I have a very basic and bare PCM2704 USB DAC:
It worked fine for over 4 years feeding the subwoofer amp in my car (I didn't think the sub needs a more sophisticated and expensive DAC, given its range of 15 Hz to 50 Hz - which may not be reasonable assumption, but I digress). And suddenly I noticed that the sub isn't playing, and traced it to the PCM2704 not being detected as a sound device (nor, it seems, as anything else). Tried different PCs and different cables, no change. The LED lights up, but no sound device detected by the PC.
I understand it's a cheap device, but it's not free and I could use it in different applications so if it's fixable I would prefer to repair it. Is there any known cause for this failure? Perhaps, the quartz oscillator is broken? Or do you think the 2704 chip itself has to be replaced? There is no visible damage of the board.
It worked fine for over 4 years feeding the subwoofer amp in my car (I didn't think the sub needs a more sophisticated and expensive DAC, given its range of 15 Hz to 50 Hz - which may not be reasonable assumption, but I digress). And suddenly I noticed that the sub isn't playing, and traced it to the PCM2704 not being detected as a sound device (nor, it seems, as anything else). Tried different PCs and different cables, no change. The LED lights up, but no sound device detected by the PC.
I understand it's a cheap device, but it's not free and I could use it in different applications so if it's fixable I would prefer to repair it. Is there any known cause for this failure? Perhaps, the quartz oscillator is broken? Or do you think the 2704 chip itself has to be replaced? There is no visible damage of the board.
It costs 5€ on ebay. If the expected lifespan is 4 years, in that price I would buy 4 of them and I would have it for 16 years in advance. Throw it away and buy a new one, that simple.
Thank you. Thought as much, but was hoping there could be a simple fix.
You're not wrong. I just don't like throwing things away if they can still be used. Also, I'm not sure I will bring myself to buy another DAC that's so cheap and simple; will have to be at least a ESS9018 for $17 🙂