Hello,
Here is the link for the leather case of the Clarinet.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008166073203.html
B.rdgs,
Dethonray Clarinet - Portable DAC/Amp Discussion + Impression thread
- Thread starter pradiptacr7
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Here is the link for the leather case of the Clarinet.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008166073203.html
B.rdgs,
My pleasure.Thank you! I wonder why that didn't come up in my search
Enjoy!Just got the latest firmware 2025-3-26. The gapless playback that I care about is finally available!
Anson mentioned new features in the email:
1. Gapless playback support
2. Fix Coax/optical hot plug noise bug
3. Optimize boot-up timing to improve compatibility with different sources.
4. Redefine LED light status indication
5. The firmware automatically recognizes the hardware version.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iObElNCxcCPEeKtSdbk3mDlaeDaAu1gJ/view?usp=sharing
Anson mentioned new features in the email:
1. Gapless playback support
2. Fix Coax/optical hot plug noise bug
3. Optimize boot-up timing to improve compatibility with different sources.
4. Redefine LED light status indication
5. The firmware automatically recognizes the hardware version.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iObElNCxcCPEeKtSdbk3mDlaeDaAu1gJ/view?usp=sharing
-rowan-
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I've had the Clarinet since the beginning of this year (in fact, it was my last purchase of 2024) and since then I’ve spent a small fortune exploring connectivity solutions, so here's what works best for me.
1. USB OTG coax/optical converter sold by Dethonray
Probably the most versatile solution for anyone who has compatibility issues getting their source to work with Clarinet.
It's kind of similar to the SMSL P100, the crucial difference being that Dethonray's converter comes with cables that have been tested to work with the Clarinet.
So I've been able to explore all 3 Clarinet inputs and my preference is optical > coaxial > USB.
Optical is airier and more dimensional, smoother and with more extended treble. Coax has a slightly thicker midrange and a bit less air up top. Both to my ears are a step up from USB, which is why the converter is well worth exploring IMO.
But if you prefer to have a single cable rather than a converter dangling between your source and Clarinet, here is my next option.
2. USB type C to RCA coax cable + stock RCA to 3.5 adapter
For some of us, the struggle lies in finding a 3.5mm plug with the correct pinout to work with the Clarinet's coax in.
So I got round this with a type C to RCA coaxial cable, and then the stock RCA-3.5mm adapter that came with the Clarinet, to practically guarantee compatibility on the Clarinet side.
FWIW this is the one I bought:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000589035319.html
If I had to do this all over again, I'd try a type C to optical cable as well. But since this would involve another $40 or so and I'm already happy with my options, it isn't likely to happen any time soon.
Not sure if you found a solution since it's been a while. I own an N7 as well, and can confirm that the above options work with it.
Don't bother with Cayin's type C to 3.5mm coaxial cable. It sort of works, but you have to pull the 3.5mm plug out from the socket slightly.
Gapless? Isn’t that a job for the DAP or source rather than the Clarinet, or what am I missing here?
1. USB OTG coax/optical converter sold by Dethonray
Probably the most versatile solution for anyone who has compatibility issues getting their source to work with Clarinet.
It's kind of similar to the SMSL P100, the crucial difference being that Dethonray's converter comes with cables that have been tested to work with the Clarinet.
So I've been able to explore all 3 Clarinet inputs and my preference is optical > coaxial > USB.
Optical is airier and more dimensional, smoother and with more extended treble. Coax has a slightly thicker midrange and a bit less air up top. Both to my ears are a step up from USB, which is why the converter is well worth exploring IMO.
But if you prefer to have a single cable rather than a converter dangling between your source and Clarinet, here is my next option.
2. USB type C to RCA coax cable + stock RCA to 3.5 adapter
For some of us, the struggle lies in finding a 3.5mm plug with the correct pinout to work with the Clarinet's coax in.
So I got round this with a type C to RCA coaxial cable, and then the stock RCA-3.5mm adapter that came with the Clarinet, to practically guarantee compatibility on the Clarinet side.
FWIW this is the one I bought:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000589035319.html
If I had to do this all over again, I'd try a type C to optical cable as well. But since this would involve another $40 or so and I'm already happy with my options, it isn't likely to happen any time soon.
Not sure if you found a solution since it's been a while. I own an N7 as well, and can confirm that the above options work with it.
Don't bother with Cayin's type C to 3.5mm coaxial cable. It sort of works, but you have to pull the 3.5mm plug out from the socket slightly.
Gapless? Isn’t that a job for the DAP or source rather than the Clarinet, or what am I missing here?
Thanks,Will test it soon
This converter works very well and is a good partner with clarinet! I have tried V3D, hm901, The sound may not be much better than this little gear!I've had the Clarinet since the beginning of this year (in fact, it was my last purchase of 2024) and since then I’ve spent a small fortune exploring connectivity solutions, so here's what works best for me.
1. USB OTG coax/optical converter sold by Dethonray
Probably the most versatile solution for anyone who has compatibility issues getting their source to work with Clarinet.
It's kind of similar to the SMSL P100, the crucial difference being that Dethonray's converter comes with cables that have been tested to work with the Clarinet.
So I've been able to explore all 3 Clarinet inputs and my preference is optical > coaxial > USB.
Optical is airier and more dimensional, smoother and with more extended treble. Coax has a slightly thicker midrange and a bit less air up top. Both to my ears are a step up from USB, which is why the converter is well worth exploring IMO.
But if you prefer to have a single cable rather than a converter dangling between your source and Clarinet, here is my next option.
2. USB type C to RCA coax cable + stock RCA to 3.5 adapter
For some of us, the struggle lies in finding a 3.5mm plug with the correct pinout to work with the Clarinet's coax in.
So I got round this with a type C to RCA coaxial cable, and then the stock RCA-3.5mm adapter that came with the Clarinet, to practically guarantee compatibility on the Clarinet side.
FWIW this is the one I bought:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000589035319.html
If I had to do this all over again, I'd try a type C to optical cable as well. But since this would involve another $40 or so and I'm already happy with my options, it isn't likely to happen any time soon.
Not sure if you found a solution since it's been a while. I own an N7 as well, and can confirm that the above options work with it.
Don't bother with Cayin's type C to 3.5mm coaxial cable. It sort of works, but you have to pull the 3.5mm plug out from the socket slightly.
Gapless? Isn’t that a job for the DAP or source rather than the Clarinet, or what am I missing here?
I have an album in my list, The Eagles - Unplugged (Live ), In the previous version, there was always silence or a jump for the first one or two seconds when switching!
The latest firmware has fixed this bug and can be played smoothly without losing the first second music!
-rowan-
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That’s odd, but good to know! Gapless matters to me as well, though I can’t say I recall hearing the issue with the Clarinet + N7.
Btw, you mentioned an email - is there an email list or something where Anson announces these updates? I just realised it isn’t on the Dethonray site yet.
The new firmware improves the glitch and pop at the beginning of tracks with different sample rates over USB but it doesn’t fix it entirely, unfortunately.
There is still a faint pop when going between different sample rates but it is not too intrusive but the significant drop in volume, near cut out, has been fixed thankfully.
Luckily optical seems to avoid the pop noise entirely but of course is limited to anything under 192khz.
There is still a faint pop when going between different sample rates but it is not too intrusive but the significant drop in volume, near cut out, has been fixed thankfully.
Luckily optical seems to avoid the pop noise entirely but of course is limited to anything under 192khz.
I just received this unit, and as you mentioned, the optical port is best then the Coaxial. Anson also confirmed to me that the optical port is best for Clarinet soundI've had the Clarinet since the beginning of this year (in fact, it was my last purchase of 2024) and since then I’ve spent a small fortune exploring connectivity solutions, so here's what works best for me.
1. USB OTG coax/optical converter sold by Dethonray
Probably the most versatile solution for anyone who has compatibility issues getting their source to work with Clarinet.
It's kind of similar to the SMSL P100, the crucial difference being that Dethonray's converter comes with cables that have been tested to work with the Clarinet.
So I've been able to explore all 3 Clarinet inputs and my preference is optical > coaxial > USB.
Optical is airier and more dimensional, smoother and with more extended treble. Coax has a slightly thicker midrange and a bit less air up top. Both to my ears are a step up from USB, which is why the converter is well worth exploring IMO.
But if you prefer to have a single cable rather than a converter dangling between your source and Clarinet, here is my next option.
2. USB type C to RCA coax cable + stock RCA to 3.5 adapter
For some of us, the struggle lies in finding a 3.5mm plug with the correct pinout to work with the Clarinet's coax in.
So I got round this with a type C to RCA coaxial cable, and then the stock RCA-3.5mm adapter that came with the Clarinet, to practically guarantee compatibility on the Clarinet side.
FWIW this is the one I bought:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000589035319.html
If I had to do this all over again, I'd try a type C to optical cable as well. But since this would involve another $40 or so and I'm already happy with my options, it isn't likely to happen any time soon.
Not sure if you found a solution since it's been a while. I own an N7 as well, and can confirm that the above options work with it.
Don't bother with Cayin's type C to 3.5mm coaxial cable. It sort of works, but you have to pull the 3.5mm plug out from the socket slightly.
Gapless? Isn’t that a job for the DAP or source rather than the Clarinet, or what am I missing here?
Because in early March, I emailed Anson about the gapless issue , but he was busy with the M1 power project. The day before yesterday, he emailed me and shared the firmware update. Which may appear on the website a few days later.
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But the Clarinet.....connected to a DAP with a regular 3.5 cable, thus without the coax/optical connection.... " yields" less ?
Is there any way to connect Lotoo GT2 to Clarinet ? Lotoo has only 2 inputs : 4.4 and 3.5.
Is there any way to connect Lotoo GT2 to Clarinet ? Lotoo has only 2 inputs : 4.4 and 3.5.
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-rowan-
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I’m afraid not. To my knowledge, Clarinet has only USB, coax and optical input - the 3.5 or 4.4 are output only.
Then again - and I venture this despite not having heard the GT2 - it’s difficult to imagine how Clarinet might improve its sound.
If you are perhaps referring to some pictures posted here and/or elsewhere with the Clarinet connected to a DAP with a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable that will be a digital coaxial connection.
Some DAPs use a wiring configuration on the 3.5mm coaxial output that allows a standard 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable (that would usually be used for an analog line out) to be used for the transmission of a digital coaxial signal. Other cables that look like normal 3.5mm to 3.5mm analog cables are in fact set up with a different wiring configuration to suit the DAP and the Clarinet specifically for digital coaxial data transmission.
There is no way to connect an analog line out into the Clarinet to use it as an amplifier only, it can only be used as a combination Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) and amplifier.
I don't see a reason why you would want to connect a high end DAP like the GT2 to a modest device like the Clarinet regardless that sounds good, I am sure the GT2 does a fine job by itself.
FreeWheelinAudioLuv2
Headphoneus Supremus
Agreed. I don't use my Clarinet with my better sounding, more high end DAPs. I use them with my Sony's, to improve soundstage and power, where the Sony's traditionally lack, or with my FiiO JM21, just to thicken up the lower mids and mid bass, as the JM21 is a very clean neutral DAP, with sometimes strident upper treble (but not really too bad at all), so using it with the Clarinet cleans up some things, while providing a bit more bass presence. For something as elite as the GT2, probably not a good idea?
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