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Message started by Geno on 09/15/18 at 18:36:29

Title: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by Geno on 09/15/18 at 18:36:29

All,

I just got a ZDSD, and am having trouble. I have a CD Transport connected to it, and it plays through it with no problem. But no matter how I have it set, I cannot get the ZDSD to play or record with either a SD card or USB drive connected. When I hit play or record, I get a pop up box that says, “Caution - Cannot play while input monitoring”.  I have put IN MONITORING to ON and OFF both, but no bananas.   Also, with the CD Transport off, the ZDSD info button stays RED.  

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by Jeff of Arabica on 09/15/18 at 19:07:06

Hi Geno,

Lets see I can help troubleshoot here.  

EDIT:  Disregard my prior comment on the USB port as it CAN be used to playback files on a drive.  It cannot however be used to connect a phone or streaming device unless is acts like a USB prior.  Sorry for any confusion prior.  

They should play with no issues.  What is the file format of the files stored on the SD card?  Did you check the manual to make sure that the file format is compatible?  

Let us know and we will go from there.

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by Jeff of Arabica on 09/15/18 at 19:16:54

It might be wise to restore to factory defaults just to make sure there is no software setting stuck:  


Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by Jeff of Arabica on 09/15/18 at 19:20:18

With the INFO light red, it means there is an alert.  When you press the INFO button, what does it read?

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by Geno on 09/15/18 at 20:00:30

Thanks Jeff.  I restored to factory defaults. That helped more than anything.  The red info alert is “digital input is unlocked”.

I have the settings such that I am able to record a CD now.

The files I am trying to listen to on SD and USB are FLAC.

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by Geno on 09/15/18 at 20:08:25

Red info is “Digital input has no signal” when inserting an SD CARD with Flac files and the Track info shows all 0’s.

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by Jeff of Arabica on 09/15/18 at 20:20:02

Ok, that explains it.  the ZDSD does not playback FLAC files - only PCM type and DSD.  

Not sure if you have the Tascam manual, but you can download it here.  It is pretty informative and thorough

https://www.tascam.eu/en/docs/DA-3000_Manual_RevB.pdf

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by Geno on 09/15/18 at 20:24:32

Looks like the accepted format for playback is BWF.  I’ve been using a computer as my player, thus the FLAC files. Do you know the best way to convert FLAC to BWF?  Looks like BWF is a WAV ext.

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by Jeff of Arabica on 09/15/18 at 20:40:18

The only difference between the BWF and WAV files is the header information.  You can convert to .WAV as well.  There are plenty of tools online that can do this.  I personally have not used one, but I bet someone here has and can chime in.  

I am sure you can use Pro Tools.  It is $29.99/mo for the subscription.  Depending on how many you need to convert, you could subscribe for a month and hammer it out.  They also have a free trial.  But Im sure there are other and maybe even some free ones.  

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by Jeff of Arabica on 09/15/18 at 20:45:31

Here are a few free tools:  

1. https://www.movavi.com/support/how-to/how-to-convert-flac-to-wav.html
2. https://www.freac.org
3. https://www.zamzar.com/convert/flac-to-wav/

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by Geno on 09/15/18 at 20:56:31

Thanks for your help Jeff. I will find the best (and cheapest😊) way to convert. In the meanwhile, I have a bunch of DSD files that I will put on the SD cards I have.

Thanks again for the unit. It is sounding mighty good!

Regards, Geno

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by Geno on 09/15/18 at 23:46:29

For anyone that might have the same issue, I use JRiver media player for my computer files. Under Tools, there is a converter that converts FLAC files to WAV so that the ZDSD can play them.

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by Geno on 09/18/18 at 16:37:04

All,

Does anyone have any tips on getting optimal settings on this unit?  There are a lot of different ways you can go.

I am using an SE84UFO and Decware DM947's with it.

My main complaint is the output level when playing off of an SD card or USB. There is a tremendous amount of gain when compared to the milder level of a CD played through it.

I have the output set to -14dBFS, but understand that for maximum density, it should be closer to -20dBFS. At these levels, if I turn the volume past 9 o'clock, it is way too hot, whereas, with a cd player, the level is milder even at 12'oclock.

Thanks in advance for any help.  Geno

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by stone_of_tone on 09/22/18 at 23:46:05

For maximum density it should be at -20 Reference Level. I use nothing else. I sometimes use -0.5 or -1.0dB Input Volume. ...but that's it. CD or SD Card.

My ZDSD is a great match in to my ZMA. I don't like Preamps. I had an CSP3 with Jupiter caps for 27 months and currently own a ARC Line Stage Class A, that is very good. However, I still prefer the tone and timbre derived from direct ZDSD Input.

YMMV......Cables, Speakers & NOS Tubes matter.

Changing to better more musical Caps in your DM947's would help too. I owned a pair and despite the decent midrange....they were to hot for me. Plus, they could not handle the density I derive from my modified Adagio's and Treble extension either.

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by stone_of_tone on 09/23/18 at 02:05:18

....not to say the DM947's are not good with low power tube gloriousness you're running....they are good. I owned a SE84CS for 13 years of every other day pleasure - great AMP.

I would also suggest, if you have not already, get rid of the stock cord. Frankly, the ZDSD would not be in my Listening Room, playing Redbook without the Power Cord to it - I'm using....that took it to what it could be an now is. No, I should not say that....Steve's output stage is good with the stock AC Cord. My Shunyata Cord does take it way up though..... .

How does one discern a power cable to digital? You use the cable library at the CableCo. I do not work for them .... As I don't work for Steve either. I owned full boat price my KS3033 and KS3035 Speaker Cables and sold at a very fair price. Was fortunate to get my KS6063 at half of retail from the CableCo. I am so spoiled by them....(by comparison) I am putting an insurance rider on them. Anyway, upgrade that Power Cable to your ZDSD.

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by Geno on 09/28/18 at 03:10:55

Thanks Stone. I now have the reference set to -20.  But you state that in addition to that, you are adjusting the input volume?  Changing that has no effect with playback volume. The only time it has an effect is when I am recording, and then it is used to set the record level. Are we talking about 2 different things?

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by stone_of_tone on 09/28/18 at 13:09:40

Correct, not SD card playback. However, it does effect playing CD's from Transport via Coax. As in recording, for some CD's (bright/hot lets say), I get to keep the red out of the Graph. Very nice feature!



Room Treatments from Michael Green & my Home Brew

Sony as Transport (DVP-NS57P)
Yes, this inexpensive T-port is good...I sh__ you not!
Illuminati D-60 Digital Coax IC ~.5 meter

Shunyata Research Zitron Alpha Digital Power Cord to ZDSD {Significant}

Decware ZDSD DAC / Recorder
***************************************************************
W/Steve's Output Transformer's/kicking to the Curb quite a few superb DAC'S
***************************************************************
(@ -20 Ref Level, @ 16/192)
.....0.0, -0.5 or -1.0dB/Input Volume

WBT-0102Ag RCA Kimber Select KS1030 ~.75 meter

Decware Zen Mystery Amplifier

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by Geno on 10/14/18 at 19:15:24

Hi Stone,

My DM947’s have clarity caps. I’m not happy with what I’m hearing. You mentioned that I might try a more musical cap. Do you have a recommendation for a different cap. I don’t care that much about the cost, to a point, anyway. I just want the best sound I can get.

Thanks for you help,

Geno

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by stone_of_tone on 10/18/18 at 22:01:32

I'm very happy with Mundorf MCap Supreme's.


Here are a couple Threads:

http://www.humblehomemadehifi.com/Cap.html

https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1278958959


I have been Jonesin' to get the Below Caps....one mans opinion...in his application. Trust me, the standard Supreme is not rough....single capped! However, the Silver Oils might happen this dead cold winter!

From the Humble...Thread.....
Sound:      The MCap Supreme Silver Oil is one of my favourite capacitors! I can only underline what Mundorf states: wonderfully spacious and detailed sound reproduction, full and smooth tonal richness and diversity. This capacitor's ability to bring out the finest nuances and the subtlest distinctions make the music sound more alive and "juicy". Music detail and depth throughout from top to bottom. Very smooth and liquid. To exaggerate things: it makes a standard Supreme Cap sound slightly rough!

Oh, and make sure you order a matched pair of Caps....be firm about that!

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by Geno on 10/19/18 at 04:50:05

Great info Stone. Would I use the same value Mundorfs as the Clarity Caps that are in the DM947s now?

Thank you,  Geno

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by stone_of_tone on 10/19/18 at 11:22:32

Good question Geno. I would ask on the Forum here elsewhere or call Steve.

I had my Adagio's done locally and all internal. Single cap each Speaker. Dude I knew and knew my level of expectation. These Speakers were absolutely transformed! Almost four years now.

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by Geno on 10/24/18 at 02:29:12

Zygi got me straight. I’ve ordered the Mundorf caps. Can’t wait to hear the difference.

Title: Re: Trouble operating new ZDSD
Post by stone_of_tone on 10/28/18 at 14:17:19

Cool Geno. I should have thought to mention Zygi directly!

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