[xiamen]

Hi,
I have a usb board firmware update question. I followed the process and no problem at all updating . I just wanted to know which version is the latest for cpu flash, I used 1096c. There is also 1096c4w2, 10963w2, 1096d_RJ. Could someone clear this up for me?

Thanks

Amanero never made it clear. I believe 10963w2 is the latest version for windows and 2003be for linux. There was supposedly a new version coming out late last year for all os but 4 months down and nothing. btw you can get 2003be from the same 117 for 1099rc1.

 

[fc911c]

Hi thanks for the replay. Yes it’s very confusing, so I will try the 10963w2. What about the newest firmware for the CPLD which one is it? Seams there’s no rhyme or reason.

Not sure what you mean by “you can get 2003be from the same 117 for 1099rc1”

Thanks

 

[Lennym]

Hi,
I have a usb board firmware update question. I followed the process and no problem at all updating . I just wanted to know which version is the latest for cpu flash, I used 1096c. There is also 1096c4w2, 10963w2, 1096d_RJ. Could someone clear this up for me?

Thanks

I did this a short while ago. The instructions from Jinbo are clear: firmware_1096c. That works for me.

I used one of the others by mistake as it came up automatically instead of 1096c and it didn't work correctly. Unless you enjoy experimenting I would either use 1096c or email Jinbo for his latest advice. Same if you really think there's been a firmware update.

Same with CPLD_for_1080.

 

[Lodwales81]

Sorry people bit of topic but pulling my hair out regarding getting a lks da004

I currently have mac book pro > schiit eitr > schiit bitfrost (not multi bit) > beyr A2 amp> beyer t1 g2 headphones.

I looking at my dac options that would best match my amp and headphones. Possiblysomething that can add a bit of warmth to the sound, as A2 amp can sound a bit digitallyhowever clarity is unreal. Was originally just going to get the multi bit upgrade on bit frost but then I started reading the forums and got lost a little. My budget is £1300

So far I'm considering


Chord qutest
Lks da004 a lot of hype
Gustard also a lot of hype
Audio gd r2r 2
Holo springs r2r

I have been told that r2r dacs sound a bit more relaxed but add warmth to the sound. I keep hearing top reviews about Lks but concerned regarding over hyped gear. Please help !!!!!! !!!

 

[Whitigir]

There is no hype about lks004. It has a lot of positive impressions, sure. Clarity and details can be a good or bad thing. If the rest of your system is not capable of handling it, you will hear brightness or sibilant instead.

I am not too crazy for Gustard, but from my opinions, all 3 companies, Gustard, LKS, Audio GD, are all leading the right ways. Proper power supply, and good audio grade parts with affordable pricing. Gustard Is a bit behind in quality parts, so their products are cheaper. Both LKS and Audio GD are similar in using high quality parts, and so they are priced similar

 

[Lennym]

Sorry people bit of topic but pulling my hair out regarding getting a lks da004

I currently have mac book pro > schiit eitr > schiit bitfrost (not multi bit) > beyr A2 amp> beyer t1 g2 headphones.

I looking at my dac options that would best match my amp and headphones. Possiblysomething that can add a bit of warmth to the sound, as A2 amp can sound a bit digitallyhowever clarity is unreal. Was originally just going to get the multi bit upgrade on bit frost but then I started reading the forums and got lost a little. My budget is £1300

So far I'm considering

Chord qutest
Lks da004 a lot of hype
Gustard also a lot of hype
Audio gd r2r 2
Holo springs r2r

I have been told that r2r dacs sound a bit more relaxed but add warmth to the sound. I keep hearing top reviews about Lks but concerned regarding over hyped gear. Please help !!!!!! !!!

"Quick definitions from Macmillan (hype)


noun▸
the use of a lot of advertisements and other publicity to influence or interest people
more...

verb▸
to use a lot of advertisements and other publicity to influence or interest people
more..."

There is no "hype" about any of these Chinese direct imports. They have virtually no North American or European presence. They are selling (at least beyond Asia) strictly on word of mouth among buyers who took their chances and are willing to put up with the inconvenience of dealing with companies 12,000 miles away. And you call that "hype"? If you want to see hype go to the web sites of Shiit or PS Audio for openers, or the pages of your favorite audio periodical.

I suggest, in the first place, that you try to assemble components, each of which is relatively neutral, to wit, neither warm nor clinical. Otherwise you'll have a hell of a time trying to compensate for deficiencies and lose a lot of options when it comes time to upgrade. Beyond that you'll have to do what others here and elsewhere have done which is to pick a pool and dive in. All of your listed DACs have happy owners.

Alternatively you can buy locally among companies that offer generous loaner or return policies.

 

[Whitigir]

I am surprised that you did not mention Chord for being a Hype. Chord, in a senses of marketing, cost, and technology, it is Hype! High-end products that cost 10k+ with a switching power supply, and many misleading marketing and advertisements. If that is not hype, then I don’t know what is.

Now, into the game of expensive cost to productions. You are not into a game of Audio-fool, but rather you are into a grown up game. That means, only people with solid professions and stable source of incomes to afford your products. There is no surprises that many are into technology and electrical engineerings. You can advertise your products to be built out of magic pixie dusts, or unicorn farts, but you can not fool the tech savvy folks. Yes, you can sell your products through deals, discounts, and some people will simply buy in because of your advertising, and brand status. But they are the minor.

If you want to play it safe, follow the people that knows, and are into technical discussions. Both LKS and Audio GD are surprisingly good and well made for their pricing to products and performances ratios. It surprises even the technical savvy folks. So, pick a table, sit in, and judge it yourself

 

[gruvytune]

Hi audiophile friends.
I came across this threat and i know it is a bit old. But thought I'd respond in case anyone is looking for a new DAC. I bought sight unseen after discussing the feedback with a few others. My current system is highly resolving after years of cobbling together what I consider a reference system now:
Rega Planar 5 w Crown Jewel mc cartridge
Laptop feeding via USB mostly lossless FLAC and SACD iso and DSD files (I have over 3 TB of data in a mirrored array - please do this, I lost my entire collection at one time as I procrastinated to get a backup drive)
Jriver music server (works the best at serving up DSD and SACD iso files) feeding
Convergent Audio SL1 Legend black path edition preamp
Classe Omega Mono amps (the last of the production specs)
YG Anat upgraded to Sonja 1.3 status
cables are non descript
I was using a variety of DACS over the years and had settled on a MF 1A DAC tried both USB and using a Gustard U20 reclocker.
I thought my system sounded just great, until I just got my LKS 004 w upgraded Amanero USB input.

It would be hard to go into too many details, but I am certain the system has been brought to a level of resolution and clarity I did not think was possible. I've listened to the "best" DACs on the market at many audio shows in the past several years and it would be hard to find fault with this unit just out of the box. I'm still running it in but after about 5 days, I think I can confidently say that I no longer have a desire to pull vinyl off the shelf. Even PCM files via flac sound beyond what vinyl can reproduce.
The dynamic range is on par w records sans the clicks and pops.
The level of transparency allows for resolution and space to be determined in live recordings so that individual voices and instruments can be localized in both depth and height. What I was hearing as occasional glare and sibilance - especially w female voice and horns - has disappeared - I was blaming this on the speakers having been at a loss of what was causing this.
The phase information on the recordings is clearly being transmitted and this can be determined in the system's ability to convey sense of recorded space and time delays from room reflections on the recording and in a great sense of depth and overtones/harmonics after notes are struck especially percussive instruments like piano and drums.

I had been leaning toward PS audio's perfect wave DAC as a competing option but for the price of this DAC, I can't imagine anything besting it.
There are folks like Ric Schultz doing modifications on this unit, but Jinbo at the LKS production facility has been taking suggestions over the last year from such people and adopted some of the mod suggestions into the newer production. I wouldn't mess with what is an essentially perfect machine. The production quality is not to be believed at this price. look at the forums elsewhere at pictures of the chassis and boards.

I'm not one to write reviews on things here but I felt compelled given all the banter about it back and forth. If anyone is on the fence, please keep this unit in mind when making a consideration. I bought mine directly from LKS (muaudio) and Jinbo is quick to answer emails and questions. You will save a couple of hundred buying direct from him vs his distributor and will be assured to have the latest production model.

T

 

[xiamen]

Hi thanks for the replay. Yes it’s very confusing, so I will try the 10963w2. What about the newest firmware for the CPLD which one is it? Seams there’s no rhyme or reason.

Not sure what you mean by “you can get 2003be from the same 117 for 1099rc1”

Thanks

I mean OEM Tool 117. Download that from https://amanero.com/combo384_firmware.htm, unzip and run ConfigTool.exe. You will find many versions of CPLD and firmware in there. There are actually 3 tabs in that program and literally hundreds if not thousands combination of options. According to that site 10963w2 is the latest version of windows firmware, but I don't know how up to date is that website. The reason I suggest 2003be for linux is because of the github website https://github.com/lintweaker/xmos-native-dsd/issues/12. But I don't use linux so can't say if you should use that and not 1099rc1. In fact, I have decided to bypass Amanero and goes down the Xmos path myself. I have another dac that uses xmos xu208 and have better experience than the Yulong I also had that uses Amanero. Also with the Singxer SU-1, I can try out i2s and it also supposedly provide better galvanic isolation etc that the in-built Amanero board. I had the upgraded Amanero board and tried mentally comparing the two options. It's not easy, the differences if any are subtle. However, I have decided to stick with the Singxer SU-1 as the music with it seems to have more energy. But that just me and my impression.

 

[fc911c]

Ok thanks for the explanation.

 

[rikm]

Yesterday I spoke to Domenico from Amanero. A new Windows driver compatible with 2003be is ready, but he is still going through some Microsoft bureaucracy before he can release it. BTW, he will probably release a new firmware as well to further refine 2003be.
Personally, I'm pretty happy with 2003be in Linux. I can playback at DSD256 and 512. I only get a random problem with the sound getting thinner, mostly at the higher frequency, without losing lock on the DAC. Domenico said it might be losing sync with oscillator - he will try to reproduce it.

Good morning bibo01, you say you also use your LKS-4 with linux, and I am thinking of trying to flash the Amanero board running v1.17 under wine...did you ever give this any thought? I don't have a windoze pc available and want to avoid taking the DAC on a road trip if possible... anyway, the utility starts up and seems to be functional under wine, so I'm thinking...

And you say that you are happy with the 2003be firmware but did not mention if you changed the CPLD version in any way...do you remember what version of that you have?


thanks and any info appreciated,


rikm

 

[bibo01]

Good morning bibo01, you say you also use your LKS-4 with linux, and I am thinking of trying to flash the Amanero board running v1.17 under wine...did you ever give this any thought? I don't have a windoze pc available and want to avoid taking the DAC on a road trip if possible... anyway, the utility starts up and seems to be functional under wine, so I'm thinking...

And you say that you are happy with the 2003be firmware but did not mention if you changed the CPLD version in any way...do you remember what version of that you have?


thanks and any info appreciated,

rikm

Sorry I don't think CPLD version was changed.
I should call Amanero and get an update on his firmware staus...

 

[Lodwales81]

Hmm, my head says chord (local dealer and returned if any issues) but think I will hit the button on the Lks (people are giving some amazing feedback) hoping this bad boy blows me away, thank you for your comments appreciate them.

 

[rikm]

Sorry I don't think CPLD version was changed.
I should call Amanero and get an update on his firmware staus...

...think you are right on the CPLD version, can't find anything to indicate that it should be changed...
and the utility also shows a '2003be_71A' choice, with no description...no info found on that as yet

 

[aggielaw]

I haven't bothered to look at the firmware version of my unit, but if an update is available what would be the benefit of flashing it?

Thanks!