I saw some people on head-fi say it can be picky about USB cables and some cause it not to work so maybe that? Idk. I wish I knew how to help. Did you try the regular XMOS drivers from the XMOS site? Or just the ones they link?
I tried the drivers from the link and also used the native Windows 10/11drivers. Also I did try a few different USB cables. The one it came with and an Audioquest USB cable.
so my thoughts so far
USB in my experience always has terrible noise (sometimes not noticeable on solid state amps but tubes are a no go)
this filters out the USB noise
I didn’t notice any sound differences (with my Geshelli JNOG) between straight USB, Soundcard feeding FO to DAC or USB to the U2 then FO to DAC
at the very least it serves a function that is worth me keeping (probably going to use it with my server/media pc)
I’ll try testing with my other DACs but not expecting a difference with these budget DACs but will update if I notice anything
Update: tried the xmos hifi driver still no change
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Received today my leaf cmd-17 with upgraded clocks, and my dac just show me : no signal message.
I tried to change hdmi cable, tried to install driver from manual, device is detected by windows, but dac shows - no signal:(
What should i do, to make it work?
@Pokrog please assist
Coaxial connection works, but the sound quality is weak, direct connetction to D1se - usb sounds much better then this converter board. At the moment - this purchase, a big disappointment Because from the exit i2s for which I bought it - there is no signal.
Trying to find how to make i2s - work
I’ve expreienced the same problem with my D1SE and U2 pro, windows sees it and shows that it produces sound, but dac can’t detect any signal via I2S, haven’t tried any other connections. I’ve tried multiple usb and hdmi cables with no success. But then, like just 5 days ago, I was able to significantly remove both noise and jitter with $20 “audiophile grade” usb cable, connected straight to PC, and I didn’t believe that cables can make any audible difference before that
Yes, usb cable make difference for me, i use supra usb 1m and the difference for me is obvious: supra is better than stock.
But what about the converter device? D1SE and Leaf audio CMD-17 converter did not work at all? But from the pin scheme and dac manual they should work without an issue, maybe converter is faulty?
I’m not sure, maybe D1se should be adjusted in the menu somehow, but inversing channels didn’t help my unit. Anyway, if you’ll make it work, please let me know. I’ve ordered another power cable for U2 pro and if that won’t help I’ll ask SMSL if they know something that can help
I don’t know if my U2 pro is working or not, because I have only hdmi cables to check
I tried to swap usb cables, hdmi cables, i putchased linear power supply for this converter, and just no signal on the dac side:( i don’t have solution for this, just wasted my money for all this items: ddc with upgraded clocks, power suply and fancy cable for this… Looks like i naive fool:(
Don’t be so negative about this. LPSU is quite useful and can improve a lot of audio equipment, especially if you can regulate voltage. My zen dac became 5% better with LPSU. As for CMD-17… I don’t know what I would do in your place. Try to contact SMSL and return your reclocker if they won’t help. Hope you still can return it. Also @Pokrog might help, he is more experienced with DDCs
I’m not negative, but currently im talking to D1se seller and to Converter seller, and they approved that this pin connection scheme should be supported without an issue, but it does not work. I will try to return the converter… I tried all available to me options, smsl via Shenzhenaudio store confirmed that this scheme should be supported, and still no signal.
Opened the dispute with the seller, but im afraid that my evidences are weak. Seller is trying to fool me, and asking to cancel the dispute, and open it with the reason, that i don’t need the item, lol:)) I can’t agree with this of course, i hope i will refund it partly:(( Just wasted my money
I believe this is their standard procedure and they aren’t trying to fool you. They will resist refunding you more if you mention other reasons, because that damages their reputation
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I decided - no more any relations with Ali and their products, i think enough of this. Im still waiting for my Edition Xs headphones, i prey that everything gonna be alright with them, but i think it was my last order
So I had the D1se for a bit and had the same issue of it not working. But… I recently watched a review by GoldenSound where he mentions changing the DPLL (which reduces the level of jitter) in the menu options. He says if it is to low it might be dropping the I2s connection or not connecting at all. I didn’t know about trying this until after I returned the unit. You might want to give that a try and see if it helps.
I added the video link below
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that’s a pretty cool feature. it definitely sounds like the problem he’s having.
Thank you guys, but im sad to say that i already tested that feature, but i will do it again.
Just checked - not fixed the issue
Here is the response from the seller, they are asking to send D1SE back. Looks like all D1se has hardware problem with i2s interface:(
well that’s shitty…weird that they did i2s just fine with the m400, do200, and probably more i’m forgetting. there’s always the option of just keeping it, especially if you already like it, and you can just use the coax if it benefits you. i’ve heard amazing things about the gustard x18, basically same specs except the x18 is slightly better at everything and lower noise and no ESS IMD hump and better power supply. and cheaper. not as good looking as the D1se though…
I tested the unit with coax and optical, and find that direct usb connection to the dac sound better and clearer than leaf cmd-17 converter with upgraded clocks, i connect it with monster cable coax cable and optical. Sound became softer, background a little bit grayer. I prefer more clear presentation of direct usb connection, so i will live with this dac without any ddc’s. I find this dac very good without any addings to the chain. D1se already good just straight to usb:)
I agree, this dac has already surprised me multiple times. That sound color options are really good and I prefer different options with different amps and headphones. It’s so hard to believe that it’s just adding 2nd and 3d order harmonics, but if that’s just it, then these harmonics are magic. It’s so strange that they ditched sound color options in VMV D2, hope they’ll come to their senses and will add them back in D2SE, I would definitely upgrade this kind of versatile dac
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