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Re: Pre-launch of new range of Ciúnas Dacs & USB transports
Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2013 9:30 pm
by tony
John hasn't seen this yet. The lifepo4 batteries seem to be regarded as having lifespan of circa 15yrs. The reality is even with a laptop battery that no longer holds charge it will still work if trickle charged hence no real need to worry. I am sure John can replace batteries if required and probably possible if you are handy to do it yourself. But as per above don't see that being an issue for a long time.
Re: Pre-launch of new range of Ciúnas Dacs & USB transports
Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2013 12:53 am
by jkeny
streetcore wrote:Thanks for the quick replies. I actually stumbled upon the Ciúnas while looking for info about the Eastern Electric Minimax Plus. I like the flexibility and the options available on the Minimax, but I only need a USB input and prefer the small size of the Ciúnas. I'm currently using an HRT Music Streamer and prefer a DAC that is heard and not seen. So I was happy to read that the Ciúnas compares favourably to the Minimax.
My one concern is the battery. I've seen too many perfectly good power tools, cell phones, laptops, etc, rendered obsolete over the years because the battery died and replacements either weren't available or were too costly. Some of my concerns were alleviated when I read the battery in the Ciúnas is on a constant trickle charge, rather than being repeatedly charged and depleted. However I'm still a bit sceptical of the claims that the battery should last 20 years. Is there a life-time warranty on the battery? What about the DAC itself? I don't see any info regarding warranties on the website.
Thanks again.
The A123 manufacturers guaranteed the LiFePo4 batteries for a lifepsan of 10-15 years when charged from deep discharge with a high current charging scheme. Using the battery in trickle charge mode (low current) should extend this lifespan.
As Tony says, I can easily replace batteries but usually there is no need to run the DAC or converter from battery alone for best sound - the sound is the same if running it with charger connected to a low battery (as long as the battery is damaged i.e not working properly). It is also possible for anybody with rudimentary soldering skills to replace the battery.
Re: Pre-launch of new range of Ciúnas Dacs & USB transports
Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2013 6:46 pm
by Claus
Sorry if this is obvious... Is the Ciunas able to play DSD files? I was just trying some free ones from 2L and can't get them to play on Audirvana Plus (have not tried JPLAY yet)... Thanks
Re: Pre-launch of new range of Ciúnas Dacs & USB transports
Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2013 7:10 pm
by jkeny
Claus wrote:Sorry if this is obvious... Is the Ciunas able to play DSD files? I was just trying some free ones from 2L and can't get them to play on Audirvana Plus (have not tried JPLAY yet)... Thanks
No DSD playback, Claus.
Re: Pre-launch of new range of Ciúnas Dacs & USB transports
Posted: Tue Oct 15, 2013 10:17 pm
by Ken Moreland
Re: Pre-launch of new range of Ciúnas Dacs & USB transports
Posted: Tue Oct 15, 2013 10:36 pm
by jkeny
Yes Ken,
Thanks, you must have google alerts on keywords - that review was only posted yesterday :)
A more sane review than the Steromojo one - this reviewer didn't have any issues with the case
The Ciunas is housed in a small but sturdy chassis, and the build quality is very nice indeed. There is an on/off switch on the front, a USB input, and a pair of RCA outputs
Re: Pre-launch of new range of Ciúnas Dacs & USB transports
Posted: Wed Oct 16, 2013 7:19 am
by Ken Moreland
Nothing as fancy as Google alerts, I picked it up here
http://www.dailyaudiophile.com/
KM
Re: Pre-launch of new range of Ciúnas Dacs & USB transports
Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 1:34 pm
by Sligolad
This XMOS USB card of any use for future projects John?
http://www.diyinhk.com/shop/home/18-xmo ... lator.html
Posted by Marcin on JPlay Forum. Cheers, Pearse.
Re: Pre-launch of new range of Ciúnas Dacs & USB transports
Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 1:41 pm
by nige2000
http://hifiduino.wordpress.com/2013/04/ ... interface/
actually bought this to play with
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/190881851691?ssP ... 1497.l2649
which uses the same xmos chipset and driver
actually thought it would work OOB with MQn 24 bit
but it doesnt unfortunately :(
still have to wait for the 24 bit version
its not terrible but id be best to reserve judgement till its burnt in
Re: Pre-launch of new range of Ciúnas Dacs & USB transports
Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 12:00 am
by highstream
tony wrote:
I would suggest you happily use the quality usb cable. I used direct connectors for a long time but now use a short elijah audio cable.
Tony, have you preferred the Elijah to the direct connectors sonically? I have never used anything but two connectors out the back of my computer - the one recommended by John and an adapter picked up from China that allowed me to stay with two - and have wondered about the Elijah cable. Thanks,