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Tianyun Zero DAC - New 2009 Edition

post #1 of 334
5/18/09 at 9:56am
Thread Starter 
I am looking to a buy a DAC/HA and have been looking at either the Zero DAC or the Audio GD Compass. The Audio GD was winning but...there appears to be a new model of the zero DAC coming out in June.

According to ebay member wsz0304:

Quote:
2009 new edition has the following improvements:
﹡09 edition has added the auto search and signal lock function.
﹡With memory function and can save data automatically after power off.it will return to the lastest situation if no signal is found after power on again.
﹡with USB function.
﹡With an special independent circuit for D/A converter,the sound effect is greately improved.
﹡Readjust and refine the analogy circuit to improve its function.
﹡enlarge the height by 30% of all 9 pcs radiating ribs to better give off heat.
﹡Improved the power section to eliminate static disturbance.
﹡With color option: black and silver
Does anyone know about these 'improvements'? Would they really make much difference (ie make it a real competitor to the Compass)?
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post #2 of 334
5/18/09 at 10:46am
Any pix out yet? If it's still cheap might be worth it, but the Compass will always be a little nicer. With the compass going up to nearly $400 shipped soon, this would be an alternative for those that don't have $400 to spend - if they've improved their quality control a little.
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post #3 of 334
5/18/09 at 1:20pm
The old champion is back in black and with USB input!



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post #4 of 334
5/18/09 at 1:55pm
Hmm... this is very interesting. To the OP who is debating on whether to wait for this Zero or go for the Compass; my suggestion is to go with the Compass, if you were already willing to shell out the cash for it. I own both the Zero (original) and Compass and feel that the compass is much better than the Zero (not just on cost alone ) Without much information on this new Zero its not fair for anyone to say that it will be better or worse than the Compass. As Scooter stated - the Compass may be going up to $400 shipped after May and I don't think you will be disappointed with the performance of the Compass.
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post #5 of 334
5/18/09 at 2:27pm
It doesn't look all that much different....what I'd really like to know is...have they upgraded the poor pcb the Zero is built on...as in gotten away from the razor thin traces they were using in version 1 ?

Are there any interior shots ?

Peete.
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post #6 of 334
5/18/09 at 2:36pm
I loved my old Zero when I had it but I wonder why they are still cheaping out on the volume knob.
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post #7 of 334
5/18/09 at 9:10pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Hmm... this is very interesting. To the OP who is debating on whether to wait for this Zero or go for the Compass; my suggestion is to go with the Compass, if you were already willing to shell out the cash for it. I own both the Zero (original) and Compass and feel that the compass is much better than the Zero (not just on cost alone ) Without much information on this new Zero its not fair for anyone to say that it will be better or worse than the Compass. As Scooter stated - the Compass may be going up to $400 shipped after May and I don't think you will be disappointed with the performance of the Compass.
Thanks Rinshin...appreciate the advice..
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post #8 of 334
5/18/09 at 9:51pm
Thread Starter 
For what it's worth, I google translated the Chinese page for this product...

Quote:
09 version of Tianyun ZERO (starting point) multi-decoder

Following is the 09 version of ZERO engineering prototype picture decoder, is a prototype has been sent to the European Union CE Certification CE laboratory testing, version of ZERO decoder 09 will be listed by the end of May 2009.

09 version of upcoming ZERO decoder, in the old version based on the increase and improvement are as follows:
1, to increase boot automatically search and lock-signal function
2, the boot was not found to the signal will return to the previous state of pre-shutdown
3, an increase USB input, USB modular function, the user can choose
4, users can control software to open or close the USB signal path to achieve human-computer dialogue
5, all the way to increase the power of the D / A converter circuit independent power supply, power supply to reduce the interference to increase the purity of sound quality to enhance
6, re-testing of analog circuits and optimize analog circuits structure, enhance the sound output
7, the whole nine fin machine 30% increase in height, increase heat to enhance the thermal stability of whole
8, panel using dedicated tooling, chassis positioning digital press manufacturers, greatly enhance the assembly process
9, power supply design to optimize the total elimination of static interference and adapt to the environment around the power supply
10, engineering prototype has been sent to laboratories in the European Union CE Certification CE detection
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post #9 of 334
5/18/09 at 10:06pm
Three things spring to mind, for me at least.

1. No matter what functionality improvements are made, many of these boxes died for no apparent reason, and many users were stranded by their dealers. Long term reliability would have to improve massively with a decent support system in place for them to have any hope of rebuilding the Zero name. It was outstanding for the price - but long-term use proved it was junk at any price for many people.

2. I'm wondering... looking at those images, and the fact that none detail the innards - what are the chances that the DAC PCB remains the same, with the USB functionality taken care of by a second board that converts it to S/PDIF and injects it to the socket?

3. It sounds like they are accepting that the heat output of the unit has caused problems in the past, as they are enlarging the heatsinks. Do we think bigger heatsinks are going to help, or does the casing require a better ventilation system?

I know the appeal of the unit to those new to the hobby, or working with a limited budget. But after seeing the fall from grace on here, I doubt I'd part with $50 for one delivered...

~Phewl.
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post #10 of 334
5/18/09 at 11:52pm
Interesting that it has USB input now.
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post #11 of 334
5/19/09 at 12:28am
Thread Starter 
It does seem a real pity that they have dropped the ball so badly.
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post #12 of 334
5/19/09 at 1:39am
I was planning to come in here and mention how I just bought a Zero a month ago, and how pissed off I was over the new edition so soon after. But to be honest, there doesn't seem to be that big a difference.
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post #13 of 334
5/19/09 at 3:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mitchell.lax View Post
I was planning to come in here and mention how I just bought a Zero a month ago, and how pissed off I was over the new edition so soon after. But to be honest, there doesn't seem to be that big a difference.
I want to instinctively with you and say that there doesn't seem to be much of a change. But I think I will give this "new" Zero a glimmer of hope until we get a few reviews in; or even better, if I have a chance of hearing one in person.
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post #14 of 334
5/28/09 at 7:20pm
any price indication?
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post #15 of 334
5/28/09 at 8:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by millionmonkeys View Post
It does seem a real pity that they have dropped the ball so badly.
what do you mean?
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