[iFi audio]

The problem is that I have one "analog source" - my monitor with 3,5 mm single output.

OK, now I understand. The problem is that there's no way to send analog signal to a DAC that accepts only digital data.

That is why I am asking about connecting CAN and DAC and play audio in this way: monitor > CAN rear 3,5 input > DAC rear RCA output > speakers.

This unfortunately wouldn't work.

 

[x X x]

OK, now I understand. The problem is that there's no way to send analog signal to a DAC that accepts only digital data.



This unfortunately wouldn't work.

Okay, thank you. So I "stuck" with the CAN front 3,5 single output Or with the 3,5 mm audio splitter plugged to the monitor with one side to the speakers directly and second one to the CAN (for Xbox audio amplification for headphones).

Thanks.

 

[GlenAppleton]

It's all good. ZEN CAN's balanced output would work for a different balanced analog product. For example, you could use ZEN CAN as a preamplifier for a stereo power amp, that would work.

@iFi audio - Is the 4.4 balanced output on the CAN fixed (passthrough) or variable (volume controlled)?

 

[x X x]

@iFi audio - Is the 4.4 balanced output on the CAN fixed (passthrough) or variable (volume controlled)?

I've checked it for you. Rear balanced output is variable, work simultaneously with front outputs, all features of Zen are working with it (volume control, gain, xbass, 3d), but output is way quieter than front - I've compared front single ended on custom cable to Sundara, and rear balanced also with custom cable to Sundara. Both cables were plugged in while playing.

 

[iFi audio]

I've checked it for you. Rear balanced output is variable, work simultaneously with front outputs, all features of Zen are working with it (volume control, gain, xbass, 3d), but output is way quieter than front - I've compared front single ended on custom cable to Sundara, and rear balanced also with custom cable to Sundara. Both cables were plugged in while playing.

Yes, ZEN CAN's outputs are variable just so that this product can be used as a preamp. However, its rear 4.4mm output is a variable line out (not a headphone amp out!) so naturally it has to be far quieter in comparison to a headphone out.

 

[GlenAppleton]

Yes, ZEN CAN's outputs are variable just so that this product can be used as a preamp. However, its rear 4.4mm output is a variable line out (not a headphone amp out!) so naturally it has to be far quieter in comparison to a headphone out.

So, given what both you and x X x posted, I assume the GAIN settings are not just for the headphone amp, but are also affecting the line out (rear outputs) as well. Yes?

 

[iFi audio]

So, given what both you and x X x posted, I assume the GAIN settings are not just for the headphone amp, but are also affecting the line out (rear outputs) as well. Yes?

That's correct, yes!

 

[x X x]

So I bought Zen Dac V1 with iPower 12V. The previous owner told me that he used both without problems. Is it really safe to use Zen Dac (or/and Can) with iPower, but 12 V version? Right now I am using regular 5V/2A output / 0.5A input power brick with my Can.

 

[Baten]

So I bought Zen Dac V1 with iPower 12V. The previous owner told me that he used both without problems.

12V instead of 5V??? You can easily brick the entire thing, I would be extremely cautious.

 

[GlenAppleton]

So I bought Zen Dac V1 with iPower 12V. The previous owner told me that he used both without problems. Is it really safe to use Zen Dac (or/and Can) with iPower, but 12 V version? Right now I am using regular 5V/2A output / 0.5A input power brick with my Can.

The Zen DAC should work fine just with USB power (no external power needed). However, if you feel you need external power, I would get a clean 5v DC power source and not use the 12v you have now as it could (and probably will) end up damaging the DAC.

 

[x X x]

12V instead of 5V??? You can easily brick the entire thing, I would be extremely cautious.

The Zen DAC should work fine just with USB power (no external power needed). However, if you feel you need external power, I would get a clean 5v DC power source and not use the 12v you have now as it could (and probably will) end up damaging the DAC.

I am curious how this guy used it and it still works. Or maybe I do not know everything about it. But looks like DAC is working properly. I will check it with brick used for Can.

Yeah, Dac works quite well with USB only. Unfortunately the USB port which I am using is always powered on, so instant volume light for it. But I am not bothering about it to much.

 

[Baten]

I am curious how this guy used it and it still works. Or maybe I do not know everything about it. But looks like DAC is working properly. I will check it with brick used for Can.

You can always use a higher amp PSU since the device just draws the wattage it needs. But higher voltage, especially x2/x3 usually just burns through the circuitry (unless there is some overvolt protection in which case it also won't turn on or boot, just won't do anything then). But it is 100% NOT safe to use that 12V adapter!

 

[GlenAppleton]

You can always use a higher amp PSU since the device just draws the wattage it needs. But higher voltage, especially x2/x3 usually just burns through the circuitry (unless there is some overvolt protection in which case it also won't turn on or boot, just won't do anything then). But it is 100% NOT safe to use that 12V adapter!

Exactly. And to add what you said, even products that use step-down or power-clamping circuits will usually show a range of power adapters that can be used for best results. Push them farther than that and you're using the product outside of it's stated operational parameters, which can and often will lead to "bad things". In the case of the Zen DAC, it's stated to use 5v DC power, so there isn't even a range to consider, outside the standard tolerances.

 

[x X x]

Hi. I was asking about this on the Facebook group, unfortunately without the answers.

Is the Dac v1 supposed to enter standby mode (blue light) for specific circumstances? Is it managed by Dac firmware or computer itself? I know that drives for Linux are not supported but I am trying to achieve this under my Debian machine. I am using Logitech Media Server and squeezelie packages under Docker. Just after reboot of system Dac goes to blue light mode and when the play button is pressed in LMS Dac is woken up and music starts playing. From the time when the music is being stopped Dac stays in the power on mode (I believe) with the led color matching last played bitrate. And it is accessible instantly.

Edit:

Another funny thing is that my Zen Dac is not recognized my Debian system when connected using USB cable with power cable plugged in. There are errors such device descriptor read/64, error -110 and command lsusb hangs the system.

I have a regular power brick with 5V/2A (for Zen Can).

Anyone here using Zen Dac v1 under Debian with power brick?

 

[x X x]

Anyone here using Zen Dac v1 or v2 with the piCorePlayer on Raspberry Pi?