Review: ZERO 24 BIT/192KHz DAC/Headphone Amp/Pre-Amp - Page 582

I think the answer to 2 is yes... the digital post-processing should still occur. Only part that is different is the re-routing of the digital signal to the Zero DAC.

3. One thing I missed when I used foobar was that even though I enabled bit-perfect output, I didn't realize I needed to install ASIO4ALL and such. If you this or related .dlls, then everything should be fine.

4. Yes, it should make a decent headphone amp. I found the upgraded headphone amp to be comparatively similar to the Little Dot I+ and the MiniBox E+ portable amp. Some differences, but not worlds apart.

5. Never heard the PA2V2, but I don't think it'll be much better than the headphone amp of the zero. However, it is more convenient in a sense because I plug my powered speakers into the headphone amp, and then use the zero dac as a dac connected to an external amp. This allows for convenience of switching between the two.

1. Yes, probably. You'll need a 1/8" "mini" to toslink (the outs on the back panel of my older xfi fata1ty are minis, but one doubles as a SPDIF - that's why I bought the breakout box too - you'l have to check your specific card - they may have added a proper optical jack I don't know). Try monoprice.
2. Yes, but for music you should use "audio creation mode" with bitperfect out (ah I see you do this already from #3 heh).
3. No you should be good, although I keep all my volumes at 100% - no idea if that makes a difference or not.
4. Not sure if I understand you, but you can't go out from the headphone jack AND the RCA outs at the same time .
5. I'm not familiar with the pa2v2, but if it is a decent stand alone amp it may be better - the Zero's amp is really only so-so, even with opamp upgrades. But the best thing would be to try both and see which you like better.

Happy listening!
Oh, and if you can spare the $$, an HDAM blows the doors off the OPA627 - like instantly noticeable, easily worth the cost, easy to do upgrade - a no-brainer!

my sound card already has an optical digital output ( http://images.europe.creative.com/is...pro_card_c.jpg ) so no extra cable/adapter needed i think, are you completely sure that cmss3d EAX and hardware audio acceleration pass through 2 channel PCM ? would you please test it by yourself by toggling cmss3d on game mode or something ? note that i'm on xp not vista

Pa2v2 is just 46$, i'm sure the headphone amp of the modded zero dac will drive my beyers better

Ok yeah, you have one of the newer ones; the cable that comes with the zero will be fine.

I have tried it - just set the output to headphone - mine actually says "CMSS Headphone" when I do this, and there's a test button you can use to try it out. It is the sound of a helicopter flying overhead in a circle, and it sounds pretty effin' awesome! Use it all the time, trust me. And there's a big difference is 3D positioning with this setting on vs gaming in audio creation mode - much easier to tell where things are with it on. It's all good! I'm on XP as well.

n00b questions:
Is the most recent update of the Zero any good with the airport express and airtunes? ZERO 24/192KHZ DAC HEAD AMP USB pclink(Upgrade Version) - eBay (item 140301253701 end time Feb-23-09 03:49:02 PST)

I just connected my logitech z2300 to the airport but the sound is terrible. Just wondering if this will improve the SQ. I don't mind using the Xitel included in the auction to connect via USB.

I want to be able to listen music on my laptop through my speakers as the speakers currently drain my mp3 player.

Also, can i use the Zero to run a micro/mini system? (something like this Yamaha Music Australia - Audio Visual - Stereo Systems + a subwoofer)

Thanks for the initial write-up, I'm just learning about these budget Chinese DAC/Amps so it's good to read more about them.

I'm located in China right now and the ebay sellers for this amp charges me the same shipping as if they're shipping to US. pisses me off

thanks for the review op

Interesting. I have my Zero hooked up to a pair of Z-2300, and they sound as good as they should be. Might be something to do with the settings on the Airport?

That's Bizarre! How do they justify that?

.

witch one is the better bang for the buck : if i use these both as stock

ZERO 24/192 DAC DA CONVERTOR, HEAD AMP(Upgrade Version) 180 shippedZERO 24/192 DAC DA CONVERTOR, HEAD AMP(Upgrade Version) - eBay (item 120351090824 end time Mar-16-09 07:48:30 PDT)


or


Zero DAC with the HDAM, LT1364, and upgraded volume pot 220 shipedZero DAC with the HDAM, LT1364, and upgraded volume pot - eBay (item 330308417864 end time Feb-23-09 08:01:08 PST)

What's your setup?

Are you running a 3.5mm to RCA from airport to Zero DAC and then just plug the 3.5mm (from z2300) into a converter and into the from of the DAC?

I am thinking of getting the Zero DAC to use between my squeezebox duet and Onkyo 805. I currently connect the Duet to the Onkyo 805 using optical thus using the Burr-brown DACs in the 805. I really do like the sound a lot but I want to take it to next level. Would I get a better sound quality be adding the Zero or any DAC up to $400.00 for that matter? Where would be a good source to get the Zero without any reliability,failure, lemon...issue?
This is for use with my home audio gear which consists of Revel Performa tower speakers and and JL Audio Fathom subwoofer. Thanks.

Actually, optical out from my laptop to the Zero, then RCA out to the RCA-3.5 mm adapter, Z-2300 plugged in.

Hmmm, what kind of laptop do you have? I have a macbook and it only has 3.5mm out. What cable are you using from the laptop to the zero?

If anyone is interested in buying my zero dac with hdam, alps pot, and lt1364 upgrades, PM me and I'll put it up F/S on the forum. I will also include a 3.5mm mini to coaxial cable from bluejeanscable so that you can connect it to computer soundcards that have 3.5mm mini optica out.