Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Technical Questions Audiobytes - Short Fade Problems

I have an issue where during playback, I get short "fades". It is sort of like power is lost for a tiny bit. At first I thought it was a problem with my DAC getting pops/clicks so I replaced my FiiO E10 with a O2/Headphone Amp. I'm now leaning towards an issue with the Axiom Audiobytes itself as I do not hear this with the Headphones from the DAC, only from the Audiobytes.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
Nathan

Nathan, from what you describe it does appear as if the problem would be within the Audiobyte amplifier. It seems as if you've had more Audiobyte problems than with the rest of your extensive list of Axiom equipment combined.

Don't really have any suggestion other than contacting Axiom about the Audiobyte amp.

Thanks John, I'll give them a call as they have always been good on fixing probs and so far replaced:
- Audiobyte Amp (first one bad hum on all channels, current one a bit better as it is only on the Sub), 3 Blown Drivers on the Satellites
- EP500 new cabinet (rattling)
- M22 Driver (grinding)

I was hopping it was on my end so as not to bother them again!

A+ for their support.

Hi Nathan,

Does your Audiobyte amplifier have a level control on the back for the subwoofer (current generation) or do you have one of the original systems with a switch on the subwoofer itself?

Thanks,

Andrew

Thanks Andrew. It has the Vol Control on the back of the Amp. I was wondering if I should open it up and see if:
- there are any caps bulging or
- if there are any dry solders I could see or
- if there are any obvious problem with the 3.5mm sockets
- or???

It does not happen all the time (eg right now it is fine but it is morning here in Aus and I've just started listening) but when it does, it then happens for the entire listening session, hence the idea it may be a dry solder / heat soak but I'm just guessing.

Thanks
Nathan

Did some more testing with alternating between listening on the Headphone & Speaker while playing some music at moderate levels.
- it sounds like a little spike/pop/drop (almost like what you hear on FM radio when there is lightning near the tower)
- it is not regular (eg like each 10 sec) so you will go for a minutes without a pop, then get several over 20 secs
- it seems becomes more frequent the longer you play the music
- it does not happen on the Headphones

I did a wiggle test (gently) of the cables running from the back of the Audiobyte to the speakers and while I could make some drop outs it was not quite the same effect.

So I'm still nervous about pointing the finger at one particular component as I can not reliably replicate the issue.

Thanks
Nathan

..and the drop/clicks happen on both L/R (hard to tell if it is also on the Sub due to their short duration).

Hi Nathan,

Since you have one of the latest amplifiers, I think the issue might be a high output level from your DAC. The Audiobyte amp has a limiter circuit to protect the speakers from being overdriven, and it can exhibit the behavior you're seeing. Can you try and reduce the volume level of the DAC (might have to be done at the computer) and then compensate by increasing the volume level on the Audiobyte amp? Let me know if this clears up the fading.

Thanks,

Andrew

Oh yeah, I think I remember having that issue with my Audiobytes.

Thanks guys - I've set the Vol to -10dB from the PC and will see how that goes.