If the DSP1 is updated, what would be involved in replacing the board?  How hard is it to replace?

It would go something like:

• remove the lid from your RE-x
• unscrew 4 screws on DSP-1
• pull up slowly "old" DSP-1 module; to pull it easier - shake it gently while pulling up
• insert slowly "new" DSP-1 module; be careful not to bend the pins
• screw 4 screws back
• close the RE-x lid

Thanks. I coincide with your review except that I have not gone thru the -50dB stopband.
 
it is true the Version 4.0 is out. I hope i can be 'qualified'.

Having the Audio-gd C3 and C1SE arrived, I am ready to try all those setting 1 more times.
 
I am now in a state of 'current' mode.

C3 and C1SE?
 
I envy you.
 
What C3 voltage gain modules have you choose? One or two C1SE output modules?
 
I do have an eye on C3 (ultimate version) for some time... I'm trying to save some money and get a custom C3 with headphone outs... a "Super Phoenix"

Quote:

It is true the Version 4.0 is out. I hope i can be 'qualified'.

Click to expand...

I have talked to Kingwa about this, but I'm not sure when it will become available for western customers or if it is already.  I think if you ordered a DAC from him with the DSP-1 in the past several months it already has the upgrade, but you should confirm that with him.  You can send him your DSP-1 to be upgraded but I don't know what he would charge for this.
 
To buy a new module is approximately $150 plus shipping (and we know Kingwa does not make ridiculous profits on his gear so obviously the parts are costly).  In fact, he discouraged me from buying a new module because he doesn't want me to waste money.  How many vendors do you know that would do that? 
 
Kingwa says the improvement is slight, but was upgraded for the purpose of matching with the TE7022.  So it sounds like this was mainly upgraded for people who have the USB input on their DACs.  But I have also heard from someone that there are major improvements (according to the Chinese forum) but I don't know if that was through USB input, S/PDIF or AES.
 
I'm going to do the upgrade, but I haven't decided if I will send him my module to upgrade or just buy a new one (which would leave me with a backup).

That was exactly what I did for my Ref-1.  When I just got my Ref-1, I detect a channel imbalance issue and have contact Kingwa for help.  This "imbalanced" issue later I finally confirmed that may come from the extremely high temporal resolution of the DSP-1 chip (and according to Kingwa).  If the source (in my case the USB/SPDIF converter) timing is sloppy or the USB connector got disturbed, the digital signal train to DSP-1 (and its cached data) may be out of order or mis-synch (my interpretation so don't quote me on that).  He mentioned the new software loaded in DSP-1 may address the issue so I followed his instructed (as described below) and swapped a updated DSP-1.  The new software does help but the problem was totally solved when I also fixed my source.
 
However, I can't tell if there is SQ difference since the new DSP-1 was totally not burn-in and it was difficult to compare.  Kingwa was hesitate to swap DSP since he is worried that i may not like the un-burn-in DSP sound.   
 
And it does take me several months to fully appreciate the superiority of Ref-1 with updated DSP-1.  Way off the league of my previous DACs. 
 
Quote:

faudrei said:

It would go something like:

• remove the lid from your RE-x
• unscrew 4 screws on DSP-1
• pull up slowly "old" DSP-1 module; to pull it easier - shake it gently while pulling up
• insert slowly "new" DSP-1 module; be careful not to bend the pins
• screw 4 screws back
• close the RE-x lid

Click to expand...

Hi FauDrei,
 
I have not specified C3 Final Version gain module and just stick to the stock unit. I may be keeping  1 or 2 module such as the accuphase or ML.
 
I am using 1 unit of 0dB, keep my option open for another unit of 0dB to go biamping.
 
When I started using ACSS, I dint know there was a switch and it taken me few hours to figure that out, as I am worry of shortcircuiting any components. so if a description/manual in the box would help alot.
 
Right out of the box, I can immediately feel the 'sparkle', 'soundstage', 'microdetail', 'huge dynamics' and other superlative adjective as u mention. to make it simple, I was surprise that certain instrument that used to play from the speaker position is now shifted outside of speaker and coming from a far end corner. The C3 and C1 really transform my system into differnt league altogether now that I have the complete 'current' gears.
 
So i guess this is the perfect scenario for me to do DIP switching.
 

 
Quote:

faudrei said:

C3 and C1SE?
 
I envy you.

 
What C3 voltage gain modules have you choose? One or two C1SE output modules?
 
I do have an eye on C3 (ultimate version) for some time... I'm trying to save some money and get a custom C3 with headphone outs... a "Super Phoenix"

Click to expand...

Quote:

dukja said:

That was exactly what I did for my Ref-1.  When I just got my Ref-1, I detect a channel imbalance issue and have contact Kingwa for help.  This "imbalanced" issue later I finally confirmed that may come from the extremely high temporal resolution of the DSP-1 chip (and according to Kingwa).  If the source (in my case the USB/SPDIF converter) timing is sloppy or the USB connector got disturbed, the digital signal train to DSP-1 (and its cached data) may be out of order or mis-synch (my interpretation so don't quote me on that).  He mentioned the new software loaded in DSP-1 may address the issue so I followed his instructed (as described below) and swapped a updated DSP-1.  The new software does help but the problem was totally solved when I also fixed my source.
 
However, I can't tell if there is SQ difference since the new DSP-1 was totally not burn-in and it was difficult to compare.  Kingwa was hesitate to swap DSP since he is worried that i may not like the un-burn-in DSP sound. 

 
And it does take me several months to fully appreciate the superiority of Ref-1 with updated DSP-1.  Way off the league of my previous DACs. 

 

 

Click to expand...

 
What is in the DSP1 that would benefit from burn-in (which I don't really buy into)?
 

My understanding of DSP1 is that it is a new version 4.0.
 
It is an updated software in the Altera chip. before this, there was 'some' positive feedback. It is better for audio-gd to reconfirm the mass feedback.

Yes, I know what it is.  I said what is in it that would cause it to benefit from burn-in?  Software does not burn-in.  So what parts on the module would be subject to burn-in, if any?

Can we call it "capacitor forming" and move on?

So just receive the upgraded dsp V4.0 will soon test it.
 
here is my initial setup. Still need to find rack, position, etc. welcome any comment.
 

Looking forward to your impressions, if you'll be able to compare.
 
I gotta' ask.... Why did you leave those white stickers on all of your gear?

Just plug in the new DSP 1 V4.0. Just as Faudrei has described, it totally transforms Ref 1 to another new level. It concurs what kingwa says too that to upgrade the Ref 1 to another if using circuit design would require more investment.
 
sound smoother, more detail, extended and balance.
 
but the software upgrade is free provided you do some 'homework'
 
I am enjoying every minute of it.
 
Kingwa has hinted there wont be anymore software upgrade. Personnally I would like to have another drill to make the ref 1 super neutral, till my C1 and C3 is pushed to the limit.