Tests of Fade-In Behavior of USB DACs and DAC/HP Amp Devices

[Eddie]

Does anyone know how the FiiO Snowsky Melody behaves in this regard?
I'm considering buying this device.

My OS settings:
• Windows 10/11
• WASAPI exclusive mode with event callback (also called pull mode)

The Melody settings (via the FiiO Control App) would be:
• "DAC Work mode": Class AB (I don't want to use the power-saving Class H mode)
• "DRE OFF": enabled (I don't want the artifacts of the suboptimal DRE implementation)
• "Lowpass filter": linear phase fast roll-off filter
• "Gain": both

 

[nereis]

Now I remember reading that post. Interestingly the JCally JM20 and JM20 Max (w/ CS43131) that I tested do not have this fade-in or skipping problem while producing no clicks or pops. However, multiple users report their JM20s produce brief pink noise when playback starts (@fws here; @mc.god here; @kekus here). And @multiformous reports his JM20 Max has a fade-in effect. Very puzzling.

My copy of recently purchased JM20 Max produced pink noise on playback start when first connected to Windows PC running stock firmware, however upon flashing Fiio firmware it gained power saving mode/defaults to ramp up behaviour, but can be mitigated through always on in Fiio USB Audio Device Control Panel.

One curious anecdote I found is that dongle never really power down when plugged in. I had it connected to a laptop with always on USB so USB ports can be used as charger while in Suspend, put computer to sleep one night then came back to unplug JM20 Max the next morning only to find the dongle warm to the touch, not as warm as while it is playing but definitely not cold like the laptop it was connected to.

 

[Eddie]

Does anyone know how the FiiO Snowsky Melody behaves in this regard?
I'm considering buying this device.

My OS settings:
• Windows 10/11
• WASAPI exclusive mode with event callback (also called pull mode)

The Melody settings (via the FiiO Control App) would be:
• "DAC Work mode": Class AB (I don't want to use the power-saving Class H mode)
• "DRE OFF": enabled (I don't want the artifacts of the suboptimal DRE implementation)
• "Lowpass filter": linear phase fast roll-off filter
• "Gain": both

I can answer my own question now: This device seems to exhibit the same faulty behavior when starting a stream as many others using the CS43131.
See here: https://forum.fiio.com/note/showNoteContent.do?id=202601110123348296036
And here: https://forum.fiio.com/note/showNoteContent.do?id=202512241511322534578
Delay, hissing, clicking, popping: It seems you get the full package.
A real shame.

 

[HissingFree]

Graveaudio DA06 (CX31993) doesn't have this issue, I've tested it.

 

[sound_judgment]

Graveaudio DA06 (CX31993) doesn't have this issue, I've tested it.

Interesting. I just got a Jcally JM6 Pro which has the same chip and there is a short delay. This is on macOS. So if someone else can verify then it seems the Jcally JM6 Pro could be added to the list. I'd also add the Hidizs SD2. The SD2 has an indicator light so it was very easy to see it turn off the instant audio would pause. I'll be getting a DA06 next week anyway so hopefully there won't be a delay for me either.

The Apple 3.5mm to USB-C dongle had no issue with delay but had other issues for me. As I search for an ideal replacement, it's very surprising to see that so many devices have this frustrating issue. I suppose I could just play silence all the time but that's a bit annoying and I wish these devices would allow users to disable power saving. Makes sense on a mobile device but I use these plugged into a computer so I'd rather just not have delay.

 

[KDRN]

The JCALLY JM7 Max (CX31993+SGM8262) was confirmed to play the Windows 11 test audio with a fade-in effect.
Notably, the JM7 Max plays this test audio with distortion.

Why would they implement such a specification?
The CX31993+MAX97220 type has absolutely no such issues.

The JCALLY JM30 skips directly for 0.5 seconds instead of fading in, but this pattern of fading in during playback is the first I've encountered.

i just got my jcally jm7 max today. luckilly mine has zero delay under linux and ios