Review: ZERO 24 BIT/192KHz DAC/Headphone Amp/Pre-Amp - Page 140

As I said, I'm not going for optical as it is more easily breakable than coaxial especially glass. I'm using coaxial which is cheaper and sturdier. The Acoustic Research coaxial cable I am purchasing is everything I need in a digital cable. They are very sturdy, have great connectors, and work just as well as more expensive coaxials. I have done my research, mind you, to find the cheapest cost effective way, with sacrificing quality. That is all. Like strologu and Penchum have both stated, a good quality coaxial cable can be had for a decent price as opposed to an optical which can get very expensive. If that's still funny to you, then laugh away. I spend my time purchasing headphones and selling them, and opamp rolling and selling opamps, but there comes a time when I need to start slimming down on my spending. That is why I have gone to the Zero, for my DAC and Amp for a BUDGET system. That is why I have chosen to gone the cheaper coaxial path than the optical.

Fine... we have to stop the cable discussion, it isn't related to the ZERO in any way.

So (not to prolong this..), doesn't the Zero come with a cable? I thought it did.

Can any of you please let us know the cable "name and number" you are buying?

Thanks! :-)

Check this: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/rev...ml#post3672717 if you prefer an optical glass cable.. also quality build and inexpensive.

Well it is related to the Zero in many ways since the Zero takes coaxial and optical and people were interested in what is the best that would fit their NEEDS. Don't want to say it, but you were the one who subtly attacked my own way of doing things . In all seriousness, I do a lot of research on things before I pay money for it, and it's not like I am very misinformed about this kind of stuff. I may not be the resident electrical engineer at a company, but I do know the main facts and am able to form my own opinion giving no grounds for someone to look down on my own ways in a negative light.

Anyways, my Zero is coming in soon. Hopefully I'll love it.

Penchum -
I read your outstanding review of the Little Dot MK V (?) as an awesome solid state amp. I liked the review so much that now I'm questioning my upcoming MK III Purchase.

I seem to have two sets of ears - one which wants absolute accuracy at the expense of warm sweetness, and one which likes the big lush fat tube sound.

What I'm getting at is whether you think the Zero will provide the critical listening guy in me enough of a punchy and accurate solid state experience, to allow the kick back and groove guy to listen to the MK III guilt free?
Apologies if this has been discussed, but again, this thread is huge.

It comes with an optical cable. I believe it is of cheaper quality. You can also get the Acoustic Research coaxial cable for cheaper for just as good quality. Depends on if you need an optical or not. I preferred the coaxial since I have room to route the cable. Some prefer the glass optical, and power to them.

Thanks. I can't seem to get to the particular post you reference in the link - I tried searching for the post # (3672717) but that didn't work either - I just get redirected to the first post in this entire thread.

I wonder if this thread may be too big for the forum software or something. I've had other problems too, and I'm on a fat pipe at work with a fast workstation. It takes 20 seconds for the thread to re-load when I move around much e.g., to different sub-threads, and I have to switch Display Modes sometimes if things slow down too much - waa waa waa. ;-)

Anyway, if you can tell me the poster's name and date, I'll try that. Thanks again!

Here it is:

Weird Light Issues

Hello,

First of all, I must thank all of you for this awesome thread and turning me on to a truly great sounding DAC/amp combo! Phew, this is magnificent!

The issue I have noticed, and correct me if I am wrong and this is expected behavior:
Input: Apple Mac G5 Tower, SPDIF Optical (with included cable)
Output: Internal DAC -> Internal Headphone Amp
Issue Noted: The light under "Optical" is dim when using the internal preamp at low or high levels, output wattage does not seem to matter. The light will change brightness when I unplug the cable (brighter) or when the amp is turned off. When playing music, the optical light brightness changes a small amount (both more and less). Every other light on the unit remains the same brightness.

I have not been able to test the coaxial input, but its light has always been brighter (since I received it three days ago).

Is this normal? Has anyone else noticed this? The sound does not seem to waver, so I suppose I might have dodged a problem here, but I would be interested to know what causes this.

Thank you!

Is the performance of the two (MK V and Zero) comparable, or does the MK V give a significant step up in performance over the Zero? I ask because your review of the Zero's audio quality is about as glowing as the Mk V review.
Thanks!