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HELP: Bel Canto DAC and my cables aren't working..

I bought a used Bel Canto DAC1 to use with a Pioneer DVD system that I have. I got the DAC for a good price and I couldn't resist. Ok, so it arrives in good condition and I use a Monster Digital cable that I have and it doesn't work. I fiddle with everything and nothing. So, I take off the Monster and I try an Audioquest cable and still nothing. I am thinking that something is broken after I try changing everything, but the kitchen sink. Ok, lastly, I have one last test to do and the cables are out of reach, so I plug in a cheap Radio Shack cable and HOLY MOLY, the music comes to life. So, I think, I must have set something right, so I reach for one of my better cables and guess what? None of the better cables work. The only thing that works is the cheap Radio Shack cable.

What am I doing wrong?
matchstikman

Showing 2 responses by sean

sean
6,231 posts
 
I ran into a similar situation when trying to use a Monarchy DIP a few years back. I tried a bunch of cables and nothing would work. Hooked up a "generic" analogue interconnect and it finally locked onto the signal. You might want to give MSB a call this coming week and see what they have to say. Kind of freaks ya out, but until you can get things sorted out, use what works. Sean
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sean
6,231 posts
 
Matchstikman: Glad to hear you were able to resolve the problem. Thanks for posting the response that you obtained from Bel Canto. It confirms my own personal findings regarding digital and / or rf based signals i.e. temperature stability accounts for a LOT of what we hear and measure. Turning the units off and on reduces thermal stability and increases wear and tear. Sean
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