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

[vorlonix]

my order to Lawrence on ebay still hasnt shipped. is this normal (build-time) or excessive (at this rate, ill be lucky to receive it less than 30 days after ordering)

[T9R]

Would the built in amp in the Zero be too much for a low impedance headphone like the AT-AD2000? Or am I over-thinking here?

[Henmyr]

Originally Posted by T9R

Would the built in amp in the Zero be too much for a low impedance headphone like the AT-AD2000? Or am I over-thinking here?

The lowest volume can still be a bit much for me when using the AD2000. I rather listen at 60-75dB. For the loudest of albums the lowest volume without channel imbalance approaches 72-75dB.

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by oatmeal769

Damn... That means I'll have to get another Zero to drive it as well, as it (the Zero) only has one set of outputs... Ouch my wallet!
How do you handle it? You have two, correct?

Ya, it's kinda interesting. My X-FI Extreme Music's I/O Drive (5 1/4 bay) in my PC has both Optical and Coaxial outputs (both active at the same time), so I have Coaxial running up the shelving unit to my first Zero, which drives my MKIVse or my mini-system. At the same time, the Optical out is ran around the outside of the room to another Zero, next to my Vintage Pioneer SPEC system. There, I have it driving the SPEC1 pre-amplifier on AUX1. I have the MKV hooked to one of the pre-amp's record outs. This way, I don't have to have the pre-amp powered up to dub the signal out to the MKV.

What is really cool is when I have everything running, playing the same source. This comes in handy when doing comparisons and such. I've been testing a pure tube pre-amp sold on eBay called the Zigma 5687. It has one input and two outputs, using a 5687 Philips tube as driver. So far, it has been a fun little test that I haven't been too serious with yet, but I will in the near future. I'm going to hook it up driven by the first Zero and one output to my mini-system and one output to a tube headphone amp, probably the MKIII.

The first test of the Zigma 5687 was between the second Zero and my Vintage Pioneer equipment. There, it really did nice things to the Zero's output. Only a slight warmth to the mids is added and nothing else. This made the old analog sound become smoother and warmer! It is a very nice thing for that system, so in the end, that is where it will assume full time duties (I think). Now you know why I call my home office a lab. 500 pounds of stuff in a 100 pound room. I can vary the amount of "tube" sound by changing to different 5687 tubes. I can't wait to hear the Zigma 5687 hooked up to my mini-system. The thought of a warm sounding T-amp is very exciting! If it works real well, I'll have to share that with others, who have a mini-system built and wish theirs was warmer.

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by vvanrij

Penchum how does the Zero amp compare to the LD MK1, as I see in your profle that it sais LD MK1 (L1364) (so it has the same opamp)? Pff I'm brokefibroke and looking for a cheap mkII/III... this has become one expensive hobby.

Well, the MK1 is the portable LD amp. One of my recommended upgrades for it is to simply remove the LM4562 it comes with and put in an LT1364. It really makes the MK1 sound three times it's asking price. I did test the MK1 as a desktop amp and it will operate off of the wall wart charging plug without side effects. It does a reasonable job at this because it is higher voltage than most portable amps and can handle the voltage swings associated with better dynamics. It is very impressive for a small portable, but I really believe it belongs in the portable use category. Driven with my Zune80 (very clean MP4 player), it sounds excellent for on the go music.
The Zune80 is only limited by the on-board sound chip and WMA lossless.

When push comes to shove though, the Zero's built-in headphone amp is going to do a better job. It has much more power at the ready than a portable has (so far too date) and the ability to change Opamps to a better one like the LT1364 just adds to the overall package. Plus, just having the Zero for it's amp right now, gives you an upgrade path for a separate amplifier later. This makes it logical to purchase and practical as well. I said this a long time ago, "everyone deserves to have a Zero in their rig." and I still believe that.

[oatmeal769]

Originally Posted by vorlonix

my order to Lawrence on ebay still hasnt shipped. is this normal (build-time) or excessive (at this rate, ill be lucky to receive it less than 30 days after ordering)

Yes, mine took more than 3 weeks. His shipping times are known to be not so great, but the rest of the deal is fine.

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by Henmyr

The lowest volume can still be a bit much for me when using the AD2000. I rather listen at 60-75dB. For the loudest of albums the lowest volume without channel imbalance approaches 72-75dB.

I was wondering if a set of those impedance adapters would help this situation at all? I heard they are fairly cheap? Thanks!

[Henmyr]

Originally Posted by Penchum

I was wondering if a set of those impedance adapters would help this situation at all? I heard they are fairly cheap? Thanks!

Might be interesting to hear one yes. Wonder where one might find one of these *looks around*.

[vorlonix]

Just recieved. wait was worth it. built in amp kicks the crap out of a META42.

i never thought jumping to a DAC would wow me, but wow.

I need a bigger HDD for more FLAC music now.

[CountChoculaBot]

Ordered it from the guy selling it for $150 shipped. Paid on Friday night, he shipped it out on Saturday, which surprised me a whole lot. Now it's on a plane to San Francisco

[sdgserv]

OPA627 x2 on Brown Dog Adaptor (See pic):
WOW!! Upon installation, everything is improved! I’m hearing a full spectrum with no deficiencies! The immediate shocker is the sound stage. Nice and wide without being too distant! Vocals are absolutely clear and the highs are clean and detailed. Bass is tight and has a proper presence to it, with punch. This was worth the money for sure! A super upgrade for all music lovers

I just installed my OPA 627 on a Brown Dog Adapter. The quote above is from the OP and I could not have said it better. The 627 I received is supposed to be a fake one. Sent back by someone on this forum. Sound pretty good to me..

[JC_Denton]

I have just plugged the OPA627BPs on my Zero and it was...an apocalypse. Just wow, incredible sound. Much better IMO than the LM4562 I have tried earlier. They are DEFINITELY going to stay on my amp

[sdgserv]

Originally Posted by JC_Denton

I have just plugged the OPA627BPs on my Zero and it was...an apocalypse. Just wow, incredible sound. Much better IMO than the LM4562 I have tried earlier. They are DEFINITELY going to stay on my amp

Ya Think

[Penchum]

Well, what do ya know! My ears haven't failed me yet.

I'm glad the 627's are working out. I double checked my second set last night and they sound wonderful with my MKIVse, so that is enough evidence for me.
Happy listening everyone!

[oatmeal769]

Originally Posted by Penchum

I got my second set with the adapter from tube_buyer on ebay. If he doesn't have any listed, send him a note.

Remember, the OPA627's in the DAC were BEST IMHO for output to another amp. If only using the Zero as your DAC and headphone amp, the LT1364 in the DAC and LT1469 or LT1361 in the headphone amp seemed best.

So, I bought this:
2x Dual to Mono Opamp PCB OPA2604 NE5532 LM358 > OPA627 - eBay (item 220224526344 end time Apr-22-08 11:10:16 PDT)
But I don't think Raymond understood initially that I wanted 627's with it. After an email or two, I got this:

" I think I have misunderstand your mean.
The post is only
for 2pcs adapter socket, if you need 2 OPA627, we need you add USD28 for
the deal. "

My question is if this sounds like the real deal on those opamps - I thought they were a bit more (?) I REALLY don't want counterfeit ones...