Chinese DAC shames a few heavy hitters
- Thread starter nc42acc
- Start date
Someone should try one of these USB bridges with the X20U. I bought one just for fun but haven't used it yet. Via the IIS output you will be able to get up to DSD 256 out of the X20U. It uses very good parts and clocks as well. Lots of easy mods can be done to it too. there's a headfi thread on modding it as well. You would just need to build an RJ45-HDMI adapter.
Here's the latest "Ultimate edition"
http://www.shenzhenaudio.com/melodi...khz-dsd-xmos-usb-digital-audio-interface.html
Here's the latest "Ultimate edition"
http://www.shenzhenaudio.com/melodi...khz-dsd-xmos-usb-digital-audio-interface.html
Audiophile fuses (for those afraid of bypassing/shorting) cost $1.26: http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...hsoDKn1CAbkvlp0gLUjFLnmkgiBulkDvFICCBSOcNLg== up to $150 or so each. They all sound different from each other but all will more than likely sound much better than the stock fuse. Nothing tried = nothing gained.
Ric - Thanks for the lead on those fuses from Mouser. I thought there had to be some reasonably priced premium fuses instead of the outrageous pricing from some of the audiophile accessory companies. Do you know whether those Schurter fuses have upgraded internal conductors, or are they just standard fuses with gold plated contacts? Thanks again for sharing your experiences!
I read a review of a bunch of fuses and the Schurter was in the mix. However, it did not fare as well as more expensive ones.....but still beat the stock fuse. I don't think the Schurter is "anything special"....just a slight upgrade. I don't listen to fuses......I bypass them. So, I cannot tell you how they sound different from each other. There are plenty of fuse threads on the net that describe fuses.
The Gustard X20U is installed and playing music. It does not suck!
A bit of edge, grain, grit, glare, whatever, but oh the joy of being able to select a DSD from my Aurender and have it play automatically sweet sweet Art Pepper!
Will keep you posted.
A bit of edge, grain, grit, glare, whatever, but oh the joy of being able to select a DSD from my Aurender and have it play automatically sweet sweet Art Pepper!
Will keep you posted.
Hello, ACHiPo.
I'm excitedly reading your updates. My X20U is set to be delivered (to Aldcoll) this Tuesday afternoon. I'm not sure if he is a member of this forum, but I will tell him about it. He's quite eager to try it in his system. I also bought a TWL Digital American HD PC from a fellow in CA that ought to show up in Alan's mailbox at nearly the same time. I wonder what benefits might be attained over the X20U's standard PC. Perhaps, we'll all find out soon.
Hello, everyone else! Nice place you've got here.
I'm excitedly reading your updates. My X20U is set to be delivered (to Aldcoll) this Tuesday afternoon. I'm not sure if he is a member of this forum, but I will tell him about it. He's quite eager to try it in his system. I also bought a TWL Digital American HD PC from a fellow in CA that ought to show up in Alan's mailbox at nearly the same time. I wonder what benefits might be attained over the X20U's standard PC. Perhaps, we'll all find out soon.
Hello, everyone else! Nice place you've got here.
I've got a Jemmy Audio DAD1 which is ES9018 based with DSD256 and sounds fantastic. The model I have has recently been updated to "pro" edition with new chassis and a few tweaks. So could only imagine what that sounds like.
Alrighty then...about 55 hours in and this X20U is sounding really nice. Edginess and glare is fading fast and leaving detailed musicality in its place. Fantastic on drums--bringing out the tonality of the head. Cymbals still have a bit of tiz, but vocal sibilance is becoming much more natural. All in all I'm delighted given the relatively low hours on this piece. Soundstage is huge, with vocals and lead instruments more forward, and the back of the studio/stage further back. A lot of three dimensionality beyond the speakers--not just ambience, but instruments as well.
Nice find! And only $350!. Even has a very nice separate LPS! Socketed opamps as well. I can just imagine the giant killer this could be with a pair of Sonic imagery 994's in the opamp sockets!
https://translate.google.ca/transla...obao.com/item.html?id=40411763982&prev=search
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Hey Mike if you can read Chinese see if it says anything about the output stage. At that price I need another DAC.
Hey Mike if you can read Chinese see if it says anything about the output stage. At that price I need another DAC.
I edited original post read again. Uses LME49710 IC opamps for the IV, and OPA 1632's after. All could be upgraded to discrete.
Marty,At that price I need another DAC.
Have you ever considered going to a DA (DAC-aholics Anonymous) meeting? Just sayin'...
I haven't even got started yet Evan. Just wait until I jump into the Berkeleys, MSB, Dcs DACs.
Marty,
Have you ever considered going to a DA (DAC-aholics Anonymous) meeting? Just sayin'...
