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Review: ZERO 24 BIT/192KHz DAC/Headphone Amp/Pre-Amp - Page 621

post #9301 of 9303
5/21/13 at 7:56am

Here's another DAC that is based on one that you recommended, in fact I think it is the same one with a case and transformer:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Finished-2496-AK4396-CS8416-DAC-With-Transformer-case-/110712416420?_rdc=1&ru=http://shop.ebay.com:80/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=110712416420&_sacat=See-All-Categories&_fvi=1

 

What would be your personal opinion on these two DACs? Both cased with transformers, zero has the headamp that I really don't need and is a bit more expensive, ak4396 newer and less expensive. (of course, I will mod any. I will in fact get the pcb with soldered ICs if I can to reduce cost)

I have no affiliation with the seller on ebay and I don't think that I'll be buying from him anything, it was just an example for price and case/transformer.

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post #9302 of 9303
5/21/13 at 9:07am

Yeah, it's the same.

ZERO can be modded to 24/96 USB with I2S: TE7022 module. This module is very good, requires little modding and is great combination with AK DAC (when I2S output used).

ZERO has one advantage: it can be used as preamplifier. If you don't need it than AK will be better for you.

 

I heard my ZERO and AK DAC (DIY, but made by friend of Fikus, so it's basically Lampizator DAC) at one moment and both is detailed, neutral. To my ears it was the same, but guy who made the AK DAC told me that ZERO is little worse than his DAC.

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post #9303 of 9303
5/21/13 at 1:16pm

Well...I guess I'll be needing line level anyway. I guess that'll be an excuse to go for a preamp as well :) I'll post back if I get the Zero, must go do some more research than pull the trigger on one them.

Thank you for your help wink.gif

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