2. digital
  3. 1419746513

My DAC no longer working using digital inputs

I just purchased a lightly used Cambridge Audio Azure DacMagic-B. It came with no cables.

It was working fine using a USB connector from my Macbook as well as an IC from the CDP co-axial output jack to one or the other of the two digital input jacks on the DAC. Since I did not have a proper coaxial cable, for a couple of days I used a regular interconnect from the coax out on the CDP but replaced that today with a coaxial cable. The regular IC did work except the signal was cutting in and out. I did not have a proper coax cable until today otherwise I would have started with that.

When I put the coax cable into the system, that's when the DAC the problem started. Now, no matter what kind of IC I use from the CDP to the DAC, I can't get the digital inputs to work. The USB input continues to work fine.

My CDP is a Shanling T1000 SE. I've not been able to test using another CDP but I think that's the next step.

Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Should I suspect the DAC or the CDP or both? :)
ps

Showing 2 responses by hgeifman

hgeifman
2,313 posts
 
Ps: When using Amarra sQ 2.0, please start iTunes first and then start Amarra sQ 2.0. This allows the correct connections to be made between iTunes and Amarra sQ. Please verify that Amarra sQ 2.0 was installed correctly. I had to install a 2nd time to get it to work correctly. This was my fault since I do NOT follow the instructions correctly. The first time the music was playing but was NOT playing through Amarra sQ.

Look at the Amarra screen to ensure the volume bars are showing. This means Amarra sQ 2.0 is working. If not, please review your Amarra sQ settings to ensure the DAC is connected, etc. Amarra recommends the volume on your amplifier be set to max BUT I do NOT feel comfortable doing that. I set my amplifier volume control where I like it and ADJUST the volume on Amarra sQ so that the yellow bars are just showing but not the red bars. You might have to experiment with the Amarra sQ settings to get it the way you like.
hgeifman
2,313 posts
 
Ps: I agree that the DAC in your CDP is probably better than in your modestly-priced Cambridge Audio DAC (you should really test this to confirm).

I also agree that since your pre-amp has only one set of line inputs, you might be better off plugging and unplugging the DAC and CDP depending on whether you want to input from iTunes or the CDP. However, switching cables around is a pain.

Since your pre-amp only has one input source, you might consider buying a higher quality DAC so that the MAC and Shanling T1000 SE CDP can be plugged into the DAC.

I guess you could also replace your pre-amp that only has one set of line inputs with another pre-amp with multiple inputs so that the MAC can be wired to the DAC and the Shanling T1000 SE CDP can be wired to the pre-amp.

I do not like having to switch cables around to get it to work but you have to decide. Maybe you should call a Shanling dealer and ask about the right cable to use.
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