DAC not outputting multiple of 48khz

[ultlaman31]

I came across a dongle dac (Essential USB DAC from Gigabyte) and it does not play/output any sound if the bitrate is in multiple of 48khz. It has mic input function for calls, but since input is in 48khz, it won't even record anything. I tried on Android, Macbook, Windows, iOS and all same. Anyway, I think it's broken, but just wanted to see if anyone experienced this issue on another DAC and workaround.

 

[solderdude]

Possible...
The solution is to either return it or buy one that works.

 

[ultlaman31]

I looked up so many youtube, reddit, articles, and I think the crystal oscillators for 48khz clock is broke, causing all the multiple of 48khz bitrate to not function.

 

[solderdude]

Highly likely if it indeed uses 2 X'tals.
Not all DACs do.

Buy another DAC that functions properly.

 

[wwenze]

Twin oscillators were a luxury even back in the days...

This is one of such cards...

Meanwhile you could spend hundreds on a X-Fi and still get only one oscillator

The dongle you have? Also a single XTAL DAC.

Anyway, don't think too much. Just replace it because it's broken.

 

[ultlaman31]

Thank you all for the information; it helped a lot in understanding the issue. I'm going to replace it, but I was just curious about the root cause, as this is the first time I've encountered this problem.