I downloaded software update Rev. 27.14 a few days ago and the sample rate stopped displaying on my Discrete DAC while playing music. I have it connected to my Aurender N20, via AES and BNC word clock connection. I use Roon 95% of the time and I first noticed the “- -k” displaying on the display intermittently when I switched to different sample rates, after the software update. When I started to use the Aurender Conductor app to play music directly from the Aurender N20, the “- -k” remained on the display and I don’t know why it’s not showing the sample rate after the software update was installed? When I cycle through the menu options with the MSB remote and turn off the menu, the sample rate displays on the DAC until I switch to another song.
Can you advise what might be causing this and any troubleshooting tips would be greatly appreciated. I prefer the sample rate displayed on the DAC.
I thought about resetting the DAC when I was scrolling through the menu, but opted to post my situation first. When you recommend a restart, are you referring to the reset?
In addition, I have heard back from MSB as I reached out to them in an email as well. The clocks possibly need recalibration, so I have to send it to MSB.
Indeed, this does sound like a calibration issue. This can happen as the crystal ages. We will tune the clock and return the unit ASAP. Thanks for your patience @DBT .
My Discrete still sometimes fails to show the sample rate, as you describe (“- - k” with various sources), even after swapping clock boards. However, the important part (to me) is that the music continues to play, which it did not without the clock swap. Now, when I get a “- - k” display it can be cleared (i.e. show the correct sample rate) by cycling through the on/off/dim display settings with the remote. I understood it was a software/timing gremlin that Jonathan was going to sort out with the next update. FWIW in case it saves you downtime.
That said, I also agree that MSB is very responsive to customer service needs. I was a bit concerned about that as a new customer of their least expensive DAC. However, Daniel and Vince were all over it, even over the Thanksgiving weekend! They had me up an running without intermittent music drops in only a few days by changing out the clocks.
I have shuffled through the menu with the remote and the sample rate immediately appeared in the display, but returned to the “- -k” when I continued to play different songs.
I did not try the display menu option that you mentioned, however it sounds like MSB is aware of the problem and actively working on it!
No problem, DBT. But Daniel is obviously the real expert here.
My original problem showed some of the same symptoms (- - k display) but it was accompanied by music stopping or failing to play and required more than rotating through the Display button settings to get it to return. But, if you’re not losing ‘lock’/experiencing music stopping unpredictably I thought you might want to know about Jonathan’s impending fix before losing your DAC for a week as it pays a round trip visit to the repair shop.
Much appreciated! Vince has communicated with me during non business hours, so MSB is serious business when it comes to customer service and crafting beautiful sounding DACs.
Below is a better picture of my whole setup with the MSB Discrete and dual power supplies in the chain.
Thanks for sharing, DBT. Mine is less impressive but I still find it very enjoyable. It’s hard to see the Discrete and its two power supplies tucked away on a shelf in the lower right, but I can attest to the great synergies the MSB DAC provides in further enhancing the impressive soundstage, transparency, and detailed clarity of the full range electrostats. The change in substituting in the Discrete in place of a 20 year old Classe DAC-1 was astounding!
@hebryndza you have a very nice setup and I’m sure your panel speakers sound incredibly wide open and detailed! Are those Martin Logan speakers?
I had a Benchmark DAC years ago when I got into computer audio Hifi, then I bought a Holo Audio Spring 2 & 3 KTE DAC. It was an excellent DAC for the money. I always liked the looks of the MSB and the reviews from Jays Audio Lab and Audio Excellence out of Canada. So, I finally got a Discrete DAC. It was a nice improvement!
Thanks DBT. Yes, they are ML CLX Arts with a Descent i sub whose crossover is matched to the CLX. I have always loved the transparency and ‘magic midrange’ of ML’s stats.
You are obviously more current on DAC evolution than I’ve been. I just usually spend most of my time just listening to what I’ve invested in already and not much time thinking about or auditioning new equipment unless something fails. In my case, I was replacing 1998 vintage Classe amplification last year due to failures (after only 27 years!) and my dealer politely pointed out that much has also changed in the digital domain since I got my Classe DAC-1 in the early 2000’s! So I also invested in the MSB Discrete DAC on their recommendation of the match with my other equipment - especially the speakers. I also watched the reviews from Audio Excellence and checked with some of the blogs, as well, before making the jump. As you say, they were right and in my case the differences between 2000 and 2025 technologies were not subtle! I probably should spend a bit more time keeping up with advances…
