Topping D10S only outputs 1 channel

[HartandHill]

Unusual problem-
Using IMac via USB to the D10s' analog outs to a integrated amp.
I realized only one channel was sounding, checked the amp which was OK, then started switching the RCA cables at the back of the D10s to troubleshoot those.

The weirdness is that when I switched the RCA cables back and forth only the same one would work, so the DAC would choose the same cable to output sound only to that one. Once I got it to fix itself by turning it off/on but after rebooting everything I can't fix it .

I am using a long RCA cable run, is it perhaps the voltage on the analog output is anemic?

Patrick
Also, thanks for allowing me into the group!

 

[Blumlein 88]

Welcome to ASR.

The RCA length is not likely to be it nor the level of the output.

I am unclear of your description. So if we have output left and output right with only output on the left for instance , do you switch it to find output channel follows left playing on the right side, or does it now switch and work over output right playing on the left side? Yet one channel only.

 

[HartandHill]

exactly, only plays to the right, after switching the RCA cables still only plays to the right. Applemusic/ youtube the same.

 

[Blumlein 88]

So can you list the signal path after the DAC. Sounds like maybe the DAC is okay, and something after the DAC is not working in the left channel.

 

[HartandHill]

I'm sorry if I confused things, if I switch the R and L RCA cable the DAC will choose to output only to the left cable. It's as though it senses a difference between the two cables and plays only to one.

 

[Blumlein 88]

So when you are switching cables, are you totally swapping cables at both ends of the cable? Or do you swap only at one end of the cable? If you swap both ends, and it follows the cable, that sounds like one of your cables is bad. Do you have another RCA cable you could switch out for the one that does not work?

 

[Rja4000]

Hi Patrick
I'm not sure I understand.

You may want to use the following usual diagnostic method:

1. Swap the cable L and R channels at DAC side
If muted channel changes in your speakers, the DAC has a problem.
If nothing changes, the DAC is OK and something else is wrong at the cable or further in the chain.

2. If the DAC is OK, swap the cable channels at amp side.
If muted channel changes in your speakers, the muted channel's cable has a problem.
If not, your amp or speakers have a problem.

And so on.

I'd bet on a solder gone on DAC side on one of your cables. It may intermittently be in contact (when you play with your DAC to restart it) and most of the time not.