DAC V1 not "seeing" bit perfect test or firmware update

Posted by: Paulie on 18 January 2016

I have a Naim DAC V1 which I purchased about one year ago. Here is how it is set up:
 
Macbook Pro (running iTunes 12.3.2 (with added BitPerfect software, version version 3.0.1) connected via asynchronous USB into the DAC V1, DAC V1 into a SuperNait2….
 
I’m having two problems that, I suspect are related. I have downloaded the bitperfect test software. When I attempt to run the test, the file plays however, the DAC V1 does not detect the file being played. “Searching for Test Audio” “No Test Audio Found” is the message displayed.  When I play music, all is fine. I’ve tried it with and without the BitPerfect software running. Same non-recognition problem. 
 
This leads to my second issue: it’s the same as above when I’ve tried to run the most recent firmware update. The DAC V1 is not recognising the file.
 
Thoughts? (with thanks...)

 

Posted on: 18 January 2016 by SongStream

It is almost certainly the case that the output is being resampled by software somewhere in the chain.  What you're seeing is what happens the file is delivered at either an incorrect sample rate, or bit-depth; none of bits match at all, so the file is not recognised.  If all is correct it should recognise the file straight away and show a percentage progress, and an error count should there be any (a rarer scenario).  Same principles apply to the firmware update file, hence why you need to ensure you're passing the bit-perfect test before applying it.  

I don't understand MACs, but I suspect there is a software setting somewhere that is allowing upsampling, or even downsampling, and can be changed to maintain the format of the original file; this is what needs to happen to pass the tests and apply the update.

Posted on: 22 January 2016 by Andrius

Be sure that your volume is at 100% in MAC settings and audio player aswell, otherwise it will be digitally modified, and not recognized as bit-perfect. Not sure if bit depth changed automatically in MAC, but in Foobar2000 you have to set manually 16 bit if testing 16bit test file, and 24 bit if testing 24 bit test file. Hope this helps.

Posted on: 22 January 2016 by SongStream
Andrius posted:

Be sure that your volume is at 100% in MAC settings and audio player aswell, otherwise it will be digitally modified, and not recognized as bit-perfect. Not sure if bit depth changed automatically in MAC, but in Foobar2000 you have to set manually 16 bit if testing 16bit test file, and 24 bit if testing 24 bit test file. Hope this helps.

Good point about the volume, I forgot that one.  

Posted on: 22 January 2016 by Jude2012

In addition to having the volume set at max on iTunes, I would check that you have followed the set up instructions  for OS X (under Manuals and downloads) -  https://www.naimaudio.com/product/dac-v1

If the set up is OK, you should be able to run bit perfect tests with iTunes or any other software with the old firmware.

Jude

 

 

Posted on: 22 January 2016 by Andrius

also, disable variuos replay gain/normalizer/fade out/cross fading features in the music player, as those make audio not bit perfect aswell.