Dethonray Clarinet - Portable DAC/Amp Discussion + Impression thread

Jan 17, 2025 at 8:38 AM Post #181 of 425
SMSL. PO100. Plug and play. Easy like ABC.

Did a quick AB test. Everything is the same, just USB direct, or through the SMSL box. Instant audible difference.

Optical via SMSL is rich, thick note weight, upper mids is lively.

Direct USB. Sounds thinner, separation and imaging are less precise. Less rich overall tone. Bass also doesn't slam as hard.

iBasso's coax out still sounds better to me. But this is a $30 box. So, no reason to be nitpicking a few percentage points.

IMG_9650.jpeg
This is excellent news! Did you happen to compare the Optical out versus the coax out on the PO100? I was curious if there was a noted difference. In theory, I don't believe there would be, but for the sake of discovery, I'm curious.
 
Jan 17, 2025 at 11:06 AM Post #182 of 425
Sorry mate. It was a quick listen. I took a break from spring cleaning. This is the first time I used optical, and no complaints, won't be surprised if it sounds the same. I will do a comprehensive one and compare the coax v optical.

I have other toys I have yet to try.

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Jan 17, 2025 at 8:47 PM Post #183 of 425
So far just on USB - I'm pretty impressed. It's a lot smaller than I thought it was. If it comes even more alive with optical, it's a homerun. IMG_0746.jpg
 
Jan 18, 2025 at 4:10 AM Post #184 of 425
New coaxial cables made.

Left cable has FiiO configuration and the TRRS with the red marker set up based on the wiring configuration shown in the images from Anson.

With that arrangement it does not work with any other device I have, we will see how it goes with the Clarinet in due course.

Also made an RCA to 3.5mm TRS for use with incoming SMSL PO100, I ordered some optical cables as well to try that method.

I should have my bases covered when the Clarinet arrives.

IMG_0894.jpeg
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Jan 19, 2025 at 10:21 AM Post #185 of 425
For optical. You need the 3,5mm toslink.

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Coaxial. The input for the clarinet is 3.5mm. If you're using iBasso. Just any 3.5 to 3.5mm IC will work. Other brands get a bit more complicated. Cayin uses USB-C out. Fiio is 3.5mm TTRS.

I like the Clarinet very much, wrote a small impression post.

https://dingdongmonster.com/post/dethonray-clarinet_uPMcN7txHSgDguUG2pHTzP
Do you guys think this cable would fine with the clarinet? With other daps or laptops through type c to optical?
I just found this on AliExpress: HUF21,527.97 | Usb c to Optical Cable Male Type-c to Digital Opt Fiber Optic Audio Interface Adapter Wire Toslink Cord for phone dac amp Sound
https://a.aliexpress.com/_Eu2rq8u
 
Jan 19, 2025 at 2:25 PM Post #186 of 425
Do you guys think this cable would fine with the clarinet? With other daps or laptops through type c to optical?
I just found this on AliExpress: HUF21,527.97 | Usb c to Optical Cable Male Type-c to Digital Opt Fiber Optic Audio Interface Adapter Wire Toslink Cord for phone dac amp Sound
https://a.aliexpress.com/_Eu2rq8u

If you use a full size optical to 3.5mm optical adapter like I understand is included with the Clarinet and the cable outputs an optical signal as it is intended it has to work.

I would wonder how WELL it would work when the electronics are small enough to fit inside the small housing on the cable versus the somewhat bigger digital to digital converters the others have posted images of previously.

IMG_0900.jpeg
 
Jan 19, 2025 at 2:42 PM Post #187 of 425
Thanks
If you use a full size optical to 3.5mm optical adapter like I understand is included with the Clarinet and the cable outputs an optical signal as it is intended it has to work.

I would wonder how WELL it would work when the electronics are small enough to fit inside the small housing on the cable versus the somewhat bigger digital to digital converters the others have posted images of previously.

IMG_0900.jpeg
!
 
Jan 20, 2025 at 12:00 AM Post #188 of 425
The Hiby/Cayin coax out dongle works fine and sounds great as expected.
IMG_9714.jpeg


If you cannot get any output. Pull out the clarinet end a couple of mm. The clarinet does not like deep insertion from some plugs.
IMG_9718.jpeg
 
Jan 20, 2025 at 10:27 AM Post #189 of 425
The Hiby/Cayin coax out dongle works fine and sounds great as expected.
IMG_9714.jpeg

If you cannot get any output. Pull out the clarinet end a couple of mm. The clarinet does not like deep insertion from some plugs.
IMG_9718.jpeg
I am using the Hiby branded USB-C to coaxial cable and you are right, it does not work fully inserted, but pulling the 3.5mm about 2mm makes it work.
 
Jan 21, 2025 at 11:37 AM Post #193 of 425
Jan 21, 2025 at 3:06 PM Post #195 of 425
The Hiby/Cayin coax out dongle works fine and sounds great as expected.
IMG_9714.jpeg

If you cannot get any output. Pull out the clarinet end a couple of mm. The clarinet does not like deep insertion from some plugs.
IMG_9718.jpeg

What?!

*tries it*

Not only does it work, it’s bloody good. Way better than usb c in.

And here I was quietly sulking that the Cayin coax out didn’t work and waiting for the next option to arrive so I could try it.

Thank you.

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