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

[kechinhphuc]

I have just bought ZERO DAC and I have some questions about the PRE-AMP function of this DAC. I need some advices from all of you - the experienced audiophile. Thanks in advance.
I use my Mediagate 350HD Mediacenter as a source, it has both OPTICAL and COAXIAL output for 5.1 DTS Surround system. I also have a Boss Acoustic 5 speaker system (5.1). I want to use the sound system for 2 main purposes with best sound quality:
- Listen to the stereo music
- Watch the DVD movie with fullfil 5.1 DTS sound.
1. In that case, can you recommend me which AV Receiver I could buy (as maximum $300) to connect all the things (Digital source, Zero DAC, AV Receiver and speaker system) ?
2. How to connect these things for both 2main purposes (without change the cables, it's very a stressful work for me) ?

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by kechinhphuc

I have just bought ZERO DAC and I have some questions about the PRE-AMP function of this DAC. I need some advices from all of you - the experienced audiophile. Thanks in advance.
I use my Mediagate 350HD Mediacenter as a source, it has both OPTICAL and COAXIAL output for 5.1 DTS Surround system. I also have a Boss Acoustic 5 speaker system (5.1). I want to use the sound system for 2 main purposes with best sound quality:
- Listen to the stereo music
- Watch the DVD movie with fullfil 5.1 DTS sound.
1. In that case, can you recommend me which AV Receiver I could buy (as maximum $300) to connect all the things (Digital source, Zero DAC, AV Receiver and speaker system) ?
2. How to connect these things for both 2main purposes (without change the cables, it's very a stressful work for me) ?

I can understand why! Here, everything is centered around headphones. The answer you seek would stand a better chance of being correctly answered over on the Mediagate's forum. On that forum, there is MUCH going on with surround audio vs. stereo audio, so you should check them out.
Have a good one!!

[kmel]

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.

Cirrus says about the CS8405A: Not Recommended for New Designs.

I would prefer a design with a PCM2702/PCM2704 like the Meier Aria/Opera/Move.

[strologu]

Originally Posted by kmel

Cirrus says about the CS8405A: Not Recommended for New Designs.

I would prefer a design with a PCM2702/PCM2704 like the Meier Aria/Opera/Move.

it seems cs8405a to have beeter spec., am i wrong? Why it's not recommended?
I've just downloaded cs8405a datasheet..i've not found anything about it, can you help me?

[Ash]

Where can I purchase one of these amps?

[Ori]

Originally Posted by pincellone

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

Correction: it's $475.

Originally Posted by pincellone

I don't think it's fair to resell this item with such an high markup.

I invite you to come join me for one "easy mod" and then tell me what you would charge for it. It's not like changing a cap or two. The unit is totally taken apart, boards, panels and all.
If you can come up with a better scheme and show me how I maintain my business then I'll offer you the sales and marketing position. How about that?

Originally Posted by pincellone

Besides, how dares he to rebrand the Zhaolu as "Oritek Audio"

Because you'd never mistaken the sound for a Zhaolu, that's why. I use parts from the D2.5 as parts. I take what's decently implemented and I change what I don't agree with. Parts I use are well made and come at a price that cannot be duplicated in small volume production. Instead, I put my effort where it does some good!
Would you say that it's a bad practice to put any commercial power supply in my design? Go peek inside a few reputable DACs, you might be surprised!
So the particular board says "Zhaolu" on it instead of "PowerOne" or maybe "Autec". What significance is there other than my observation that the D2.5 power supply is better for my application?
Chevy doesn't re-invent the wheel from scratch. They buy it from Goodyear or Michelin. Guess what? It's still a Chevy. And guess what? Goodyear and Michelin are happy to do business with Chevy. Why would you hypothesize anything about my relationship with Zhaolu? Just for the heck of it?! You're right about one thing: someone does need to get a life!
Check around and pursue companies that just change the badge on someone else's product, should you decide to become a self-nominated counsellor for the Head-Fi consumer union.
That will give you about a year worth of "work"... A bigger post count too...

[HeadphoneAddict]

Originally Posted by Ori

Correction: it's $475.
I invite you to come join me for one "easy mod" and then tell me what you would charge for it. It's not like changing a cap or two. The unit is totally taken apart, boards, panels and all.
If you can come up with a better scheme and show me how I maintain my business then I'll offer you the sales and marketing position. How about that?
Because you'd never mistaken the sound for a Zhaolu, that's why. I use parts from the D2.5 as parts. I take what's decently implemented and I change what I don't agree with. Parts I use are well made and come at a price that cannot be duplicated in small volume production. Instead, I put my effort where it does some good!
Would you say that it's a bad practice to put any commercial power supply in my design? Go peek inside a few reputable DACs, you might be surprised!
So the particular board says "Zhaolu" on it instead of "PowerOne" or maybe "Autec". What significance is there other than my observation that the D2.5 power supply is better for my application?
Chevy doesn't re-invent the wheel from scratch. They buy it from Goodyear or Michelin. Guess what? It's still a Chevy. And guess what? Goodyear and Michelin are happy to do business with Chevy. Why would you hypothesize anything about my relationship with Zhaolu? Just for the heck of it?! You're right about one thing: someone does need to get a life!
Check around and pursue companies that just change the badge on someone else's product, should you decide to become a self-nominated counsellor for the Head-Fi consumer union.
That will give you about a year worth of "work"... A bigger post count too...

I've been lurking in this thread from the start - but you gave me the best reason to join in, just to say "BRAVO" - that was an excellent rebuttal.

[kmel]

Originally Posted by strologu

it seems cs8405a to have beeter spec., am i wrong? Why it's not recommended?
I've just downloaded cs8405a datasheet..i've not found anything about it, can you help me?

Never said that the chip is bad or the PCM2702/4 is better. I prefer them because current USB amps/DACs use one of them as bridge to USB.

The manufacturer "Cirrus Logic" writes on the detail page of the CS8405a:

Status: Not Recommended for New Designs
Recommended for New Designs: CS8406

[Fremen]

Any feedback on the CM106 from c-media as a USB to spdif converter?
The datasheet is here

[pincellone]

Originally Posted by Ori

Correction: it's $475.
I invite you to come join me for one "easy mod" and then tell me what you would charge for it. It's not like changing a cap or two. The unit is totally taken apart, boards, panels and all.
If you can come up with a better scheme and show me how I maintain my business then I'll offer you the sales and marketing position. How about that?
Because you'd never mistaken the sound for a Zhaolu, that's why. I use parts from the D2.5 as parts. I take what's decently implemented and I change what I don't agree with. Parts I use are well made and come at a price that cannot be duplicated in small volume production. Instead, I put my effort where it does some good!
Would you say that it's a bad practice to put any commercial power supply in my design? Go peek inside a few reputable DACs, you might be surprised!
So the particular board says "Zhaolu" on it instead of "PowerOne" or maybe "Autec". What significance is there other than my observation that the D2.5 power supply is better for my application?
Chevy doesn't re-invent the wheel from scratch. They buy it from Goodyear or Michelin. Guess what? It's still a Chevy. And guess what? Goodyear and Michelin are happy to do business with Chevy. Why would you hypothesize anything about my relationship with Zhaolu? Just for the heck of it?! You're right about one thing: someone does need to get a life!
Check around and pursue companies that just change the badge on someone else's product, should you decide to become a self-nominated counsellor for the Head-Fi consumer union.
That will give you about a year worth of "work"... A bigger post count too...

As you said, a Chevy with Michelin or Goodyear wheels is still a Chevy. Therefore a Zhaolu with a few addons like the ones showed in your website is still a Zhaolu, not an "Oritek Audio" DAC.

I'm sorry man, I don't buy it...

[kmel]

Originally Posted by Fremen

Any feedback on the CM106 from c-media as a USB to spdif converter?
The datasheet is here

Sorry... no feedback on the CM106 from me.

If I have to buy an USB -> S/PDIF converter, it should produce a bitperfect signal and it should support 24/96.
24/96 is only interesting if you have source material in 24/96 e.g. DVD-Audio or if you are using the SRC or SSRC in foobar.

On the other hand there are USB-DACs. They do the trick without any conversation to or from S/PDIF.

[kmel]

Originally Posted by pincellone

As you said, a Chevy with Michelin or Goodyear wheels is still a Chevy. Therefore a Zhaolu with a few addons like the ones showed in your website is still a Zhaolu, not an "Oritek Audio" DAC.

I bet Zhaolu is the "wheels".

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by kmel

Never said that the chip is bad or the PCM2702/4 is better. I prefer them because current USB amps/DACs use one of them as bridge to USB.

The manufacturer "Cirrus Logic" writes on the detail page of the CS8405a:

Status: Not Recommended for New Designs
Recommended for New Designs: CS8406

That makes perfect sense. I think the "New Designs" part got missed.
Thanks for your input. I'm still looking (not in a rush either) to see what comes out in the next few months.

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by Ash

Where can I purchase one of these amps?

I looks like Lawrence sold out his ebay posting. You'll have to email him and ask about posting more. Here is his address: lawrencechanbig@msn.com

[fl00r]

Originally Posted by Penchum

I looks like Lawrence sold out his ebay posting. You'll have to email him and ask about posting more. Here is his address: lawrencechanbig@msn.com

That's correct, I had the last one
O.K. After reading your excellent review (you should go in to copywriting and I will buy anything from you ) and struggle through 100+ pages of this threat I took the plunge and ordered the ZERO.

Thanks everyone

Ben