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SOLD: Modded Zhaolu DAC (with Balanced & Unbalanced output) : ONLY $225

post #1 of 25
8/22/09 at 5:19am
Thread Starter 
SOLD

Hey guys,

I'm selling a backup balanced source of mine - the Zhaolu 2.5A (my preferred version over the 2.5C).

Mods:
I threw out the crappy stock output stage and made a passive one using 4 Sonicap Gen1 4.7uF caps and 4 1.2K PRP resistors.
Replaced the RCA S/PDIF with BNC (will include a BNC to RCA adapter if needed).

Input:
Coax S/PDIF BNC
Optical TosLink

Output:
Unbalanced RCA
Balanced XLR

The DAC sounds good, I prefer it to many $400-$500 balanced DACs. This is likely the least expensive start to a nice balanced system that I have been enjoying at work for some time. Balanced or unbalanced, this DAC is well worth the price.

Some have asked me about using HDAM "discrete opamps" in this unit, my simple answer is - I replaced the output stage (which had a pair of electrolytic output caps in it) with high quality film caps and got rid of the opamps altogether, why muck it up.

I disconnected the headphone amp as I don't use it, but if you want it, I can plug it back in.



I am selling this at bare component cost of ONLY $225 including Priority shipping and PayPal fees.

Thanks
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post #2 of 25
8/24/09 at 5:30am
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bump
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post #3 of 25
8/25/09 at 2:48pm
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bump
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post #4 of 25
8/26/09 at 3:51pm
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bump
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post #5 of 25
8/27/09 at 10:13pm
Thread Starter 
Price drop - $285 shipped!
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post #6 of 25
8/28/09 at 12:12am
So, optical is not functional?
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post #7 of 25
8/28/09 at 4:07am
Thread Starter 
Of course optical works, just as coax (BNC or RCA through adapter).
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post #8 of 25
8/30/09 at 12:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by FallenAngel View Post
Hey guys,

I'm selling a backup balanced source of mine - the Zhaolu 2.5A (my preferred version over the 2.5C). I threw out the stock output stage and made a passive one using 4 Sonicap Gen1 4.7uF caps and 4 1.2K PRP resistors. I also replaced the RCA S/PDIF with BNC because it's actually 75 Ohm but will include a BNC to RCA adapter if needed. The upgrades cost me over $70 and turn this usually half-decent DAC into something which sounds else.

The DAC sounds quite good, practically "unheard-of type of good" at this price. This is likely the least expensive start to a nice balanced system but this certainly doesn't sound "cheap". I prefer it to the DacMagic and most other similarly priced DACs out there, balanced or unbalanced, it's well worth the price.

I disconnected the headphone amp as I don't use it, but will include the cables to connect it back (you'll need to solder the wires back on - 5 minute job, can do it for you for free).



Price is only $285 including Priority shipping and PayPal fees.

Thanks
Hi Angel, I am interested in how your changes affected the sound.
I know this is supposed to help improve SQ, did it?

Also, how are the pcbs on these? I may be interested in putting the sun, earth, or moon in, as well as changing some other things. Do you think the traces are too thin?

I know it's a lot of speculation, but just your opinion is all I'm looking for.

thanks,
Matt
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post #9 of 25
8/30/09 at 2:33am
Thread Starter 
1) Yes, the DAC actually sounds good now, it sounds pretty bad stock.
2) There are no opamps in this DAC anymore, output is passive. If you're talking about the headphone amp, I would recommend simply using another one (preferably balanced).
3) PCB traces being "thin" should be the last of any possible considerations in any DAC or amp and no, they are not "too thin". PCB-level signal levels are so small in a DAC that anything above hair-thin is "thick enough".
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post #10 of 25
9/1/09 at 7:24pm
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bump
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post #11 of 25
9/6/09 at 7:18pm
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post #12 of 25
9/26/09 at 4:55pm
Thread Starter 
I've been using this at work, damn fine balanced DAC for an unbelievable price.
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post #13 of 25
10/1/09 at 9:28pm
Thread Starter 
It screams "Buy me! Buy me! Buy me NOW!"
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post #14 of 25
10/5/09 at 7:51pm
Thread Starter 
Upgrade time, buy the DAC.
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post #15 of 25
10/7/09 at 4:25pm
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bump
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