Lowyat.NET > The ZERO DAC + Headamp (NO 56K)

Full Version: The ZERO DAC + Headamp (NO 56K)

Lowyat.NET > Special Interest > Audiophiles

Pages: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39

ferds

Feb 7 2008, 10:20 PM

QUOTE(dark_evilz @ Feb 7 2008, 09:18 PM)

is this dac can be plug to other source, say mp3 player or dvd player...
if can, how?? coz i juz saw only spdif input at the dac..

The Zero Dac can only accept digital signal using either Coaxial (RCA) or Toslink (Optical..

if your mp3 only had headphone out (mini jack) u cant used it with the dac..

dark_evilz

Feb 8 2008, 04:35 PM

QUOTE(ferds @ Feb 7 2008, 10:20 PM)

The Zero Dac can only accept digital signal using either Coaxial (RCA) or Toslink (Optical..

if your mp3 only had headphone out (mini jack) u cant used it with the dac..

are u positively sure bout that??

coz i juz happen to read few info that it can... juz need a right converter or cable.. so thats y i'm here to ask....

mADmAN

Feb 8 2008, 05:00 PM

QUOTE(dark_evilz @ Feb 8 2008, 04:35 PM)

are u positively sure bout that??

coz i juz happen to read few info that it can... juz need a right converter or cable.. so thats y i'm here to ask....

how about quoting that info u found? or mebbe post a link to it.

u can see from the pix in the front page that the zeros input is only optical or coaxial. doesnt support analog input.

dark_evilz

Feb 8 2008, 05:24 PM

i juz google for it... forgot where i read it...

anyway, u mean that dac only support analog input from spdif right??
and say if my source like dvd player or mp3 player doesn't have the spdif, is there any solution to it? or it is juz impossibly can...

ferds

Feb 8 2008, 05:26 PM

QUOTE(dark_evilz @ Feb 8 2008, 05:24 PM)

i juz google for it... forgot where i read it...
anyway, u mean that dac only support analog input from spdif right??
and say if my source like dvd player or mp3 player doesn't have the spdif, is there any solution to it? or it is juz impossibly can...

DIGITAL input only.. thats why its could dac - DIgital to analog converter..

Added on February 8, 2008, 5:30 pmcheck the picture below..

user posted image

dark_evilz

Feb 8 2008, 05:47 PM

i'm asking if there any solution?? juz asking... i oredi know it take digital input only... whats your problem dude...zzzzz

ferds

Feb 8 2008, 05:55 PM

QUOTE(dark_evilz @ Feb 8 2008, 05:47 PM)

i'm asking if there any solution?? juz asking... i oredi know it take digital input only... whats your problem dude...zzzzz

i dont have a problem.. im just giving you answers to your questions..

so you want solution.. OK.. u dont have a choice if your dvd/mp3 plyer dont have spdif out. U can either replace your player or buy ADC ( analog to digital converter)

dark_evilz

Feb 8 2008, 06:02 PM

not even this user posted image

could help????

ferds

Feb 8 2008, 06:06 PM

i dont think that would work.. its only a I/O module..

dark_evilz

Feb 8 2008, 06:09 PM

oh..ic. so i juz plug the dac to my pc then...

ferds

Feb 8 2008, 06:14 PM

if you really want to make it work.. this is what u need (though its not practical and it doesnt make sense

)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Kramer-6420-Stereo-Ana...7QQcmdZViewItem

GodLuvSxS

Feb 10 2008, 08:03 PM

Emm .... I'm wondering did mADmAN send his unit for mod these few days? CNY is near to the end, any late comers wanna join us?

mikelanding

Feb 12 2008, 01:26 AM

QUOTE(mikelanding @ Feb 2 2008, 11:36 AM)

I have a brief discussion with teNtiOn. We will do a non-profit bulk for this browndog adapter. I will bulk 10 units for 1 time only. teNtiOn is so kind enough to help me make it into final product (No DIY, Plug and play ).

The total cost for 10 unit will be: RM40 (parts) + RM15(Oversea Shipping) + RM5(Poslaju to me) = RM60
So 1 Unit will be RM6 +Postage fee to your door step. I dun offer any COD unless U can come to MMU Melaka.

U guys need to be fast. Coz 1 unit of browndog adapter is selling like USD5 (excluding shipping fee) at Ebay!!!

Once again, this is a NON-Profit bulk brought by a music lover to another...

I dun want to take any deposit, but I will definately curse those who FFK after U confirm yr order!!!
PST me if U interested.

**Once again, credit to teNtiOn because he will spend his effort to make it into final product with NO CHARGE**

Buyer list for Browndow Adapter (10 units only):
1. mikelanding - 3 units
2. nicholas_1213 - 3 units (+2 OPA627AP) [Paid]
3. Kyl3 - 1 unit (+2 OPA627AP) [Paid]
4. kwekeugene - 1 unit (+2 OPA627AP) [Paid]
5. ccschua - 1 unit (+2 OPA627AP) [Paid]
6. stormspider - 1 unit (+2 OPA627AP) [Paid]
Left 0 units..pls dun feel sorry!!
Those who interest in OPA627AP. The price is USD14 per unit(ship to your door step). Min order is 4 units,which mean min 4 units will ship to 1 address. U guys can sort out yourself to divide among them. If kena tax, U have to bear it (but I doubt U will kena). I still taking order for Opamp627AP.

Added:
1) Important note: Due to CNY, the adapter only will be ready 2-3 weeks at best...Please dun rush me or teNtiOn brother...We do it for goold will and U dun pay anything up front..Pls understand..
2) For those who order 1 X Adapter + 2 X OPA627AP, pls bank in USD28X3.25 + RM6 (Poslaju Fee) = RM103 (corrected..sorry) latest by (04/Feb/2008 Monday). If U want to sent together with Adapter pls add RM6 for it..pm me for bank detail
3) Bank in Detail. Pls PM me or Screen shot it once U have bank into me. TQ
» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «
My maybank detail:
Name: Tew Shin Yeong
Acc no: 114785050221
Email: shawn_tew at hotmail dot com

thank

4) Sorry, It shoud be RM103 instead of early RM97.. Really Sorry about it

5) On 04/Feb/08: All had paid up...Thank for the fast payment!! Will make order by 11.30pm tonite

Good new!!
The part for Browndog adapter had arrived early. It was unexpected because seller use EMS instead of normal mail. Some extra charges incurred but it all settle out between me and tention bro...Kudos to him!!

here some pichaa
user posted image

For the OPA627AP, it already sent out before CNY...should be arrived sometime this week or next...

Will update from time to time.

GodLuvSxS

Feb 12 2008, 01:32 AM

Wow, poison is here! Too bad the DAC still got 5 more days to start shipping

This is a freaking long CNY!

EDIT: 12th Feb, I just received a call from LT's Malaysia representative, emm .... those LT sample opamp unit is able to reach me by next week time Anyone else getting the LT sample unit?

nicholas_1213

Feb 12 2008, 11:54 AM

Wow finally ! btw really thanks to you mike bro and tension bro

mADmAN

Feb 12 2008, 12:42 PM

QUOTE(GodLuvSxS @ Feb 10 2008, 08:03 PM)

Emm .... I'm wondering did mADmAN send his unit for mod these few days? CNY is near to the end, any late comers wanna join us?

wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee....just received a pm from empire32 and he wants to come and pick it up later in the evening

QUOTE(GodLuvSxS @ Feb 12 2008, 01:32 AM)

EDIT: 12th Feb, I just received a call from LT's Malaysia representative, emm .... those LT sample opamp unit is able to reach me by next week time

Anyone else getting the LT sample unit?[/b]

uiks??? they contacted u?? so nice ah??

why they never call me oso

GodLuvSxS

Feb 12 2008, 01:02 PM

mADmAN: I think the LT guy would contact you within these few days, cos if i'm not wrong we order roughly about the same day. He ask me about the usage of opamp, i said for Project, my college year-end project! a DAC project! LOL! Gosh, please forgive me for cheating a few FREE opamp

Anyway, looking forward to your hard-modded ZERO DAC

mADmAN

Feb 12 2008, 01:19 PM

crap...now i gotta think of an excuse to tell the feller

kwekeugene

Feb 12 2008, 05:42 PM

Looks like I'll have to make some excuse too. But my status in LT says that it is "Shipped" since last week...

Yet to see or hear anytinhg

mADmAN

Feb 13 2008, 12:40 PM

im currently ZERO-less til friday

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

GodLuvSxS

Feb 13 2008, 01:57 PM

QUOTE(mADmAN @ Feb 13 2008, 12:40 PM)

im currently ZERO-less til friday

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

ZERO-less till friday but HAPPY-ness till forever! abit over here!

Any guys here receive phone call from LT? Once my unit is here, will update u guys with the sound signature, hope that it's warm and smooth as OPA627, detail as LM4562 yet punchy as AD opamp!

mikelanding

Feb 13 2008, 06:51 PM

Good new!!!
The OPA627AP had arrived safely!!
Picture time!!!

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

I asked my friend to sent me more OPA627AP. So any1 who need can pst me. USD14 per piece + Rm6 poslaju fee.

I also got myself 4X OPA602AP. Just want to test out, compare to OPA627AP later...

mADmAN

Feb 13 2008, 06:57 PM

when u say USD14 per piece...

per piece u mean 1 complete set for 1 socket is it?? since the zero got 3 swappable sockets, meaning need 3 pieces?

GodLuvSxS

Feb 13 2008, 07:02 PM

QUOTE(mikelanding @ Feb 13 2008, 06:51 PM)

Good new!!!
The OPA627AP had arrived safely!!
Picture time!!!

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

I asked my friend to sent me more OPA627AP. So any1 who need can pst me. USD14 per piece + Rm6 poslaju fee.

I also got myself 4X OPA602AP. Just want to test out, compare to OPA627AP later...

Wow, U got totally 24 pieces out there!!!! I thought u guys ordering only 10 pieces! I might need four OPA627AP, getting for my friend! Will come back to you very soon

empire23

Feb 14 2008, 12:42 AM

Currently modding the DAC.

Stuff done so far,

1) Some cap replacement
2) Diode bypassing with ceramics to whack switching noise (since the spacing isn't suited to the fatter MUR820s)

The only complaint so far i have is with the bad soldering and cheap PCB, the plated holes seem to lift and crack everytime you desolder them, not any different with my ZL or the YuLongs i've worked on, though i wish something China made would have a good PCB.

mikelanding

Feb 14 2008, 10:43 AM

QUOTE(mADmAN @ Feb 13 2008, 06:57 PM)

when u say USD14 per piece...

per piece u mean 1 complete set for 1 socket is it?? since the zero got 3 swappable sockets, meaning need 3 pieces?

No...U need 1 unit of browndog adapter + 2 units of OPA627AP for 1 sockets. If u change all 3...u need to multuply by 3..which is QQ to me...

mADmAN

Feb 14 2008, 11:01 AM

so whats the complete cost for 1 socket?

Added on February 14, 2008, 11:01 am@empy....

if u still havent packed ur camera...take some pix man

mikelanding

Feb 14 2008, 04:21 PM

QUOTE(mADmAN @ Feb 14 2008, 11:01 AM)

so whats the complete cost for 1 socket?

Added on February 14, 2008, 11:01 am@empy....

if u still havent packed ur camera...take some pix man

For 1 socket (based on USD1 = RM3.25),
1 unit of browndog adapter (RM6) + 2 units of OPA627AP (2XUSD14X3.25) ~~ RM97

So 3 sockets = RM97X 3 = Rm291...haha...over half of the DAC price liao..

utellme

Feb 14 2008, 05:49 PM

QUOTE(mikelanding @ Feb 14 2008, 04:21 PM)

For 1 socket (based on USD1 = RM3.25),
1 unit of browndog adapter (RM6) + 2 units of OPA627AP (2XUSD14X3.25) ~~ RM97

So 3 sockets = RM97X 3 = Rm291...haha...over half of the DAC price liao..

I only hope zero DAC sound qlty suit my hearing. Top up another 3 sockets (RM300) into zero DAC, slightly expensive to me.

mADmAN

Feb 14 2008, 06:11 PM

crap....thats friggin expensive.

spend money on DAC + spending money for empires mod + the OPA627 =

forget it....id rather use the money and buy more DAC's

ccschua

Feb 14 2008, 09:52 PM

oooppps I never know we need 3 sets. Now can u tell me, do I need this OPA627 for the Preamp stage, i mean just output to amplifier and speakers (no head fi)

is it easy to swap the browndog? u need a crocodile clip right.

GodLuvSxS

Feb 15 2008, 03:02 AM

QUOTE(utellme @ Feb 14 2008, 05:49 PM)

I only hope zero DAC sound qlty suit my hearing. Top up another 3 sockets (RM300) into zero DAC, slightly expensive to me.

I think the ZERO dac quality would satisfy you well, you can slowly play with it

QUOTE(mADmAN @ Feb 14 2008, 06:11 PM)

crap....thats friggin expensive.

spend money on DAC + spending money for empires mod + the OPA627 =

forget it....id rather use the money and buy more DAC's

LOL i think a OPA627 upgrade at the DAC section would be more than enough, should try the LM4562 at the headamp section since it's capable of driving high ohm headphone like your DT990

QUOTE(ccschua @ Feb 14 2008, 09:52 PM)

Well, you only need 1 set if you connect the DAC to amplifier and speaker

Ok, let me explain about this, inside the ZERO dac there are 3 set of opamp, one at the DAC section then another two at the headamp section. I guess change the DAC section's opamp to OPA627 is more than enough cos IMHO OPA627 at the headamp is abit overkill since I believe the headamp not quite state of the art design

I think browndog is kinda plug and play thing, i'm not quite sure about the crocodile clip, let expert explain about this

mikelanding

Feb 15 2008, 08:43 AM

Some good new!!
All Browndog adapter had been make into final product!! Big thank to tenTion bro for his help.

But....the bad new is: 2 out of 10 unit had some problem during making. tenTion told me he might be able to fix it. If worst case scenario, I will fork out my 2 units to let other got their adapter. Err...this mean I got no adapter liao

Anyway, I recieved some interest for this adapter. I might organise another non-profit bulk for this browndog adapter. But I need help from other kind soul who can help us make it into final product...

Any volunteers??

I will post some photo on the browndog once I back home...Picture poison alway work!!

mADmAN

Feb 15 2008, 12:20 PM

got any spare?? me thinks me interested in 1 unit...aka for 1 socket

mADmAN

Feb 15 2008, 02:41 PM

wheeeeeeeeeeee
got my DAC back from empy!!! time to test it a lil

empy....post the mods u did pls

people ask me i wont know oso

GodLuvSxS

Feb 15 2008, 03:43 PM

QUOTE(mADmAN @ Feb 15 2008, 02:41 PM)

wheeeeeeeeeeee
got my DAC back from empy!!! time to test it a lil

empy....post the mods u did pls

people ask me i wont know oso

Wow, serious poison!!!!! An internal pic would be great!

empire23

Feb 16 2008, 12:55 AM

Here is mah list of short mods. Could have done more with my osci and mm, but i'm leaving on monday, so didn't have enough time.

1. Diode Bypass (reduce noise)
2. Stability and Noise killing mod for digital section (PS bypass replaced with Silver Mica)
3. Ground loop breaker mod (better caps)
4. More capacitance for the main analog stage, from 4400uF to 6600uF
5. More capacitance for the digital stage with Silmic II parallel, from 2000uF to 2330uF and bypass.
6. Cap replacement on analog output stage
7. Film cap replacement with german Wimas near the clock, DAC and supply lines.

ccschua

Feb 17 2008, 01:43 PM

got picture and review or not? how is the burn in?

is the delivery news of Zero available. is the browndog ready to deliver to us ?

GodLuvSxS

Feb 17 2008, 05:20 PM

QUOTE(ccschua @ Feb 17 2008, 01:43 PM)

got picture and review or not? how is the burn in?

is the delivery news of Zero available. is the browndog ready to deliver to us ?

Delivery news of ZERO should be updated within next two days

mikelanding

Feb 19 2008, 02:19 PM

As pormised earlier. Some picture on the adapter. They still at Tention bro hand. Picture taken by tention
user posted image

Bottom view..Nice pointin legs..hehe

user posted image

Holes to be fill by Opamp papa...

Attention to all who order:
1. mikelanding - 2 units
2. nicholas_1213 - 3 units (+2 OPA627AP) [Paid]
3. Kyl3 - 1 unit (+2 OPA627AP) [Paid]
4. kwekeugene - 1 unit (+2 OPA627AP) [Paid]
5. ccschua - 1 unit (+2 OPA627AP) [Paid]
6. stormspider - 1 unit (+2 OPA627AP) [Paid]
7. dark_evilz - 1 unit (+2 OPA627AP) [Paid]

Please email me your Shipping detail to shawn_tew at hotmail.com. Please do not pm me coz no more space liao

Format as below:
Full name:
LYN nickname:
Address:
Contact number:
Once I got the adapter from tention bro, I will sent out to U all.

To other who interested to order the browndog adapter but miss the previous bulk. Good new!! I will organize another non-profit bulk around 1 week time. Price will be slightly higher (higher shipping cost) coz this batch only order the part for adapter without other items like last time. But dun worry, will be RM1-3 higher than previous bulk. Do pm or stated here if U are interested.

utellme

Feb 19 2008, 03:44 PM

aiyo, really hope to see my zero arrive this weekend lah..

GodLuvSxS

Feb 20 2008, 12:26 AM

Sorry for late announcement! As promised I'm here to let you guys know about the latest status:

As what I mentioned last time, too bad the stock unable to reach my supplier's hand by 3rd of February and the whole China is having mostly 2 weeks holiday since that day, and the logistic service my supplier used just back to normal activity on this Monday, so the stock is now on the way to the supplier, and it would reach by this Friday.

The supplier promised to send it out on Monday, I know you guys have been waiting long but hope that you guys understand the situation, all these China people have been in dilemma due to sudden snow bizarre and they nearly unable to balik kampung for CNY dude to transportation owned by the snow bizarre

Anyway, that's all I could let you guys be updated, any latest update I will post it up ASAP

dark_evilz

Feb 21 2008, 10:36 AM

no problem man, we all be patient.... its worth the wait...

Kyl3

Feb 21 2008, 11:51 AM

willing to wait but i'm going back to hometown for 2 months starting march
don think will bring back

GodLuvSxS

Feb 21 2008, 01:02 PM

QUOTE(dark_evilz @ Feb 21 2008, 10:36 AM)

no problem man, we all be patient.... its worth the wait...

Thanks

QUOTE(Kyl3 @ Feb 21 2008, 11:51 AM)

willing to wait but i'm going back to hometown for 2 months starting march
don think will bring back

Emm ... anyway I will contact you once the stock arrive

mADmAN

Feb 21 2008, 02:09 PM

patience guys....itll be worth it.

trust me

GodLuvSxS

Feb 21 2008, 02:15 PM

QUOTE(mADmAN @ Feb 21 2008, 02:09 PM)

patience guys....itll be worth it.

trust me

How's your modded ZERO sounds so far? Any improvement after few days of burning-in?

mADmAN

Feb 21 2008, 02:50 PM

havent been listening to it lately....been too busy...cant concentrate doing work....headache like shit now with this stupid project

mADmAN

Feb 21 2008, 07:01 PM

okie..so i got bored and decided to install the OPA2107 opamps into my ZERO...

Metallica - Through The Never
the highs are much tamer now...although even with stock it was real good already...but soundstage is VERY much improved. first time im hearing things where theyre really coming from... i.e left n behind and not just left only...that kinda thing...

also the intro to nothing else matters...im hearing where the guitar is echoing in the room. never heard that before...

there is 1 drawback though... mid range. the DT990 already has a recessed midrange...pair that with the airy sound signature of the 2107 the it makes the recessed midrange apparent.

lazy wanna take out and remove for now so ill just leave it be...i like the way it sounds oso anyway

wui223

Feb 21 2008, 07:40 PM

madman: ur DAC modded by empire23 right? want to A/B test with his Yulong DAC (mod) ? the DAC is with me now. i am interested to test ur ZERO DAC as well. somemore i dont have qualified headphone to test it, i am using philips SHP2000.

This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.