Eastern Electric DAC Plus Input Issue

Redwingnine · 25th September 2011, 02:43 PM

I recently picked up a Eastern Electric DAC plus. From the first use, it seemed to have some issues. The SAT input kept dropping out, and was making popping noises. The other inputs all worked OK, but noticed some low level dist orion that was hard to put my finger on.

Before sending the unit back, decided to break out my trusty Audio Alchemy DTI Pro 32 DTI, and run the inputs through the DTI Pro to the DAC.

Well, not only did the dropout problem disappear, but the DAC started to sound much better (like I was expecting it to). The DAC now sounds outstanding, especially with the tube out.

My question is: Why is this happening? I thought the ESS Sabre 9018 was supposed to be the leading edge regarding anti-jitter. It just seems odd to me that a vintage AA anti jitter device could provide such a level of improvement on what is supposed to be a leading edge DAC. The DAC does sound great, but it did not until the AA unit was inserted.

Any ideas?

erin · 29th September 2011, 03:36 AM

Sorry for the dumb question, but what is the SAT input? coax, toslink, AES, USB, HDMI ?

Perhaps thats why no-one answered your question. We don't know what SAT is.

So what sort of digital cable are you using?

marce · 30th September 2011, 11:26 AM

It sounds like a signal integrity issue!

Redwingnine · 30th September 2011, 07:37 PM

Good point, erin. The SAT input is the Satellite receiver input. I have worked out that the SAT receiver is at issue. It seems to have a issue with multi channel broadcasts, even when the dolby digital is switched off. The other problem was a dodgy optical cable. I switched the SAT to a BNC/RCA cable, and the 2 channel broadcasts are fine. I'll have to contact Direct TV to see if I need a software update.

I also replaced the CD connection, and upgraded to the AES input from the player. It now works correctly, and sounds outstanding. The Blu Ray is now connected to the RCA input, and works fine.

I removed the DTI Pro 32, as it no longer seems to help. The only open issue is the multi channel TV down-mix to two channel.

BTW, the EE DAC is a giant killer. It's not only hard to beat at tit's price point, it's hard to beat at several times the price.

erin · 30th September 2011, 11:47 PM

Glad to hear its sorted.

25th September 2011, 02:43 PM	#1
Redwingnine diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2010	Eastern Electric DAC Plus Input Issue I recently picked up a Eastern Electric DAC plus. From the first use, it seemed to have some issues. The SAT input kept dropping out, and was making popping noises. The other inputs all worked OK, but noticed some low level dist orion that was hard to put my finger on. Before sending the unit back, decided to break out my trusty Audio Alchemy DTI Pro 32 DTI, and run the inputs through the DTI Pro to the DAC. Well, not only did the dropout problem disappear, but the DAC started to sound much better (like I was expecting it to). The DAC now sounds outstanding, especially with the tube out. My question is: Why is this happening? I thought the ESS Sabre 9018 was supposed to be the leading edge regarding anti-jitter. It just seems odd to me that a vintage AA anti jitter device could provide such a level of improvement on what is supposed to be a leading edge DAC. The DAC does sound great, but it did not until the AA unit was inserted. Any ideas?

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29th September 2011, 03:36 AM	#2
erin diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2006	Sorry for the dumb question, but what is the SAT input? coax, toslink, AES, USB, HDMI ? Perhaps thats why no-one answered your question. We don't know what SAT is. So what sort of digital cable are you using?

30th September 2011, 11:26 AM	#3
marce diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Blackburn, Lancs	It sounds like a signal integrity issue!

30th September 2011, 07:37 PM	#4
Redwingnine diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2010	Good point, erin. The SAT input is the Satellite receiver input. I have worked out that the SAT receiver is at issue. It seems to have a issue with multi channel broadcasts, even when the dolby digital is switched off. The other problem was a dodgy optical cable. I switched the SAT to a BNC/RCA cable, and the 2 channel broadcasts are fine. I'll have to contact Direct TV to see if I need a software update. I also replaced the CD connection, and upgraded to the AES input from the player. It now works correctly, and sounds outstanding. The Blu Ray is now connected to the RCA input, and works fine. I removed the DTI Pro 32, as it no longer seems to help. The only open issue is the multi channel TV down-mix to two channel. BTW, the EE DAC is a giant killer. It's not only hard to beat at tit's price point, it's hard to beat at several times the price.

30th September 2011, 11:47 PM	#5
erin diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2006	Glad to hear its sorted.

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