[mb3]

Well done - if you could post the details here that would be appreciated.

 

[Lennym]

I tried to upload the file, but I don't see it. It's 9 pages. i'll try it again here. If it does not appear perhaps someone can tell me how.

 

[littlexx26]

does it sound better with new firmware?

 

[Lennym]

does it sound better with new firmware?

It loaded Firmware 1.096c3w2 which I don't think is different than what I had before. It's what Jinbo's instructions recommend. Also I've changed to a silver USB cable, so it does sound better.

On the Amanero site there is a firmware 1099rc1. Is that a later version? Perhaps someone can comment on using it.

 

[brickears]

It's the 2003 versions that are Linux Native DSD only compatible (unless Amanero have released the latest Windows driver for it?) so I'd be careful unless your a Linux user. You'll need 4.9+ kernel to be compatible out of the box with Native DSD. It's slightly glitchy but mostly stable, and sounds on par with previous version.

I've also gone back to my T+A as I've truly missed the dynamic swing on that unit. It makes the LKS sounds un-energetic, and a little too laid back. When the T+A is properly warmed up its also stretching out further on the sound-stage in all planes, though the LKS doesn't exactly lack in this area. One thing that did surprise me was the T+A with highly compressed music - very soild, composed, extracted what it could without falling apart. LKS not so great in this area. T+A bass is truly special, and whilst the LKS doesn't quite match it, its again not too far off.

The LKS still walks over the T+A in PCM mode, no doubts there for PCM listeners. But used in DSD 512 mode, in my setup the T+A is actually ahead with exception to the last shades of tonality / resolution.

The T+A's analog volume control is clearly better at lower volumes, but again the LKS doesn't shame itself here either.

The good news is the LKS isn't that far behind, and I suspect with some tweaks it could definitely catch up.

On a slight bummer - I've noticed my right channel has a low level hissing that appears after an hour or so of playing music, regardless of input, and regardless of whether its playing or idle. Anything I can tweak here? It's loud enough to be heard 2m+ from my speakers in a quiet room, and doesn't appear with the T+A. I suspect I may have to return it for repair.

 

[brickears]

LKS have already replied, want myself to send it back for repairs. They're also going to look at the caps upgrades and getting the current XO onto a DIP, along with placing a 950X onto a DIP card. Could work out quite well in the end.

 

[Lennym]

LKS have already replied, want myself to send it back for repairs. They're also going to look at the caps upgrades and getting the current XO onto a DIP, along with placing a 950X onto a DIP card. Could work out quite well in the end.

Are you going to send them the whole unit, or are you going to pull the circuit board and just send that?

 

[brickears]

Are you going to send them the whole unit, or are you going to pull the circuit board and just send that?

Circuit board only, along with a Crystek 950X. LKS don't reckon there's much to be gained out of the XO, but he's happy for me to try and experiment.

 

[b0bb]

Circuit board only, along with a Crystek 950X. LKS don't reckon there's much to be gained out of the XO, but he's happy for me to try and experiment.

LKS is correct for the stock configuration. The caps on the XO regulator have to be changed as well as the bypass caps for the I/V converter.

On its own the 950X presentation is even more laid back if the caps are not changed.

If LKS is doing the work for you, ask them if they can change the bypass cap for the DAC's DC current reference, this is the big axial cap in the foreground next to the red WIMA boxes, use a very low DC leakage cap like a solid tantalum bead.
LKS should do the work as it involves resetting the DAC's DC offset and this is not easy with the 004.

 

[brickears]

@b0bb yep LKS are changing all the Nichion caps in the DAC + Output stage including the bypass caps to Blackgate suitable equivalents, including those LPF ones at the rear. Should be interesting.

 

[bibo01]

With DSD (64-512) playback what is the lowest DPLL you can achieve on 004?

 

[Lennym]

On a consistent basis: 7. For some files I can lower it, but sooner or later, back to 7. For PCM, of course: 1.

 

[brickears]

Just a heads up on the right channel issue - it seems the Amanero with beta firmware caused the hissing issue, which persisted across different inputs once caused (?!). Guess it set the DAC into a bad state. Will look to get the LKS revised as it does seem a bit too thin and dull compared to the T+A. I wonder how much of this is related to the digital volume control mind?

 

[Whitigir]

I have upgraded the firmware on my Amenero with the PDF guides from Mel @Lennym. Thank you very much!

Firmware can be downloaded at Amenero website
https://amanero.com/combo384_firmware.htm
I did not hope to have any gain from Audio performances, but instead I want the DAC to stop loosing lock in low bandwidth during USB connections.

The process involved opening up the unit and resetting the USB module with powered on, so there is a risk of possible electric shock.

Testing it out now, and hope that it won’t lose lock at BD02, and stalling

So I will screenshot the process and post it here. Please follow the steps below.

Disclaimers: do this at your own risk as working with any live powered electrical devices will have a deadly potential risk. Be warned, take precautions, and know what you are doing to take precautions steps necessary .

I am simply sharing the processes and experiences, the risk is your to take, and I can not be held responsible for anything happened to you and your device.





***Still losing lock and stall with BD01 and BD02 in the first 15 minutes randomly

 

[Lennym]

"***Still losing lock and stall with BD01 and BD02 in the first 15 minutes randomly"

With PCM files?