The Zero + OPA627 + Marantz CD5100 (rm800) is better than the Marantz 6200 which costs about rm1600. Check out gatevalve's review a few pages back.

ccschua's initial review of the OPAMP Earth is much better than OPA627 and this is before proper burn-in too so perhaps it's reaching 2k level CDP for relatively little RM.

This post has been edited by RAV4: Aug 15 2008, 06:51 PM

75Ohm is for Digital signal use, as in Digital Coax. Can also be used for Video Signal, hence component cables are also 75Ohm.

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Added on August 26, 2008, 12:41 pmGuys, I just noticed that my Zero DAC has a humming sound when I switch it on. I suspect it's the transformer coz I can also feel a very slight vibration from the unit. Anybody else have this issue?

GodLuv, any way to fix this humming issue?

This post has been edited by RAV4: Aug 26 2008, 12:41 PM

ccschua, thanks for highlighting the fix. I was following the head-fi thread but didn't come across any postings on this humming issue... but 500+ pages is not easy to cover. Thanks again!

Same problem with mine. It should work fine but any humming would affect the sound quality, IMO. I'll open it up over weekend to see if can fix it as per ccschua's suggestions.

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.

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

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.

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.

GodLuv (GL),

pls send both to me.

What about the USB to Coax converter? Should have clear customs rite?

Also, any chance of getting a dedicated 240V transformer from your supplier to replace my unit's? Still have humming issue. Thx

Cool! Let me know how much it will be. How did you get your hands on Kimber bare cables anyway? And what gauge size are they? I'm also interested in doing a DIY on the Asylum Cable but the nearest place I know with the components is in Sim Lim Tower. I don't travel to SG so often so still waiting for an opportunity do go so can pick up the parts.

Abel busy working on his power cables?

Talking about power cables, I came across these on Head-Fi that claims to perform on par or better than US$200 cables. Uses Furukawa cables and the construction of the plugs are impressive! They're made in Taiwan. Copper plug model is US65, silver plated one is US95. Anyone wanna do a bulk on the 65 one?

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f21/new-powe...r-cable-305109/

Actually when you connect to the CDP or DVD's digital out, you're bypassing the internal DAC. DAC = Digital Analog Converter. Once you pass the digital signal through the DAC section, it will be Analog output hence the digital out from any player is before the DAC section.

Abel, if you didn't check out the link, those plugs are made using Furukawa copper and acid bathed and chemically treated to resist oxidation.

BTW, is that the China made YYW filtered cable you're using on your Zero? How much did you get that and where from?

I should have added this photo coz it shows how much larger the IeGO cable is, compared to the standard one. And the reviewer can hear quite a bit of difference when used on his DAC! http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f21/review-i...-cables-326799/

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Added on September 12, 2008, 10:07 pmI just got mine this morning at about 11AM.

Take a close look on the board under the pins. There's a C marking to match the socket which has a small indent on 1 side. The extension cable's sockets have the same too so just align according to that. I assume the socket on the Zero would have the same but I didn't really check the last time I open it up so can't confirm that.

This post has been edited by RAV4: Sep 12 2008, 10:20 PM

Sorry, i was looking at your attached photo and saw the YYW connector. I guess that's not your setup. BTW, how's the Kimber Abel cord doing so far? :-)

Chua, any recommendation for the cap mod to be added to the OPAMP? PP (from Head-Fi) recommends PIO (Paper In Oil) Russian Military spec capacitors for best results. Any idea where we can get those here?

You also mentioned that you have snipped the 2 ceramic caps at the analog output stage. I assume this is a recommended step for better SQ?

Thanks!

Chua, Thanks! The value that Abel has is OK?

Abel, please keep both for me. I'll arrange on how to deal when Chua confirms. BTW, you mentioned that your Kimber still lose to your Transparent... was your Transparent a factory terminated unit or it was another DIY effort?

And after Star, the ultimate OPAMP will be Supernova!

Chua, PP is recommending 1uF caps. Abel's is only 0.22. Would that be sufficient? What rating are you using now?

Abel, sure I'm interested but after you said that the Transparent is much better... well... how about doing the Transparent? I mean, what's the price difference anyway?

GL, count me in for a Moon... even though I have not even plug in any of the HDAM yet. Will let you know if my fren wanna get it too. Thx

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Added on September 17, 2008, 11:29 pmstormspider, based on the Zero group from Head-Fi's feedback, it seems that Earth in DAC and Suns in Headamp is the best combination so far. Seems that most of them agree that the DAC should have a neutral opamp so that it's more balanced and then tune your sound preference at the headamp. Most also agree that the LT1364 at the headamp is already very listenable for the price but paying more for the Suns would have it's return as well.

This post has been edited by RAV4: Sep 17 2008, 11:29 PM

GL, one more Moon for my friend please.

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Added on September 18, 2008, 3:07 pmOUCH! OK, I have to ask... is the difference worth the "almost triple" price?

Hey, Kimber Abel looks much neater now!

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Added on September 18, 2008, 3:11 pmI remember that you were the one who tested between optical and coax and reported you couldn't hear any discerning difference right? I did the same with the stock toslink cable vs. Monster Digital and found no real difference... yet. Maybe my Zero needs to be completely burned in and upgraded to OPA before I can hear anything... but your Canare Abel should be better than the long thin cable that came with the USB converter from GodLuv.

This post has been edited by RAV4: Sep 18 2008, 03:11 PM

I believe the source makes a difference as well. It's well known that certain manufacturers like Marantz and Philips places more emphasis on the Coax section than others, hence the smoother sound for Abel.

Stock optical vs Philips optical: a lot of users shared that a high quality glass type fiber can make a big difference against the cheap plastic fiber so I need to swap the current stock with my Audioquest to compare too! Thanks for sharing!