GoodSoundClub - Romy the Cat's Audio Site

In the Forum: Didital Things
In the Thread: The LavryBlack DA11 Stereo DA Converter

Post Subject: MAC & DAC - LavryPosted by scooter on: 4/26/2009

Hi Mats:

Thanks for the update. I find the Lavry DA-11 to be an interesting unit, not because of all the "features" but because of Mr Lavry's long history producing serous DACs and the consumer-friendly pricing. I do wish that Mr Lavry did not have any volume adjustments in these units, regardless of adjustment type and wonder if Mr Lavry would be amenable to setting a fixed output for an additional fee (the Gold pots can be partially defeated at the factory)

Some thoughts with respect to the Mac when using a DAC, based on my experience:

* Make sure that you use a fully dedicated USB 2.0 port on your Mac principally to maximize data throughput and minimize transmission volatility; some USB ports are tied to other internal services, such as the mouse, keyboard, etc and should be avoided. The right-hand USB port on my MacBook Pro is best for me, but you can search the internet for your model

* Both the Mac and the USB cable (when plugged in) cause interference with my recently serviced tuner. For me the solution is to disconnect the USB cable from the computer when listening to the tuner. I keep the Mac away from the tuner/antenna cable and note there is less interference when the Mac is running on battery power. I don't know if your Lavry is "noisy" but I see no downside in keeping it a few feet away from other equipment

* Somebody at the Goodsoundclub (Romy I think) discussed the DiscRotate program. If you listen to CDs, DiscRotate slows down your drive speed thereby reducing disc whirrrrrrrrring noise

* Computer optimization:

- itunes>preferences>playback, you should deselect <crossfade>, <soundcheck>, <enhancer> (that should be called un-enhancer by the way)

- itunes>window>equalizer, you should make sure the equalizer box is deselected

- OSX>system preferences>sound>sound effects, you should deselect the <sound effects> boxes

- OSX>audio midi>audio devices>audio output, you need to manually select format/bit rate when DAC is plugged in and turned on

- Optional: OSX is quirky regarding changes in format. When you change file format (say from 16/48 to 24/96), you want to make sure you adjust <audio midi> manually, so OSX is not making automatic format changes (let the Lavry deal with the native formats). After changing <audio midi> you may need to exit iTunes and reopen iTunes, then check that your <audio midi> adjustments "stuck." You could ignore these steps or just write a macro to do that

* For some reason, I have obtained unsatisfactory sonic results passing CDs to the hard drive (using both iTunes in the Mac and EAC in windows XP via Mac). I am puzzled here so will have to try on a dedicated Windows system with a better optical drive someday, perhaps (or not)

Good luck,

S

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