Not the Brennan's fault - Cambridge Audio DAC question

[Richard Burford]

Hi, I run the optical output from my B2 though a Cambridge Audio DAC.

The DAC intermittently turns itself off, even when the B2 is playing music. 

I believe that the CA DAC has an option to turn off if it detects no input, but that should not be the case.

So, I may have a faulty CA DAC - in which case does anybody use another device - any recommendations for a DAC to match the B2 ?

I run the B2 -> DAC -> Rogue Audio amp.

Thanks !
Richard

[Daniel Taylor]

I use the HDMI digital output to feed into my Onkyo A/V receiver.  And I know that many people use the B2's optical digital output to feed a DAC. 

If the automatic turning off is an option, can you turn off that option?  Otherwise, I'd guess that your DAC has a problem.

[David Tellett]

Hi, I have my optical out from the Brennan running through a Cambridge Audio CXA60 amp. The amp does have a feature which automatically turns it off if no input has been detected for a while (I think 30 mins), but I’ve never had it switch off while playing. I haven’t checked, but I don’t think there’s an option to turn this feature off, as it’s a safety or energy saving thing.
So your issue sounds like a fault with the DAC / amp.

[PMB]

Hi Richard,

I always thought that it was the presence (or not) of the red LED light that kept the connected equipment active - unless CA do something clever like detecting a data stream. We do know that many B2 customers use the optical out + DAC and we would have heard of there was a problem with the SPDIF output.

Might be worth trying another optical cable.

There are many DACs out there, some have headphone amplifiers, optical through, etc.

Paul

Brennan Support.

[Jasper Warwick]

I have a Cambridge Audio DACMagic 100, I think it may have switched itself off once during use in the year or so I have had it. When not being used it does sometimes switch itself off (overnight) but only when I would expect it to do something like that. 

[Richard Burford]

Thanks everyone, for replying. As I said, I don't think that this is a problem with the B2, and the improvement in sound quality when I started using the optical out was amazing.

It sounds as if I have a dodgy DAC. When I researched DACs a while back the Cambridge Audio unit seemed to be the best combination of sound quality and price, but I'll keep looking.

Again, thanks y'all.

[Daniel Taylor]

Richard,

Your Cambridge Audio DAC is probably still a great choice.  Even the best gear can sometimes need repair.  Maybe worth a call to CA tech support.

[Will Roberts]

I have been using an inexpensive no-brand DAC between my Brennan B2 and a FM stereo transmitter. It's there because I had a major problem with hum when I tried to connect the transmitter directly to the B2.

This has been running 24/7 for over six months with no problems. Generally, I control the Brennan using a Kindle Fire and listen via Bose Wave Radio receivers in various rooms.

[steven hudson]

I bought this the other day and it works a treat.