leo
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Post by leo on Nov 1, 2009 18:49:11 GMT
I've ordered a 01 USD to play about with I tried joining Musilands forum but trying to sign up to be a member proved to be a real pain in the arse, in the end I thought sod it!  Leo try this (from here): Username: headfi Password: headheadfifi Thanks !! that seems to work, for now  |
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FauDrei
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Post by FauDrei on Nov 1, 2009 19:22:49 GMT
Whats the preferred program to use for playback with the Musilands? I currently use Creative media source 5 at the moment with the pc's s/pdif out I would suggest foobar2000: You can easily switch between WDM/ASIO drivers, upsample and use DSP if you like. Not to mention other music file handling abilities... If you are paranoid about your playback - try cPlay. Overkill IMO but nice upsampling algorithm. |
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insomniac
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Post by insomniac on Nov 1, 2009 19:26:31 GMT
Can anyone recommend one of these for mainly 44.1 material?
Just a bit concerned about the 24M Clock and accuracy of 44.1 output.
Cheers
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2009 21:55:06 GMT
Leo and others, yes, the cap multiplier is advntageous when using an SMPS wallwart too.(as per G.S.) However, be aware that when using a SMPS, that HF ripple sails straight through a 3 terminal voltage regulator, because of the severe drop in performance at higher frequencies. Apparently, if you shove a relatively low value choke with decent gauge wire immediately before the input to the VREG, it makes a very worthwhile improvement. You can easily wind your own too. It may be interesting to try this addition to a USB Power Injector ,( with the newer updated changes from SC )for supplying an outboard USB drive (HDD or Optical) that runs off 5V from the USB of the PC. The SMPS is changed to 6V DC at 2A, and the VREG at the right of the Altronics photo replaced by a LDO VREG. The BR diodes are replaced by a series Schottky diode. Alex www.altronics.com.au/index.asp?area=item&id=K2910 |
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FauDrei
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Post by FauDrei on Nov 1, 2009 22:02:13 GMT
Can anyone recommend one of these for mainly 44.1 material? Just a bit concerned about the 24M Clock and accuracy of 44.1 output. I can (if you do not count me out for starting this thread and raving about it). I've also heard concerns that it can not do exact 44100 Hz, but I can tell that my whole music library is 44,1 KHz and this gadget audibly improved the playback on all DACs I've tried it with (compared to HagUSB and DAC internal USB interfaces). Be it asynchronous drivers and/or low jitter - it just works. And if there is a way to make it better...  |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2009 22:07:00 GMT
Can anyone recommend one of these for mainly 44.1 material? Just a bit concerned about the 24M Clock and accuracy of 44.1 output. I can (if you do not count me out for starting this thread and raving about it). I've also heard concerns that it can not do exact 44100 Hz, but I can tell that my whole music library is 44,1 KHz and this gadget audibly improved the playback on all DACs I've tried it with (compared to HagUSB and DAC internal USB interfaces). Be it asynchronous drivers and/or low jitter - it just works. And if there is a way to make it better... Valter I suspect that in the drive for bit perfect playback , that the "big boys" have lost track of what matters most. How it actually sounds when played back.! Alex |
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leo
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Post by leo on Nov 1, 2009 22:18:38 GMT
I won't be using an external switcher, just a simple small linear based job with one of the spare ALW's , as you know ALW uses a LM317 as a pre reg which is easily converted to use a cap multiplier, it should fit inside one of those small cases from Maplin
Even a bog standard linear based around CRC filtering and LM317 should be a worthy improvement over sourcing the supply from USB
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leo
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Post by leo on Nov 1, 2009 22:24:14 GMT
BTW those switching regs often use an inductor on the switching output pin of the IC, theres a measurement somewhere before and after the inductor, there was quite a difference
Values normally start around 100uH
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2009 22:28:56 GMT
I won't be using an external switcher, just a simple small linear based job with one of the spare ALW's , as you know ALW uses a LM317 as a pre reg which is easily converted to use a cap multiplier, it should fit inside one of those small cases from Maplin Even a bog standard linear based around CRC filtering and LM317 should be a worthy improvement over sourcing the supply from USB Leo That was mainly for the benefit of those who couldn't be arsed to build a linear supply. Did you see the price of the basic kit, which with change of components, should still be very economical to try ? Should be readily converted to 12V DC if a 13.8V supply was used ? They get away without a heatsink for the LDO reg because of having only a small in-out voltage difference. Alex |
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insomniac
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Post by insomniac on Nov 1, 2009 22:37:04 GMT
Can anyone recommend one of these for mainly 44.1 material? Just a bit concerned about the 24M Clock and accuracy of 44.1 output. I can (if you do not count me out for starting this thread and raving about it). I've also heard concerns that it can not do exact 44100 Hz, but I can tell that my whole music library is 44,1 KHz and this gadget audibly improved the playback on all DACs I've tried it with (compared to HagUSB and DAC internal USB interfaces). Be it asynchronous drivers and/or low jitter - it just works. And if there is a way to make it better... Cheers FauDrei, that is reassuring to read as the majority of my music library is 44.1Khz too. The more I researched the more potential problems surfaced ie. DAC's refusing to lock on at 44.1, Musiland's alleged plans to charge extra for a 44.1 driver, the firmware issues, encrypted drivers etc. I realise that it's a very good price for what you are getting but only good value if it doesn't spend 95% of its time sitting in a drawer somewhere ;D I like ASIO, currently using ASIO via firewire but keen to give it a punt over USB with the Musiland so will still consider buying one. |
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leo
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Post by leo on Nov 1, 2009 22:39:47 GMT
I won't be using an external switcher, just a simple small linear based job with one of the spare ALW's , as you know ALW uses a LM317 as a pre reg which is easily converted to use a cap multiplier, it should fit inside one of those small cases from Maplin Even a bog standard linear based around CRC filtering and LM317 should be a worthy improvement over sourcing the supply from USB Leo That was mainly for the benefit of those who couldn't be arsed to build a linear supply. Did you see the price of the basic kit, which with change of components, should still be very economical to try ? Should be readily converted to 12V DC if a 13.8V supply was used ? They get away without a heatsink for the LDO reg because of having only a small in-out voltage difference. Alex Alex, Of course mate, its a very good alternative and as you say be good for those not wanting to knock up a linear, hopefully when (if) this Musiland USB to s/pdif arrives I can try a few things out and post results just to see whats worth the hassle and what isn't What I find interesting is that some reported this Musiland device gave better results than a few well respected sound cards s/pdif out, I'm hoping to borrow a couple of decent sound cards from friends at a later time to put these claims to the test Leo |
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leo
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Post by leo on Nov 1, 2009 22:44:02 GMT
I can (if you do not count me out for starting this thread and raving about it). I've also heard concerns that it can not do exact 44100 Hz, but I can tell that my whole music library is 44,1 KHz and this gadget audibly improved the playback on all DACs I've tried it with (compared to HagUSB and DAC internal USB interfaces). Be it asynchronous drivers and/or low jitter - it just works. And if there is a way to make it better... I realise that it's a very good price for what you are getting but only good value if it doesn't spend 95% of its time sitting in a drawer somewhere ;D Exactly! I'll be posting honest opinions , if it turns out to be a turd you'll be the first to know  I'm just hoping it won't be an arse to set up, me and pc's don't mix well ;D |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2009 22:52:19 GMT
Hey Leo Perhaps if many of these guys weren't using Macs, which don't natively have SPDIF OUT, like many modern PC motherboards do, then this wouldn't be such a problem?  Alex |
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leo
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Post by leo on Nov 1, 2009 22:55:36 GMT
I did once try one of those Trends USB to s/dif units which are limited to 32, 44.1, 48 kHz
It wasn't a bad little unit, only thing I found is that bass was a little light no matter which dac it was used with, apart from that it wasn't bad
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2009 22:55:42 GMT
Dave Stick with Firewire. Many of the big boys at CA are currently extolling the virtues of Firewire. Could be the next big thing ! More and more upmarket DACs are now featuring Firewire as the preferred source. Alex |
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leo
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Post by leo on Nov 1, 2009 22:57:52 GMT
Hey Leo Perhaps if many of these guys weren't using Macs, which don't natively have SPDIF OUT, like many modern PC motherboards do, then this wouldn't be such a problem? Alex Your a bad man Alex  get ready for the chucked rocks ;D |
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leo
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Post by leo on Nov 1, 2009 22:59:56 GMT
Dave Stick with Firewire. Many of the big boys at CA are currently extolling the virtues of Firewire. Could be the next big thing ! More and more upmarket DACs are now featuring Firewire as the preferred source. Alex One of the weiss dacs is reported to be good although I heard rumours a certain diy design gave one a kicking |
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jkeny
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Post by jkeny on Nov 1, 2009 23:22:49 GMT
One of the weiss dacs is reported to be good although I heard rumours a certain diy design gave one a kicking Are we talking about your fav SABRE DAC giving it a kicking? You won't be disappointed with the Musiland, btw - great sounding stock, even better with external supply. Feeding it to the Buffalo, you may not need to change the crystal? There is absolutely no auditory problem with 44.1KHz on this unit - it may be not be exactly 44.1KHz but it's still within USB spec. |
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FauDrei
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Post by FauDrei on Nov 1, 2009 23:31:24 GMT
You won't be disappointed with the Musiland, btw - great sounding stock, even better with external supply. Does powered USB hub count as external supply? |
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insomniac
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Post by insomniac on Nov 1, 2009 23:37:17 GMT
I realise that it's a very good price for what you are getting but only good value if it doesn't spend 95% of its time sitting in a drawer somewhere ;D Exactly! I'll be posting honest opinions , if it turns out to be a turd you'll be the first to know I think this goes without question Hope so too but there are enough PC guru's onboard should the situation get messy |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2009 23:45:37 GMT
We would expect nothing less here. Remember though, that not everybody hears things the same way. Some people even like MP3s . |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2009 23:49:24 GMT
You won't be disappointed with the Musiland, btw - great sounding stock, even better with external supply. Does powered USB hub count as external supply? Valter Having seen John's posts elsewhere, and his like of decent shunt regulators as well, I seriously doubt that he would mean an external supply derived via Switchmode, without additional filtering. |
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insomniac
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Post by insomniac on Nov 1, 2009 23:56:46 GMT
Dave Stick with Firewire. Many of the big boys at CA are currently extolling the virtues of Firewire. Could be the next big thing ! More and more upmarket DACs are now featuring Firewire as the preferred source. Alex Alex I have been using Firewire for 4+ years and it has been more or less bullet proof so I may indeed stick with it. My current setup is limited to 24-bit/96kHz but does all that I need at present. The Musiland USB device would be purchased more out of curiosity than anything else... and for a bit of a play of course Dave |
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Will
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Post by Will on Nov 2, 2009 0:12:06 GMT
The thing that grates for me with USB and 24/192 files is the proprietary drivers needed to use it. Not being able to use the device on any computer you wish, easily, would restrict it's use. Mind you having said that, sound cards without their dedicated drivers, and then the addition of ASIO are not exactly plug and play between systems either.
Roll on the next generation Sabre (or whichever) DAC that accepts USB (3.0 if and when it arrives) directly without having to fart about with drivers. Life will be so much easier. Ha!
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Spirit
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Post by Spirit on Nov 2, 2009 0:29:01 GMT
Roll on the next generation Sabre (or whichever) DAC that accepts USB (3.0 if and when it arrives) directly without having to fart about with drivers. Life will be so much easier. Ha! I'm sure TPA (or somebody) will do a USB3-I2S addon when the standard arrives... bung that in your B32S and away you go (my plan anyway...  ) |
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get ready for the chucked rocks ;D
)