SMSL PO 100 with Ultra issues

[Nor Draw]

I put the SMSL PO 100 between my ultra and DAC via USB out. Then PO 100 to DAC via optical cable. Then RCA out to amp. This worked fine for awhile then I started getting a clicking sound when streaming. I could stop this by changing from optical in to something else then back to optical in on DAC (K13). This never happened before I added PO 100. Any thoughts?

 

[harkpabst]

First thought: A DAC issue?
Second thought: A DDC issue?

Sorry, not what you probably want to hear. Doesn't the K13 have a USB in? If so, you could at least eliminate one of the variables from the equation.

 

[Nor Draw]

I have the Ultras USB out to USB in on PO 100 then optical out on PO 100 to optical in on K13 DAC then RCA ( analog) out to amp ( receiver). This is to help with jitter on WiiM Ultra so they say. Never made any real difference to my ears. Just wondering if anyone knew the cause or had this issue themselves. I’m leaning towards dumping the PO 100.

 

[HansD-NL]

I have the Ultras USB out to USB in on PO 100 then optical out on PO 100 to optical in on K13 DAC then RCA ( analog) out to amp ( receiver). This is to help with jitter on WiiM Ultra so they say. Never made any real difference to my ears. Just wondering if anyone knew the cause or had this issue themselves. I’m leaning towards dumping the PO 100.

Yes please do, ditch the PO 100. It it just hearsay that it will sound different/better. The jitter is very low to begin with and not an issue what so ever. The clicking you hear is sample rate switching I presume, can originate form the PO 100 or K13 DAC. There is a function in the WiiM Home app to fine tune a delay when switching though.

 

[harkpabst]

... so they say.

So says the Cheapaudioman, and the lemmings follow.

Don't get me wrong, I don't blame you for trying out what's been suggested at all. Fair game, and it's not like you've been spending crazy money. And yet, if the net result of all this is just occasional pops or noise or clicks and no real improvement, I'd just call off the experiment.

 

[Kro]

I use Ultra USB out directly to K13 USB in, never any issues. Drop the PO100. Only small downside is it takes a few second for Ultra to detect K13 USB when waking up the K13 from standby.

 

[Nor Draw]

Yes please do, ditch the PO 100. It it just hearsay that it will sound different/better. The jitter is very low to begin with and not an issue what so ever. The clicking you hear is sample rate switching I presume, can originate form the PO 100 or K13 DAC. There is a function in the WiiM Home app to fine tune a delay when switching though.

I just took the PO 100 out of the loop and put it in a bedroom set up that is using a pc as a streamer, You tube videos mostly, I was getting some noise there and it seems to have made that better but time will tell. Yeah I did some research and the jitter on the Ultra is very low and not an issue. I do have the Ultra going out to my K13 via optical cable then RCA out to amp and it sounds great. Amazing what these “Audiophiles” can talk you into. But no harm no foul I guess. Thanks for all your ideas and help with this.

 

[Nor Draw]

I use Ultra USB out directly to K13 USB in, never any issues. Drop the PO100. Only small downside is it takes a few second for Ultra to detect K13 USB when waking up the K13 from standby.

You find that using USB out from Ultra is better then optical out? Did you try both ways?

 

[Nor Draw]

So says the Cheapaudioman, and the lemmings follow.

Don't get me wrong, I don't blame you for trying out what's been suggested at all. Fair game, and it's not like you've been spending crazy money. And yet, if the net result of all this is just occasional pops or noise or clicks and no real improvement, I'd just call off the experiment.

This kind of thing made Randy ( Cheap audio man) stop doing reviews I think. But I have seen a lot of people pushing this idea though not just him. You are right didn’t cost to much to find out for myself