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

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by Normality

Yes ok but, say, OPA627 + LT1469 would lack the "3" that is so crucial a number fo me sonically (I'm in love with this number ).


Penchum, another question (sorry!) - what was that made you call the LT1469 great in the DAC, while you found the LM4562 only good? Tonality, dynamics, what?

I ask between I'd really want to use one between the metal LME49720 (close to the 4562) and the LT1469 (or maybe two 1468) for the DAC. I don't think I want too much wamth there, while I'd want 'tubey warmth' in the headphone amp (so there the DY2000 if they ever come should fit me).

The LM4562 was just too bright. I couldn't get the others to pair up with it well for the headphone amp. The 1469 was way better at this. I see where you're going with this...I'd try the 1469 in the DAC, and the DY2000s in the headboard and see how it sounds. I'd almost bet you will get the sound you are looking for.

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by mapstec

Penchum,

since this is your thread, can you edit your first post and include your list from page #100 and also include the warning that the non-unity gain stable opamps can not be used in the DAC section (LT1028, LT1115, AD797)?

That would make things a lot easier on first time readers.

Thanks

btw: Opa627x2 on adapter in DAC and LM4562 is a very, very nice combination!

You bet! That was in the plan, so to speak, I just hadn't got there yet.
I agree about the 627s in the DAC and LM4562s in the headboard. It just seems to keep the 4562's in check and not as bright as we know they are!

[fault151]

Originally Posted by Penchum

The true test of the OPA627s in the DAC for me, will be to hook up the Zero to my Pioneer SPEC1 pre-amp and give her a listen. I'm really hoping it will not be too much warmth. Those high-end solid state goods from the late 70s had a great sound signature and I'm hoping I don't have to go with a brighter Opamp when feeding them.

For me i think it matches my solo quite well as the solo is fairly bright i find. I like a bright sound but not too much, it does my ears in after a while.

[mapstec]

Penchum,

thanks again for your work in advocating this great DAC/Amp!

I am listening to the DAC out (OPA627x2) at the moment into a STAX SRD-X and SR-003 headphones - quite realistic and simply great sound!

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by Normality

Great thank you! Last... How was the LT1469 at dynamics, and body with vocals? Better or worse than the LM4562?

I'd say it was equal to or better than the LD4562, without the extra brightness. It sure got my attention!

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by fault151

For me i think it matches my solo quite well as the solo is fairly bright i find. I like a bright sound but not too much, it does my ears in after a while.

Yes, this is what happens to me sometimes, and I just don't like ear fatigue. Finding the right balance with Opamps is great! Now if I can just get a pair of HD-600's to go along with my HD-580s and HD-650s.

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by mapstec

Penchum,

thanks again for your work in advocating this great DAC/Amp!

I am listening to the DAC out (OPA627x2) at the moment into a STAX SRD-X and SR-003 headphones - quite realistic and simply great sound!

Thanks! I put the chart and the warning in the review, so that should help some.

[fault151]

Wait a minute, hold the phone.... The opa 627 + LT 1469 sounds pretty nice in the headphone section!

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by Normality

I didn't doubt.

So my inspiration (which has to do with my own requirements) seems proved correct. The next step is put two LT1468 on a Browndog (either twin-DIP or twin-SO8) and see if they sound better than their dual cousin - or not.


LT1468/9 + DY2000 it shall be. If the DY2000 weren't ever found in the post, it shall be + LT1361.

Yes, and either of those should sound excellent. I'm beginning to think postal worldwide has gone down the drain. So many here are having issues with them! Right now, I've got Led Zeppelin 1,2,3 and 4 coming on CD, and they have no idea where they are. Probably in someones house being enjoyed instead of mine.

[fault151]

Originally Posted by Normality

How's midrange tonality compared to before? Is it still lifelike as with the 1361?




OPA827 + LT1361 (or LT1469?)

LT1469 + DY2000/OPA2132

are the ones to try soonest for me.

Its definitely more mellow than with the 1361. Its not as bright, more warm and less harsh on the ears. It's difficult getting a nice balance because i want it to sound clear and not too mellow yet i don't want it to make my ears ring with too much bright treble.

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by fault151

Its definitely more mellow than with the 1361. Its not as bright, more warm and less harsh on the ears. It's difficult getting a nice balance because i want it to sound clear and not too mellow yet i don't want it to make my ears ring with too much bright treble.

You should leave them in for a few days and see what you think then. Some hours on them should help.

[fault151]

Originally Posted by Penchum

You should leave them in for a few days and see what you think then. Some hours on them should help.

Originally Posted by Normality

Sounds good.

But, maybe, it could be even better with the DY2000 in place of the two OPA627? Could sound more colorful.

Yeh i'm going to leave them in for a while see how it alters.

Yeh i think i'll order some of DY2000. I just have to wait, iv just bought a headphone valve amp kit so i'm putting everything in to that to get all the bits. I cant wait to hear how hat sounds of the zero.

I'm taking it round to my mates one day to show off! ha ha, no he wants to hear it compared to his marantz cd player. Obviously i want mine to sound as good as it can.

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by Normality

Sounds good.

But, maybe, it could be even better with the DY2000 in place of the two OPA627? Could sound more colorful.

There is also the difference in headphones too. I'm sure before this gets too far, K701 folks will want something a little mellower, the Senn types will want something a little more bright...and so on.

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by fault151

Yeh i'm going to leave them in for a while see how it alters.

Yeh i think i'll order some of DY2000. I just have to wait, iv just bought a headphone valve amp kit so i'm putting everything in to that to get all the bits. I cant wait to hear how hat sounds of the zero.

I'm taking it round to my mates one day to show off! ha ha, no he wants to hear it compared to his marantz cd player. Obviously i want mine to sound as good as it can.

His CD player doesn't stand a chance!

[fault151]

Originally Posted by Penchum

His CD player doesn't stand a chance!

I hope that is the case! I'll let you know when i take it round. I just wanted to leave it to burn in first as the cd player has had plenty of time!