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Home Theater => Sources => Audio Only Sources => Topic started by: Invinciible on Aug 16, 2009 at 06:18 PM

Title: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: Invinciible on Aug 16, 2009 at 06:18 PM
let me give you a short recap of my very very early Sunday morning. :D  i decided quite impulsively to reread the original post of the "Computer as a music source" thread in pinoydvd...

i have read this thread several times already, but i only got to really understand all the details now that i have familiarized myself with common terms and software.  previous to reading it today, i had already switched to foobar2k, as it is open source, and has support for virtually any format. that's when i noticed the mention of Asio4all.  did a bit of research and found out that this is a foolproof way of bypassing most onboard soundcard processing.  all you need to do is download and install supportive players such as winamp and of course foobar2k, install the asio4all driver, and also download and install the asio plugin of your chosen player.  oh btw, i am assumming that you are using a windows xp or vista laptop...

now here is where it get's interesting.  again, quite randomly, i decided to include the words "superpro dac 707" to my google search string which originally was "using asio4all with foobar2k"  ;D

lo and behold, google produced links containing complaints of the superpro suddenly producing drop outs and clicking with hisses when using foobar and asio4all due to the fact that it uses the generic usb dac driver of windows.  i know i know, there's a possibility that you are thinking that this is not useful as you are currently using a different player, like itunes.  but bear with me.   ;)

just this year, somebody found a solution to the bugs.  and this solution involves installing the specific driver of our beloved 707's usb chip.  supposedly this helps you configure the 707 completely and absolutely as the driver is controlled via an icon on the system tray.  so basically, this allows you to set it to 44hz ALL the time.  also provides seamless integration with asio4all.   ;D  in the first place kasi, i assumed that since i was using a usb cable, that i was immediately bypassing the soundcard.  this very simple process at the very least gives us peace of mind that the dac is bypassing.  so if you are willing, i suggest you download and install asio4all,  foobar2000, its asio plugin, and then read this very helpful thread...

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/useful-info-superpro-707-usb-dac-owners-maybe-other-usb-dacs-too-410599/

after doing so, and configuring your foobar to output to asio4all v2 with the usb dac left and right enabled, and also using the 707 specific driver mentioned in the thread above, you should now be able to stream 16, 20 and 24bit data perfectly, and also have the option to use kernel streaming and hardware buffering, which all help combat and minimize the dreaded latency.  also installing the driver totally eliminates the bugs mentioned in any case.

here are some more threads that might help bring coherance to my very messy pm. ;D

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/asio4all-explanation-221237/
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Foobar-Super-Pro-707-USB-Dac-Asio-noisedropouts
http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t69648.html
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/useful-info-superpro-707-usb-dac-owners-maybe-other-usb-dacs-too-410599/

i have downloaded everything but i am waaaaaay too sleepy to be able to configure and assess objectively.  i shall rest first.  but if you have the time and are willing please do try this and let me know if there is an improvement.

i would follow the settings posted in the headfi faq thread, except after installing the specific usb driver, i would tick the kernel streaming and the hardware buffering boxes as the only reason the poster from headfi advised against enabling them was that the dac was still using the generic driver and thus was not able to process these settings properly.  at it's worst, this experiment should provide no improvement.  at best, it might provide even better sq!  hard to imagine, but like i always say, there's only one way to find out right? ;D
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: lestercallanta on Dec 02, 2009 at 10:29 PM
Have you ever tried using your sound card's optical or coaxial output instead? I have contacted the seller of Super Pro DAC 707 USB last week from diykits.com and he did confirm that the digital inputs of the Super Pro DAC 707 fully support up to 24 bit/192khz audio. The USB port is at 16 bit/48khz. Am planning to use the toslink output of my MacBook which outputs up to 24/96 once my Super Pro DAC 707 USB arrive this week.
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: pinoyhd on Dec 03, 2009 at 08:58 AM
I am playing flac's and ape's via foobar2k.
In combo with asio, my PC acts as pure transport and sends unmodified digital stream to my Onkyo TX-NA900 receiver via coaxial out.  I figure Onkyo should have better DAC than my onboard audio DAC (mobo is ECS C-19A SLI).

It works, but I still prefer the CD-input direct from my Sony CDP-227esd.

You should have better results with your DAC. 
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: Stagea on Dec 03, 2009 at 11:16 AM
24-bit 192kHz works great on my Cambridge 840C and my MF V-DAC, using either an optical or a coaxial connection. Definitely better than the 16-bit 48Khz max of the V-DAC's usb input, especially if you're playing higher quality content.

Studio master recordings (I buy them from Linn Records) in this layout sound like real good vinyl imho. These are normally recorded in 24-bit depth, at 192, 96, or 88kHz sampling.
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: pinoyhd on Dec 04, 2009 at 05:58 AM
I am playing flac's and ape's via foobar2k.
In combo with asio, my PC acts as pure transport and sends unmodified digital stream to my Onkyo TX-NA900 receiver via coaxial out.  I figure Onkyo should have better DAC than my onboard audio DAC (mobo is ECS C-19A SLI).

It works, but I still prefer the CD-input direct from my Sony CDP-227esd.

You should have better results with your DAC. 


I verified last night; I was not using asio at all. I was using WASAPI and output via S/PDIF (co-ax)

It seems for bit-exact output, we have 3 options, of which only asio and wasapi have  been updated in 2009:

1. ASIO support 1.2.7
Updated: 2009-03-22   Adds ASIO output support.

2. Kernel Streaming support 1.2.2
Updated: 2006-08-04   Allows bit-exact playback bypassing Windows kernel mixer. Activated through playback / output preferences ...

3. WASAPI output support 2.1
Updated: 2009-05-19
Adds Windows Audio Session API exclusive mode output support, allowing bit-exact output and muting all ...
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: bass_nut on Dec 04, 2009 at 06:42 AM
(http://i45.tinypic.com/beu2ra.jpg)

it was plug and play with my toshiba laptops (running on either oem Vista 64bit or XP) as i use iTunes (regularly updated) .. no skipping, no crackling, no noise injected

it outperformed built-in dac of Pioneer DV610avS and Toshiba DVD player SD-K390

associated gears/source: CDs ripped to iTunes lossless files or direct play CD, Little Dot mk ll (set on gain 7) with aftermarket tubes Mullard ef92 and 6N6P, Grados/Alessandros MS2i, MS1, sr 225 (modified), sr325iS, HF-2 F1, Denon AH-D2000, Koss ksc75, paololorenzo rca cables, paololorenzo 75ohms coax cables, Monster usb cable, DIY power cables  
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: lestercallanta on Dec 08, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Fiinally, my Super Pro DAC 707 USB by Pop Pulse arrived today from www.obadimports.com

I've noticed that having both Toslink and Coaxial inputs occupied with a live source produced a ticking sound to the signal. I tested all digital inputs including USB and they were all good. However, when I was reconnecting the PSU I noticed a sudden drop in sq. The overall sound had limited gain and every detail was lost. Disconnecting and reconnecting the power solved it.

It works natively on the MacBook with the MacBook as a 24/96kHz source. I played my 24/96kHz files from linnrecords.com and they all sounded lush with good midrange warmth and detail on my PSB Alpha B1 thru the SI T-amp. I also have this setup as a DAC receiver from the LG Plasma which has a Toslink output. So all the HDMI connected devices to the TV are passed on to the LG's Toslink audio output for 2 channel goodness! I think its a good strategy before getting an AVR later on.
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: lestercallanta on Dec 12, 2009 at 02:18 AM
Out of curiosity, I installed Windows in my MacBook via Snow Leopard Boot Camp just to see how it works with the built-in Toslink output of the Mac. I was surprised that the Apple-supplied drivers for Windows is well implemented and works amazingly well with iTunes for Windows without any additional drivers to download and install! If I would nitpick on this setup is that I cannot seem to select anything higher than 24 bit and 48.1khz sampling rate unlike in OS X, where the native CoreAudio support of the Toslink port can support 24@96khz.

I turned off all enhancements including loudness setting in the control panel and listened to my uncompressed AIFF rips in my iTunes library, and also the 24 96 files from linn records. To my ears, the music were just as revealing under Windows as I first auditioned them in OS X  :)
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: ash0279 on Jan 15, 2010 at 09:15 AM
Hi Invincible,

First off, thanks for starting this thread dedicated for those using PC as a source. Anyway, I already have my Superpro DAC 707 and its been burning-in for 24+ hours now using WDM usbaudio.sys (XP SP3) + Foobar2000 w/ output on ASIO4ALL.

So far, contrary to mentioned on other threads, Im not experiencing any glitches using XP default drivers, also im very much contented w/ the SQ.

Now, my problem is that I still wanted to enable the Kernel Streaming output, which we all know this wont work using the default XP drivers.

I followed this by heart --> http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/useful-info-superpro-707-usb-dac-owners-maybe-other-usb-dacs-too-410599/ (http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/useful-info-superpro-707-usb-dac-owners-maybe-other-usb-dacs-too-410599/) but like one of the users mentioned, i also encountered these error depending on which driver version i've used:

"please plug in "USB UPnP Sound Device" and install driver again"
or
"please plug in "C Media 108 USB Sound" and install driver again"


Im pretty much sure, the device is there, because i made sure my sound is playing before each attempt. I even did manual "update driver" on the device manager and forced it to point on the driver's location, but still XP cant recognize the INF file.

Man, how you did it on your PC's? Im really contented now, but I wont stop craving until I get to see how this Superpro 707 works using the KS (Kernel Streaming) output..

If its ok to contact you directly,, I very much appreciate if you can pls do PM me your contact number..
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: geriboy on Jan 16, 2010 at 12:00 PM
hi sir ash! i'm just wondering, why do you need to use the Kernel Streaming output for the super pro DAC? any difference between using the Kernel Streaming output & ASIO4ALL (which I'm currently using in my desktop computer)? thanks!
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: bass_nut on Jan 16, 2010 at 12:05 PM
Welcome to PinoyDVD doc Gerry !!!  8)
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: geriboy on Jan 16, 2010 at 12:12 PM
OT muna: thanks doc fer! it's been months since nag-member ako dito sa pinoydvd (you gave me this forum when I saw your superpro dac & rca cables @ headphiles). ngayon lang ako nag-post because of the super pro DAC :)
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: bass_nut on Jan 16, 2010 at 12:27 PM
OT
i've learn (and continuously learning) tons of valuable infos and discovered lots of very good buddies here at PinoyDVD doc Gerry .. just shoot your inquiries as we have very kind friends here who generously share their experience and expertize  ;)

on topic:
when we meet kindly please give me tips on other high tech stuff and infos as i only use iTunes on my laptop (with Windows Vista 64bit) which is flawless with SuperPro 707DAC.. just trying to explore or sort of max out the full potential of this very good performing yet reasonably priced external dac  8)

and thanks to koya Capt. Skee and brother Tamy for making the 707DAC locally available for our enjoyment of our hobby  8)
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: geriboy on Jan 16, 2010 at 12:42 PM
@ doc fer: Konti rin ang alam ko re: techie stuff, but I'm glad to help & share what I know.
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: ash0279 on Jan 17, 2010 at 03:33 AM
hi sir ash! i'm just wondering, why do you need to use the Kernel Streaming output for the super pro DAC? any difference between using the Kernel Streaming output & ASIO4ALL (which I'm currently using in my desktop computer)? thanks!

Doc Gerry (i presume, as per bass_nut' salutation),, actually, Im very much satisfied w/ its current setting using the ASIO4ALL, as I've learned further its already utilizing a Kernel Streaming-like algorithm, so in this case I think I need not to push further anymore w/ the KS output.

The only reason maybe is that the I.T in me, has seduced me to explore, where I even messed the whole thing up, resulting to a 2hr downtime, undoing all the manual changes I've made in an attempt to force-install the CM108 driver,, (i.e, removing the XP driver cache, removing USBAUDIO.sys on sp3.cab, manually editing the registry),,, end of the day, i will settle on the XP WDM driver + ASIO4ALL..

Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: geriboy on Jan 17, 2010 at 03:36 AM
i see... thanks for the info sir ash...
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: ash0279 on Jan 17, 2010 at 11:08 AM
Waahh! Now here is the drawback,, wife is very pleased w/ the SQ now coming from the laptop+Superpro 707,, guess what, she's urging me to sell now my beloved Technics SL-P770 4DAC 18bit Hi Res CDP...  :o

will post soon in the B/S section for interest check..
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: bass_nut on Jan 17, 2010 at 11:21 AM
sir ash0279.. i tried 707DAC with an old Toshiba dvd/cd player through its optical route.. music CD output SQ improved so much  ;)
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: laukong on Jan 18, 2010 at 12:19 PM
Newbie questions (for clarification):

1. for 24bit 192khz audiophile CDs, played thru windows pc, super DAC 707 (asio4all) connected thru USB,  it will be downgraded to 16 bit/48khz?

2.  my PC has no onboard audio digital output, only USB, could i just add/use a cheapo PCI audio card with coaxial output, connect it to the super DAC 707 (coaxial, asio4all)  and be able to maximize the full 24bit 192khz?

3.  Is it also possible to use a cheapo DVD player with coaxial output, connected to super DAC 707 (coaxial), and get the maximum 24bit 192khz?

Thanks!

Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: romymartinez on Jan 18, 2010 at 01:32 PM
Just curious if anyone directly compared DVD player + SuperPro combo vs. entry level CDPs from NAD, Cambridge or Marantz.

Sir bass_nut, I know it's not a fair comparison, but how would you compare the Superpro + CVD combo vs your TOTL Cayin CD-17?

Regards.

romymartinez

Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: bass_nut on Jan 18, 2010 at 03:05 PM
Newbie questions (for clarification):

1. for 24bit 192khz audiophile CDs, played thru windows pc, super DAC 707 (asio4all) connected thru USB,  it will be downgraded to 16 bit/48khz?

audio CDs are 16bit regardless of audiophile markings sir laukong.. 24bit pertains to the master copy which we will not be able to have as commercial commodity.. these master copies stay with the recording company and/or the owner of the musical piece  ;)

2.  my PC has no onboard audio digital output, only USB, could i just add/use a cheapo PCI audio card with coaxial output, connect it to the super DAC 707 (coaxial, asio4all)  and be able to maximize the full 24bit 192khz?

no need for outboard soundcard as it will duplicate the work of 707DAC... usb signal from pc/laptop is digital format which will be converted by 707DAC to analog signal to be fed to amplifier or amplifiers in case mono block amps were used  ;)

3.  Is it also possible to use a cheapo DVD player with coaxial output, connected to super DAC 707 (coaxial), and get the maximum 24bit 192khz?
i will not be able to determine bit rate sampling but cheapo dvd/cd player coax or optical out will be accepted by digital input jacks of 707DAc.. as per my actual experience the SQ improved so much on said config  ;)

Thanks!


Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: laukong on Jan 18, 2010 at 03:37 PM
@bass_nut

Thanks for the replies :)

I was browsing some CD retailers and saw several audiophile CDs with the 24bit / 192khz, audiophile markings, selling at higher prices than usual.   Just wondering if these have better SQs than normal CDs.

In reference to sir lestercallanta's and sir stagea's posts, from my understanding, usb is limited to 16bit/48khz, coaxial/toslink/optical has the  capability to achieve higher rates, that is 24bit / 192khz if our music CDs and connections are such.

Since the super dac 707 is capable upto 24bit/192khz, can we maximize it by using 24bit/192khz CDs together with coaxial/toslink/optical connections instead of USB? Thereby gettting better SQ?

pls. pardon my kakulitan, thanks again :)
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: bass_nut on Jan 18, 2010 at 03:45 PM
hi bro Romy,

Cayin 17a has a very good internal dac with dual burr-brown chips and a hefty independent power supply free from the rest of the CD player circuitry power demand.. incidentally it has same sampling rate as 707DAC, that is, 24/192khz

the lazy me have not done a direct comparo yet Cayin 17a vs 707DAC.. what we were able to compare last year with Cayin 17a was a well implemented DIY external dac cased on a big metal box.. its spec has lower sampling rate of 96khz ... as per my ears, associated gears and source materials, the Cayin 17a won by a notch especially at the mids and highs ;)

will try a direct comparo when i have enough tempo and update this thread ;)

cheers !!!
fer
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: bass_nut on Jan 18, 2010 at 03:55 PM
@bass_nut

Thanks for the replies :)

I was browsing some CD retailers and saw several audiophile CDs with the 24bit / 192khz, audiophile markings, selling at higher prices than usual.   Just wondering if these have better SQs than normal CDs.

audiophile grade usually indicate better recording and or remastering with use of much better modern machines.. hence a bit higher price point

In reference to sir lestercallanta's and sir stagea's posts, from my understanding, usb is limited to 16bit/48khz, coaxial/toslink/optical has the  capability to achieve higher rates, that is 24bit / 192khz if our music CDs and connections are such.

may be correct as usb has inherent limits... with regards spdif the SQ somewhat better

Since the super dac 707 is capable upto 24bit/192khz, can we maximize it by using 24bit/192khz CDs together with coaxial/toslink/optical connections instead of USB? Thereby gettting better SQ?

indeed as 707DAC has spdif input jacks aside from usb port  ;)

pls. pardon my kakulitan, thanks again :)

no problem bro L ..btw, i am not expert.. simply a music hobbyist  ;)

cheers !!!
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: JojoD818 on Jan 18, 2010 at 07:22 PM
ot:

Doc Geri welcome to PinoyDVD!!!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: geriboy on Jan 18, 2010 at 07:26 PM
another OT: salamat sir jojoD!
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: Stagea on Jan 19, 2010 at 04:01 PM
Redbook CDs are always 16-bit 44kHz. The so called "24-bit CDs" sold in your favorite record store are still 16-bit 44kHz recordings. They were just mastered in a higher resolution to minimize losses during postprocessing.

You can run Studio Master recordings, DVD-Audio or Bluray discs if you want to take advantage of the 24-bit capability.

@bass_nut

Thanks for the replies :)

I was browsing some CD retailers and saw several audiophile CDs with the 24bit / 192khz, audiophile markings, selling at higher prices than usual.   Just wondering if these have better SQs than normal CDs.

In reference to sir lestercallanta's and sir stagea's posts, from my understanding, usb is limited to 16bit/48khz, coaxial/toslink/optical has the  capability to achieve higher rates, that is 24bit / 192khz if our music CDs and connections are such.

Since the super dac 707 is capable upto 24bit/192khz, can we maximize it by using 24bit/192khz CDs together with coaxial/toslink/optical connections instead of USB? Thereby gettting better SQ?

pls. pardon my kakulitan, thanks again :)
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: Stagea on Jan 19, 2010 at 04:14 PM
I have compared the V-DAC with NAD and Cambridge players. With the same quality source (16-bit 44kHz), the 340C and the C515BEE edge out the VDAC in terms of detail. The C515BEE has a more expansive stage, but the 340C has a deeper stage... the V-DAC is somewhere in between. The V-DAC has a warm relaxed sound, but does not have the low or high end extension of either CD player.

Running studio master recordings (24-bit 96kHz and 24-bit 192kHz) versus CDs, the V-DAC clearly beats either player (340C and C515BEE) in terms of smoothness, insight and inner detail. In short, if you have a good source, it can sound better... but with the same CD quality source, it's about even.

Running them side by side, the V-DAC does not remotely approach the 740A or the 840A in terms of layering, speed, sharpness of attack, pinpoint imaging, and sound stage stability. Then again, we're comparing it with a CDP 6x its price.

Just curious if anyone directly compared DVD player + SuperPro combo vs. entry level CDPs from NAD, Cambridge or Marantz.

Sir bass_nut, I know it's not a fair comparison, but how would you compare the Superpro + CVD combo vs your TOTL Cayin CD-17?

Regards.

romymartinez
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: laukong on Jan 19, 2010 at 04:16 PM
Thanks for the replies :)
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: bass_nut on Jan 20, 2010 at 09:51 AM
the external power supply & the main dac unit... not in picture are other accessories like various cables that are included in the package (i included an eneloop AA battery for size comparison)
(http://i50.tinypic.com/11hfiu0.jpg)
 
external power supply on closer look... 12vDC @ 5.0A
(http://i49.tinypic.com/2lkwtvm.jpg)
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: Stagea on Jan 20, 2010 at 12:11 PM
Wow 5A for a small DAC? Laki headroom hehehe.

Switching type pala ang powerbrick nya, parang sa mga notebook.
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: bass_nut on Jan 20, 2010 at 01:48 PM
yes sir  Stagea .. hefty external power supply... being external lessen possible noise source too kaya very nice implementation i must say  8)
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: Stagea on Jan 20, 2010 at 02:11 PM
Hehehe oo nga, sana filtered well para walang switching noise masyado.  Based sa mga positive reviews ng people here, most likely maganda nga.

Nacompare niyo na sir yung power brick versus a battery as power source? O kaya against a linear regulated power supply?
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: bass_nut on Jan 20, 2010 at 02:15 PM
hindi pa sir Stagea.. maybe i will try it with my spare 12v battery from my car  ;)
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: geriboy on Jan 21, 2010 at 04:38 PM
here's the scenario:
- i'm using my super pro DAC in my computer rig (desktop --> digital optical out --> super pro DAC --> amp --> HP). I use foobar to play mp3, flacs, cd. i also use ASIO4ALL plugin in foobar.
- if i'm viewing some videos from the internet (i.e. youtube, etc), walang lumalabas na sound when foobar is running. i need to close foobar first then "reload" the internet video para marinig ko ang sound ng video. why is this so?
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: deuce on Jan 21, 2010 at 05:17 PM
here's the scenario:
- i'm using my super pro DAC in my computer rig (desktop --> digital optical out --> super pro DAC --> amp --> HP). I use foobar to play mp3, flacs, cd. i also use ASIO4ALL plugin in foobar.
- if i'm viewing some videos from the internet (i.e. youtube, etc), walang lumalabas na sound when foobar is running. i need to close foobar first then "reload" the internet video para marinig ko ang sound ng video. why is this so?

My desktop is running Windows 7 and I use WASAPI with Foobar instead of ASIO4ALL. My audio setup is similar to yours: desktop --> digital optical out --> super pro DAC --> amp --> speakers.

However, I also have small Altec Lansing speakers on my desk connected to the analog output of my sound card. In this setup, I do not have to close Foobar and reload the internet video to hear its sound - but through the Altec Lansing, not my main speakers. In fact, if I wish to, I could have both Foobar music and Utube audio playing simultaneously through the two sets of speakers! I guess it's because Foobar bypasses the computer's default audio device to deliver raw, unprocessed audio stream to the DAC, while Utube/internet videos automatically look for the computer's default audio device.

I opted for this simple ruse instead of embarking on a lengthy troubleshooting because I watch a lot of international sports events through peer-to-peer software, and just the thought of attempting to funnel the sound output of TVAnts, Sopcast, UUsee, etc. to the optical out gives me a headache. :)
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: geriboy on Jan 21, 2010 at 05:48 PM
... I also have small Altec Lansing speakers on my desk connected to the analog output of my sound card. ...

... I guess it's because Foobar bypasses the computer's default audio device to deliver raw, unprocessed audio stream to the DAC, while Utube/internet videos automatically look for the computer's default audio device.

thanks for the inputs sir deuce! yup, we have the same setup po, may altec lansing rin ako na nakakabit sa analog-out ng sound card (realtek HD, built-in sa mobo). pero ang ginagawa ko, i select the sound card's digital out as my primary sound output (instead of analaog out) thru windows or realtek audio manager. so diba it would be logical that all audio will automatically go to realtek HD --> super pro DAC, whether from foobar siya or internet video?

at headphiles.org, some of the members also have the same situation using their USB DAC (ibasso D2 or D10). they mentioned that the DAC can decode just one source at a time.
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: JojoD818 on Jan 21, 2010 at 05:59 PM
hindi pa sir Stagea.. maybe i will try it with my spare 12v battery from my car  ;)


our trusty 2-meter regulated power supplies from the not so olden days should be a nice rig to try Doc...  ;)
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: deuce on Jan 21, 2010 at 07:10 PM
at headphiles.org, some of the members also have the same situation using their USB DAC (ibasso D2 or D10). they mentioned that the DAC can decode just one source at a time.

So it's a weakness of the DAC pala. What I did, when I found out I could not switch to my peer-to-peer program without first closing Foobar and restarting the software, was to revert the Windows default to speakers (analog out) while leaving Foobar to point to WASAPI in "Output." This enabled me to switch between the audio of the Foobar and that of the peer-to-peer program instantly or "on the fly," although on different speakers.

Downside is when I want to use the main speakers while watching a movie in VLC media player, I have to reset the default. Unlike Foobar, I cannot configure VLC to ignore the Windows default (when it's set to speaker) and feed from the optical out instead.
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: geriboy on Jan 21, 2010 at 07:19 PM
So it's a weakness of the DAC pala...
i'm sorry, maybe i misquoted them. what i meant was, the super pro DAC might not be able to decode one source at a time. I'm not really sure though. mahirap lang magbigay ng conclusion that external DACs cannot decode more than 1 source at a given time. I'll try to research on the internet and just observe our DAC for the meantime :)
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: bass_nut on Jan 21, 2010 at 09:29 PM

our trusty 2-meter regulated power supplies from the not so olden days should be a nice rig to try Doc...  ;)

oo nga pala.. forgot that one Master J ..my senior moments strikes again  :D ;D

thanks for the remind  ;)
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: romymartinez on Jan 22, 2010 at 09:02 AM
I have compared the V-DAC with NAD and Cambridge players. With the same quality source (16-bit 44kHz), the 340C and the C515BEE edge out the VDAC in terms of detail. The C515BEE has a more expansive stage, but the 340C has a deeper stage... the V-DAC is somewhere in between. The V-DAC has a warm relaxed sound, but does not have the low or high end extension of either CD player.

Running studio master recordings (24-bit 96kHz and 24-bit 192kHz) versus CDs, the V-DAC clearly beats either player (340C and C515BEE) in terms of smoothness, insight and inner detail. In short, if you have a good source, it can sound better... but with the same CD quality source, it's about even.

Running them side by side, the V-DAC does not remotely approach the 740A or the 840A in terms of layering, speed, sharpness of attack, pinpoint imaging, and sound stage stability. Then again, we're comparing it with a CDP 6x its price.


Nice review Sir!

Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: Stagea on Jan 22, 2010 at 03:00 PM
Nice review Sir!



Thanks. Imho, Decent CD players generally have good stuff inside, and it's quite hard to improve on them with just an external DAC. The addition can change the sound (which can sometimes improve synergy in a poorly matched system), but it might take far more money to get a realistic gain from such an upgrade.

I had the V-DAC for some time and tried my best to like it. I did some power supply upgrades to see if it can dramatically change the output. The improvements were slight (mostly in smoothness), so I was still left looking for that sharp leading edge of notes and a natural decay. I did like the V-DAC's body and subtleness on the other hand. It was a very soothing sound, which can be great with vocals.

The DACMagic would've probably suited my preference better, but Avesco / 5th Ave is no longer stocking them. I'm quite happy that I went with the 740 and 840 sets. My only regret is that I failed to explore some products from Roksan and Arcam before I took the plunge.
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: romymartinez on Mar 20, 2010 at 03:30 PM
Here's my mini-review of the Super Pro DAC on a full audio set-up:

Source/Transport - Harman Kardon HD970 (AD1955, OP275, OPA2134)
                             Yamaha CDX-596 (AD1854, NE5532)
Preamp - Pioneer C-21
Poweramp - Virute Audio One
Speaker - Celestion 3000 (with ribbon driver and 8" woofer crossed at 800hz)
Subwoofer - M&K V-90 (12-inch)
Speaker wires, IC - DIYed Belden wires/cables

Compared to the Yamaha CDX-596 internal DAC, the Super ro wins hands down.
Compared to the Harman Kardon HD970 internal DAC, though they sound somewhat different, I can't decide which one is better. I guess it's a tie.

Conclusion: At Php 5.5K the Super Pro DAC is a steal!  ;D

(As a side note, I guess I'll bring the Yamaha CDP to a techie to upgrade the opamps to something better)
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: Stagea on Mar 21, 2010 at 09:15 AM

The DACMagic would've probably suited my preference better, but Avesco / 5th Ave is no longer stocking them. I'm quite happy that I went with the 740 and 840 sets. My only regret is that I failed to explore some products from Roksan and Arcam before I took the plunge.


Just an update, 5th Ave. got DacMagic stocks last month. I'm not sure if they still have a lot though. It could be a useful upgrade to those who want multiple inputs, balanced outputs, or upconversion at a sub-20k price point.

@romymartinez
Congrats with the upgrade sir. Keep us posted about the opamp rolling.
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: s2kov on Mar 21, 2010 at 10:54 AM
May i ask how much is Superpro DAC 707?

Saan available?
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: romymartinez on Mar 21, 2010 at 11:59 AM
May i ask how much is Superpro DAC 707?

Saan available?

Hi Sir,

http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php?topic=81065.0

Hope that helps.
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: Arulco on Mar 21, 2010 at 04:21 PM
Just an update, 5th Ave. got DacMagic stocks last month. I'm not sure if they still have a lot though. It could be a useful upgrade to those who want multiple inputs, balanced outputs, or upconversion at a sub-20k price point.


Para di OT:

PM sent RE: CA DacMagic
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: rascal101 on Mar 21, 2010 at 04:58 PM
(As a side note, I guess I'll bring the Yamaha CDP to a techie to upgrade the opamps to something better)

Sir you can first have the muting transistors and series resistors removed so that output op-amp connects directly to the RCA output. And then, just put a 3.3Kohm resistor or 4.7Kohm resistor from RCA out to ground.

Many CDPs have 100Kohm output loads at the op-amp and this is quite far from the typical datasheet specifications which specify resistive loads <= 10Kohm. By putting a 3.3Kohm or 4.7Kohm from RCA out to ground, you will enable the op-amp to operate within its datasheet specifications or at its optimum level.

Based on experience, you should have a "cleaner" and "clearer" sounding CDP at a fraction of the cost of an op-amp.
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: romymartinez on Mar 21, 2010 at 06:24 PM
Sir you can first have the muting transistors and series resistors removed so that output op-amp connects directly to the RCA output. And then, just put a 3.3Kohm resistor or 4.7Kohm resistor from RCA out to ground.

Many CDPs have 100Kohm output loads at the op-amp and this is quite far from the typical datasheet specifications which specify resistive loads <= 10Kohm. By putting a 3.3Kohm or 4.7Kohm from RCA out to ground, you will enable the op-amp to operate within its datasheet specifications or at its optimum level.

Based on experience, you should have a "cleaner" and "clearer" sounding CDP at a fraction of the cost of an op-amp.

Hi Sir Mel,


Thanks for the tip. Will tray that out.  ;D
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: s2kov on Mar 23, 2010 at 04:56 AM
salamat bro! :)


Hi Sir,

http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php?topic=81065.0

Hope that helps.
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: allan1836 on Mar 19, 2011 at 09:50 PM
Baka pwedeng buhayin itong thread mga sir.  ;D Is this outboard dac still competitve for its price range? I'm looking for a budget dac to improve the sound quality of dvdp for use in pure audio set up sana. Any other affordable dac recommendations out there? Tnx guys.  :)
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: kemozavi on Apr 03, 2011 at 05:49 PM
anyone tried comparing the super pro dac 707 to the Maverick Audio TUbe Magic? I'm currently using the Maverick Audio DAC, and i'm just wondering how it compares... that 5.5k price tag is just tempting. :)
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: Pajd on Apr 05, 2011 at 09:55 PM
anyone tried comparing the super pro dac 707 to the Maverick Audio TUbe Magic? I'm currently using the Maverick Audio DAC, and i'm just wondering how it compares... that 5.5k price tag is just tempting. :)
+1
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: stockHT on Apr 26, 2011 at 10:42 PM
up natin, also looking for a seller.

first time to use DAC, setup would be:
Source (ipod, psp, NMT)

to

DAC

to

old pioneer receiver

to speakers
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: Euphony101 on Jun 19, 2011 at 03:33 PM

Using separate DAC units  seems to be one of the best way to enjoy digital music.

I hope more will share their experiences with their own DAC,
so that others may have a place to start with.

Thanks....


Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: barricades on Apr 08, 2012 at 04:38 PM
sorry for reviviing this thread, being a newbie i own a super dac pro 707 before but i let it go because i find it same SQ with my m34a nmt or baka sa material that i played lang kaya hindi ko na appreciate.

i'd like to ask how is this differ to super pro http://www.headfonia.com/the-upgrade-fiio-e17-alpen/ (http://www.headfonia.com/the-upgrade-fiio-e17-alpen/)?

many thanks.
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: CMac on Apr 08, 2012 at 05:31 PM
i'd choose the wolfson with cool oled and headphone amp over the other basic cirrus dac.
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: ash0279 on Jun 18, 2012 at 05:59 PM
guys, has anyone used this DAC 707 over Macbook laptops already? per web search, should be working fine, but just need concrete confirmation specially the USB Out if its plug and play. thanks very much.
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: Stagea on Jun 19, 2012 at 05:03 AM
guys, has anyone used this DAC 707 over Macbook laptops already? per web search, should be working fine, but just need concrete confirmation specially the USB Out if its plug and play. thanks very much.

I  have not tried it, but it should work as it's using a CM108 USB I/O. That's a USB Audio Device Class Spec v1.0 component that's commonly used on USB headphones and the like.

I guess you can try it before buying, just to be sure.
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: bladecutter_ph on Feb 16, 2017 at 01:05 PM
Sirs,

My PC (Windows 7) suddenly doesn't recognize my DAC 707 when plugged via USB. Tried updating driver cmedia 108 100318 and 108 6.0.07 and still not working.

What could be the problem? Any workaround you might suggest? I'm using Spotify from PC laptop and connect to my audio set-up via DAC 707.

TIA.
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: geriboy on Feb 16, 2017 at 02:12 PM
Try nyo po ikabit sa ibang usb port
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: bladecutter_ph on Feb 16, 2017 at 03:17 PM
Try nyo po ikabit sa ibang usb port
Tried other usb port, and also tried my other laptop (windows 7/64bit) - surprisingly it didn't recognize the DAC 707 too.  :-[
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: kaspog08 on Feb 16, 2017 at 03:47 PM
Try to update sir yung OS ng laptop..
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: rochie on Feb 16, 2017 at 03:52 PM
kung kahit saang laptop sir ayaw na din ma detect, most probably the USB receiver is busted na. or yung power supply nya sir check nyo din baka yun ang sira.
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: bladecutter_ph on May 15, 2017 at 10:01 AM
Sirs,

San kaya pwede pa repair yung power supply nito?

Sayang kasi - maganda output ng Superpro DAC 707 using my laptop  to my parantz receiver.

Any idea? Appreciate your help.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Superpro DAC 707 Owners: Please Read (if you are using a PC as source)
Post by: rochie on May 15, 2017 at 10:30 AM
Sirs,

San kaya pwede pa repair yung power supply nito?

Sayang kasi - maganda output ng Superpro DAC 707 using my laptop  to my parantz receiver.

Any idea? Appreciate your help.

Thanks.

check mo na lang specs sir nung PSU then you can buy smps/laptop psu basta pareho ng voltage/amp rating.
kung gusto nyo iparepair pwede din sa qualified electronics technician, pero baka yung babayaran mo sa labor/parts ay halos pareho lang din kung bibili ka ng bago.