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

[Epìteto]

Thank you so much at all!!

[Currawong]

Originally Posted by les_garten

Typical Grado Hater Statement!

.

Lol, no. If you aren't getting the sound you like from your headphones, then buying different ones is the sensible thing to do.

[i_love_hina]

Hey, sorry I couldn't find an answer from searching, but, which OPA2604 is the correct one to use for the Zero? There are like 7 from this website

[Currawong]

OPA2604 is the original opamp that the Zero comes with.

[i_love_hina]

Opps I meant OPA627. Which one on that list is the correct one?

From a cursory search I gather the OPA627AP is the one with the legs that doesn't require soldering? Am I correct?

[nsx_23]

Just purchased one of these babies to use with my Ultrasone Pro 900. Any particular op-amp combo I should use?

[Currawong]

Originally Posted by i_love_hina

Opps I meant OPA627. Which one on that list is the correct one?

From a cursory search I gather the OPA627AP is the one with the legs that doesn't require soldering? Am I correct?

You need to put two on a browndog adaptor (see the FAQ in my sig). Some eBay sellers sell them already assembled, either using the SOIC (small ones that have to be soldered) or DIP8 (works in sockets) versions. Just search ebay for "opa627 browndog". Beware though that there are a few fakes out there. "tubebuyer" usually sells the genuine ones, from experience. The Browndog online store sells them too, but they aren't cheap. A HDAM from Audio-gd would probably work out cheaper and sound better.

[nsx_23]

I'm going to order some sample op-amps to try, specifically the LT1364 + LM4562 combo, and just need to confirm the part numbers since I'm newb at this. I'm guessing you just need to sign up on the website even though you're not with a company or anything?

LT1364 - LT1364CN8#PBF PDIP

Lm4562 - LM4562NA MDIP 8 pin

How many do I need. Also, whilst I'm at it, what other samples should I order?

[Currawong]

Both the LT1364 and LM4562 are dual channel opamps, so 3 of each would be enough. The LT1364 gets quite hot in the DAC section of the Zero though, so it's best kept to the headamp section. The LM4562 can be used in either though.

[nsx_23]

Ordered 2 LT1364 and 5 LM4562. How does that combo sound?

[Currawong]

Should be fine. I ordered 5 LM4562 and they only sent me 3 by the way, but it's enough.

[nsx_23]

Ah, I was actually asking how does that combo of op-amps sound.

Should've phrased the question better. My bad.

[Pricklely Peete]

Originally Posted by nsx_23

Ah, I was actually asking how does that combo of op-amps sound.

Should've phrased the question better. My bad.

Good question........I have a LM4562 that came stock with my Auzen Prelude SC. What I remember of it is this, good overall frequency extension but a little glassy in the upper mids, the treble a bit tipped up and steely the bass however nicely extended with very good weight and control.

It comes up short against the Earth HDAM in other words.....but is a decent performer none the less. To artificial sounding to my ears though. I actually prefer the old 627BP over it (LM4562).

The LT1364's are a well known quantity in the H/Amp of the Zero and do very very well there. They are not a good candidate for the DAC OPA slot though as they quickly overheat in that spot. Thermal issues cause IC based OPA's to become unstable in a hurry the stock 2604 is better suited to the electrical properties of that section , that being said it's an ordinary performer SQ wise and is usually replaced right away because of that. But you already knew that having followed this gargantuan thread no doubt

I hope that helped you a little.

Peete.

[nsx_23]

^What other op-amp samples should I get?

And how many HDAMs would I need to order, and more specifically which one (My first home DAC unit, be gentle )?

[nsx_23]

Those of you who purchased a Zero from wsz0304, how long does shipping take?

Its been 2 business days now, and still no reply to emails or a tracking number............