I ordered the samples twice. The 1st time it took really long, easily 1 month plus. But the 2nd time was much faster, a week or so. Maybe you should wait for a week or two.

Humming = frequency = noise. The fact that it's coming from the unit itself will surely affect SQ. If you understand the basics of a DAC, you will know that it operates at low voltage, which means it is highly sensitive to noise. That's why there are quite a number of DACs that are designed with an external transformer to keep the high AC current away from the low DC current part of the DAC. Some even use batteries to totally separate the AC link for totally clean current.

Hi Rav,

so is yr humming problem still around. Suggest u grab a multimeter and start poking around.

BTW, I've opened up my Zero to check for loose parts. All tight. I noticed that the transformer has a rubber mat at the bottom too so I doubt a foam will make any difference. I'm wondering what else I can do to isolate the humming...

ccschua, yup. Earthing is fine so no leakage. What should i be looking for with a multimeter?

This post has been edited by RAV4: Sep 2 2008, 12:17 AM

Just to share with you guys one of the mat salleh review of the HDAM.

一个外国网站对本人的HDAM评价


Texture
Positioning
Soundstage
Resolution / Detail
Dynamic/ Attack

HDMA
5
5
4
5
5

Super Op-Amp
4
4
5
4
5

AD825
3
3
3
4
4

OPA627
4
3
3
3
3

OPA2604
3
2
2
3
3

NE5532
2
1
1
2
3

anyone has LT1364 to sell?
im looking for it..

thanks

Maybe try to plug the power cord to other socket which doesnt share with other electronic appliances, hope it helps!

guys i need help
i got the zero dac recently but i coulnt get any music playing ?
it is connected to my laptop by using spdif output but it doesnt give me any audio?
i switch on the coaxial and pre amp as well but still....
Can anyone please help out?

Doubt it's coz of that coz it's plugged through an audio line conditioner now. Before that, it was only sharing with DVD player. I'm quite tempted to use a battery to test it out but have to check what's the DC coming out from the transformer.

Hi,

Use the multimeter, check the tightening screw with the earth wire.

Check the cdp casing to earth.

What is your incoming voltage ? 240V

RAV4,

I think you should get in touch with the bulk supplier. Maybe he can send you a replacement unit and waive the shipping for your trouble...

my ZERO is back in its box..... i got damn pissed off after trying to setup with the new PC...

the new PC's motherboard (gigabyte EP31-DS3L) has onboard SPDIF output. wanted to use that instead of the maya44.... cant get it to bloody work...the analog output works...but the damn spdif is blank.

so in the end, im using my Fubar II again

HI Rav,

My suggestion is to try to get a clean power source and try again. if u have inspected the pcb for any 'shorts' then just measure few of the output voltage like +- 15V, 5V, 3.3V. that would be faster.

I have thinking how to improve the sound of ZERO. Hopefully when the components come I will get some testing done.

The latest news on OPA using for Headphone has some bad news.
The output transformer is not able to supply enuf current for the headphone section.

Good news is u have got good OPA in your hand and audio-gd is running out of stock. plus some improvement is being done to the power supply stage.

I tried plugging the Zero to my AVR, which regulates the output to 230V but still has humming. I'm wondering if there's a fixed 240V transformer to replace the standard unit. I think the extra coil to support 110V is wasted here.

Hand itchy already. Hopefully can get it by this week

Hi Kwek,

I hope the new OPA will blow you off from the couch, and I can recommend you another OPA to get you back to the couch. That is OPA Moon.

Available after next week.

This post has been edited by ccschua: Sep 5 2008, 12:26 AM

hi ccschua, could u elaborate more on the bolded statement, as i'm plan to roll da ne5532 on headphone section as well...

@chua

Good to hear that. I think the Moon will suit Grado even better with a warmer tone....

@leshita87

The Earth/Sun is power hungry and you won't be able to run 3 without modification. You can still use it, but the SQ is not so good. You'll do fine with one Earth/Sun in the DAC section and another opamp in the headamp section. eg. LT1364, LT1028...

Anybody selling 2nd hand? PM me with your price. No need upgraded one. Basic will do. Working condition with no noticeable cosmetic flaw.

what u mean by the bold part?

what kind of modification that u refer to??

This post has been edited by jerren: Sep 5 2008, 11:37 PM