I just got a Venus DAC, and it took some time to get it configured with my Hermes. Apparently, the pin lay out on HDMI cords is not standardized, so you have to configure the pin lay out using the controls on the DAC until you find the right one for your particular cable. If you go to the Denafrips website there’s a video where Alvin explains the steps needed to configure the pin layout for both the DDC and the DAC. I followed the steps and set the DDC to ‘000’ and then changed the settings on the DAC until I found the right pin combo for me it was ‘001’. I kept running a phase test after each change it made, but I did have a similar experience to you where the phase test was correct but I was getting a slight crackle in one of the speakers. You’re close but you have to change one of the pins. I hope this helps!
Hermes added, question
Hi, All,
Just a follow up on my thread last week about adding Hermes to my Pontus. All is connected and playing. I did do the left and right speaker check via Qobuz test tones and all are playing properly. I haven't sat for a critical listen yet as I want to give more burn in time. So whilst I'm not quite ready to give my impressions on any improvements, I did have a question.
I noticed on some tracks (not all) playing only when listening through my streamer (connected via USB running from Eversolo DMP-A6 Master into ADD-Powr Symphony In, then out from Symphony to Hermes USB In. Using I2S connecting between Pontus and Hermes. What I noticed is that on some tracks while streaming I detected some static/noise through mostly my right front speaker. I didn't notice this using Coax (CD player) or Optical (Brennan B2). Just on the streamer and again only certain tracks...
Any idea what could be causing this? Is the ADD-Powr possibly the culprit? The static/noise was never there before Hermes and I had ADD-Powr Symphony connected as above only direct to Pontus...Music still plays but on higher volume the noise is audible...