Hi guys - I'm having a problem with my Ian Canada/Gabster TD1 stack. The stack consists of : PurePi II 5V+3.3V, RPi4, FifoPi Q7II, Monitor Pi Pro, and Gabster TD1 DAC running in traditional mode (I'm waiting for the I2s to PCM converter to arrive from Ian Canada). The DAC is connected to my Windows 11 PC by a 10Gps network. I am using JRiver to play music Flacs via Diretta. The same audio files play fine via my Denon receiver with the DAC out of the equation. Video files play fine via the receiver.
It has been running fine until a couple of days ago, when it began 'glitching' and becoming very distorted. Audio files would start ok and play normally for a while, then skipping and distortion would start, playback would stop and the Monitor Pi Pro would show that the playback had changed from 'PLAY' to 'MUTE', and I would have to stop playback in JRiver. The files are stored on 2 unraid servers, and the problem happens with both servers. I suspect network congestion or failing batteries in the PurePi. I would appreciate any suggestions regarding how to troubleshoot this? Cheers, Steve
It has been running fine until a couple of days ago, when it began 'glitching' and becoming very distorted. Audio files would start ok and play normally for a while, then skipping and distortion would start, playback would stop and the Monitor Pi Pro would show that the playback had changed from 'PLAY' to 'MUTE', and I would have to stop playback in JRiver. The files are stored on 2 unraid servers, and the problem happens with both servers. I suspect network congestion or failing batteries in the PurePi. I would appreciate any suggestions regarding how to troubleshoot this? Cheers, Steve
I appear to have sorted this. I reverted to the Ian Canada ES9038Q2M Dual Mono II DAC to see if it was a hardware issue with the Gabster TD1 dac. It wasn't (I'm pleased to say, because Gaby has bent over backwards to help me 🙂). The Ian Canada DAC exhibited the same problem. So I updated Gentooplayer and Diretta and checked for mis-configuration, but the problem remained. Eventually I checked the Diretta ASIO config and changed 'Connect Target' to 'AUTO', saved it, and I've had no problems since (fingers crossed )
So I am having a weird issue. Just got the dual mono DAC, with the I/V Transformer, I'm using Volumio, and Tidal, and the only thing I seem to be able to get to play, is a Supertramp album "Crime of the Century", which is remastered to 192 kHz. And it sounds great, however, everything else sounds like back in the 80's before I had cable, and moving around rabbit ears and trying to get a local TV station to come in. I can hear something, but it sounds like crap. Very weird. I think it's Volumio settings somehow, BTW, I only know that album works completely by accident.
So it will play 96kHz and 192kHz but it won't play 44.1kHz...no idea what is going on. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
What controller do you use? ESS Controller or MonitorPiPro?
Note: This DAC needs a MonitorPiPro (recommended) or ESS controller to drive. It doesn't work without a controller because there is no suitable Linux driver so far.
Note: This DAC needs a MonitorPiPro (recommended) or ESS controller to drive. It doesn't work without a controller because there is no suitable Linux driver so far.
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I'm using a MonitorPi Pro. I tried it with "audio resampling" off and on.
And I have it set to the Audiophonics ESS DAC...maybe I'll try the "generic I2S"
No I don't. I saw it says that in the manual so something is going on. I was thinking about reloading Volumio on the SD card. Maybe I'll remove the Monutor Pi boot with out it, then shut it down and reinstall it and see what if anything that dies, but it is weird that it plays those higher res files. Makes no sense se.
The missing dot indicates the the ESS controller(monitor pi pro) can’t see the DAC and therefore no music. It must have a controller.
A simply solution is to try powering you stack I an different order. Try power the FiFopi before the DAC.
Gabster is also showing the same problem in one of his videos regarding the D11 (1 hour long tutorial video) at YouTube.
If you are using the master/slave on/off function of Ian board, try powering them in a different order as well. That might also solve the problem…
A simply solution is to try powering you stack I an different order. Try power the FiFopi before the DAC.
Gabster is also showing the same problem in one of his videos regarding the D11 (1 hour long tutorial video) at YouTube.
If you are using the master/slave on/off function of Ian board, try powering them in a different order as well. That might also solve the problem…
Hmm, not sure how I would do that since I am using one UCPure to power both boards.
I understand what you are saying, but that does not explain why 96 and 192 kHz works. But I think you are right, since I don't have the "dot" I'll begin by trying to trouble shoot that. I think what I mentioned before, taking it out, and powering up, then reintroducing it, maybe that will get it working...thanks for the help so far.
OK, so, when I boot up the RasberryPi, the little dot appears while it is booting. then goes away. I am currently reinstalling Volumio on my SD drive. We'll see what happens...
It makes no sense, but it seems like I fixed it. In playback options, audio resampling, 32 bit,192kHz, and very high, and for whatever reason, the 44.1 works fine now. Oh and the "dot" is gone once it boots.
Hi @Clausen
Sorry to say but I don’t see that as a fix. That said it is funny you can get some music at different frequencies.
You must turn off the audio re sampling function in Volumio. It is a software based function that can deteriorate your sound quality (assuming some sort of reclocker in your system).
Can you tell us what boards you have in your system and upload a picture please?
Assuming you have the Mkii dual mono DAC, try powering the DAC from one of the other power terminals.
I would focus on having the DOT at the monitor pi pro present at all times…
Sorry to say but I don’t see that as a fix. That said it is funny you can get some music at different frequencies.
You must turn off the audio re sampling function in Volumio. It is a software based function that can deteriorate your sound quality (assuming some sort of reclocker in your system).
Can you tell us what boards you have in your system and upload a picture please?
Assuming you have the Mkii dual mono DAC, try powering the DAC from one of the other power terminals.
I would focus on having the DOT at the monitor pi pro present at all times…
I'm really thinking it's the Volumio software. First of all my stack started with a Q7 on a station Pi SMT, with a RasberryPi5. This was before I got Ian's dual mono DAC. I was having a similar issue, but I thought it was because the DAC in my B&K would only output 24/96kHz. When I installed the DAC and I/V board I had not turned off the resampling. Today the dot was lit up all the time. I turned the resampling off, and the 44.1 kHz now works, BUT... now that's all that works. Anything recorded above 44.1 plays as 44.1kHz...which again, very weird. It even displays as 44.1 when I know and have played this one album in 192kHz and it displayed as 192.
Since I got a UCpure for 3.3 that's what I am using to power the DAC and Q7. And I am using a UCPi to power the 5v for the RaspberryPi I am running cable to the UCPi since the RPi is installed in the StationPi..
At this point I think I am just gonna live with it for a while, since I am getting frustrated and I need to leave it alone and come back to it later. I think I will contact Volumio also and see if they have any ideas. Up until now I have been throwing everything at it and the kitchen sink to see what sticks. But I agree...
When i get a chance I will post some pics too.
Since I got a UCpure for 3.3 that's what I am using to power the DAC and Q7. And I am using a UCPi to power the 5v for the RaspberryPi I am running cable to the UCPi since the RPi is installed in the StationPi..
At this point I think I am just gonna live with it for a while, since I am getting frustrated and I need to leave it alone and come back to it later. I think I will contact Volumio also and see if they have any ideas. Up until now I have been throwing everything at it and the kitchen sink to see what sticks. But I agree...
it seems to me I am kind of undermining the whole point of this kind of DIY system if it's net set up properly. But I am confident I will figure it out, but it might take some time. Thanks for all the help and suggestions...I'll post more when I have more info. At least I am able to get it to play and it does sound better than what I had, there is no question about that.
When i get a chance I will post some pics too.
So, what are your impressions of the Gabster TD1 vs the Canada Dual Mono II DAC?
No worries.
Come back when you are ready. I totally understand you🙂
Enjoy the music for now🙂
When you have the time, you could also look into trying a different OS like Moode and similar. But a good place to start with the OS first.
As I stick to LinearPi and SC Pure clocks, I've got PurePi II (+ 2x IFR18650 1500mAh 3.2V + spikes) and Ians' Femto clocks 45.158 MHz + 49.152 MHz for sale. If anyone's interested you're more than welcome to contact me (as a new diyAudio member I can't post in the Swap Meet section yet).
Hi Panos - Ian Canada's i2s to PCM converter arrives today. So far, I've only been able to listen to the TD1 in 'traditional' mode, so I'll wait till I have the converter installed to offer an opinion. Gaby says it sounds best outputting through the converter, so I'll try that. Then I'll let you know what I think 🙂