Hi folks,
I just set up a PI 4 with a DAC2 HD and a PI 3 with a DAC2 PRO.
The unit with the DAC2 Pro has very noticeable distortion compared to the DAC2HD. I was wondering if this is a function of the PI3 or if I get a DAC2HD for the PI3, would that play the same as the PI4?
The Pi hardware has nothing to do with it and the distortions of the DAC2 Pro itself are also very low. You're using the RCA output? The phone jack is only designed for headphones, not line-level inputs.
I am using the rca connectors. If distortion is easily noticeable to the ear, should I assume a bad card?
It's unlikely that the card is defective as they have been tested after manufacturing. Could be also a problem with your amplifier having problems with full-level signals. Did you try reducing volume?
In my original note, I pointed out that I also have a PI 4 with the DAC2 HD. there are no noticeable problems on this card configuration. It is only when i use the DAC2 Pro. I would expect that i don't have to change any amp or volume setting when switching cards.
Volume can be slightly different as they use totally different output stage designs. Also mixer settings are completely different. There can be lots of things in the software, mixer controls, hardware that could cause this. We can offer to check the card for hardware problems in our lab.
This is good info. I lowered the volume limit in HiFIBerry OS to -3db and there is a lot less distortion.