Douk Audio U2 Pro DDC - Poorman DDC for an affordable & clean digital signal

[monsterbill]

Do you use external PSU for the USB isolator and/or U2Pro?

Yes—I used an external psu where it was an option. The Adum4166 comes with an external switching 9v, and I used a 5v linear and a iFi 5v with the adum3166.

A nice mini-DDC. Amanero has two modes of operation. UAC 2.0 and bulk mode. Without Amanero drivers Win10 and above works in UAC 2.0 mode. With drivers installed it is identified as a "Digital Interface", works with WASAPI in bulk mode, like a hard drive. Which mode do you use? Try another one.

Interesting. I’m on a Mac, and using Audirvāna. Audirvāna sees the u19 as an “amanero” product with Wasapi in bulk mode. I’ll see if I can figure out how to switch it to uac 2.0.

 

[monsterbill]

Be careful what power supply you connect to these devices. Low noise LDO regulators do not have sufficient non-destructive voltage margin or will fail from overheating. But a screeching sound could only come from the internal DC/DC converter, it indicate failing from overvoltage.

The screeching product was the adum4166, which came with its own switching 9v.

Also be careful what you are ordering. The 3166 model on this link is selling with two options:
$32.02 - Color: NO Shell, (default)
$35.99 - Color: with Shell

I got the “with shell” version.

And a glue "repairs" are frequently mistaken with factory silicone padding reducing microphonic effect. This seller specialise in HF components, they know their job. I think they don't deserve bad publicity.

One of the glue repairs on the adum3166 was a messy glob over the LED. I suppose this could be the padding you’re talking about. The other glue was to affix a screw to hole with no threads, so just cheaping out.

It seems you have received what you paid for.

In the case of the Adum3166, you’re totally right, since it works and was crazy cheap. Still, if the group sees the same product from a different seller, they should buy there. The shipping was garbage. In the case of the adum4166, well, it didn’t work, so nah.

 

[sajunky]

Yes—I used an external psu where it was an option. The Adum4166 comes with an external switching 9v, and I used a 5v linear and a iFi 5v with the adum3166.


Interesting. I’m on a Mac, and using Audirvāna. Audirvāna sees the u19 as an “amanero” product with Wasapi in bulk mode. I’ll see if I can figure out how to switch it to uac 2.0.

On MAC's /Linux Amanero works in UAC 2.0 mode, bulk mode only on Windows with installed Amanero drivers.

 

[monsterbill]

On MAC's /Linux Amanero works in UAC 2.0 mode, bulk mode only on Windows with installed Amanero drivers.

Got it. What's weird is that Audirvana initially "saw" the U19 as a streaming product by another manufacturer. Not Amanero but someone else. And there Audirvana indicated that it was a Wasapi device. Unlikely, but I'll check to make sure that this misrecognition isn't causing part of the problem.

I suspect I just need some trial-and-error to find the right isolator, but if there is a more surgical fix with power or computer settings I'm all for it, and I appreciate your suggestions!

Amanero suggests using Texas Instruments products.

FWIW, I saw a random post where the user said that his Amanero device didn't like the Topping HS02 ($100), but did like the Intona isolator ($250).

 

[uncola]

If you need a cheapish galvanic isolator, I use this one, it works fine with the u2 pro. has it's own 9v power wall wart too
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256...t_main.45.76181802WnzkZr&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa about $70 after aliexpress coins etc

 

[monsterbill]

If you need a cheapish galvanic isolator, I use this one, it works fine with the u2 pro. has it's own 9v power wall wart too
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256...t_main.45.76181802WnzkZr&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa about $70 after aliexpress coins etc

That one didn’t work out for me. Unit failed. When it was working, sounded fine with u2 pro, but awful with the u19.

 

[sajunky]

That one didn’t work out for me. Unit failed. When it was working, sounded fine with u2 pro, but awful with the u19.

It is likely U19 a culprit, as it had a problem with 3166 unit too.

However a correct link (with referals removed) is this:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806536179857.html

 

[monsterbill]

This $50 "cablemax" usb isolator from Amazon is working for me: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QU232UM

This one also works with the U19 (finally!).

It's a 480mps usb isolator. They refreshed it last year from an older model that was only 12mps, but they didn't update all the documentation, so there's some confusing references. But it is supposed to be 480mps. I've tested it up to 192kHz with no issues.

It has a built-in data input cord. You can either run it off the usb power or with a 5v input (same size connector as the U2 Pro). It seems pretty sensitive to power quality on my set up, the cleaner the better.

In terms of the chip used, it's not listed so I can't tell unless I break it open, but the original model number (for the 12mps version) had "M4160" in it, suggesting maybe they were using an AduM4160? With more speculation, maybe they stuck with AduM when they switched to 480mps? Just guesses. Works fine tho.

 

[]eep]

Hi guys. There are so many pages to read through its giving me a headache. And I can't find the answers I'm looking for. And it's a bit out of my zone of competence. And not enough experience. So I just ask.

I just upgraded my Ares II R2R to a Laiv Harmony. So I now finally have a dac with i²s input. And my Rose RS250 does not have one, only spdifs and usb. So maybe it's time to try my first DDC (or second after the Musiland s01 with XMOS chip). I'm not prepared to invest in another big case for over $500 cluttering my rack.

The new dac is awesome, but it still has some trouble with low level signals. Like dying out ambient noises and reverb. On my always most difficult testtrack I can just about hear the birdies outside in the background on 2m40.
Morelenbaum² & Sakamoto - Casa, track 1; 'A praya deserta'

So I know the SU2 Pro (comes under several brands like Douk, Akliam, Leaf audio etc). But I've seen a few more options around $100 to almost 200. I'll post the pictures because that is more informative than a link that might not work. In order of interest:

-1 Amanero with FPGA and Accusilicon AS318 Femtosecond clocks
6-9V, FPGA for spdifs This one is around $110 (€115 incl %21 VAT)

-2 the same as the Douk U2pro With upgraded clocks
XMOS XU208 and temperature controlled Femtosecond CCHD 957-25
Works on 5V (no SMPS because of peaks)
This one is around $170 (€189 incl 21%. VAT)

This is the Douk U2pro, and it says Leaf Audio VMD 17C V1.3

-3 a similar XMOS based with a choice of clocks. Also 5V (no more than 5.5V)
Only I can't find the choice of upgraded clocks. This is CCHD575
I see just now that it doesn't have a HDMI socket for i²s so it doesn't check out.

Is there any benefit for Amanero over XMOS or vice versa as regards to i²s?

Same question for AS318 Femto vs CCHD575 Femto vs CCHD957 Femto temp controlled.

 

[Amberlamps]

I’ve been looking in to these to see if I would get a slight upgrade sq wise. My setup is an intel nuc running roon server which sadly does not have an optical output, so my setup goes like this, from the nuc out I use a usb A to B cable, which then goes to my Chord Mscaler and from there it’s optical in to my Chord Hugo TT 2.

Setup number two is the same above but with a Topping D10s as the first part of the chain and which it is a dac and a bridge. The A to B usb cable from my nuc goes in to the D10s and leaves it via its optical out port, which then goes in to my mscalers optical input and from there in to my TT 2 via its optical input.

Now the Topping uses the same xmos chip as the u2 pro, but it’s a dac and, what I was wondering about is if the topping degrades the sound before it gets to my Chord gear, since the d10s is also a dac and it must affect the signal since its a dac, so I was looking at the U2 Pro since its just a ddc, I even have it in my amazon basket but just haven't pulled the trigger yet as I’m unsure if it will be any better than the d10s, so is it worth buying it or does it make no sense since the d10s uses the same chip ?

What makes me want to buy it is 1, solely because it’s just a DDC and not also a DAC but, 2, I think the pcb and components are well made, on looks alone I would buy it.

 

[Amberlamps]

Hi guys. There are so many pages to read through its giving me a headache. And I can't find the answers I'm looking for. And it's a bit out of my zone of competence. And not enough experience. So I just ask.

I just upgraded my Ares II R2R to a Laiv Harmony. So I now finally have a dac with i²s input. And my Rose RS250 does not have one, only spdifs and usb. So maybe it's time to try my first DDC (or second after the Musiland s01 with XMOS chip). I'm not prepared to invest in another big case for over $500 cluttering my rack.

The new dac is awesome, but it still has some trouble with low level signals. Like dying out ambient noises and reverb. On my always most difficult testtrack I can just about hear the birdies outside in the background on 2m40.
Morelenbaum² & Sakamoto - Casa, track 1; 'A praya deserta'

So I know the SU2 Pro (comes under several brands like Douk, Akliam, Leaf audio etc). But I've seen a few more options around $100 to almost 200. I'll post the pictures because that is more informative than a link that might not work. In order of interest:

-1 Amanero with FPGA and Accusilicon AS318 Femtosecond clocks
6-9V, FPGA for spdifs This one is around $110 (€115 incl %21 VAT)



-2 the same as the Douk U2pro With upgraded clocks
XMOS XU208 and temperature controlled Femtosecond CCHD 957-25
Works on 5V (no SMPS because of peaks)
This one is around $170 (€189 incl 21%. VAT)





This is the Douk U2pro, and it says Leaf Audio VMD 17C V1.3



-3 a similar XMOS based with a choice of clocks. Also 5V (no more than 5.5V)
Only I can't find the choice of upgraded clocks. This is CCHD575
I see just now that it doesn't have a HDMI socket for i²s so it doesn't check out.





Is there any benefit for Amanero over XMOS or vice versa as regards to i²s?

Same question for AS318 Femto vs CCHD575 Femto vs CCHD957 Femto temp controlled.

The U2 Pro douk is £62 on amazon with xmos xu208

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08HN3VSF8/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_3?smid=A2KVF7QXNCLV8H&psc=1

 

[sajunky]

Now the Topping uses the same xmos chip as the u2 pro, but it’s a dac and a ddc and, what I was wondering about is if the topping degrades the sound before it gets to my Chord gear, since the d10s is also a dac and it must affect the signal since its a dac, so I was looking at the U2 Pro since its just a ddc

No, having D10 and Mscaler you don't need U2Pro. Mscaler works as DDC too. Can you use coax to TT2?

 

[]eep]

A DDC does more than just make a usb connection. A computer is very noisy electrically. There is noise on the digital line (no clear defined bits in form or length) and on the DC power line. A DDC regenerates a clearer signal and needs a more precise block signal for this. So the clocks are important too.

The U2Pro is nice but it doesn't have the very best power supply or clocks. It's great for the price though.

So again my questions:

-1 Which is better; Amanero or XMOS 208?

-2 Which clocks are better; Crystek CCHD 575, 957 or Accusilicon AS318?

(I understand that CCHD 975 is better bc it's temp controlled)

 

[monsterbill]

The U2Pro is nice but it doesn't have the very best power supply or clocks. It's great for the price though.

So again my questions:

-1 Which is better; Amanero or XMOS 208?

The U2Pro doesn't have a power supply, but you can add one of whatever cost or quality makes sense to you. It can be bought with upgraded clocks, and there are instructions on this thread of how to upgrade them yourself. Also,I think this thread was intended to be a how-to on this particular unit (although some posters including me took it elsewhere), which may be why you got a headache looking for advice on other units.

Regarding question #1, I've had both (and also XMOS xu316) but they come packaged so differently I can't compare just based on this component. I suspect the answers you'll get will be of the "it depends" variety. I will say, though, that Amanero has certain compatibility issues and I had a hard time finding a usb isolator that played nice with it, so all things being equal I might just go with one with an XMOS module.

 

[VintageAudio]

Hi guys. There are so many pages to read through its giving me a headache. And I can't find the answers I'm looking for. And it's a bit out of my zone of competence. And not enough experience. So I just ask.

I just upgraded my Ares II R2R to a Laiv Harmony. So I now finally have a dac with i²s input. And my Rose RS250 does not have one, only spdifs and usb. So maybe it's time to try my first DDC (or second after the Musiland s01 with XMOS chip). I'm not prepared to invest in another big case for over $500 cluttering my rack.

The new dac is awesome, but it still has some trouble with low level signals. Like dying out ambient noises and reverb. On my always most difficult testtrack I can just about hear the birdies outside in the background on 2m40.
Morelenbaum² & Sakamoto - Casa, track 1; 'A praya deserta'

So I know the SU2 Pro (comes under several brands like Douk, Akliam, Leaf audio etc). But I've seen a few more options around $100 to almost 200. I'll post the pictures because that is more informative than a link that might not work. In order of interest:

-1 Amanero with FPGA and Accusilicon AS318 Femtosecond clocks
6-9V, FPGA for spdifs This one is around $110 (€115 incl %21 VAT)



-2 the same as the Douk U2pro With upgraded clocks
XMOS XU208 and temperature controlled Femtosecond CCHD 957-25
Works on 5V (no SMPS because of peaks)
This one is around $170 (€189 incl 21%. VAT)





This is the Douk U2pro, and it says Leaf Audio VMD 17C V1.3



-3 a similar XMOS based with a choice of clocks. Also 5V (no more than 5.5V)
Only I can't find the choice of upgraded clocks. This is CCHD575
I see just now that it doesn't have a HDMI socket for i²s so it doesn't check out.





Is there any benefit for Amanero over XMOS or vice versa as regards to i²s?

Same question for AS318 Femto vs CCHD575 Femto vs CCHD957 Femto temp controlled.

I had the regular Douk U2 Pro and Douk U2 Pro with the upgraded Femto clocks. Went from Mac to Douk U2 Pro (USB) then to I2S to both my Musician Pegasus and Ares 12-1. Just subjective of course. I think the I2S sounded better than native USB. Darker background, cleaner, clearer more separated music on top. From U2 Pro to one with upgraded clocks, I think it improved as well, but kind of hard to confirm that.

Now, I've got Laiv, same as you and want to see if it's worth revisiting U2 Pro, or going with a more pricey option like HoloRed. I too prefer fewer boxes...or at least smaller boxes I can kind so my rig stays visually clean and uncluttered.

It's easy to add to many additional boxes to your signal chain for small improvements, that you only notice if you are AB testing or critically listening. Not sure the juice is always worth the squeeze.