iFi Audio Zen Dac 3... Plug In, World Out!

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Just tried it with a M1 MacBook Pro, shut the Mac off and the Zendac was still on. I'm not using any kind of hubs or adapters. Seems like an identical issue to what faustus67 was having. What ever changes you made in the V3 firmware to fix that, just copy and paste it into the V2 firmware

Thanks

Just had a chance to test with my Mini PC, I am using the original USB cable included with our Zen Dacs which has a larger end than standard USB B and the V2 turned right of with computer shutdown.

Do you happen to be using the original cable or an aftermarket one because ours is a shorter cable?

This may be why it powered down on my Mac originally.

Thanks for your continued help in diagnosing...

If you would rather just send me a PM we could avoid clogging this thread up lol

Cheers!!

 

[spdtdl]

That's interesting, were you going direct into a USB A port?

If so, could you try using a USB A > C adapter and repeating your test? I'm using the iFi one on the MacBook, as it has no native A ports.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

That's interesting, were you going direct into a USB A port?

If so, could you try using a USB A > C adapter and repeating your test? I'm using the iFi one on the MacBook, as it has no native A ports.

I can do that later, yes!

This would be the reason I initially said I have never seen this was I remember buying a USB 3.0 A to B cable way back when I bought the V1 so I would have always been using the 3.0 cable for years.

Can't post the link but the cable is on Amazon, just search Jsaux USB 3.0 A to B cable and you will see it looks exactly like the one we included.

I will test your scenario with both a normal A to B and the 3.0 with the adapter and get back to you, I will also report the findings to the tech folks and support so we get a clearer picture of what needs addressing.

Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

That's interesting, were you going direct into a USB A port?

If so, could you try using a USB A > C adapter and repeating your test? I'm using the iFi one on the MacBook, as it has no native A ports.

This is the USB C version of what I always used...

https://www.amazon.com/JSAUX-Briade...2&ref_=pd_hp_d_atf_ci_mcx_mr_ca_hp_atf_d&th=1

Will let you know testing the OTG iFi cable and also just a USB C to A adapter and let you know

I have older Macs so no direct USB C, but it will narrow our focus

Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

You may also want to check your Mac power settings as The ZD may not be getting the shutdown signal from the USB due to power option (charging options if applicable) see this search...

To prevent your MacBook from sending power through the USB-C port when it's shut down, you need to adjust the power settings in your system preferences, typically by enabling an option called "Prevent charging when off"or something similar, depending on your macOS version; this setting might be found within the "Battery" section of System Settings.


Here's how to access the setting:

• Open System Settings: Go to the Apple menu and select "System Settings".
• Navigate to Battery: In the sidebar, click on "Battery".
• Find the "Prevent charging when off" option: Look for an option that allows you to control whether power is sent through the USB-C port when the MacBook is shut down.
• Enable the setting: Toggle the option to "On" to prevent power delivery when the MacBook is off.
  
  

 

[spdtdl]

I'm running the very latest macOS and don't have any setting like that. However to test the theory I plugged in a USB fan, and when I shutdown the MacBook it went off, so it's safe to assume the ports are not getting power.

In further tests, if I use the original cable, but with the ifi branded usb A > C dongle, the DAC stays on. This also happens if I use an apple dongle. It also stays on if I use a USB B to C cable.

However If I plug the Dac into an anker USB A Hub, it goes off. So, seems it's something to do with USB C? I assume using Hub's won't affect audio quality as it's just a digital signal at that point, and power is coming from an external source anyway.

 

[spdtdl]

My mistake, I thought using the anker hub was turning the Dac off when using the original cable, because the coloured LED around the volume pot which indicates bitrate went off. However the TRUEBASS light is still on, so in fact, that idea didn't work either.

Using a USB B to C cable into the hub does work and turns off both the bitrate LED and the TRUEBASS light.

So confusing!

I will await your tests

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

My mistake, I thought using the anker hub was turning the Dac off when using the original cable, because the coloured LED around the volume pot which indicates bitrate went off. However the TRUEBASS light is still on, so in fact, that idea didn't work either.

Using a USB B to C cable into the hub does work and turns off both the bitrate LED and the TRUEBASS light.

So confusing!

I will await your tests

I tested it as much as I can and am inclined to believe that it indeed has something to do with USB C and Apple, which is a much smaller range for tech to focus on. In just about every scenario the unit powered off properly with no Power match our Truebass lights on when computer is shutdown fully this using original cable and USB A to B.

I am thankful for your patience and help in narrowing it down, and will now pass my findings on the the folks in Tech to hopefully expedite a fix for V2 users.

Thanks for your attention! Appreciated!

Cheers!!

 

[spdtdl]

Thank you for your assistance, much appreciated!

 

[westsounds]

Does this have a different chip to the nano black, is it as capable and would you say it has a smoother sound signature? The bass button could be a nice feature as well for me. I don’t dislike the nano, but I am looking for something to accompany it for perhaps a slightly smoother flavour.

I like a bit of rock as well, I’m just thinking will this be better suited for that and some poorer recordings than the nano.

Can see this unit has the balanced output. I’m planning on using Senn HD800S with it.

Almost pulled the trigger on a Cayin RU7 today. I was intrigued by the perhaps vintage sound. To date I think the best digital I’ve heard for enjoyment was from an old Pioneer PD91 CDP, thought the RU7 may create that vintage sound again. I did try the RU6, that was good actually, but it wasn’t a keeper for me. Anyway decided against the RU7 in the end, I fancy holding out and perhaps trying this V3 instead.

Any opinions?

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Does this have a different chip to the nano black, is it as capable and would you say it has a smoother sound signature? The bass button could be a nice feature as well for me. I don’t dislike the nano, but I am looking for something to accompany it for perhaps a slightly smoother flavour.

I like a bit of rock as well, I’m just thinking will this be better suited for that and some poorer recordings than the nano.

Can see this unit has the balanced output. I’m planning on using Senn HD800S with it.

Almost pulled the trigger on a Cayin RU7 today. I was intrigued by the perhaps vintage sound. To date I think the best digital I’ve heard for enjoyment was from an old Pioneer PD91 CDP, thought the RU7 may create that vintage sound again. I did try the RU6, that was good actually, but it wasn’t a keeper for me. Anyway decided against the RU7 in the end, I fancy holding out and perhaps trying this V3 instead.

Any opinions?

They both use Burr Brown chip, hopefully you will get some opinions on the pairing from folks who use it in this way!

Cheers!!

 

[westsounds]

They both use Burr Brown chip, hopefully you will get some opinions on the pairing from folks who use it in this way!

Cheers!!

I know they are both Burr Brown, but what chips are they exactly, such as PCM63, PCM1716 etc?

 

[sulfuriq]

Will there be a new Zen DAC Signature v3 that support the higher 768kHz? Once Signature never come back

 

[Assationater]

Will there be a new Zen DAC Signature v3 that support the higher 768kHz? Once Signature never come back

I got told on reddit they have no plans for any new signature zen models...

 

[sulfuriq]

I got told on reddit they have no plans for any new signature zen models...

Then ifi, make a plan. Update the Zen DAC Signature.