I have the Bartok Apex streaming from Roon Nucleus through USB
I don’t understand why resolution is apparently limited to 96khz
I would like to utilize higher resolution and/or DSD
Any advice?
Thanks
HI Kerry. I see that this is the first time that you have been here so ,hello and I hope that we can be of help.
Bartok provides two USB connection ports which have slightly different specifications. I don’t know what you are using but the limitation to PCM 96 kHz suggests that connect to port USB1 with a USB B-type connector. I am guessing that you have not set the USB input to USB Class 2 ( see page 13 in the owner’s manual) if the Nucleus supports this then your issue should be be solved.
There may be other reasons though but these may be concerned with Roon settings or Nucleus and not being a subscriber I cannot deal with this aspect as I do not have the knowledge.
As this aspect is clearly explained in the manual I wonder if you have it? If not here is a link:
https://dcsaudio.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/article_attachments/12524113628828
To add to @PAR’s helpful advice: the first change would be to switch from USB to the Ethernet ports, like this:
Roon Nucleus–>router
Bartok–>router
dCS recommends this connection over USB.
This can be most easily accomplished by placing one of the two devices right next to your router, then you have a maximum of one long Ethernet run. In my case, my Roon Nucleus sits below my router (<1 meter), then I run a longer Ethernet cable (~4m) to the Rossini. This in turn enables a short run to the amp, as audiophile-quality balanced interconnects cost a lot more than spec Ethernet cables.
Cheers,
R
1 Like
Thanks for your reply. The manual suggests to me that usb 2 only works with a flash drive or hard drive
Am I reading that incorrectly
Thank you
That makes sense
1 Like
No , I am talking about the USB setting ( I.e. the correct USB protocol selected) not the port number. This is why I have given a link to the user manual if you do not understand this. Please read it.
This is something that you select in the unit’s software using the menu options,it is not to do with where you plug the cable.
Thank you
I did read it, didn’t understand it
Do you get it now? There are two UBS protocols or types . The earlier type is limited to 96 KHz . This was fine in the days before there were high res files available . For many to get higher rates supported a driver needed to be added for Windows earlier than W10. The dCS unit also needed to use a different setting called USB 2. Yes , this can be confused with the USB ports which are also called 1 or 2 for some units.
I am assuming that Roon Nucleus may not need the driver as this was an earlier Windows issue but you still need to set Bartok to setting USB 2 (using USB port 1).
Yes, thanks very much for your help and sorry I was slow to understand. My dealer did the set up on my bartok and I’m wondering why he didn’t change the setting. As you can see, I’m not very technical so I’m always a little reluctant to fiddle with this stuff for fear of creating a problem.
Again, thanks for your patience. The Bartok is a great product, particularly after the Apex upgrade.
It was a pleasure.
This could imply that you haven’t touched the filter settings which are a matter of personal preference. Are you OK with this aspect?
Yes, I have adjusted the filters to suit my personal preference. I did not understand the USB setting and so that’s not something I had considered.
Your suggestion worked, and so now I can take advantage of high resolution, and presumably DSD. May take a look at the ethernet connection suggestion as well.
This can be confusing for old, inept guys like me, and I really appreciate your support of this great product.
By the way, do you have filter suggestions? I know the differences are subtle and are a matter of personal taste, but would certainly be interested in your insights.
Thanks again
The fact that you understand that there are no “right” choices but that it is a personal preference is the main point. dCS do not offer any "unsuitable " choices. However the suggested combinations from the manuals are not all to my taste underlining the need for taking a bit of time to establish your preferences. Be leisurely about this as initial impressions can wear thin over an extended period. Your dCS DAC will member the choices so once you are satisfied it is more or less a fit andf forget option.
Many newcomers seem not to understand that the filters offered depend upon the sample frequency rate and if PCM or DSD. So talthough here are 6 numbers this is just to make the interface for the 42 offered cleaner and less confusing. However it means that if you decide you like, say, filter 4 for one frequency it may not be preferable for another sample rate.