JKenny Audio Ciúnas DAC and Ciúnas SPDIF
May 31, 2013 at 5:02 PM Post #121 of 598
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May 31, 2013 at 6:02 PM Post #122 of 598
Thanks WNBC - yes, we talked bout the D2 before.

Agreed concerning the variables, but at least you and I have decware gear in common. the D2's amp is not something I would use. The ciunas would fit nicely into my home office rig :wink:

Well, I'm working on a bifrost pre/post über review ATM. When the dust clears, ciunas might be next in the house.

Prepro - how are your dac tests going?
 
May 31, 2013 at 6:30 PM Post #123 of 598
Quote:
Thanks WNBC - yes, we talked bout the D2 before.

Agreed concerning the variables, but at least you and I have decware gear in common. the D2's amp is not something I would use. The ciunas would fit nicely into my home office rig
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Well, I'm working on a bifrost pre/post über review ATM. When the dust clears, ciunas might be next in the house.

Prepro - how are your dac tests going?

 
HC just came by and picked up his Hilo.  What a nice DAC that it.  This DAC has it all.  However, compared to the Master 7 and the PWD mkII it lacks in Bass impact and extension.  Not saying it has non, just compared to the above two it's a little lacking.  The highs and mids are great - accurate and very crisp.  It's a very clean sounding DAC.
 
I only used the DAC section.  I really don't like DACs with headphone amps.  Not because they're not good, but because I will never use them.
 
The Hilo is not for me.  It has way to many things going on, most things I would never use.  I'm a set it and forget it kinda guy..
 
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May 31, 2013 at 6:45 PM Post #124 of 598
Heh heh - that's the one thing worried me about the Hilo. I used to be a software engineer. You'd think I'd like bells and whistles. Um, no :wink:

Btw, thanks for that info - that really helps!
 
May 31, 2013 at 9:33 PM Post #126 of 598
^ I think it continuously trickle-charges whatever the 5V source is. Details on the site and I think you can download the manual too.

But surely one of the owners here can answer this?
 
May 31, 2013 at 9:40 PM Post #127 of 598
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How does the USB battery charger work?  Can I just charge it with my 5V external PSU?

 
You can either connect the supplied adapter cable to a spare USB port on your computer or use a 5V wall wart. I suggest using a regulated wall wart as some unregulated ones fluctuate quite a bit. It may not matter but I prefer to play it safe.
 
I strongly suggest never operating the DAC without the battery charger plugged in.
 
Jun 1, 2013 at 7:14 AM Post #128 of 598
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You can either connect the supplied adapter cable to a spare USB port on your computer or use a 5V wall wart. I suggest using a regulated wall wart as some unregulated ones fluctuate quite a bit. It may not matter but I prefer to play it safe.
 
I strongly suggest never operating the DAC without the battery charger plugged in.

 
Why is that.  Does it not ever get fully charged?  Also, how long does it last on the battery alone?
 
Jun 1, 2013 at 7:47 AM Post #130 of 598
Makes sense.  I actually ordered the converter but then changed my order to the DAC after some discussions with John.  You should write him with your concerns.  In my rig of Ciunas > Amphora or Pioneer SX-1010 > TH-600 I don't feel any lack of details compared to my previous DACs.  It is smooth and that creates a less digital sounding experience but this is due to the very good USB implementation.  But it is an excellent balance between smooth and detail that sounds great to my ears.  I am curious to hear what a tube amp might sound like which gets to the heart of your question that being, in some rigs you don't want too much smoothness coming through.  With that said, when I was running a DAC-2 > Decware Taboo > HE-500 I didn't feel my tube amp held back any details coming from the DAC-2.

Good question though.  The DAC is more popular than the converter at the moment?   

Thanks WNBC. I got a sign today, I'll decide if it's a blessing or not later. Earlier this week I was about to place my order but the lack of user feedback made me hesitate. Well at that time the exchange rate pricing was $548 for the blk unit w/shipping. After reaching out to you guys yesterday I started a new PayPal order. Now the same order is $571, I'm taking this as a sign from the Euro gods. I'm going to order the Audiophilleo AP-2 for $579 + the $100 saving since I nolonger need to order a digital cable. I've read a few comparing the AP with the JK mk3 favorable but with a different sound signature. If the 100's of AP impressions are correct I may be able to use several lusher tubes (mullard, amperex) that before were to warm for my chain. If several converter shootouts are correct the AP w/pure power competes with several obscene price converters.

I know this is a Ciúnas impression thread but what do you guys think?
 
Jun 1, 2013 at 8:22 AM Post #131 of 598
Quote:
Thanks WNBC. I got a sign today, I'll decide if it's a blessing or not later. Earlier this week I was about to place my order but the lack of user feedback made me hesitate. Well at that time the exchange rate pricing was $548 for the blk unit w/shipping. After reaching out to you guys yesterday I started a new PayPal order. Now the same order is $571, I'm taking this as a sign from the Euro gods. I'm going to order the Audiophilleo AP-2 for $579 + the $100 saving since I nolonger need to order a digital cable. I've read a few comparing the AP with the JK mk3 favorable but with a different sound signature. If the 100's of AP impressions are correct I may be able to use several lusher tubes (mullard, amperex) that before were to warm for my chain.

I know this is a Ciúnas impression thread but what do you guys think?

 
You will need the AP2 with PP ($999 + shipping?) to go head to head with the Ciunas converter.
 
If money permits, get both the AP2+PP and the Ciunas and return one of the two after testing out which works better in your setup.
 
Jun 1, 2013 at 9:00 AM Post #132 of 598
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That's a disturbing suggestion. Noise etc from the battery charger will break through into the DAC's power rails.

I would think it's designed so that doesn't happen. I can say one thing for sure is that this DAC is dead quiet with 5V power supply connected. Isn't that supposed to be the reason behind the LiFePO4 batteries.
Quote:
 
Why is that.  Does it not ever get fully charged?  Also, how long does it last on the battery alone?

I don't know how long the battery lasts as I avoid running it to depletion. With the charger plugged in I've had it playing from morning 'til night without problems.
 
Jun 1, 2013 at 9:19 AM Post #133 of 598
Quote:
I would think it's designed so that doesn't happen. I can say one thing for sure is that this DAC is dead quiet with 5V power supply connected. Isn't that supposed to be the reason behind the LiFePO4 batteries.
I don't know how long the battery lasts as I avoid running it to depletion. With the charger plugged in I've had it playing from morning 'til night without problems.

 
Is it a such thing as over charge - as far as these batteries are concerned?
 
Jun 1, 2013 at 10:10 AM Post #134 of 598
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Is it a such thing as over charge - as far as these batteries are concerned?

I doubt it -  I've had mine plugged in since the beginning.
 

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