nDAC w/ FLAC files via Flash Drive = odd behavior
Posted by: James L on 07 March 2012
Evening.
I have a nDAC (with FLAC update) but when playing FLAC via USB stick, there is background clicking/popping.
The files in question are Talking Heads 'Remain in Light', the HD Tracks "hi-res remaster" released as FLAC.
Converting them to WAV they play as expected (and sounding bloody good, too!).
Anyone else had similar?
The USB stick is brand new, reformatted etc etc.
TIA
Evening.
I have a nDAC (with FLAC update) but when playing FLAC via USB stick, there is background clicking/popping.
The files in question are Talking Heads 'Remain in Light', the HD Tracks "hi-res remaster" released as FLAC.
Converting them to WAV they play as expected (and sounding bloody good, too!).
Anyone else had similar?
The USB stick is brand new, reformatted etc etc.
TIA
Out of interest, what did you use to convert them to WAV?
Gordy,
I use Fidelia for file conversion.
Momentarily off topic.
James have you got the Halide Bridge yet?
I enquired on the "Which Software Player" topic.
In answer to your problem , I've tried a couple of free Naim downloads in FLAC without a problem.
Haven't got a HiDef FLAC track to try, but a HiDef WAV track plays OK too.
Hi James,
are you sure that you have the latest firmware on your nDAC installed? It seems that there is a "buggy" fw version which enables FLAC playback and some units (including mine) were delivered from the factory with this version installed. Upgrade to the latest nDAC fw solved the problem for me, so just go to the download site and check your nDAC fw version.
hope this helps
FLACs have done the same to me since the last version. The funny thing though is they played fine during the beta testing. Then when they released the new firmware it broke FLAC playback for me.
I stopped caring as I dont use the USB. But I wouldn't mind it being fixed.
-patrick
James,
I'v flagged this for Tech Support.
Thanks for that Richard.
I'd suggest emailing the guys some of the files in question but they're too big!
I didn't mention that the overall playback of these FLAC files was that of some sort of echo/delay/doubling effect especially noticeable on the snare.
I'll check with my Naim guys, Puree HiFi, and confirm the FLAC update is current (pretty sure it is though).
Momentarily off topic.
James have you got the Halide Bridge yet?
I enquired on the "Which Software Player" topic.
In answer to your problem , I've tried a couple of free Naim downloads in FLAC without a problem.
Haven't got a HiDef FLAC track to try, but a HiDef WAV track plays OK too.
Graham,
The Bridge should be here very soon. It's on it's way from the US... Another day or three I hope.
I didn't mention that the overall playback of these FLAC files was that of some sort of echo/delay/doubling effect especially noticeable on the snare.
That was the exact problem for me when the first firmware update added FLAC.
Then it was equal to WAV during Beta testing. All was well. I listened as much as possible and there were no problems. Although i found it equal to my Juli@ toslink output. I have never been able to find the sweet spot with USB that almost everyone else does. I must say though that it sounds phenomenal with each. So f-ing good.
Then, after Beta concluded, I upgraded and FLAC got all choppy and skippy.
No biggie but i would definitely update the FW if it would fix it.
-patrick