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.

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

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.

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

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.  

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

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

....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.

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

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!

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.

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