hoooorray!!!!
the poison is ready for collection!!!!
when when when???? cant wait for that!!!!

Date and time will be confirm on next Monday Oh ya, all those second bulk buyer please do PM me your handphone no, easy for me to contact u guys, might not able to online during my time at KL

-deleted-

currently my setup is

PC > PSC805 > Aego M
PC > PSC805 > HP1000(ordering)

Do i still need to pass by PSC805 from PC to Zero DAC?
or just directly PC > Zero DAC > Aego M ?

Will let guys know about the date and time once confirmed. Sorry to tell you that, the venue should be KL sentral, central of all accessible public transport Fair to everybody



Emm ... just direct PC to Zero DAC if you got the SPDIF output or coaxial output, else just top up another RM20 for the USB to SPDIF converter

eh??? 2nd bulk in liao ah?? so when the next meet??? mebbe i can busy body again ahahahahhahaha

hahah i can bring along with the OPA827 to test and have LME47920 , LM4562
before that i need to buy the browndog but this opa827 is SOIC-8 is not DIP-8 that abit headache this opa827 is Single channel like opa627

OPA827

Hows the meeting up ? is it this weekend. hopefully some good news on delivery. After more opamp rolling, I am focus on OP2604, LT 1364 and DY2000..

Sucks ... bro you should read up the announcement in 1st post of BULK thread. Your bookshelves is already at port and waiting for KASTAM clearance, while our guys' ZERO dac package left at GUANGZHOU warehouse there!!! I'm speechless ... Anyway I'll be at KL starting this Thurday, will phone you for COD once I got it ... still could feel the boiling inside my body, must calm down my blood pressure else may get stroked

haha bro relax la not your fault also

lol, bro GodLuvSxS. i think u already done wat u can.

take it easy...

ccschua, You're not happy with your op627 meh. in fact, I reckon the stock OP2604 quite balance in term vocal (not too detail but more than good enough) and musical.

I go back to OPA2604 and found the sonic quality is more to my liking.

for those who follow the zero dac, u may want to come for a tt at puchong area. please refer the bulk thread zero DAc. We can audition the zero dac with mcintosh and harbeth loh.

____________________________

The TT goes on as planned. very interesting though. a budget DAC makes it to the HIFI world. Rolling of DAC section still ongoing. looks like another opamp comes out in the Penchuum forum as well.



http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/tweaks/me.../15/155776.html

Looks ccschua unearth another great opamp from LT. Sorry guys for delaying the LT opamp, been quite busy late, let's wait until 2nd bulk buyer received their unit, then I will back to service you guys for the LT opamp bulk

Anyway for those who are interested in the ZERO dac, please do consider join the 3rd bulk ASAP, which could be the last ZERO dac bulk due to time constraint to handle the bulk

It has been more than 10 days and I have not received my samples on LT1364, etc.

I have purchased the follow item from bluejeans. apparently this is budget upgrade that gets good review. e.g. the LC-1 RCA is better than low end Audioquest.

------

Item Name: 3 foot BJC Optical Digital Audio Cable
Quantity: 1

Total: $13.75 USD



Item Name: 3 foot BJC LC-1 Stereo Audio Cables
Item Options: Cable Color: White

Quantity: 1

Total: $31.75 USD

----

I am hoping to receive to the LT1358. another good recommendation for mid and vocals.

it has been months and i havent heard jack about my LT samples...not even a phone call to verify anything

I have always been searching to upgrade and improve the ZERO dac.

I will be getting this in 1 or 2 days. Do let me know if u want to buy as well. if u are into stereophile and valve tube amp, u may like this.

Analog device DY2000 (dual, ceramic)
Price: US$15
Comment : These chips makes the sound more valve like than the tube sound ever did if that can possibly make any sense! Melodious, slightly laid back and warm yet it brings out every last bit of detail from a recording. Overall a very nice sound. A kind of hybrid valve and solid state mix which gives the best of both worlds. Nice smooth valve like mids and highs with lovely solid state bass oomph . This is the Op amp for those who prefer a valve like sound but would also like a solid state bottom end delivery. With this Op amp you can have your cake and eat it. Smooth as silk.

It's great to see someone so enthusiastic enough to keep on improving the ZERO dac. Anyway, i think maybe it's time to send for internal electronic component overhaul

A few days back I took out all my opamps LT1361, LT1364, LT1469, LT1057, OPA2604, OPA627 and NE5532 for a 2nd listening.

I didn't exactly take down notes of each combination but after going through all of them and swapping them between DAC and amp, I still prefer the OPA627 for dac and LT1364 for amp. The combination of LT1364 and LT1469 is worth trying out and I would rate them as 2nd best if not for the OPA627.

Hi Kwekeugene,

nice to see u back. I dont seem to get the free sample from LT. can I borrow your LT 1057. what do u think ?

this is from Lawrence.
Linear techonolgy LT1057(dual, ceramic)
Comment: Without a shadow of a doubt this op amp is the star of the the centry. Easy to listen to, easy to pick out every last detail and ever so natural. There was an ethereal quality to the sound that only ever heard on high quality loudspeaker based systems. It's hard to put what this op amp does into words but listening to the sound with it on board is as close to headphone heaven. Very analytical.

chua u can get this DY2000 because i cant find it ??? where to buy

---

Added on June 5, 2008, 10:20 amermm soo long not yet arrived ... mine already arrived liow but no time to test on chua DAC ....

The LT opamp free sample is gonna costs you months for it, anyway the DY2000 seems like quite impressive piece of opamp, as forummer reported it possess quite good vocal, better than OP2604, emmm ....

Maybe I should "tumpang" ccschua for a piece of DY2000, bro Abel, wanna join too?

let me know fast. Abel has confirmed 1 unit of DY2000. by the way, is your Marantz 5001 a reclock version? any upgrade on power supply.
does the zERO need any reclock?

this is non profit buy. will let u all know once the seller give me the best price.

Ok, 1 unit here, take it as collector item Anyway tempting to try the Burson Audio Discrete Opamp, USD175 for a pair of dual, so roughly RM260 each, ouch!

Sure, no problem. I've been busy with my exams and I'll be available from June 19th onwards Probably by then, the 2nd bulk of Zero DAC would have arrived and we could have a Zero gathering.

The HDAM model is really overkill , I think the most likely upgrade for me is the ALPS pot.

Yo bro Ccschua... count me in for one DY2000 please...

OK,

altogether 4 units of DY2000 plus myself. But to warn first, the DY2000 is a used unit.

rgds

ccschua x 1
Abel x 1
Godluvsxs x 1
Stormspider x 1

--------------------------

Guys,

a message from Eddie Wu that the DY2000 is not as good as LM 4562. Eddie is frank and open about it, below is the email from Eddie. Eddie said LM4562 gives more pronounce mids, more sweet sounding and slightly more dynamic and control than DY2000. u may refer to Penchuum head-fi thread, post no 1.

''''''''''''''''''
Hello Mr. Wu,

Just to let you know that I received the LM4562 chip and it's better than my DY2000! Thanks! I'm using it on the Zero DAC and Yulong AMP4780. Can you tell me if the Poppulse is better than Zero DAC with LM4562 and Yulong AMP4780 because Poppulse use also LM4562? How much does it cost the shipping to Brazil? How long does it takes to arrive here?

Regards,

Adrian
'''''''''''''''''''''


I am still waiting for some pro to reply, so I hold on first and let me know your preference.

Emm ... if things like these, I guess I gonna retrieve my order, tried the LME49720 aka "warmer LM4562" and not quite "vocal" enough for me, should try something else The poison of Burson Audio Discrete Opamp is kinda strong

Hi Stormspider,

Please let me know by Sunday if you want the DY2000.

So far

ccschua x 1 DY2000
abel x 1 DY2000

FOR STEREO speakers , in the merits orders (This HDAM really poisoning)

HDAM
LT1358
DY2000 -
LM4562 -

For headphone

For the warm opamp in the headamp, I would use LT1364 or LT1469.

The LT1364 is very nice in the dac also, very clear but with a touch of warmth.

I want to love the LT4562 (I have the LME49720, different name but same) but I just don't keep it in the dac. I find the soundstage to be rather small, and I'm having a hard time with the coloration (It turns the sound into dark purple/dark blue every single time I use it). I find it to lack punch as well, it sounds a bit tired. It's rather neutral, but not in a natural way if that makes any sense.

I'm not at home, and haven't been for some days, but from my memory I find the OPA627, LT1028 and LT1358 to be rather good for the dac. OPA627 has got the largest soundstage and most bass, but is rather laid back. I find the LT1028 to have very good transparancy and really like it, but I don't think it's safe to use it. The LT1358 is somewhere in between. It has a nice natural and full midrange, not harsh in any way. It didn't wow me in any way at first like the OPA627 does with the soundstage and bass, and LT1028 with the open airy transparent sound, but in the long run I have found it to be very enjoyable. It sounds a bit like LT1364 but without as much warmth. The OPA627 pushes the singer back a bit, while on LT1358 the singer is closer.

So, my favorites for dac in no particular order:
LT1358 - Clear, natural midrange, no major drawbacks but no immediate wow-factor.
LT1364 - Rather large soundstage, clear, warm midrange.
LT1028 - Good bass, neutral and natural midrange, good transparancy, clear, major drawback: Get very very very hot.
OPA627: Largest soundstage, rather laid back, rather neutral, rather clear, good bass amount, full midrange but without a very warm coloration.

Well then I won't get the DY2000 first will wait for bro Godluvsxs bulk of the LT 1364.. Thanks Ccschua

today testing some opamp at chua DAC with my system , i test this DAC without go thru my tube preamp , we just try on the DAC section opamp , for headphone not sure how is performance.


my opamp list :

LM4562 - not bad , vocal is presentable sounding quite dynamic.

LT1507 - compare all my LT range consider the best one most balance low to high sound not very harsh , bass is tight n control wide sound dstage vocal is quite forward.

LT1361 - sound harsh n thin , but detail is very good

LT1364 - sound less harsh than LT1361 vocal quite presentable and warm sound , staging is not bad quite wide , better than LT1361

LME49720 - ??? i almost forget how its sound quite similar with LM4562 but the sound stage is narrow for me is the worst one hhehee

OPA827 - very similar with OPA627 but the detail slightly lesser than opa627 and the sound not soo forward .sound more relax compare opa627.

Chua opamp list :

OPA627 - sound very wide fast n dymanic , bass are tight and fast feel like i using floor-stand and sound very detail but for vocal side is thin abit bright sound.

OPA2604 - come with the DAC i think no need to say much sound slow n laid back, stage are abit backwards.


this just my own preferable n my own ear maybe some of the opamp suite to ur taste n music.
now i waiting chua DY2000 ,and godluxsxx DAC and also waiting the LT1469 to arrive

Emmm, sounds like LT1364 doing quite OK here, does the vocal warmer than the OPA627? Mr. Chua had a listen to all your opamps?

Err.. Just wanna tell you guys that I am organizing a bulk for LT1361CN8 and LT1364CN8. Do post in the thread if you are interested. Thanks.

I was with Abel to try out the different opamp. Although the ZERO DAC is budget level, the sound is definitely not entry level, given the good quality compenent used in ZERO DAC.

I agree with the different sound characteristics written by Abel, up to certain stage, we were confused due to too many swapping back and forth.

However those audition are based on initial swapping, with each individual opamp not yet run in.

Now for my setup, I stick with LT1364, still running in the LT 1364. I found the LT 1057 and LM 4562 to be rather special. will keep posted regarding the sound characteristics.

So by today I will order 2 units of DY2000.

-----

the order for 2 x DY2000 is on.

Sounds like you got the new match mate LT1364 for the ZERO, now the gap between ZERO and the Marantz getting closer? Any difference between the OPA627 and LT1364?

how many people here are still using the built in headamp??? i dont bother with it anymore as i find the Battery Cute II amp to be much better

I'm still using the built in headamp.. but that's only until I can get my hands on
the secret amp...

Same here, using the stock headamp with stock opamp
Satisfied with it anyway

Stock headamp till I puny up enough cash for a tube amp. Little dot MKIII perhaps...

Well all I can say is ZERO DAC is definitely best bang for the bucks. About the Marantz cdp, the ZERO dac is not that far off with OPA627, I am comparing it to the Marantz KI version (Ken Ishiwata). This player is wide sought after, and it has got HDAM loh.


So it looks like the ultimate for ZERO dac is HDAM module by Burson. This HDAM is more expensive than the ZERO. I suspected the discrete opamp version is coming close to audiophile level. bro, go discrete and u will feel the warm of discrete opamp, especially at soundstage and vocal.

LT1364 is definitely not bad, but OPA 827 is interesting too. I have now switched over to LM 4562. If you recall LM 4562, its widely used in Zhaolu.

I am eagerly waiting for the LT1358 to come.



another area for upgrade. look at the tubes, mullard, amperex or china.

I also placed an order for the LT1358, still waiting....

According to the Head-fi thread, the HDAM replica from China costs only USD80 compared to the Australian's Burson Audio USD150. I'm waiting till the guy gives a complete review of OPA627 and HDAM before deciding

both are different character opa627 more to dynamic those for listen rock , trance is more suitable for vocal i prefer LT1364 and LT1507 and LM4562

that day we try on .... Marantz CD-63 (KI edition) with Zero sound not good bcoz the CDP sound are better bcoz the Marantz CD-63 is runing on 16bit normally 16bit the vocal will sound thicker n forward compare to 24bit

those who use low end CDP + this DAC will give a huge improvement for my CDP it also give improvement actually also depends on matching .... maybe some is good some are not

Emm ... the HDAM got replica from China, that's interesting! USD80 is certainly worth a shot if it fares scalable better than OPA627



How much does The Marantz CD-63 (KI edition) cost right now? I got one friend considering this unit

got 1 unit for sale ... abt RM 1100 - RM 1200 can contact Khwang- 012-265 1853

KI series is champagne color

Hello, I'm new and I've got some questions:

1) After having upgraded Zero's OpAmps, could it sound better than an Auzentech X-Fi Prelude or a M-Audio Audiophile 192 PCI sound cards?

2) What is HDAM? Why many people are using it with Zero?

3) Could I obtain good results using the Zero as a PreAmp for TA 10.1?

4) Generally, there are PC sound cards that could provide a better audio quality than the Zero?

5) Is the Zero DAC better than the Trends Audio USB DAC?

6) Let's suppose I'm using digital out of my SB Live! 5.1, connecting it with a Zero DAC. Would it be the same thing doing that with a digital out of a Creative X-Fi, in terms of final audio quality?

Hi there

1) I think it's best to audition it between these options to get the verdict.

2) HDAM is kinda like a Class A discrete output, tend to sound better and we are still waiting for a comparison between HDAM and OPA627 from Headfi dude

3) I'll leave this for others to answer. Never used ZERO as preamp before

4) Again, I could only say it's best to audition it to get the verdict

5) Well it depends on quality of the digital output module, maybe the X-Fi's digital output is better thus will provide a better sound


EDIT:

Looks like we got a more defined answer for your question no.1

Well if you are HIFI bugs (stereo speakers, not headphones because I dunno headphone), you will like LM 4562. No doubts or any second thoughts about it. After running in the LM 4562, the sound gets warmer and sweeter, with good musical separation.

I will stick to LM 4562 for some time till the DY2000 come.

ZERO DAC will make your money worth the investment. The immediate reaction when you listen to ZERO is like wow, so clear, crispy and u can hear the sound coming from wider angle (the so called soundstage).

Musicality is the ability of the sound to be separated very well, soothing to listen to and not fatigue at all. as if you talk to each other and still can hear the music playing clearly in the background.

One more thing, if you roll the opamp, you are actually learning to discern the different sound characteristics of the opamp. Those opamps are hifi grade designed by the engineers with a purpose.

thats the beauty if you get 1 stage higher. HDAM

What is HDAM, mind to share? My current old CD63SE CDP do have HDAM. It's worked well with my Zero stock opamp.

similar with the marantz HDAM even new Marantz also have HDAM

Hi guys, after discussion with bro BSOD, I decided to pass over the LT opamp bulk orders to him, pricing is:


LT1361CN8 - Dual and Quad 50MHz, 800V/�s Op Amps
RM 21.20 each

LT1364CN8 - Dual and Quad 70MHz, 1000V/�s Op Amps
RM 22.30 each

IMHO it's quite a nice price there, and he need 15 units to complete bulk. Since I'm getting quite busy to handle OPAMP bulk, I think it's best for you guys to join his bulk instead waiting for my bulk to complete. Any interested guys please go and PM him, hurry up!

PS: I think bro BSOD do bring in other model like LT1358 n others too, just contact him