Well I'm happy with the sound I'm getting through the Genelec 8010s and so far I've tried Denon D7000 and Audeze LCD-2v1 with great results.
However, the Micro gets dropped from my laptop somehow when I'm not playing anything (after approx 10-15 minutes of websurfing, etc). It sends a loud thud to the Genelecs and then the only way to get sound again is to turn the Micro off and then on again.
Suggestions on how to resolve this?
Hi,
In default setting (factory) the Genelec Monitors will produce 100dB/1m with 0.39V input (-6dBU). In other words, these monitors have
very high input sensitivity and will require less than 0.39V to produce maximum rated output (96dB/1m).
The studio standard is normally -14....-20dBFS = +6dBU or around 3.9V = 0dB. So this is
a HUGE mismatch with any sensible source,
even an iPhone will overload these speakers easily (never mind the micro iDSD).
In Eco mode the iDSD micro will produce > 2V output with the volume control maxed out and a 0dB signal, this would produce in theory 114dB, where normal listening levels are commonly at 85dB average and 105dB peak for 0dBSF.
In practice it will overload the speaker severely with the volume at max. and it results in magnifying a fairly minor click when the DAC goes into standby.
Using Normal or Turbo mode boosts the preamp output gain another 9dB and produces around 5.5V (normal mode) output, WAY too much for the Genelec 8010, though appropriate for any gear following traditional studio standards.
The Genelec 8010 can be switched to lower sensitivity, using the -10dB switch. This will give a better volume control range in Eco mode and significantly reduce the loudness of the click.
Even better choice and match between DAC and active monitor may be to use an external 20dB attenuator between iDSD micro and Monitor and normal mode for both items. This way 3.9V will produce 100dB.
Alternatively, as others have suggested Software version 5.XB will disable sleep mode and do away with the click. In stationary, 'always on' use in Eco or Normal mode sleep mode is not necessary, as long as the iDSD micro is occasionally turned off and allowed to top up the battery to full.
We hope we haven't data overloaded anyone who reads this!