Rs520 and USB input not working

ROSE Products RS520
#1

I have a HiFi Rose RS520 (latest firmware) and I’m want to use it as a USB DAC with a MacBook Pro M1 (running the latest macOS). When I select “USB In” and play audio via USB:
1. The audio signal plays very loudly for the first second (a popping sound).
2. After about one second, the sound goes completely silent.
3. The RS520 no longer responds to volume adjustments or audio input until I restart it.

I have tried the following:
• Tested 44.1 kHz / 16-bit in Audio MIDI Setup.
• Closed heavy applications, restarted the unit, and tried different USB cables.

The issue seems related to USB DAC handshaking on M1 macOS, which aligns with similar reports from other users on Apple forums and Reddit.

Could you please confirm if there are known instabilities when using RS520 as a USB DAC with M1 Macs? Is there a planned fix or any recommended work around?

Thank you very much for your help!

Best regards,
Staffan

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#2

What are your settings on the USB port ?
Do you have software volume control set?

What happens when you use either BT or Airplay to connect?

#3

I have done some more testing, BT and AirPlay not possible to test, the antenna/dongle is broken.

I solved it by changing the PCM delay time setting on the RS520.

When it was set to 0 ms, I got no sound from my MacBook Pro M1 via USB.

After changing it to 500 ms, everything works fine.

Thank you.

#4

I’m sorry to hear about the dongle not working.
You should contact your dealer about a replacement…

But also check your BT/WiFi settings.

How did the port delay get set to 0 ms?
I haven’t tried a direct USB hookup to the Mac (I am running w a M1Max macbook Pro) but I have tried using an iBasso DX180 … both using coax and USB. (And USB out to the DX180 to get headphones.) My Onix Alpha died so I’m going to play wiht it and make it a franken dac. :slight_smile:

#5

I put the port delay to 0 ms because ChatGPT told that it would improve the sound quality. ChatGPT told that the delay is only needed if I would play TV to get lip sync correct.
About my dongle, my dealer is informed and they will try to get the me a new. The dongel is a very weak construction, and it can only rotate in one direction, I don’t understand why HiFi Rose use this dongel.

#6

They use that dongle and the other dongle without the large antenna because they are made in Korea. So its local to them and does both wi-fi and BT.

I wish they would offer support for separates which would mean an easier upgrade to BT 5.x or wi-fi 6.
(I also don’t like that the antenna only rotates in one direction either.)

I’d ignore ChatGPT on these things. Its a good way to risk damaging your equipment due to their bad advice.

#7

Yes, ChatGPT was a bad idea.
My broken dongel, next-1265WBTA is made in China.