usb v coax

[doodoos]

From a streamer to a dac is there likely to be a loss of quality using the coax rather than usb connections. Asking because the two units don’t want to communicate via usb whereas the coax presents no issues.

[Lawrence001]

From a streamer to a dac is there likely to be a loss of quality using the coax rather than usb connections. Asking because the two units don’t want to communicate via usb whereas the coax presents no issues.What streamer and dac are they? Sounds like a software/driver issue.

Sent from my POT-LX1 using Tapatalk

[doodoos]

What streamer and dac are they? Sounds like a software/driver issue.

Sent from my POT-LX1 using Tapatalk

An Auralic Aries and a Benchmark dac 3 HGC. Despite the Auralic display showing the dac as connected my tablet shows - unable to open output device -. Coax works fine though hence the query.

[struth]

yup best telling of what the line is. ie what is connected to what. might be a driver issue

[struth]

I'd try connecting both and rebooting both. see if the see each other. otherwise also check cable for issues. contact benchmark and ask if their dac is comparible with the aries

[struth]

quick restart if the mini but may well be all is to .. Press and hold 'EXIT' button on the remote control for 7 seconds to force the system to reboot, or Briefly press the 'RESET' button under the device using a paper clip.

[doodoos]

Thanks for that. Tried every which way already hence my use of coax. Just wondered if the coax link is inferior to usb because if not then would save a lot of hassle.

[struth]

Thanks for that. Tried every which way already hence my use of coax. Just wondered if the coax link is inferior to usb because if not then would save a lot of hassle.

unlikely to be inferior tbh. most folk prefer coax, but it would be nice to have both. maybe aries will bring out a driver update.. its, after all just a computer at end of day so id dac doesnt use a standard driver it would need a special

[Yorkshireman]

Having a quick look at the pages for both the aires and the dac it should connect ok if the dac is set to USB Audio Mode 2, details are here about how to check / set mode 2 https://benchmarkmedia.com/pages/dac-drivers

it maybe worth checking as it says the Dac ships set to mode 1.1 (usb 1.1) woth a look.

[Hibster_2000]

If the USB takes the power, then you may find the coax is better.

[Edward]

Did you see this page?

https://support.auralic.com/hc/en-us/articles/205837418-Unable-to-open-output-device

Also perhaps try connecting the DAC to another USB output. Such as from a PC for example. This should give you an idea where the blockage is to allow further analysis.

[Mr. C]

Hi Robin

USB is only used as it has billions of connection possibilities with PC's/Lab tops and other items in the IOT range of products etc.
USB will allow higher sample rates due to DoP and DSD many companies have attempted to improve USB audio data transmission over the years with varying success. Unless your dac and transport can utilize duel digital outputs of either AES or RCA ala' Esoteric or DCS.

Personally I will not use USB straight, I have always found AES67 to be the most consistence performer even over I2S via HDMI can even demonstrate the jitter patterns through the cables to support this. However as always YMMV

It is all about implementation and adopting the correct care in the design process imho

[Edward]

Hi Robin

USB is only used as it has billions of connection possibilities with PC's/Lab tops and other items in the IOT range of products etc.
USB will allow higher sample rates due to DoP and DSD many companies have attempted to improve USB audio data transmission over the years with varying success. Unless your dac and transport can utilize duel digital outputs of either AES or RCA ala' Esoteric or DCS.

Personally I will not use USB straight, I have always found AES67 to be the most consistence performer even over I2S via HDMI can even demonstrate the jitter patterns through the cables to support this. However as always YMMV

It is all about implementation and adopting the correct care in the design process imhoHi Tony

Interesting.

Both my dacs have Aes/ebu inputs.

How do I get a signal from a pc (half height etc) to the Dac? The only outputs the pc has are USB and spdif. (need to check the motherboard manual mind you).

Is there a bridge of some sort I could consider?

Meantime hope all is well.

Ed

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[Mr. C]

Hello Edward

I am fine thank you just somewhat busy as usual.

PC use can use a pro audio pcie card with a 90 degree adapter is one option.

These are pretty acceptable

RME Option (https://www.rme-audio.de/hdspe-aes.html)

Though you may struggle with the height.

The Linx version will require an adapter cable to give you the AES female sockets

Linx PCIE (http://www.proaudiosolutions.com/AES-16e-card-Lynx-p/aes16e-card.htm)

This purely depends on how far you wish to go.

Another option is the Mutec MC3+USB it delivers USB to a very decent standard plus with flexibility and a word clock generator plus format conversion.

Mutec MC3+USB (https://www.coherent-systems.co.uk/mc-3-smart-clock-usb)

[Edward]

Hello Edward

I am fine thank you just somewhat busy as usual.

PC use can use a pro audio pcie card with a 90 degree adapter is one option.

These are pretty acceptable

RME Option (https://www.rme-audio.de/hdspe-aes.html)

Though you may struggle with the height.

The Linx version will require an adapter cable to give you the AES female sockets

Linx PCIE (http://www.proaudiosolutions.com/AES-16e-card-Lynx-p/aes16e-card.htm)

This purely depends on how far you wish to go.

Another option is the Mutec MC3+USB it delivers USB to a very decent standard plus with flexibility and a word clock generator plus format conversion.

Mutec MC3+USB (https://www.coherent-systems.co.uk/mc-3-smart-clock-usb)Cheers Tony

Much appreciated. The Mutec/USB combo looks most interesting.

The RME and Linx options would, for me, require a reconfiguration of the PC I use as an end point but probabky gives max flexibility.

Meantime I hope that Robin the OP finds out what the issue is on his problem and does not mind this minor thread drift.

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[doodoos]

Tony is a good egg - always willing to help! Thread derails? Who cares!