GPK 11 Posted June 18, 2015 Share Posted June 18, 2015 Changed my mind today. Went back to the USB input and it's more detailed with better separation. I'm liking it a lot. Went back to both switches up as well. As a former owner of an NAD M51 it's a big improvement, though I do miss the HDMI inputs and remote volume control 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bill125812 3,320 Posted June 18, 2015 Share Posted June 18, 2015 Hi GPK As the owner of a NAD M51 in interested that you believe the Klein is better I've ordered one from Clay today to be picked up on Tuesday I'm very interested to hear the difference Cheers Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GPK 11 Posted June 18, 2015 Share Posted June 18, 2015 Hi GPK As the owner of a NAD M51 in interested that you believe the Klein is better I've ordered one from Clay today to be picked up on Tuesday I'm very interested to hear the difference Cheers It'll be really interesting to hear if you come to the same conclusions as I have. We'll swap notes once you get to hear the Klein in your own system. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bill125812 3,320 Posted June 18, 2015 Share Posted June 18, 2015 It'll be really interesting to hear if you come to the same conclusions as I have. We'll swap notes once you get to hear the Klein in your own system. I'll make sure I let you know after a week or so of listening Really looking forward to it Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GPK 11 Posted June 20, 2015 Share Posted June 20, 2015 Just tried plugging in my Squeezebox Touch to the USB input with the EDO plug in. The Squeezebox didn't seem to recognise the DAC. Is this is a known problem or am I doing something wrong? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
~Spyne~ 1,013 Posted June 20, 2015 Share Posted June 20, 2015 Just tried plugging in my Squeezebox Touch to the USB input with the EDO plug in. The Squeezebox didn't seem to recognise the DAC. Is this is a known problem or am I doing something wrong? You'll need to go to Settings > Advanced > Digital Input > Select Digital Input and choose "USB: Combo384" (at least I think this is what the USB input is called, from memory) The SBT will then reboot and all should work after that. I've found it a real pain in the rear trying to compare my previous Arcam irDAC to the Klein as they use different USB receiver chips and therefore I need to do this process and reboot the SBT each time I switch. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gieseler Audio 2,470 Posted June 20, 2015 Author Share Posted June 20, 2015 (edited) GPK, I think with a USB DAC & a Squeezebox touch you need some sort of third party app for the DAC to be recognised. I would think S/PDIF (coax or optical) would be a better way to go. http://www.audiostream.com/content/get-usb-dac-and-24196-digital-output-your-squeezebox-touch PS just seen spyne's post, looks like he has it sorted Edited June 20, 2015 by Gieseler Audio Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GPK 11 Posted June 20, 2015 Share Posted June 20, 2015 You'll need to go to Settings > Advanced > Digital Input > Select Digital Input and choose "USB: Combo384" (at least I think this is what the USB input is called, from memory) The SBT will then reboot and all should work after that. I've found it a real pain in the rear trying to compare my previous Arcam irDAC to the Klein as they use different USB receiver chips and therefore I need to do this process and reboot the SBT each time I switch. You've got to love SNA! All sorted. Though I had to install some sort of Linux Kernel as well. Thanks! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Juicester 1,377 Posted June 22, 2015 Share Posted June 22, 2015 anyone have a report about improvements to the Klein using something like a synchro mesh or remedy reclocker? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bill125812 3,320 Posted June 23, 2015 Share Posted June 23, 2015 Just picked up my Klein apRac from Clay this morning Plugged it in and am presently A B comparing against my NAD M51. The Klein hasn't been burnt in yet naturally, but first impressions are very positive Bass seems to be handled better by the Klein. Slightly tighter The MIds and upper ranges are similar to the NAD so far. Detail seems to be very good indeed Will report back as the Dac burns in a week or so. Clay is fantastic to deal with by the way Cheers 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Addicted to music 7,112 Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 Just picked up my Klein apRac from Clay this morning Plugged it in and am presently A B comparing against my NAD M51. The Klein hasn't been burnt in yet naturally, but first impressions are very positive Bass seems to be handled better by the Klein. Slightly tighter The MIds and upper ranges are similar to the NAD so far. Detail seems to be very good indeed Will report back as the Dac burns in a week or so. Clay is fantastic to deal with by the way Cheers Hi Bill, What version firmware are you running on the M51? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bill125812 3,320 Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 Hi Addicted Version 1.50 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jventer 1,668 Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 anyone have a report about improvements to the Klein using something like a synchro mesh or remedy reclocker? Check out posts 28 and 41. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bill125812 3,320 Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 (edited) I'm tending to agree with GPK so far. Edited June 24, 2015 by Bill125812 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Juicester 1,377 Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 Check out posts 28 and 41. can't see any mention of a reclocker? i'm thinking of using spdif, not usb anyway.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bill125812 3,320 Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 (edited) My source is a re clocked wyred for sound Sonos connect. I'm using spdif Sounding very detailed so far. Edited June 24, 2015 by Bill125812 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Suopermanni 251 Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 Took the plunge on a Klein Dac. Hope I can hear good results on my headphone rig. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gieseler Audio 2,470 Posted June 24, 2015 Author Share Posted June 24, 2015 Hey how is everyone finding the front blue power led brightness? I have set it fairly low but it is simple to reduce it more. I know some people like to listen in very low light levels. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bill125812 3,320 Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 Hi Clay. It's a little bright , but liveable with. Cheers Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gieseler Audio 2,470 Posted June 24, 2015 Author Share Posted June 24, 2015 Hi Bill, Next time you are on the coast drop in with it & I can reduce it down a bit, two minute job! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bill125812 3,320 Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 Thanks Clay Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Suopermanni 251 Posted June 26, 2015 Share Posted June 26, 2015 Got my Klein DAC this morning! Left it powered on all day. Is that how you 'burn in' a DAC? Never heard of doing that before. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
frankn 2,562 Posted June 26, 2015 Share Posted June 26, 2015 Got my Klein DAC this morning! Left it powered on all day. Is that how you 'burn in' a DAC? Never heard of doing that before.play music through it for a week or more non-stop. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Demondes 675 Posted June 26, 2015 Share Posted June 26, 2015 is DSD still in the works? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
qwerter 647 Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 is DSD still in the works? We demand DSD! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ancientflatulence 1,572 Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 Look out Clay ....... they're getting militant ............ you'll have a picket line outside the shop if you're not careful ................. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gieseler Audio 2,470 Posted June 27, 2015 Author Share Posted June 27, 2015 OK, yes I hear you guys. I just have to find time to get stuck into the R&D for the Klein DAC 2. The good thing is that all the current hardware is fully compatible for DSD. I just need to implement software control for the AK4490. Software control on the chip wiill also give us access the the fifth filter setting, the so called super filter whitch is supposed to be very good. 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bill125812 3,320 Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 Ok. I want it already. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Demondes 675 Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 Oh my. Just plugged my mac mini into my amp with $2 headphone out cable to 2rca cables eg mac mini is dac (via roon). It is like shaving with a blunt rusty shaver, after selling my psaudio ds dac. I will have to use vinyl until I get a replacement dac. I don't think I can wait for the DSD version, if I go with Klein dac. Would there be any upgrade path from the current klein dac to the potential DSD Version? 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gieseler Audio 2,470 Posted June 28, 2015 Author Share Posted June 28, 2015 Hi Demondes, Yes there will definately be an attractive upgrade path for Klein DAC owners to the DSD version when it comes available. Bruce is keenly awaiting the arrival of your PS Audio DAC. He is a good friend & lives close by so it will be good to hear a reference standard DAC in his system, not that his AMR DP-777 was bad. It will be good for me too as Bruce's system is serious high end so it will be good to compare the little Klein against the mighty PS Audio DS! Hey Bruce maybe you should host a DAC GTG, after all you now have THREE good DAC's to start the ball rolling. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gcgreg 292 Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 I don't think I can wait for the DSD version, if I go with Klein dac. Would there be any upgrade path from the current klein dac to the potential DSD Version? Even if not, the resale of the Klein to someone like me who is happy to buy a used item for a small discount would protect your investment somewhat. There are also DSD devices that output PCM over USB that I think can plug into the Klein from the get-go. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Demondes 675 Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 Thanks all. This is a friendly and informative thread. On the DSD side, to be honest I can let roon or jriver convert to pcm before playback. It is nice to have but not a show stopper since most files are pcm, and maybe 500 dsf files Clay what's the wait time for current version of the Klein dac? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gieseler Audio 2,470 Posted June 28, 2015 Author Share Posted June 28, 2015 About two days, just enough time to build one & then soak test overnight. I only have a couple of pcb's left of the current batch so once they are sold there will be a small delay untill the new boards arrive. They have been ordered but usually take about ten days. Cheers Clay Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bill125812 3,320 Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 (edited) After almost a week of burn in time and listening from everything from the Rolling Stones sticky fingers, to jazz and classical, all I can say is WOW I have AB tested it against my NAD M51 with most of the tracks The Nad is certainly a much more aestheticly pleasing piece of kit, with its remote control and screen, but isn't it all about the sound. Well for me it is The Klein after the burn in period, just keeps getting better I am hearing more from the tracks than I have ever heard before. A tinkle here a twang there The bass is much tighter and faster, The mids and upper range is stunning This is a giant killer. If you can get pa chance to listen to one, please do, I know you will be impressed Great work Clay Edited June 28, 2015 by Bill125812 8 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kajak12 688 Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 Hi Bill, What version firmware are you running on the M51? Who cares no software will make up the short falls unless we are all wearing ear plugs........... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Addicted to music 7,112 Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 Who cares no software will make up the short falls unless we are all wearing ear plugs........... @@kajak12, If you don't own or experienced a NAD m51, then please allow me to say that this comment is inappropriate.... 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bill125812 3,320 Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 @@kajak12. The software actually did make quite a difference in the NAD. I agree with Addicted to music If you don't own one no use commenting. Uninformed comment really 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kajak12 688 Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 @@kajak12. The software actually did make quite a difference in the NAD. I agree with Addicted to music If you don't own one no use commenting. Uninformed comment really I am not saying it wont but give me a break with opamps no software will make the shortfall and yes have heard one long forgotten bill. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bill125812 3,320 Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 I understand what you are saying Kayjak but if you had owned one and listened to it through a few software upgrades, you would certainly have heard quite a difference I agree that software can't makeup the shortfalls over a better engineered dac, but the opportunity to upgrade software on a unit and better the listening experience at zero cost is somewhat enviable 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Addicted to music 7,112 Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 I am not saying it wont but give me a break with opamps no software will make the shortfall and yes have heard one long forgotten bill. Nooooooo........ 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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