NewEve
1000+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2016
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What! is that!? Can't say sh!t on a forum anymore!?
Yeah… nooo… me no likey this policy…
What! is that!? Can't say sh!t on a forum anymore!?
Disappointing to read about yet another (potential) quality issue from CA. There have been several issues surfaced regarding the Solaris 2020 as well.I purchased the Ara this past weekend, but didn't open them until today (as a bday present to myself). Within a couple songs, I immediately thought "these are wired out-of-phase!" as the sound was very diffuse without a clear soundstage. Having been an audiophile for 35 years, I clearly know what out-of-phase sounds like.
I used some simple test tracks I've used in the past (https://www.audiocheck.net/audiotests_polaritycheck.php) and indeed the in-phase version sounded out-of-phase, and the out-of-phase tracks sounded normal. Next, I checked the cable with my multimeter and it's wired properly. I then swapped to different IEMs (same cable, same DAC) and they were fine. Switching back to the Ara, that are again obviously out-of-phase!
The last time this happened, with a cable from Null Audio, I found it was their 4.4mm cable that was wired wrong, and Null Audio and other customers in this forum verified it - though surprisingly, the other customers didn't realize it through hearing alone, only through checking the wiring of the cables!
I'm going to do a little further testing, and likely email CA and the vendor, but I'm 99% sure they're wired out-of-phase. Hopefully this is a one-off and all the review models people have been raving about don't share the same issue. It's very disappointing, considering all the wait and the time it will take to get them replaced.
Mark
I’d assume the authorized retailer you bought it from will cover these costs and help facilitate with CA...if it’s a manufacturer’s defect, you shouldn’t be on the hook for it.Ah, sadly I received a response from CA and their customer service sucks. They said I need to pay for return shipping and insurance, and "Once we receive your shipment, we'll inspect the product and get to work."
Sadly, this is going to become a problem for their dealer, as I'm not playing this game.
I’d assume the authorized retailer you bought it from will cover these costs and help facilitate with CA...if it’s a manufacturer’s defect, you shouldn’t be on the hook for it.
Ah, yes. @Andrew DiMarcangelo and Bloom are the best! I am a loyal customer....he will take care of this without a doubt. Annoying for both of you, but at least you have a friend in Andrew to help you sort it.Yup. I hoped to avoid making this their problem, as they're a great dealer (and a great guy on this forum) - Bloom Audio. But luckily they have a policy of free returns.
I purchased the Ara this past weekend, but didn't open them until today (as a bday present to myself). Within a couple songs, I immediately thought "these are wired out-of-phase!" as the sound was very diffuse without a clear soundstage. Having been an audiophile for 35 years, I clearly know what out-of-phase sounds like.
I used some simple test tracks I've used in the past (https://www.audiocheck.net/audiotests_polaritycheck.php) and indeed the in-phase version sounded out-of-phase, and the out-of-phase tracks sounded normal. Next, I checked the cable with my multimeter and it's wired properly. I then swapped to different IEMs (same cable, same DAC) and they were fine. Switching back to the Ara, they are again obviously out-of-phase!
The last time this happened, with a cable from Null Audio, I found it was their 4.4mm cable that was wired wrong, and Null Audio and other customers in this forum verified it - though surprisingly, the other customers didn't realize it through hearing alone, only through checking the wiring of the cables.
I'm going to do a little further testing, and likely email CA and the vendor, but I'm 99% sure they're wired out-of-phase. Hopefully this is a one-off and all the review models people have been raving about don't share the same issue. It's very disappointing, considering all the wait and the time it will take to get them replaced.
Mark
Just a question, re: the issue you mentioned above. I understand it is linked to the cable, is that correct?
No, the cable is fine. I suspect one of the connectors were accidentally wired the wrong way. Considering these are hand-assembled, that's the most likely explanation (rather than a problem in design). I didn't want to void the warranty to open them up to verify though.
We'll likely never know what happened as CA may not wish to share their findings.
If anyone was curious about their own, they could use the link I shared; the difference is pretty black & white: you should hear a centered image when in-phase, and a diffuse sound without a centered image when out-of-phase. If you hear the opposite, then one channel is out of phase. There are many other tests as well on YouTube.
https://www.audiocheck.net/audiotests_polaritycheck.php
Mark
useful video thanks.No, the cable is fine. I suspect one of the connectors were accidentally wired the wrong way. Considering these are hand-assembled, that's the most likely explanation (rather than a problem in design). I didn't want to void the warranty to open them up to verify though.
We'll likely never know what happened as CA may not wish to share their findings.
If anyone was curious about their own, they could use the link I shared; the difference is pretty black & white: you should hear a centered image when in-phase, and a diffuse sound without a centered image when out-of-phase. If you hear the opposite, then one channel is out of phase. There are many other tests as well on YouTube.
https://www.audiocheck.net/audiotests_polaritycheck.php
Mark
useful video thanks.
I was busy with work but have been itching to check the Ara i have here.
The ones i have are in phase.
this is a very useful video/tool.
Not only to check QC but also hard to see R/L marks on MMCX cables - but for me especially two pin cables which are sometimes hard to fathom which part goes where on occasion.
Thanks for sharing.
*side note. Happy i don’t have to go back and redo my impressions ‘wipes sweat off of brow’.
*I think i will also check all my favorite regular rotation earphones also. ‘Gets notepad out’...