Dethonray Clarinet - Portable DAC/Amp Discussion + Impression thread

[pradiptacr7]

Somebody help me, please.
My Clarinet cannot play file DSD256. It just plays the files under DSD256. How can I set up in foobar2000?
And when I play video on Youtube, FB, or any website, software (e.g., dictionary)..., there is a noise background (like an izzz sound), which is really annoying. How can I fix it?
Thank you very much.

Can you please swap the USB cable? The stock one can have issues sometimes

 

[tuetamnhu]

Can you please swap the USB cable? The stock one can have issues sometimes

Yes, I've tried to change another cable (ddHifi TC09S), but the problem is still there.

 

[Hnd1710]

Somebody help me, please.
My Clarinet cannot play file DSD256. It just plays the files under DSD256. How can I set up in foobar2000?
And when I play video on Youtube, FB, or any website, software (e.g., dictionary)..., there is a noise background (like an izzz sound), which is really annoying. How can I fix it?
Thank you very much.

You set up according to the instructions on Dethonray's homepage for Clarinet, and update the latest firmware for Clarinet, if it doesn't work it could be a hardware problem.

 

[tuetamnhu]

You set up according to the instructions on Dethonray's homepage for Clarinet, and update the latest firmware for Clarinet, if it doesn't work it could be a hardware problem.

Thanks for your advice.
I downloaded the newest firmware on Dethonray's website. There are 4 files included in 1 folder (named "2025-2-13"), those are: Rock.hex, Rhapsody.hex, Senarade.hex, and Hi-Sensitive-IEM.hex . I switched all of 4 firmwares, unfortunately, there is only 1 firmware without my problem (without the izzz sound). That is Senarade.hex. The other one still have that issue.

 

[Hnd1710]

Thanks for your advice.
I downloaded the newest firmware on Dethonray's website. There are 4 files included in 1 folder (named "2025-2-13"), those are: Rock.hex, Rhapsody.hex, Senarade.hex, and Hi-Sensitive-IEM.hex . I switched all of 4 firmwares, unfortunately, there is only 1 firmware without my problem (without the izzz sound). That is Senarade.hex. The other one still have that issue.

You can talk to Anson at Dethonray via Facebook Message @anson.94691 he will support you best

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Thanks for your advice.
I downloaded the newest firmware on Dethonray's website. There are 4 files included in 1 folder (named "2025-2-13"), those are: Rock.hex, Rhapsody.hex, Senarade.hex, and Hi-Sensitive-IEM.hex . I switched all of 4 firmwares, unfortunately, there is only 1 firmware without my problem (without the izzz sound). That is Senarade.hex. The other one still have that issue.

Also having the same problem with that faint sound in the background, and more noticeable on quiet moments. This needs to get fixed. But that said, aside from that issue, my goodness the Clarinet is BOSS.

Like this....

Truly immersive experience. My mini-"desktop" stack consisting of my 11 year old Sony NW-A15 (My wife bought me this for Christmas 2014, and it still works. The battery still works (though the charge isn't the greatest, but still better than the charge of the source at the bottom or some other Android devices. Sony makes schitt to last!), my FiiO Mont Blanc IEM amp, and the Dethonray Clarinet. Connected via optical in from an Arklove Audio SW1290 Music Bridge WM Port. I prefer the older NW-A15 and A-25 to the newer NW-A45 & A-55 due to the ability to still access the tone controls/EQ of the A15 & A25, as they go direct optical out/in, whereas when you plug in the A45-A55, they convert to USB out, so like all Sony (especially Android) players, when you go USB out, you lose access to the EQ or any sound adjustment controls. So I can adjust the bass with the boost, or the mids and treble the way I wish. The IEMs are the Tangzu YuXuan Ji (also a Dethonray), and thru this source, with the AZLA Crystal 2 tips, the experience is quite immersive, with more bass presence and controlled treble than on most other source points. I wish those of you who have the Ji could listen thru this stack. Your jaws would drop. Simply stellar synergy across the board.

 

[inscythe]

I've been lurking this thread for a while and thanks to some of the helpful posts here, I was guided to get the correct adapter cable for my FiiO M23.

However, it's not all smooth sailing... My included coaxial to 3.5mm adapter that came with the Clarinet seems to be slightly defective; I have to pull out about 1mm out of the coax input on the Clarinet for it to be connect. So, I just went with this FiiO to 3.5mm coaxial cable that works without issues.

Quite surprised at the difference between the USB and coaxial inputs. I'm quite curious why this would happen though, but I would really love it if it can be implemented in the USB input too though, since it's the more convenient connection.

Overall, I really like how the Clarinet sounds!

 

[eree]

Somebody help me, please.
My Clarinet cannot play file DSD256. It just plays the files under DSD256. How can I set up in foobar2000?
And when I play video on Youtube, FB, or any website, software (e.g., dictionary)..., there is a noise background (like an izzz sound), which is really annoying. How can I fix it?
Thank you very much.

DSD256 only work in NATIVE mode, so you should change the settings in foobar2000.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

I've been lurking this thread for a while and thanks to some of the helpful posts here, I was guided to get the correct adapter cable for my FiiO M23.

However, it's not all smooth sailing... My included coaxial to 3.5mm adapter that came with the Clarinet seems to be slightly defective; I have to pull out about 1mm out of the coax input on the Clarinet for it to be connect. So, I just went with this FiiO to 3.5mm coaxial cable that works without issues.

Quite surprised at the difference between the USB and coaxial inputs. I'm quite curious why this would happen though, but I would really love it if it can be implemented in the USB input too though, since it's the more convenient connection.

Overall, I really like how the Clarinet sounds!

Yes. It would be superb if a future fw update gave USB the same sonics as coax, as this would make some of it's quirkiness go away, and make it more convenient.

 

[DingDongMonster]

Yes. It would be superb if a future fw update gave USB the same sonics as coax, as this would make some of it's quirkiness go away, and make it more convenient.

I am not sure it’s doable. iBasso has been pushing coaxial for a long time now. They’ve implemented USB as best as it’s possible. Yet it’s still inferior. On a device like the D16. The difference is just as astounding as the Clarinet. On my Onix mystic. It’s the same story.

I am not a technical person. I cannot explain why it’s this way. At this point in time. Choose coax, optical if the Dac has it, for maximum Sonics.

 

[pradiptacr7]

I am not sure it’s doable. iBasso has been pushing coaxial for a long time now. They’ve implemented USB as best as it’s possible. Yet it’s still inferior. On a device like the D16. The difference is just as astounding as the Clarinet. On my Onix mystic. It’s the same story.

I am not a technical person. I cannot explain why it’s this way. At this point in time. Choose coax, optical if the Dac has it, for maximum Sonics.

Anson implemented a different chip AK4118A for SPDIF conversion. I mean not only them, some other brands also implemented the same but the output is awesome with the Clarinet.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Anson implemented a different chip AK4118A for SPDIF conversion. I mean not only them, some other brands also implemented the same but the output is awesome with the Clarinet.

Honestly, I love the USB c output sound almost as much as coax/optical. It's slightly better to my ears, but not enough to put me off the USB c. Next to the Nunchaku, it's my favorite recent source purchase.

 

[tuetamnhu]

DSD256 only work in NATIVE mode, so you should change the settings in foobar2000.

Yes, I followed the "Clarinet Quick Start" file on their website step by step. But, I am curious about the setting that I should set up. Do I set up DSD128 (the same as the Quick Start Guide) or do I change to DSD256? Because when I tried both of setting, I still cannot play DSD256 format Or do I have to change any settings?

 

[eree]

Yes, I followed the "Clarinet Quick Start" file on their website step by step. But, I am curious about the setting that I should set up. Do I set up DSD128 (the same as the Quick Start Guide) or do I change to DSD256? Because when I tried both of setting, I still cannot play DSD256 format Or do I have to change any settings?

I also installed and configured it according to quick start.pdf. The earliest one was Honey H1, and I haven't changed this setting since H1. M1 and clarinet can both play DSD256 normally You may need to check the settings step by step and don't forget to apply and ok to confirm the settings. I have tried setting dsd128/256 and it works fine. So the option should not affect DSD256 playback.

 

[WaveTheory]

Anson sent me a review unit of the Clarinet. It sounds great. But those corners are sharp and not great for sliding in/out of a pocket. Does anyone know a good case for the Clarinet? I see AliExpress has this:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804962523933.html

but that is not made for the Clarinet. Does anyone know if it works with Clarinet? Does anyone have any other suggestions?