Damn you, I can’t use this spoon as a knife, therefor it sucks
We're already going in circles and we're only on page 10. I literally said in my 1st post to this thread that the DM7 is interesting but an Ultralite Mk5 probably suits my needs better. AND I pointed out in a previous post that this is ideal for some scenarios like DSP speakers w/ Roon where you don't care about other sources or a JRiver based HTPC.a) you describe a device that has other functionalities than what a simple DAC will have. An analogy will be asking multiple input on a power amplifier.
b) this is a consumer device designed to operate by itself.
The above is not a limitation of an 8-ch DAC. You want a different equipment, which this device is not.
Does the volume control work in conjunction with Roon?
Having multiple digital inputs is more complicated than it might look.
You need to have a common clock for the inputs and outputs, which means you either need to use one of the inputs as clock source (eg what the RME digiface does) or have an ASRC on each input to convert to your internal clock (eg what the minidsp UDIO8 does).
The second solution is arguably better when done properly, but more costly as it requires one ASRC chip per stereo pair.
The first solution on the other hand implies that all you inputs have to use the same clock (ie come from the same device, of fed from the same wordclock source).
I like the fact that the DM7 is only focused on outputs: it makes things simpler and helps keeping the cost low.
It is less versatile than an Okto for sure, but what it does it seems to do it right.
I am struggling with Apos right now on a return, repair, or refund on a broken D30 Pro.Has anyone dealt with Apos audio lately? I've found them to be reliable but getting response from them was very slow and challenging. Ultimately, they quickly resolved my issue, but getting response took constant follow up. So, anyone have recent dealings with them?
Also, I would like to see the user manual for the DAC but can't find anywhere. Anyone happen to see one on the website? I'm particularly interested in seeing if Topping has recommendation for converting balanced to unbalanced, such as floating pin 3.
Seems all you need to do is place the DM7 near a TV and HiFi and done!
Do they actually mean it needs a computer attached, as NOT shown in their graphic?
Contrast with RME manual:Manual for dm7 is here
Move the slider within RoonHow are you currently doing Roon volume control with the Ultralite?
I am struggling with Apos right now on a return, repair, or refund on a broken D30 Pro.
I am on week 2 of the negotiations...
Regarding the manual, it's just like other Topping manuals, a brag-sheet for SINAD with no useful information for the end user. The DM7 in particular could use some system integration information. Instead we get this from one of the resellers:
Seems all you need to do is place the DM7 near a TV and HiFi and done!
Don't get me wrong, there appears to be lots of uses for this neat piece of gear. Part of me wants to use this for a pair of Seas Thor active DIY monstrosities that I keep around in the basement. Perhaps I could finally fully integrate the subwoofers with a single DAC and DSP stack. It would be fun, but I am pretty sure I would need support before even buying this though.
Contrast with RME manual:
It's interesting to see the swirling confusion and speculation in the first 10 pages of this review on what this product is and isn't.
I do want to like this, and even own one. But it does seem like the carriage is way in front of the horses here...
Sadly, not from my experience and this is what keeps me away.Is there any Topping retailer that seems dependable when something goes wrong?
Michael
Let's see how Apos deals with the defective D30 Pro. I actually bought it through Apos' Amazon storefront, so if they keep running me in circles I can escalate though Amazon.I really want to buy one of these as I am basically a multichannel DAC hoarder but experiences like yours with Topping retailers and the terrible documentation make me hesitant on a $600 product.
Is there any Topping retailer that seems dependable when something goes wrong? Actually looks like I can buy one of this 500 euro (500 USD at today's exchange rates!) from Audiophonics and have had good luck with them in the past, may go that way.
Michael
Although the Okto has no ASRC between the AES input and the USB host it does have an ASRC between the USB host and the DAC clock domain (i.e ESS jitter eliminator). All described much better here -> https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...kto-dac8-8ch-dac-amp.7064/page-60#post-333521. It needs this as otherwise you would get buffer underruns due to mismatch between the AES and DAC clock domains.
The nice thing about the Okto is you do not need to engage resampling or rate adjust in CamillaDSP which consumes resources. Also the buffer level is more stable than a CamillaDSP async resampler / rate adjust setup.
Michael
So pre convolver (stereo source) digital volume with Roon's DSP and fixed volume into the Ultralite output channels?Move the slider within Roon
Not providing SPDIF to USB host path for processing.What is a big miss?
Michael
For me it will be a useless addition and I bet to the vast majority of the market as well. This is a DAC not a multiple input interface.Not providing SPDIF to USB host path for processing.
The market for multi-channel music isn't that large. And it's limited to source material that's been mixed for multi-channel release. Also many who are into multi-channel music already have a DAC. I'd think a new product would have to add something and be more inclusive to be successful in a niche market. This product is probably not going to motivate me to invest in a surround system for demoing DSOTM to anyone who will listen.When you get your wishlist will you find the device too expensive?
For me it will be a useless addition and I bet to the vast majority of the market as well. This is a DAC not a multiple input interface.
Probably easier to show the path.So pre convolver (stereo source) digital volume with Roon's DSP and fixed volume into the Ultralite output channels?