2. digital
  3. 163818-25564

Modwright Elyse DAC input issues

I just want to give a heads up on a potential problem with the Modwright Elyse DAC. I just purchased a used one and have encountered drop out issues with every input other than the USB input. I contacted Modwright to see if there was a fix for it and this is the response I got back for Dan Modwright;
"Hi Darryl and thanks for letting me know. The fact is, there can be an issue with these inputs. It has to do with the quality of your power and the sensitivity of the input receiver to less than ideal data samples. The DAC board was designed and programmed by a third party for us. This bug was never fully worked out and is power quality and environment dependent. I am afraid that I do not have a solution for you. I am glad to hear that via USB it is trouble free.
You could always add a SPDIF to USB converter"

I'm not trying to bash on the Elyse, I just want other potential purchasers to be aware of this possible issue. I think they only made about 40 of them, so I know I'm speaking to a small audience. 


dj

Showing 4 responses by facten

facten
2,961 posts
 
I have an Elyse in my 2nd system and use the RCA SPDIF input. I’ve encountered on occasion the dropout issue you describe, luckily infrequently. On the plus side I really enjoy its sound especially with NOS tubes/rectifier; on the down side I wouldn’t be comfortable with selling it to someone else or trading it in given the potential for the dropout to occur so it’s fully sunk cost for me. I am familiar with Dan’s response to the dropout and frankly, it doesn’t give any appreciation for that downside/remedy to his purchasers of the Elyse. I also have his LS100 preamp and KWA100SE power amp, musical and trouble free.
facten
2,961 posts
 
dj
Given the extreme frequency of the dropouts you are experiencing have you tried a different digital cable to see if any difference occurs. I have no idea if the cable might be contributing, just wondering if the one you are using might have some issue itself that is exasperating the DAC's inherent bug
facten
2,961 posts
 
DJ,
If I get a dropout it is usually once a listening session for a few seconds, thankfully nowhere near your unfortunate experience.

I did not have the "standard" KWA100 power amp so I can’t provide any impressions of that versus my SE model. If you haven’t you might check over on the Modwright circle on audiocircle for potential insights
facten
2,961 posts
 

I spin CDs and back in August I purchased a Neodio Origine S2 CD player with it becoming my main source in my main system. With that change I sold off my Mojo Audio EVO DAC (thoroughly enjoyed it) and moved my SimAudio 260DT transport into my 2nd system with the Modwright Elyse. The SimAudio’s AES/EBU output is the unit’s optimized one for SQ (confirmed with SimAudio) . Using that connection and a Tchernnov Reference 2 AES/EBU digital cable to the Elyse I noticed that if I encountered a dropout it was split second in length vs a maybe 3 second dropout when I was using the SPDIF connection via a Wadia 171i IPOD transport. I have made one other change, I swapped out a NOS Phillips 5AR4 rectifier and installed a Sophia Electric Aqua 274B. So far no dropouts, and equally important it has taken the Elyse SQ to another level. More body is how I will simply state it. I had never consider using the 274B until I read positive comments about it on Lampizator DAC threads on What’s Best Forum . Figured nothing to lose giving it a go in the Elyse since Dan listed it was a rectifier you can use with the Elyse.

More to discover