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View Full Version : BERESFORD ASYNCH-1, the MAC connection..


TAD12
03-08-2014, 13:13
Hello there everyone,

I've been doing some testing with this new bit of SUPERKIT. For those with MacBook Pro with a USB 2, read on. For those with MacBooks using USB 3.0, I'm afraid I cannot make it work, unless any of you know otherwise.

So, Macbook Pro 2.3Ghz, Core i5, OSX 10.9.4, 8GB memory using USB 2.0 OUTPUT.
Plugged ASYNCH in to a spare usb port. Switched on AYNCH. USED the MIDI setup, Available via Launchpad/other to get the Macbook to connect to ASYNCH. Set up completed.

Works a treat!

ALL speeds up to 192K appear to be available. I don't know if these are all supported in USB2, will someone more knowledgeable please comment.
Additionally, 2 channel 16, 24 AND 32 BIT flavours also appear for selection.
I used LOSSLESS FLAC files ripped via XLD and played by VLC PLAYER, version 2.1.5, also some FLAC files of Classical Music, which I prefer.
I do not use itunes.

I ripped the Peter Gabriel album, New Blood, which I also own, which has many varied tracks on it.
Played back via the Caiman 2 optical input using QED Cable and with Ankaka battery power, with the 192k setting.
I'm super impressed with the separation, height and width and of course the Bass.
I believe this combination is very revealing of the ambience of the recording venue, comments welcome on this aspect of performance.

I still have to seriously compare this setup against CYRUS CD8SE+PSX-R, but that's one for a long evening with some top quality malt!
Will also try with Stans coax cable and a separate Ankaka battery for the ASYNCH and one for the Caiman 2.
But beware, this combination is ruthless when it comes to improperly recorded material.

Once again, thanks to Stan for re-igniting my love of good music.

Awaiting comments.

T12:):D
Xaval
03-08-2014, 16:18
Good stuff.

Just a thought... I'm using Audirvana+ as media player. It's a bit silly using this jadded expression, but it's a night and day difference vis a vis VLC. Audirvana is so much better overall there's nothing else to discuss, imho. If you haven't tried it, I suggest you do asap :)

edit: This is coming from Audirvana 1.5.10 (my favorite version) vs VLC 2.0.3. My DAC is the Bushmaster I.
TAD12
03-08-2014, 17:18
luis,

also tried Audirvana but in 1.1 version. And also Amarra, but VLC is free and when of pensionable age, every penny counts! Have a liking for Amarra but will wait until they have their special offers.
My ears may not be as good as yours. I did not do mine any good by listening to heavy rock music in the seventies and since. I'll update this thread if additional software is purchased.
T12:)
Xaval
03-08-2014, 19:32
The 80s also did some damage here... anyway, Audirvana has a 15 day free trial in case you're curious. I have a couple media centers Windows and Mac based. Audirvana wins on Mountain Lion. Nothing I've tried under Windows get's up there.
StanleyB
04-08-2014, 09:37
Hi Tad, thanks for the testing and confirmation of what the USB chip manufacturer has said. I have updated the info on my website accordingly.
StanleyB
05-08-2014, 16:06
Anyone using Linux who could check the ASYNCH-1 out on Linux?
keiths
05-08-2014, 16:10
Anyone using Linux who could check the ASYNCH-1 out on Linux?
Hi Stan, sending you pm.
StanleyB
05-08-2014, 18:45
Cheers Keith.
keiths
08-08-2014, 18:00
I received the ASYNCH-1 from Stan this morning and have begun to test its suitability in a Linux-based audio replay system.

1. Connecting up

http://www.simister.com/public/setup.jpg

The ASYNCH-1 is connected to my dedicated audio PC by a Supra USB cable and to my Caiman MkII DAC via a Beresford TOSlink cable. The other equipment is as listed in my signature below. My PC is running Voyage MPD - a stripped-down Debian Linux distro optimised for audio playback. The PC is 'headless' (has no monitor or keyboard connected), music selection and playback being controlled from my Nexus 7 Android tablet running the MPDroid app.

2. Checking the PC can 'see' the ASYNCH-1

http://www.simister.com/public/aplay.jpg

Connecting to my audio PC from my laptop by SSH and running the 'aplay-l' command shows that the ASYNCH-1 has been recognised and assigned the descriptive name 'Audio'

3. Edit the configuration file /etc/mpd.conf

http://www.simister.com/public/mpdconf.jpg

I added the highlighted lines to the MPD configuration file to create an audio output to the ASYNCH-1.

4. Restart MPD

http://www.simister.com/public/mpdrestart.jpg

MPD needs to be restarted to read the updated configuration.

5. Select the ASYNCH-1 audio output in the MPDroid client

http://www.simister.com/public/mpdroidout.jpg

6. Play some music!

http://www.simister.com/public/testplay.jpg

So within 5 minutes of unpacking the ASYNCH-1, I'm listening to music - and very nice sounding music too!

I have tried the ASYNCH-1 with FLAC ripped from redbook CD and both 24bit/96kHz and 24bit/192kHz downloaded FLAC files without any problems whatsoever with absolutely no buffering or stuttering issues.

So my initial conclusion is the ASYNCH-1 works perfectly with Linux in my setup with no additional drivers required. This was to be expected as Class 2 USB Audio has been supported natively by the Linux kernel from mid-2010 onwards, so any 'modern' Linux distro should work just fine.

I will test further during the weekend and also compare the sound quality of the ASYNCH-1 with the usb input on the Caiman MkII DAC. I'll also try it powered from the 5v auxiliary output on the Ankaka LIPO battery that is powering my Caiman II (I'll need to get a USB-a to 2.1 DC plug made up) and, hopefully, also try it with a Raspberry Pi.
struth
08-08-2014, 18:37
Very nice report Tad....It is a rather good gadget..
fourtetisburial
28-08-2014, 22:50
Hi, does anybody know how i can get the ASYNCH-1 to work with a MacBook with USB 3.0 sockets? Is there a way to convert from USB 3.0 to 2.0?
TAD12
29-08-2014, 11:10
Hi there, have had no luck on this one, even after repeated tries. If you have a USB 2.0 HUB, why not try input into this and then into the synch. It may work but have not tried. As stated before in this thread, works with pure USB 2.0 ports and cables.
:scratch::)
Regards,
T12
worrasf
29-08-2014, 12:45
Hi, does anybody know how i can get the ASYNCH-1 to work with a MacBook with USB 3.0 sockets? Is there a way to convert from USB 3.0 to 2.0?

At the moment you can't and there is no USB3 to USB 2 convertr for a Mac. If you have a PC then you can use a USB 3 - USB 2 link cable to reconnect the ports but no such solution for a MacBook
Werner Berghofer
29-08-2014, 13:10
Thomas,

[…] MacBook with USB 3.0 sockets?
from the outside USB 3.0 sockets on MacBooks look identical to USB 2.0 sockets. If you look at the plug on the “computer end” of an USB cable, the 3.0 plugs are blue on the inside, while the USB 2.0 ones usually are white. The plugs on the “device end” of course look clearly different when comparing USB 2.0 and 3.0 flavour.

Werner.
mathewf
29-08-2014, 13:33
Not sure if this is worth a go...

http://www.cablematic.co.uk/product/USB-Adapter-USB-3_dot_0-to-2_dot_0-_open_parenthesis_B-Female-to-B-Male_close_parenthesis_/
mathewf
20-09-2014, 13:27
I ordered the USB 3.0 -> USB 2.0 convertor mentioned in my previous post, Stan kindly sent me an A-1 to try it against. It works but then it works without the convertor too - seems my MBP has a USB 2.0 bus as well as 3.0 (2011 model).

If anyone is having a problem with USB 3.0 compatibility I can forward the convertor on, just pm me your address.
TAD12
20-09-2014, 18:16
I ordered the USB 3.0 -> USB 2.0 convertor mentioned in my previous post, Stan kindly sent me an A-1 to try it against. It works but then it works without the convertor too - seems my MBP has a USB 2.0 bus as well as 3.0 (2011 model).

If anyone is having a problem with USB 3.0 compatibility I can forward the convertor on, just pm me your address.

If not too late can i have this please.

T:)
mathewf
27-09-2014, 12:56
Sure no problem. PM me your address and I'll get it off to you in the week.
TAD12
29-09-2014, 03:57
pm sent.

ta much.

T:)
fourtetisburial
10-10-2014, 01:48
So, did it work?
Lee Henley
21-10-2014, 12:33
Has anyone upgraded the mac operating system to Yosemite yet, I was wondering if the ASYNCH was still being recognised?
StanleyB
21-10-2014, 12:54
Has anyone upgraded the mac operating system to Yosemite yet, I was wondering if the ASYNCH was still being recognised?
If you haven't got an ASYNCH-1, and you want to upgrade the MAC OS, just let me know if you would like to test the ASYNCH-1 on your new OS and report back :). Send me a PM.
LittleTone
21-10-2014, 13:16
If it needs a USB2 driver ..... Beware
New security in Yosemite might stop the drivers from loading

Currently, from 10.10, the system no longer permits unsigned kexts to run, at all. The only public way to circumvent this 'security' measure at the moment is to disable all kext signing checks, which is a less than delightful solution.
The other way is limited to those with Apple development signing capabilities, which involves signing the kexts with your own certificates which will then enable them to run under Yosemite.
Lee Henley
21-10-2014, 20:34
If you haven't got an ASYNCH-1, and you want to upgrade the MAC OS, just let me know if you would like to test the ASYNCH-1 on your new OS and report back :). Send me a PM.

Hi Stan

I already have one mate, I was just seeing if anyone had upgraded to Yosemite using the Asynch and had reported any issues

Lee
TAD12
22-10-2014, 08:35
Dear Lee,

Installing Yosemite has no effect on my MBP's. USB 2.0 still works. USB 3.0 , no way.

BTW, I do not use the optical output to connect to my C2. Just my preference.

T12:)