I suggest you to set Windows to use the optical interface as the default device for everything (including as communication device) and use the USB interface with JRiver only (either WASAPI or ASIO). If you are experiencing drops or stuttering, try a larger buffer in the device settings of JRiver.

I use my R2R 11 with Volumio. It even works with DSD 256 with Amanero firmware update. An x86 version of Volumio can be downloaded, flashed in a thumb drive and run from USB boot. You should try it. Volumio runs on a stripped down Linux. Works well on a Raspberry Pi. Even better on a PC.

It looks like you still have an EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) issue.

Open the amp case and check the electrolict capacitors voltage rate. It must be higher than 19V, otherwise they will blow.

I am glad that you solved the mistery. 12V/2A is not powerful enough and 19V/3A is out of the specs. The amp chip supports a wider voltage rage than the one specified by the SMSL but the amp uses other components, like capacitors, so 19V maybe too much. With a higher voltage you'll get more...

Try using a USB HUB on the USB-C 3.1 port of your computer. As I said, it is very likely that the amplifier noise is getting into USB interface. The amp's power supply, if it is a switched mode one, may generate noise and may cause inference. You said that, with the RCA cables connected to the...

The new NFB-11 uses the Amanero USB module. I think AGD sells it: http://audio-gd.com/Pro/dac/Amanero/AmaneroEN.htm. Maybe it is possible to replace your current Xmos module by the Amanero one. You should e-mail AGD and ask for advice. Concerning the dropouts, have you ever tried using a larger...

The SMSL amp is a digital amp. It generates very high frequency noise. If the input is not properly filtered, it is probably that high frequency noise is getting into the AGD DAC and/or the PC's USB interface. Try changing cables and moving the amp to a different position. Get a good USB cable...

Your R2R 11 must be of the latest version which has modifications to minimize the background noise with some DSD recordings. Have you ever tried to play DSD 128 and DSD 256 files? Do they have any background noise in the very soft parts of the songs (you have to use headphones and set the volume...

In the instructions, when it says to PLUG or REPLUG the USB cable, power on the DAC. When it says to UNPLUG the USB cable, power off the DAC. You can keep the USB cable plugged all the time. To erase the flash memory, use a thin solid wire (not stranded) that can be inserted in the indicated...

I believe Norrest installed the 1099c. I tried 1099c and 2005be on Windows. 1099c woked then I tried 2005be. This later did not work so I reverted to 1099c. All seemed to work fine, then I tried Volumio with my Raspberry Pi 3B+. It was able to play DSD256. Curiously, it played DSD256 even with...

I do want to upgrade. Are you sure it is safe?

I guess that R2R 11 already has the new firmware. Is there a way to check what firmware the Amanero is using and how it is set? Kingwa have not provided any Amanero firmware in AGD web site. I wonder whether I can revert to the original, case the upgrade does not work.

Yes, JRiver MC does support SACD ISO. Stereo and M.Ch. tracks will be listed. If you are not interested in the M.Ch. tracks you can create a filter to hide them. Sadly, it looks like Kingwa is not interested in resolving the DSD background noise. It is a peaty. DSD sounds so good with the R2R 11.

I could verify that the Volumio is converting the DSD256 file to PCM because the low level noise heard in the R2R 11 with a DSD256 file the I used to test is gone (like with the PC/JRiver by converting to PCM). The same track in DSD128 does have the noise, so I am sure it is being played as DSD...

Are you sure you have played a DSD256 file on Volumio natively with the AGD DAC? I have three different DACs, all using Amanero: R2R 11, NFB-11.28 and Yulong Sabre DA8. I can only play DSD256 files on Windows. Volumio runs on a very optimized Linux and should be limited to DSD128 (according to...

I have used with Android. It works with my Galaxy S8 and Moto X 2, however it is sensitive to the cable. You have to try different cables to figure which works best. This is also true with PC, but it looks like, in my case, the cable is more important with the phone than with PC, particularly...

Your right. Upgrading the firmware for the R2R 11 is not for the faint of heart. It is worth of note the AGD effort to fit the two DA-8 modules in a such small place in the NFB-11 case to create the R2R 11 DAC. This makes maintenance harder but offered the best deal for a R2R ladder DAC in the...

My blaster came with a kit of cables and a 14 pins to 10 pins adapter. To program the upper module, I used the adapter and the 10 pins cable. This is easy to connect. To program the lower module, I used a cable that has a 14 pin connector on one end, to connect to the blaster, and loose wires...

I have upgraded my R2R 11, but I had to come back to the original version. One of my DSD albums reaches 100% of level. With the new version the peaks are severely distorted. I noticed no improvement in the sound but the pop sound being reduced. The pop problem was mitigated but not eliminated...

I don't think so. The mentioned upgrades are in the design, no in modules. Edit: perhaps USB can be upgraded to Amanero. You should ask Kingwa whether this can be done.

It looks like people are confusing NFB-11.32 with NFB-11.38. The new and limited edition 11.38 uses Amanero USB module while 11.32 uses USB32. There is no issues with the Amanero driver installation. You have already installed the right driver, otherwise you wouldn't be able to use your DAC via...

First - Tidal application will use WASAPI (I think it is WASAPI not Kernel), but you have to select the Amanero Combo 384 as the output device in the configurations. Tidal will use the correct sampling frequency and bit depth. Set Tidal do decode the MQA itself, as the DAC does not do it. High...

Using direct sound your DAC will always receive a fixed sampling rate set in the playback device Windows settings. No wonder you do not hear any pops and clicks. They happen at sampling rate changes. You should get, at least, a click when Windows boot, though. I get a click from my R2R 11 when...

I've just wrote to Amanero asking questions about the firmware for both Audio-gd and Yulong. Despite the Sabre DA8 having the ES9018, it does support native DSD on Windows. It is the only way to play DSD256 and DSD512. I believe that what is new to ES9028 is its native support to DoP. I also...