Cambridge Audio 640r - Digital Audio Decoding Issue

[aussiepoida1503560374]

Hello Everyone,

I bought a CA 640R a few days ago. I'm pretty happy with it thus far, except for the HDMI and onscreen display issues described in this thread -> http://www.xtremeplace.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=43906.0.

There is however, one thing that stands out and is annoying me a lot. There is a 1 second delay, and a crackle, before the audio from digital sources is reproduced in the speakers.

Background - When I push play on a DVD encoded in 5.1 Dolby Digital, the audio is immediately reproduced by the receiver. However, if I switch to DTS, there is a 1 second delay and a quick bit of crackle before the audio signal is reproduced. The quick crackle is heard every-time I push 'pause' or 'play'... or basically any button that interrupts the sound stream.

Initially I thought it was some sort of issue with my DVD player - a Panasonic DVD-S52 http://panasonic.com.au/products/details.cfm?objectID=3275. To test this, I swapped it for my old Panasonic DVD player, which resulted in the same results.

I then hooked up a Sony DVD player (DVP-NS52P) to the 640R and the issues disappeared. So I though it must be a Panasonic thing. To test this, I hooked up the Panasonic dvd player to a Sony Receiver (STR-DE697).... it worked perfectly.

I then started experiencing the same problem with the Dolby Digital Signal from my DVR - the LG LST-5403P http://au.lge.com/md/product/prodcategoryl...ctId=1100000794

To summarise -

Panasonic DVD Player DVD-S52 + CA 640R + Dolby Digital = No Decode Delay, No Crackle

Panasonic DVD Player DVD-S52 + CA 640R + DTS = Decode Delay, Crackle/Static for a brief moment before audio resumes

Panasonic DVD Player (OLD) + CA 640R + Dolby Digital = No Decode Delay, No Crackle

Panasonic DVD Player (OLD) + CA 640R + DTS = Decode Delay, Crackle/Static for a brief moment before audio resumes

Sony DVD Player DVP-NS52P + CA 640R +Dolby Digital = No Decode Delay, No Crackle

Sony DVD Player DVP-NS52P + CA 640R +DTS = No Decode Delay, No Crackle

Panasonic DVD Player DVD-S52 + Sony STR-DE697 + Dolby Digital = No Decode Delay, No Crackle

Panasonic DVD Player DVD-S52 + Sony STR-DE697 + DTS = No Decode Delay, No Crackle

LG DVR LST-5403P + CA 640R +Dolby Digital = Decode Delay, Crackle/Static for a brief moment before audio resumes

At this point, I have my house-mate laughing at me, because I've spent 7 times more on my receiver than he did on his.... and his cheapy has no such problems. I get the same results using Optical and coaxial connections.

So basically - Does anyone know if this is an actual fault, or if this is something I will probably have to live with. Do other receiver have such problems?

Any information is appreciated.

Cheers

aussiepoida

[scotty79]

my 640r does exactly the same thing, so does a sony i own (old now).

It's not uncommon for this sort of "crackle" to occur when switch codes and or sources in AV equipment. No, it's not ideal, and can be a bit of a worry, but its nothing to fret over. If you are concerned, send the distributor an email, or, tell the store you bought it from about it, and see what they say. My Rotel rsx1056 makes mention of this potential "phenomenon" in the owners manual, and asks you to ignore it if it occurs... so its nothing new, just not best possible scenario.

[aussiepoida1503560374]

my 640r does exactly the same thing, so does a sony i own (old now).

It's not uncommon for this sort of "crackle" to occur when switch codes and or sources in AV equipment. No, it's not ideal, and can be a bit of a worry, but its nothing to fret over. If you are concerned, send the distributor an email, or, tell the store you bought it from about it, and see what they say. My Rotel rsx1056 makes mention of this potential "phenomenon" in the owners manual, and asks you to ignore it if it occurs... so its nothing new, just not best possible scenario.

Thanks for your comment.

I wouldn't mind if the crackle only occurred when I actually switch sources, but for it to happen every time I pause and un-pause is very disappointing.

I was watching a dvd today and jumped forward a chapter... the chapter started with dialogue, and I missed the first 4 words due to the delay. I had to rewind into the previous chapter in order to catch the start of the dialogue. Very annoying... I really dont expect such issues from a decent AV receiver. I might even return it if this cannot be fixed up somehow.

My friends have been into HT for years, and they have never had this sort of problem. My mates use Yamaha, Sony, Panasonic and JVC receivers. I just did not expect this from the CA. I know it seems like I minor issue, but its sticking out like a swore thumb. Its late and night, and I've spent the whole day trying to fix this issue up. As such, I'm now tired and grumpy

Cheers

aussiepoida

[aussiepoida1503560374]

Hello there,

I'm now just trying to establish how many people have such issues. I'd appreciate if people could just quickly let me know if they experience the same decoding delays, and what sort of Receiver they are using. Thank you for your reply scotty79 :-)

Cheers

aussiepoida

[byte-me]

How are the source units connected to the AVR for audio?

[aussiepoida1503560374]

How are the source units connected to the AVR for audio?

I've tried optical and Coax connections - both had the same problem.

My initial thought was always that it was the Panasonic DVD players fault - but when I noticed the LG STB doing the same thing, I got a little more concerned about the receiver itself.

Cheers

[byte-me]

I've tried optical and Coax connections - both had the same problem.

Well that is what i was going to suggest but it seems that it may be a reciever problem (if it is indeed a problem or just the way the reciever handles things) but either way it would be very annoying.

I have a Yammy RX-V659B and the DVD player is HDMI cable direct to TV for video and optical to AVR for audio, STB is optical audio and I do not have a delay or crackle as you described.

If it's an inherant problem with the switching of the AVR it would after time become very annoying.

It may be however that it is a problem with the way the source(s) send the signal to the AVR as it is not happening with the sony unit you have.

[aussiepoida1503560374]

If it's an inherant problem with the switching of the AVR it would after time become very annoying.

It may be however that it is a problem with the way the source(s) send the signal to the AVR as it is not happening with the sony unit you have.

... Believe me, I've been annoyed with it since I first fed it its first DTS source and heard the result

... and I get more annoyed every-time I change TV channels and have to put up with a ZAP through the speakers when I do.

In regards to the Sony DVD player - it is strange that it does not happen with it. But it happens with the LG STB as well, so it cant just be a Panasonic thing.

I have now tested the LG and the Panasonic DVD players on the Sony Receiver, and they both worked perfectly.

Grrh

[byte-me]

In regards to the Sony DVD player - it is strange that it does not happen with it. But it happens with the LG STB as well, so it cant just be a Panasonic thing.

I have now tested the LG and the Panasonic DVD players on the Sony Receiver, and they both worked perfectly.

Grrh

That is what I meant and I probably should have clarified a bit.

It may be the way some sources (add any brand here) send the signal to the AVR as to how it uses the signal.

The sony does not do it but the LG does etc.

You may be able to use this information and go to where you bought it from and test it with various sources that they have on hand and see what works with the 640.

This will also let them see your problem first hand as well.

Sometimes electronics can be picky and it seems that this AVR may be one of these types of units.

You would think to be honest that if it were indeed a problem with the 640 itself then it would display the problem no matter what source it was fed but since this is not the case then you have to look at the next logical option, the source.

[anthonyc]

Synergy Audio are the distributors for CA. I would give them an email: paul@synergyaudio.com

[aussiepoida1503560374]

Synergy Audio are the distributors for CA. I would give them an email: paul@synergyaudio.com

Thanks a lot for the address Anthonyc - The guys at West Coast Hi-Fi are helping me out fantastically at this point. A guy named Paul will be calling me tomorrow to discuss the issue further. I assume that this is actually the same Paul you mentioned.

I'll be sure to let you guys know what is said tomorrow.

Cheers

aussiepoida

Sometimes electronics can be picky and it seems that this AVR may be one of these types of units.

You would think to be honest that if it were indeed a problem with the 640 itself then it would display the problem no matter what source it was fed but since this is not the case then you have to look at the next logical option, the source.

Indeed mate. A guy form CA (or Synergyaudio) will be calling me tomorrow to discuss the issues I'm having. I'll be sure to let you guys know what is said.

Thanks for your suggestions and comments mate :-)

Cheers

aussiepoida

[betty boop]

Thanks a lot for the address Anthonyc - The guys at West Coast Hi-Fi are helping me out fantastically at this point. A guy named Paul will be calling me tomorrow to discuss the issue further. I assume that this is actually the same Paul you mentioned.

I'll be sure to let you guys know what is said tomorrow.

Cheers

aussiepoida

Indeed mate. A guy form CA (or Synergyaudio) will be calling me tomorrow to discuss the issues I'm having. I'll be sure to let you guys know what is said.

Thanks for your suggestions and comments mate :-)

Cheers

aussiepoida

good to hear aussie. this is quality gear and yoru dealing with a specialist store so hopefully gets sorted one way or the other.

[aussiepoida1503560374]

Maybe I dont expect much in the way of customer service, but the reply I got from CA today actually made me smile :-) Not because it was useless though - far from it. It made me smile because of its honesty.

I thought that I would probably have to fight to prove my case to CA. Instead I got this honest reply -

***********

Dear Sir,

We are looking into this as it has been reported elsewhere and indeed reproduced by myself with my test unit. The problem is to do with the decoding board and we are checking to see if it can be tweaked with software and nullified. It is interesting that you have a different effect with DD and DTS as we have replicated this with both formats.

As soon as we have some positive information, we will inform our distributors and dealers.

Regards

Ed Selley

Cambridge Audio

***********

I'm honestly relieved - at least now I know that they are aware of the problem, and are hopefully working to fix it. I was expecting them to reply with "Please ask your local dealer for help", or such.

Cheers

aussiepoida

[cwt]

I thought that I would probably have to fight to prove my case to CA. Instead I got this honest reply -

This is a problem that dts decoding has always had peter.For instance my amp stays in dts mode even when the material ends.[to prevent noise when ff;fr or pausing].If I switch the player to pcm ;I may not hear any sound ; In which case I am told to stop the player for 3 seconds then resume playback.

The manual goes on to say that with dts playback [ff/fr etc] a short audible noise is possible.Thankfully my Integra locks on to dts and your cambridge should certainly be fixed - good cambridge are on the job.

I own a lg5402 too and I wouldnt trust its audio output too much.It wont output a dolby recording at all if your on a mpeg channel-if theres a connection?

[byte-me]

I'm honestly relieved - at least now I know that they are aware of the problem, and are hopefully working to fix it. I was expecting them to reply with "Please ask your local dealer for help", or such.

Cheers

aussiepoida

That is good news, at least like you said they have acknowledged the problem and seem to be keen to get it sorted out somehow.

[ritesh]

Hopefully it will get sorted out for you soon.....

For what its worth I have a Marantz SR7200, bought it around 3-4 years ago, and it works beautifully for both DD and DTS; the crack, pop etc. sound is not something you should live with.....

Ritesh

[scotty79]

just gave mine another purposeful workout, to see the true extent of this issue, and can safely say that while present, and a bit annoying, its not as bad as the OP's version. mine has the distinct "click" at the amp of switching, with a mild pop as the switching occurs audible through the speakers....

my sony doesnt do it, but then, my old sony amp doesnt have half the hardware the 640 does. my rotel also doesnt do it, just clicks on switching... (but as mentioned in the manual, it has the potential too, lol)

[aussiepoida1503560374]

This is a problem that dts decoding has always had peter.For instance my amp stays in dts mode even when the material ends.[to prevent noise when ff;fr or pausing].If I switch the player to pcm ;I may not hear any sound ; In which case I am told to stop the player for 3 seconds then resume playback.

The manual goes on to say that with dts playback [ff/fr etc] a short audible noise is possible.Thankfully my Integra locks on to dts and your cambridge should certainly be fixed - good cambridge are on the job.

I own a lg5402 too and I wouldnt trust its audio output too much.It wont output a dolby recording at all if your on a mpeg channel-if theres a connection?

Hello there - I have had my doubts about the quality of the LG's digital audio output... but I've tested the LG on a Sony and Yamaha 1700 receiver today, and have found no problems.

Thanks for your input. It is greatly appreciated and is helping to pain a bigger picture for me :-)

Cheers

aussiepoida

[aussiepoida1503560374]

just gave mine another purposeful workout, to see the true extent of this issue, and can safely say that while present, and a bit annoying, its not as bad as the OP's version. mine has the distinct "click" at the amp of switching, with a mild pop as the switching occurs audible through the speakers....

my sony doesnt do it, but then, my old sony amp doesnt have half the hardware the 640 does. my rotel also doesnt do it, just clicks on switching... (but as mentioned in the manual, it has the potential too, lol)

Mmh.. interesting indeed. I have no problem with click as it switches - thats to be expected (almost ). My problem appears to be somewhat worse than yours. At this point, I literally have to lower the volume before I dare push 'pause' or 'play' while watching dvd, since I am randomly met with an ear piercing bit of digital noise. Crazy.

In regards to the guy I spoke to from Synergy-audio (the CA distributor in OZ) - He was very helpful indeed, though he didn't know anything more about the problem. He took down the issues I was having and stated that I had received one of the first units. He stated that he will get in contact with CA in England and will get back to me tomorrow... I'm quite certain that he will get back to me with the same information I received form CA yesterday (see earlier in this thread). I shall wait and see.

Thanks for all the info guys :-)

Cheers

aussiepoida

[SuperFly]

Hello there,

I'm now just trying to establish how many people have such issues. I'd appreciate if people could just quickly let me know if they experience the same decoding delays, and what sort of Receiver they are using. Thank you for your reply scotty79 :-)

Cheers

aussiepoida

+1

I have had this issue since day 1 with my 540r (i know your talking about the 640r but i am sure the issues are related) - it annoys the hell out of me with its delay. I even find it does it when watching HD TV with the audio going through the amp from the TV. Both coax and optical causes this issue. It ALWAYS does it when going into and out of the add breaks so you miss the first few seconds. Do you notice on the LCD of the amp that it quickly flashes up "unlock" on the screen?

My best guess is it closes off the circuit (my lame attempt at a technical explanation) when the audio signal drops out briefly (eg - going from a TV show into the add break when they will obviously change sources or something like that).

This issue is magnified x10 when i have my HTPC connected up via coax from my x-plosion card when there is just a constant on-off-on-off and the amp freaks out and clicks every 2 secs or so with the unlock being displayed on the amp.

Would love to hear the results from the inquiry.

[aussiepoida1503560374]

+1

I have had this issue since day 1 with my 540r (i know your talking about the 640r but i am sure the issues are related) - it annoys the hell out of me with its delay. I even find it does it when watching HD TV with the audio going through the amp from the TV. Both coax and optical causes this issue. It ALWAYS does it when going into and out of the add breaks so you miss the first few seconds. Do you notice on the LCD of the amp that it quickly flashes up "unlock" on the screen?

My best guess is it closes off the circuit (my lame attempt at a technical explanation) when the audio signal drops out briefly (eg - going from a TV show into the add break when they will obviously change sources or something like that).

This issue is magnified x10 when i have my HTPC connected up via coax from my x-plosion card when there is just a constant on-off-on-off and the amp freaks out and clicks every 2 secs or so with the unlock being displayed on the amp.

Would love to hear the results from the inquiry.

Hello mate - I'm yet to receive any futher news regarding this issue, though Chris from Synergy-Audio has been keeping me informed.

In regards to your 'Unlock" message - I have not come across such a message sorry. Have you tried chasing this up with CA? or have you simply been living with this?

[SuperFly]

Hello mate - I'm yet to receive any futher news regarding this issue, though Chris from Synergy-Audio has been keeping me informed.

In regards to your 'Unlock" message - I have not come across such a message sorry. Have you tried chasing this up with CA? or have you simply been living with this?

Stupidly i have just been living with it. When i am watching a movie or listening to music it is the last thing on my mind as its such a great amp, but then every now and then this issue will pop up and remind you that there is something fishy going on. I may spend a little more time and have a search around on the web and make some inquiries and see if it is a common problem - or even a design "feature".

[anthonyc]

Stupidly i have just been living with it. When i am watching a movie or listening to music it is the last thing on my mind as its such a great amp, but then every now and then this issue will pop up and remind you that there is something fishy going on. I may spend a little more time and have a search around on the web and make some inquiries and see if it is a common problem - or even a design "feature".

The 'Unlock" message appears when the source disengages the digital audio feed through your optical or coaxial connection. Usually when watching a DVD, if you are in the main menu - its in stereo, but once you select the main movie it switches over to dolby/dts which causes an 'unlock' message while this occurs.

I don't get this if using the line inputs (like when I use Video 1 for my digital TV).

Its just a primitive way for the AVR to tell you that the digital audio feed has been temporary or permanently lost.

[SuperFly]

The 'Unlock" message appears when the source disengages the digital audio feed through your optical or coaxial connection. Usually when watching a DVD, if you are in the main menu - its in stereo, but once you select the main movie it switches over to dolby/dts which causes an 'unlock' message while this occurs.

I don't get this if using the line inputs (like when I use Video 1 for my digital TV).

Its just a primitive way for the AVR to tell you that the digital audio feed has been temporary or permanently lost.

Your exactly right there mate. It only does it on digital inputs - if i use video 1-3 it works just fine.