Review: ZERO 24 BIT/192KHz DAC/Headphone Amp/Pre-Amp

[pincellone]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Haven't been around very long,eh? The last time I checked Ori sent out a brand new modded unit for close to $450. Discrete output isn't what you'd call a "negligible" mod, like say swapping out an op-amp.

er.. yes it is now $450 (will be increased to $ 529 in one week), but still...

I certainly know that using separate analog electrical components (resistors, transistors, diodes etc.) rather than chips to amplify the audio signal is a different thing, but I don't think this is worth more than 4 times the price excluding shipping , especially because this mod is being performed at the output stage only. I don't think it's fair to resell this item with such an high markup. Take a look at the modding module and the other Oritek mods on the Zhaolu, IMHO they speak for themselves...

Besides, how dares he to rebrand the Zhaolu as "Oritek Audio" with such small and cheap mods?

If I were Mr. Zhaolu, I would get p...... off.


Oritek Audio - OMZ DAC Information Page

[Henmyr]

Originally Posted by strologu

Hi Henmyr,

i've just e-mailed Lawrence to ask which one he recommend with the OPA627 in the dac..he suggest me another opa627 in the amp section..but i'm not sure i've understand well..another OPA627 in the amp?? Is it possible?

It's another interesting point of view
Just one more question: when you tested the Meier h5 vs the Zero internal amp, did you used the stock op-amps?

No, I did a small comparison now though stock zero vs H5, and they sounded VERY alike. I had a really hard time to hear a difference. I find that different op-amp combinations in the zero yield a bigger difference than stock Zero vs H5. The tonality was very very alike. I could hear a difference in the bass region, where I on the zero could hear a bass guitar, while on the H5 I could not hear it as easy. This might indicate more bass in the zero, better detail, or better separation, or just a very slight difference in signature.

Both have a neutral and natural signature but with a touch of warmth and smoothness.

I would have to make a very detailed comparison to really get all the differences right.

EDIT: The H5 is very very very very slightly more smooth on the edges.

EDIT: This small comparison was with dt990.

EDIT: During a complex passage in "Megadeath - Holy wars ... the punishment due" I could follow a supressed guitar more easily with the H5 than with zero. This might as before be due to a slight difference in signature or something else.

[strologu]

Hi Henmyr,
thanks a lot for precious support!!

No, I did a small comparison now though stock zero vs H5, and they sounded VERY alike. I had a really hard time to hear difference.
Both have a neutral and natural signature but with a touch of warmth and smoothness.

At the moment i'm placing the order..nothing more to say
I decided to buy the unit with the stock opamps, and then, when i really know what i need (maybe i'll need anything) i'll try to adjust sound signature rolling opamps.
Thanks one more time for spendig time doing comparison, your advice is so appreciated

[fault151]

Hey all. i just got my new beresford tc-7510 dac today. I'm going to et it burn in a bit and compare it to my zero. This should be exciting as both these dacs are very similar in price and both have had good reviews from members on here and other forums. If your interested pm me and i'll let you know how i'm getting on and the the sound differences.

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by strologu

Hi Henmyr,
thanks a lot for precious support!!

At the moment i'm placing the order..nothing more to say
I decided to buy the unit with the stock opamps, and then, when i really know what i need (maybe i'll need anything) i'll try to adjust sound signature rolling opamps.
Thanks one more time for spendig time doing comparison, your advice is so appreciated

That is a smart move! The default Opamps are quite nice and the Zero improves greatly with 100hrs under it's belt. After that, is the time to evaluate and decide what is next, if anything.

The build of the Zero is what gives it so much potential. The 1% components and dual mono headphone amp, gives us a little more latitude with Opamp rolling. It is a very nice unit with potential written all over it.

I also think Lawrence is right, at least 50% of the time. MANY Zero owners have found the OPA627s on the adapter in the DAC, to be the superior DAC output sound. Combined with a pair of good Opamps in the Headphone amp, the sound can be quite nice for most headphones.

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by mrarroyo

Has anyone compared this Zero Dac w/ an Oritek modded Zhaolu? Thanks.

Originally Posted by Pete7

How about just an unmodded Zhaolu?

Hi! The Zero has drawn many people who need a DAC/Amp and not so many who already have one. I assume this is normal, and others will come around later, when it's potential is better understood and defined.

From my personal experience with the Zero, I can tell you that it continues to amaze me. I now have two Zero's, one for computer to tube amps, and one as a digital bridge to my analog systems. It has all of the most sought after properties of a great DAC and a great Headphone amp.

So for now, it's film at 11:00. Stay tuned!

[strologu]

Hi Penchum,

That is a smart move! The default Opamps are quite nice and the Zero improves greatly with 100hrs under it's belt. After that, is the time to evaluate and decide what is next, if anything.

Glad to know that you're thinking the same! I'm so anxious to have my Zero and try it deeply

MANY Zero owners have found the OPA627s on the adapter in the DAC, to be the superior DAC output sound. Combined with a pair of good Opamps in the Headphone amp, the sound can be quite nice for most headphones. i thing

I'm sure opamp rolling can means a huge step, but i think is a personal thing. Anyway, the OPA627 is probably the best opamp out there, it's not cheap, but it's probably the best, used for Mark Levinson etc etc.
One question about connection..my laptop does'nt have a digital output, so i'm gonna buy from Lawrence a usb to spdif adapter..anyone experienced with this unit?

[fault151]

Originally Posted by strologu

One question about connection..my laptop does'nt have a digital output, so i'm gonna buy from Lawrence a usb to spdif adapter..anyone experienced with this unit?

Nope but id like to know how it sounds too. let us know when you get one.

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by strologu

Hi Penchum,

Glad to know that you're thinking the same! I'm so anxious to have my Zero and try it deeply

I'm sure opamp rolling can means a huge step, but i think is a personal thing. Anyway, the OPA627 is probably the best opamp out there, it's not cheap, but it's probably the best, used for Mark Levinson etc etc.
One question about connection..my laptop does'nt have a digital output, so i'm gonna buy from Lawrence a usb to spdif adapter..anyone experienced with this unit?

If there is, they'll be posting about it over in the "computer audio" area. I've been looking around at several, and opinions are wide spread. If Lawrence says it is a good unit, I think it would be worth your time...then you can share your experience with all of us.

[strologu]

Originally Posted by fault151

Nope but id like to know how it sounds too. let us know when you get one.

ok, i'll do it. I have also founded this one NEW USB to SPDIF & OPTICAL Interface UDA1321/CS8405A su eBay.it CD Players Recorders, Home Audio, Consumer Electronics
Same spec. but coaxial output too..i'm wondering which one could be better.
I know that there are many enthusiastic owner of the Trends Audio 10.1 DAC, used only to connect a pc to a dac, but i think it's too expensive as simple usb to spdif transport.

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by strologu

ok, i'll do it. I have also founded this one NEW USB to SPDIF & OPTICAL Interface UDA1321/CS8405A su eBay.it CD Players Recorders, Home Audio, Consumer Electronics
Same spec. but coaxial output too..i'm wondering which one could be better.
I know that there are many enthusiastic owner of the Trends Audio 10.1 DAC, used only to connect a pc to a dac, but i think it's too expensive as simple usb to spdif transport.

You should find out if it can drive both digital outputs at the same time. If it can, that would be great (more flexibility) for later on. If not, then it is simply a matter of "do you need a coaxial connection" to decide.

[strologu]

Originally Posted by Penchum

You should find out if it can drive both digital outputs at the same time. If it can, that would be great (more flexibility) for later on. If not, then it is simply a matter of "do you need a coaxial connection" to decide.

I think it can drive both outputs at the same time, and i also think that a coaxial connection can be useful someday..i think i'll buy this unit..is more attractive too

[Fremen]

Originally Posted by strologu

One question about connection..my laptop does'nt have a digital output, so i'm gonna buy from Lawrence a usb to spdif adapter..anyone experienced with this unit?

Don't know the one from Lawrence but I bought this USB SPDIF converter for about 16€ on ebay:
USB 5.1 Ch optical Controller Audio Sound Card S\PDIF en vente sur eBay.fr (fin le 14-Fév-08 02:38:14 Paris)

It's based on the CM106 chip from c-media.
Even the headphone output is not bad...

I connected it with the optical cable provided with the Zero. It works without drivers with XP but if you install those provided, you can then use the KS plugin for foobar and choose the sampling output (44,1 or 48khz).
Works like my motherboard coaxial output.

PS: BTW you can see on the photo the difference with 4,7 kohm resistors for the leds. I removed my sunglasses ...

[strologu]

Works like my motherboard coaxial output.

Thanks for info, but i've just bought the other one (see link above)

PS: BTW you can see on the photo the difference with 4,7 kohm resistors for the leds. I removed my sunglasses ...

oh! it's seems that stock unit is very brilliant at night!

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by Fremen

PS: BTW you can see on the photo the difference with 4,7 kohm resistors for the leds. I removed my sunglasses ...

Thanks for the pic! I will most definitely be doing the resister change on both my Zero's. If I have both units running at night, it's like a total "blue" room in here!!