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

[Pricklely Peete]

The new version might be better but that is still unknown at this point. It's a hit or miss proposition.

Peete.

[mezasi]

'Combo no.' - 'DAC Op-amp' + 'Headphone Op-amp' = 'Observation'
lt1364+lt1884*2＝Great balance,very laid back sound.　

[notoriousmatty]

are there even any other choices in the below 150 price range for a DAC/AMP combo like this one?

[Kawai_man]

Originally Posted by notoriousmatty

are there even any other choices in the below 150 price range for a DAC/AMP combo like this one?

Or any choices separate under 150-180

[mezasi]

Dac / Amp :
LT1884A + LT1498
LT1112 + LT1498
LT1364 + LT1884A
LT1469 + LT1884A
LT1028As + LT1469
LT1028As + LT1884A
LT2078 + LT1028As:
very good sound

[CB1990]

Thanks for the great review, I have a pair of AKG K701s and am looking for a amp/dac combo under 300 dollars. This sounds pretty amazing and I will check it out! Im also not that experienced in this subject, so Id like to ask if there is anything (amp/dac combo) better I can get for 300 dollars (U.S) or less. Thanks again!

[Pricklely Peete]

Originally Posted by notoriousmatty

are there even any other choices in the below 150 price range for a DAC/AMP combo like this one?

Nope.....the Zero pretty much has this niche of the market all to itself. It's difficult to build a DAC and an amp for 170 or under and have it A) make any money for the manufacturer B) and sound even remotely half decent.

The Audio-gd Compass was supposed to be a direct competitor but it took on a life of it's own and once feature creep and parts spec were tallied it couldn't be done for less than 258US (actual unit cost). That being said the Compass is in another league SQ wise compared the Zero...(even the upgraded Zero)....but the Zero remains a bargain that is hard to beat (when it works).

Saving up the extra money for the Compass (if you can) is a better long term solution but for anyone not able to afford such an undertaking and needs a entry level combo unit, the Zero fills the niche.

Just buy it from a vendor that will support any after delivery problems (such as premature failure, etc).

Peete.

[oatmeal769]

Agreed, you simply cannot do better for entry level at this price point. I'm now using it with a new (to me) Zana Deux, so I'm now understanding exactly what it's capable of. It goes perfectly with a low cost tube amp - it has a warmth to it that will complement one nicely.
Mine is the older version with the 627 op-amps.

But yeah, if you're looking for reference clarity and sound stage, save up for something pricier.

[ads2]

Hi All,
I have received my repair board from Lawrence (after 2 month).
Hope it is well repaired.
I have a problem remoiunting the board.
There is 3 connectors between the boqrd and the amp.
One with 3 contacts and 2 with 6 contacts. My problem concerns these 2 last ones.
How to make sure I don't invert these 2 connectors ?
Any tips are welcome...
thanks

[mplee79]

Hello all. Read through many of the above posts but am still unclear about a few things.

1. Is the new 09 version of this amp/dac still worthy of the original review?

2. Has anyone compared this to the amp/dac usb combo that
HIFIMAN EF2 puts out?

3. How does the new systems preamp ability compare with the original review. I"m in the market for a headphone system that I could possibly later expand on to a home theater or 2 channel listening station

4. Headphone out still sound quality? Compared to the IbassoD10

5. Most importantly: Who is the most trustworthy ebay vendor for this purchase and what specifications should i ask for in terms of opamp etc...

6. Do i need to purchase any extra cables or is the unit all inclusive?

7. I have no experience with opamp rolling. Is it difficult to do?

Thanks

[takengo2003]

I have Moon hdam on the dac, thinking of getting either a pair of lt1361 or lt1364 on the headamp section, which should i get?

heard lt1361 performs better at the headamp. Also how many hours should i burn in for the headamp?

[ads2]

Hello,
as I said previously I have received a repaired Zero board from Lawrence, and i have a problem for mounting it. Maybe someone can help (No reply from Lawrence).

There is 3 connectors that make connexions between the board and the headphone amp board.

one with 3 pins (no problem with this one) and 2 connectors of 6 pins that look very similar.

I don't want to invert these 6 pins connectors when pluggin them to my headphone amp board.

Can someone help me to to it without error ? by looking at his DAC ?

Thanks

[kakari]

has anyone bought from coolfungadget or snow48_6? are their opa627 the real stuff?

[mplee79]

opa627 in DAC + 2x LT1884CN8 = pure bliss

Open and airy. Highly enjoyable and very smooth. Improved the bass response quite a bit.

BTW i ordered the unit from wsz0304. It's the real deal and he was extremely helpful. Very accommodating. Highly recommended!

[damsonlee]

I also bought a 09 ZERO from wsz0304. Although the OPA627 chip was found having some problem. He helped me find the problem and quickly send a replacement 627 chip to my Canada address from Hongkong although I bought it in China. Mr.Wang is a truly nice seller. Highly recommended.