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Hi Ian,
First let me reiterate my situation. I've been using the E17 with my iPad via CCK and USB hub to play 96khz-24bit FLAC files using FLAC Player. Up until the iOS was updated to 5.1, this set up worked perfectly. After the iOS update to 5.1 I get what sounds like distortion (maybe it is this "ragged top end" you speak of) on any files that are above 48khz. They can be FLAC files on FLAC Player or AIFF files on the Apple music player - it doesn't matter. I've worked with Dan Leehr (FLAC Player developer) to see if he could do anything to no avail. I'm desparately seeking a solution!! My "portable" Hi-Res DAP is rendered useless because of this.
So, a few questions to you... First, are you listening to files that are higher than 48khz when you hear this "ragged top end"? Second, are you using a 2x USB A to 1x Mini B Cable like what Ike shows in his diagram? If you are just using a powered USB Hub, what brand and model is it? What brand and model USB cables are you using?
Thanks!
My situation is similar except since I am using the New iPad (3) then I have no experience before iOS 5.1. My comment about a ragged top end was about USB cable quality and not related to the real problem.
My experience of using FLAC player to play 96khz – 24 bit FLAC files is that there is a continual clicking sound overlaying the music. This only happens to me with FLAC player because it syncs. the E17 at 96khz. If I use Capriccio, GoldenEar or EqualizerPro then they play fine. However they must be decoding the FLAC file and pumping it out to the E17 at 48khz, 16 bit. At least that’s what it says on the E17’s display.
Given this situation the questions you ask are not really relevant but rather than ignore them I will tell you that I have used two different USB hubs, also a Y cable and a straightforward USBA to USBA cable and various USBA to USBMiniB cables. The only ones to definitely avoid are the PoundStore versions.
SUGGESTION
If Dan Leehr is experiencing this problem on other brands of DAC then perhaps he should consider the same solution. If you are in touch with him could you persuade him to add “
LIMIT output to 48 / 16” as an option to FLAC Player. Then at least we have a way of using the E17.
Currently the best options available to E17 users seem to be:
1. Persuade Dan to implement the above option
2. Use a competing FLAC playing app. Of the above I recommend GoldenEar at the moment.
3. Use a LOD cable. That means you are using the Apple DAC but the one in the New iPad seems pretty good. This solution also has the advantage that you don’t need to carry a USB hub but are still using the E17's excellent headamp.
Is it worth you talking to Dan?
Ian