Yulong DAC - Page 6

This logic sounds infallible

Ok, so it was the other way i pictured it. But I really assume you're right. One wouldn't call it a pre-amp if it didn't have this function. In other words it my set would be complete

I have to think whether to go for the zero or this one..

Thank you for your deductive stand

-K

Well if you can hold off for another week, I will post my opinion of the DAH1. It just arrived at JFK Airport in New York this morning, so I hope to have it delivered no later than Wednesday. Unfortunately, I haven't heard the Zero, so I won't be able to make a direct comparison.

I very much look forward to your critique. Please be as thorough and exhaustive as possible regards all aspects.

Hello,
I have a Zero/HDAM/LT1364/Alps model. I have the FrankenZero kit on order. I also just ordered one of these to pair up with a DarkVoice 337SE. Presently I have the Zero going to a Little Dot MK V. I'm curiuos how it will sound up against the Zero. The Zero's Head Amp is 'OK". This one should be better.

Les

Well I received my DAH1 Mark last Wednesday and have been enjoying it ever since. I use this DAC primarily in a loudspeaker setup, although I have used the headphone amp section a few times.

I use the DACOUT outputs into my NAD T162 preamp via Kimber PBJ interconnects, which is then fed out to two NAD C272 amps running in bridged mode via Kimber Timbre interconnects. The amps then run out to a pair of Dali Ikon 6 towers via Kimber 4TC/8TC shotgunned biwire speaker cables. The source of the digital stream is an iBook G4 via USB, using the Cog media player for flac files only.

Through this configuration, the DAH1 sounds very enjoyable. Tonality across the spectrum is mostly neutral, but with a slight tendency towards the bright side (this may gradually recess with more burn-in). I have not experienced any signs of listening fatigue, and has that "I could listen to this all day long" feel. Soundstage width is great, although the depth seems a bit poor; there is a flat feeling when it comes to soundstage depth. Inner harmonies sound thick and rather rich, but not muddy. Overall I find this DAC to have a very "analog" sound. Dynamics are fantastic, and the unit provides plenty of "snap" with these amps. Even microdynamics are executed nicely. A very good sense of rhythm is created by the DAH1, which adds to the toe-tapping factor.

One thing to note about this unit is that if you are planning on using this in a loudspeaker setup as a preamp, you may want to reconsider. When I use the LINE OUT jacks directly into my NAD C272 amps (bypassing the T162 preamp), there is a VERY annoying hum/buzz sound that is so loud, it makes it unlistenable in this configuration. I plan on sending an email to the seller about this, because I do notice a greater level of transparency when using this configuration, but the buzzing sound practically gives me a headache.

As for the headphone amp section, it is quite a few notches above my iBasso D2 Boa. When listening to my Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80s, the bass is much tighter, things are more dynamic, and more alive in general. It also has a smoother, more natural sound than the D2, but doesn't sacrifice any detail; in fact, it provides much greater detail than the D2.

Conclusion: For $325, with all the features this unit provides, I think it is a great deal. It's unfortunate that it makes that terrible buzzing sound when using it as a preamp, but I'm fortunate to have another preamp I can use instead. The headphone amp section is very good, which I'm sure is the main concern for most people on this site. All in all, a good buy.

Strengths: Smooth, neutral tone, good tight bass, great soundstage width, good dynamics/microdynamics, timing, no listening fatigue.

Weaknesses: Poor soundstage depth, a tad bright (but not annoyingly), buzzing noise when used as a preamp.

***EDIT*** Keep in mind I only have about 25 hours tops on this unit. I'm holding out hope that the soundstage depth will improve with more burn-in. I will report back.

I wold be curious to find out what you hear from the manufacturer about the Pre-amp buzz! I wonder if anyone else has noticed this in their unit?

Well I plan on doing a series of mods on this unit, some of which may reduce that noise. The buzz could be due to inadequate shielding around the transformer. I may use some lead paneling to build an enclosure around it. I also plan on upgrading the op amps, upgrading the capacitors, and putting some shielding around some of the wires. I won't do any of this until I have at least 100-200 hours on the unit so I know that I've heard the fully burned-in sound.

Let us now how you mod it. I use this program to burn in

Burn-in wave files: white noise, pink noise, frequency sweep, channel mix

Just trin' to help! 200 hours should take like 8-9 days and then you can start modding!

Thanks for the link. I will use that instead of plain old music; maybe it will speed up the process.

I like it because I can lay the phones down and the static doesn't bother the wife at all. The music going through there bothers her. It also programs a 30 min rest period every hour. You can also run any tone you want or freq sweep to see how the phones do on freq response. Very neat.

Hey thanks for the link les garten! Very nice function to be able to run different tones.. For fun AND rather solid information!

"Take one down and pass it around"

I liked that program when i saw it. Glad you guys are enjoying it.

Hello,
Just received this DAC today. I have been running a Zero DAC >> LD MK V combo. So I unpacked, smiled, and hooked up in place of the Zero and hit the switch. Using optical input from SC. Listened thru the LD and sounded great. Had the phones on my head, lowered the volume, plugeed in the phones and didn't even get them plugged in all the way and had the most horrendous noise coming thru the phones. Immediately pulled them out and said, loudly, WTF!!

I ain't plugging these phones in till I get this figured out. As a matter of fact, after reading some horror stories, I've decided to go to Walmart and get some cheap phones for just this kinda startup crap.

Any suggestions? While I run out to Walmart...

Where do you live? UK, US, ...? Check to make sure they sent you the right version for voltage

Hi,
USA, it's proper. It works fine out to the LD MK V. So I go to Radio Shack because Walmart has no idea for 1/4" adpters or phones. I shoulda known that. Anyhow, I get my $10 ear pieces from Ratshack, and it's a crime to charge $10 for what I just got plus $5 for the 1/4" adapter. Plug in expecting sheer noise again, and it's working perfect, strange ehhh!

No worries though. I'm ordering another Headamp and after reading the thread about the guy who had the Zero Fry his Senn's, I really should be trying out on headphones that don't cost a major car payment!