compatibility issue. You can use a computer, cell phone or tablet to run  Qobuz and Spotify via USB. USB sounds better than coaxial and don't have this kind of issue."
128x128flavo
11 responses Add your response
mwatsme's avatar
mwatsme
187 posts
 
That clicking is a technical problem with DACs that has to be addressed with a technical solution by the DAC mfg. This is a problem when switching between sampling frequencies (different tracks have different sample rates) and even worse when switching back and forth to/from DSD.
It is the DAC causing this, not the Bluesound unit. MP needs to get their tech(s) to solve it - likely by adding one or more relays (that seems to be how other mfg's solve this issue). Also should be quiet relays - if they are listening.
djones51
4,947 posts
 
The DSpeaker X4 has a DAC I would send the other back. I never had a DAC that couldn't do coax correctly that's been around for 40 years.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,982 posts
 
The 2 Schiit Pre's I had both made a horrible racket with every adjustment of the volume knob. They also both got rave reviews and I never read a word about the clicking relays in all of the reviews I read Until I got them home and went looking for what the issue was.
Apparently they were designed that way!!??

I have a Schiit SAGA pre in my bedroom system and it does indeed do this, but I think the clicking in these (2) scenarios are different.  Schiit admits that this is by design.  Doesn't bother me, but I know it was quite a pain for a few people.

IMHO, again, I really think the MP is defective.  I agree that this shouldn't happen with any DAC.  MP needs to check this and find a solution.

Good luck with your pursuit.
flavo's avatar
flavo OP
40 posts
 
@mofimadness 
I agree that it's problem with the MP and not the Node. I just assumed a few other DACs did this as well. As I seem to remember reading about this somewhere else. I could be wrong though. 

I don't understand why this would be acceptable to send out to the consumer with out a heads up.
Audiophiles seem to be OK with weird clicks for some reason. Plenty of relays seem to do this.

The 2 Schiit Pre's I had both made a horrible racket with every adjustment of the volume knob. They also both got rave reviews and I never read a word about the clicking relays in all of the reviews I read Until I got them home and went looking for what the issue was.
Apparently they were designed that way!!??
crn3371
224 posts
 
No Bluesound device with USB output. I would try the optical output and see if that fixes your problem.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,982 posts
 
To add to my post above, I have an original Bluesound Node2.  I have had at least 50 different DACs in my system over the past 3-4 years.

I have used the Node2's coax out exclusively.  I have NEVER had this happen.  IMHO, it's a problem with the Musical Paradise unit. 

Maybe call Bluesound, (GREAT guys and wonderful customer service) and see what they have to say.

The toslink output does indeed bypass the internal DAC.  I agree, coax usually sounds better than toslink.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,443 posts
 
@flavo,

If you use optical out from BluOS, you’re bypassing the internal DAC. The only time you’re using BluOS DAC when you’re using analog outputs (RCA L/R).

IME, Optical output is never sounded as good as COAX or USB. In comparison, it’s sounds thin and less dynamic.

The audible clicking is definitely inherent to MP D2. I have own several DAC’s and never ever experienced any issues with signal using a COAX cable.
flavo's avatar
flavo OP
40 posts
 
@djones51. Hmm,  I have not.  But using the optical out would be using the internal DAC of the Node I believe.  
What happens when you feed the internal DAC of the node to another DAC?  Does the DAC from the MP still work?

I want to keep the BluOS in the picture because 99 out of 100 people seem to think it's the easiest streaming software to use.  That ease of use is important to me. I confess to never having used a different server though, so this is all I know. 

I also have a DSpeaker X4 on the way to finish up my bi-amping project. The X4 has a DAC as well so I might just ditch the Musucal Paradise and simplify things. 
djones51
4,947 posts
 
Is there a reason it needs to be bluOS? Have you tried toslink?
flavo's avatar
flavo OP
40 posts
 
I know it's not solely a Musical Paradise thing. While not super common I've heard of other DACs that will make a little click between songs.

But the crickets I'm getting for my question leads me to believe that such a beast doesn't exist, and that's why I couldn't find one.   

Hopefully Garry comes up with a solution.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,982 posts
 
If you use coaxial input, your specific player cuts off signals and on very fast when selecting different tracks, the DAC follows it to switch muting relay on/off. I will try to take a look at the firmware source code to find a solution to this compatibility issue. You can use a computer, cell phone or tablet to run  Qobuz and Spotify via USB. USB sounds better than coaxial and don't have this kind of issue

Boy, that's news to me.  Never heard of this, nor have any of the many DACs I've tried, had this issue?  Maybe it's a Musical Paradise problem?
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