[Anthony1]

Quote:

The old Solo works with iPhone 5: thats how my portable rig is setup. It's just not perfect with the stock lightning -> usb cable, finding a shorter one is probably the biggest problem.
 
I'm planning on updating my Solo to -dB...

 
Be prepared for possibly scratching noise on the volume pot when pairing it with a balanced amp. I have it and so do a few other people with the -dB V2

 

[Henke]

Ok... thought that was from the amp and not from the -dB. I'm not saying you are wrong, I believe you, I do not have a -dB to test and try.
 
I have 'somewhat' scratching sounds when changing the volume now from my MK3-B, regardless of it being in balanced mode or not and regardless of it being hooked up to my solo or not.
 
Just thought it was from the volume pot and that probably was something to expect.
 
Ok, thanks for the heads up, rant over, back to the Solo.

 

[AnakChan]

Quote:

Ok... thought that was from the amp and not from the -dB. I'm not saying you are wrong, I believe you, I do not have a -dB to test and try.
 
I have 'somewhat' scratching sounds when changing the volume now from my MK3-B, regardless of it being in balanced mode or not and regardless of it being hooked up to my solo or not.
 
Just thought it was from the volume pot and that probably was something to expect.
 
Ok, thanks for the heads up, rant over, back to the Solo.

 
It's actually balancing the backend IC side between the -dB & the Rx Mk3 that the volume of the scratching sound increases. I've played around switching back 'n forth between the Rx Mk3 & the standard SR-71b and the SR-71b has less noise but still there. It's just that -dB and Rx Mk3 combination.

 

[fhuang]

Quote:

Yes, David at CL is very helpful and told me that the Solo -dB was developped to be paired to the Mk3.
With other amps, if they prepare a new version, I don't know if it will be possible to exchange our actual units...

 
 
yea david was helpful but the last mail/update was on feb 6th

 

[cladane]

I have myself upgraded to a Solo -dB with my iPod Touch 7th.
For the Lightning to USB cable look here:
http://www.doublehelixcables.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=102
Long delay but nice products for a lot of gear.

 

[Grev]

Quote:

The old Solo works with iPhone 5: thats how my portable rig is setup. It's just not perfect with the stock lightning -> usb cable, finding a shorter one is probably the biggest problem.
 
I'm planning on updating my Solo to -dB...

It just seems like so much trouble for not much of an upgrade... :/  Not to mention you can never get the balanced interconnect for under $100... :/
 
I'm not too tempted by the -db anymore, maybe when they fix their issues first...

 

[b0ssMax]

SoundFreaq,

I just received a new CLAS db yesterday.  I am having the same issues you have been experiencing with several different RSA amps I have (P-51, Tomahawk, Predator).  As I turn up the volume, the sound gets scratchy and then I lose all sound.  I experienced this with all three amps and 3 different headphones including my HD 650's.

I received a new ALO RX MK 3-B today and it and the db are working fine at different gains and I do not experience the scratchy sound and loss of sound as I turn up the volume.

Did the guys at Cypher Labs get back with you like they were supposed to do a couple of weeks ago?  It sounds like you said others are having the same issues we are having that occur with some amps and not others.

Thanks!
John

John,

Indeed, the guys at CL have been most helpful. They are putting a new version through production right now to address our problems. It should be ready in about 3 weeks.

also experiencing this using my CLAS -db and RSA Hornet M with MS1's, didn't try it with my shure e500's.
low gain happens at 3 o'clock
med & high gain at 4 o'clock

tried using ipod line out with the amp and its good...

 

[cladane]

That's true, the Solo -dB is very well fine tuned for the Mk3. I use them both in balanced mode with an HE-500 connected through the Green Line cable (Alo Audio) terminated with a mini balanced connector.
The Solo performs very well Under Windows8 with the ASIO drivers from Cypherlabs.
IEMs like the SM64 from Earsonics are also well driven by the Mk3 in M Gain.

 

[AnakChan]

I've been trying around the dB with the Rx Mk3, The International, & an upgraded SR-71b recently. My personal preference is still the Rx Mk3 which seems to give the bigger sound & larger soundstage with depth.

The International had more bass but it felt more "closed in". If one likes the more intimate personal performance & a tad more bass the International may be more suitable.

The upgraded SR-71b (where Ray increases its gain), there's a but more bass depth than the Rx Mk3, & the treble is a little pulled back (note not recessed!!) & felt it didn't give as much clarity as the Rx Mk3 did for me. This is probably the typical darkish signature of RSA.

 

[raelamb]

Quote:

I've been trying around the dB with the Rx Mk3, The International, & an upgraded SR-71b recently. My personal preference is still the Rx Mk3 which seems to give the bigger sound & larger soundstage with depth.

The International had more bass but it felt more "closed in". If one likes the more intimate personal performance & a tad more bass the International may be more suitable.

The upgraded SR-71b (where Ray increases its gain), there's a but more bass depth than the Rx Mk3, & the treble is a little pulled back (note not recessed!!) & felt it didn't give as much clarity as the Rx Mk3 did for me. This is probably the typical darkish signature of RSA.

 I also like the MKIIIB better than my upgraded SR71B with the CLAS-db. My findings are similar to AnakChan with my Ultrasone PRO's on hi gain. The SR71B is more authoritative as it seems to have more power with the increased gain but it's not as open, airy, and musical as the ALO. The big difference between the 2 for me is with my JH-16's on medium gain. The ALO sounds mellifluous and smooth but the SR71B sounds like I'm driving a tank up a bumpy hill. I don't get it. I had Ray check the unit and there's nothing wrong with it. Just an ugly paring.

 

[garetjax1]

FYI, just listed a Solo for sale along with a custom painted IPod...

 

[SoundFreaq]

Problematic -db Update:
 
Gentlemen, for those of you like me, who's -db is not functioning well with all, or some of your amps, Cypher Labs has run a new model through production to address our problems. The new units should be shipping Monday - and Cypher Labs is doing a unit swap. You need to email David at Cypher Labs to get the new one shipped to you. Please PM me if you need his email information. 
 
The problems some of us are experiencing is that the sound gets weak, or cuts out entirely as you turn the volume pot of the amp up, which is connected to the -db. 
 
Cheers

 

[b0ssMax]

@anakchan & raelamb,
 
 i'm planning on getting the mk3-b to pair up with my CLAS -db and shure e500's
 
was interested to get more of your thoughts on CLAS & Mk3-b with iem's.
 
@anakchan, between the international and mk3-b, can you share w/c has more detail between the two in combo with the CLAS?
 
appreciate your inputs.

 

[Anthony1]

Quote:

Problematic -db Update:
 
Gentlemen, for those of you like me, who's -db is not functioning well with all, or some of your amps, Cypher Labs has run a new model through production to address our problems. The new units should be shipping Monday - and Cypher Labs is doing a unit swap. You need to email David at Cypher Labs to get the new one shipped to you. Please PM me if you need his email information. 
 
The problems some of us are experiencing is that the sound gets weak, or cuts out entirely as you turn the volume pot of the amp up, which is connected to the -db. 
 
Cheers

SoundFreaq you have my attention.
 
i love my -dB but would love to have the issues fixed. 
 
Will PM David

 

[b0ssMax]

oh man, that sucks for me as i'm overseas. will contact CL and see what we can do.