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FS: Assemblage DAC3.0 (Turbo upgrades)- now faulty channel

post #1 of 20
11/30/09 at 5:08pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Due to personal reasons I have decided to sell some of the best equipment I have, and assemble a well matched rig with the cheaper things I'll keep.
The Assemblage DAC3.0 is one of the best sources I have ever heard, which I like even more than the Melior Bitstream, although I find the latter easier to sinergize to my remaining headphones and amp.
The Assemblage DAC3.0 is completely stock and uses 4x Burr Brown PCM-1704 DAC chips in differential mode.
It uses Burr Brown DF1704 digital filter, which allows decoding up to 24-bit 96kHz. It can work even with HDCD, by replacing such digital filter with PCMD100. The digital filter is socketed, so it's going to be a breeze to replace, and the PCMD100 is not difficult to find.
The DAC features 8x OPA627 in the output circuit (meaning it has the the "Turbo" upgrade, as can be seen in THIS review of the DAC 2.6). It works both in single ended mode (RCA outs) and balanced mode (XLR outs).
Inputs are Coax, BNC, TOSlink, ST Glass, AES/EBU XLR, I2S.
The DAC is the best example I have found of "neutrality", has deep and tight bass, and images exceptionally, with a big sense of space and a very lively and super precise instrument placement.
It's in perfect condition, cosmetically and functionally. It is set for 220V, so people using different voltages would have to rewire/replace the inner transformers (there are three, one for the digital section and two for the L/R sections... very neatly done). Pics will show the overall condition of the DAC and clear up the "transformers" situation for buyers from outside Europe.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2612/...67122fb6_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2500/...b6fc6552_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/...259f5821_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2719/...c672477e_b.jpg

The spots in the first pictures are mostly due to light reflection, the screws and some residual dust.


I will sell it for 1200$ + shipping. Shipping is going to cost 100$ inside Europe and 145$ towards outer destinations (using the quickest/safest method available, three working days to reach the destination, tracked). Lowballers will be ignored, but I am available to take some of the shipping cost on me, provided you take care of Paypal fees.
Quote:
Unfortunately, for some unknown reasons, the left channel isn't working anymore. Not being a DIYer, I am not able to troubleshoot the DAC. It must be something like one dead opamp or chip... or maybe the left transformer? The board looks perfect so I don't know where to start.
The DAC was usually sold as kits for DIYers, making the repair logically doable for diy'ers.
Not being in the USA, parts would also be hardly replaceable to me. Due to this inconvenience, I am going to put a new price to the Assemblage DAC3.0: 850$ SHIPPED EVERYWHERE OBO (with the same expensive shipping from above, covered by myself). I think a DIY'er could chime in and fix the DAC in no time, resulting in a great deal for them.

Update: Well, time for another bump. I sold the faceplate separately. What remains is the DAC3.0 with the listed upgrades, without the faceplate, and with a channel not working for no reason (DAC never been dropped nor bumped). I'd be looking for SOLD.

Thanks,
Tony


Edited by antonyfirst - 5/27/10 at 1:11am
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post #2 of 20
12/1/09 at 3:47am
FYI and if memory is good, the transformers inside the Assemblage have dual primaries so they can be easily rewired for 110VAC operation, if need so.
However I see this a very good buy for someone inside EU of a DAC rarely seen here... (Tony you may try audio-markt.de maybe too).
Good luck!
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post #3 of 20
12/1/09 at 4:52am
Thread Starter 
Thank you for the information, Josep!
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post #4 of 20
12/2/09 at 12:09pm
Thread Starter 
Bump! Make yourself a nice Christmas gift.
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post #5 of 20
12/6/09 at 7:05pm
Thread Starter 
Bump! Pictures added.
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post #6 of 20
12/11/09 at 5:12pm
Thread Starter 
Bump
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post #7 of 20
12/24/09 at 3:50pm
Thread Starter 
Unfortunately, for some unknown reasons, the left channel isn't working anymore. Not being a DIYer, I am not able to troubleshoot the DAC. It must be something like one dead opamp or chip... or maybe the transformer? The board looks perfect so I don't know where to start.
Not being in the USA, parts would also be hardly replaceable to me. Due to this inconvenience, I am going to put a new price to the Assemblage DAC3.0: 850$ SHIPPED EVERYWHERE OBO (with the same expensive shipping from above, covered by myself). I think a DIY'er could chime in and fix the DAC in no time, resulting in a great deal for them.

Thanks,
Tony
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post #8 of 20
2/16/10 at 7:45pm
Thread Starter 
Well, time for another bump. I sold the faceplate separately. What remains is the DAC3.0 with the listed upgrades, without the faceplate, and with a channel not working for no reason (DAC never been dropped nor bumped). I'd be looking for 350$ shipped (slow shipping) or 430$ shipped using 3 working days shipment (best available here, which I have previously used to send 1500€ goodies around the world: it will eat up 120€ alone).

Thanks for looking,
Tony
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post #9 of 20
2/17/10 at 3:30pm
i would be interested if i knew how to fix it. maybe an electrician would spot the problem but what am i gonna do if it doesn't work? also no faceplate?
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post #10 of 20
2/17/10 at 3:57pm
Thread Starter 
All correct. Living in the USA u'll have more chances to find the necessary parts. Anyway, your concerns are why the price is so low.
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post #11 of 20
2/17/10 at 4:24pm
i'm in Cyprus my friend. and if you compare it to Italy then i'll find nothing!
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post #12 of 20
2/17/10 at 4:27pm
Thread Starter 
Hahaha, that's a pity then. This thing begs to be set up again.
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post #13 of 20
2/17/10 at 5:22pm
i wish i could but how am i gonna fix it?
also the faceplate is a MUST?
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post #14 of 20
2/17/10 at 6:09pm
Thread Starter 
Nope it isn't. It's esthetically pleasant but it's not required at all. I can post a picture without the faceplate later. It's basically a plate of metal on the front.

How to fix it? You need to locate the problem, then have the repairer order the component that might have gone wrong. In fact, it could be a connection gone wrong, or that the coax input for the left channel has gone wrong. Seeing the prices they charge here to fix electronics stuff, I haven't been very keen on trying to have this fixed. If one wants to spend time and care with it, they'll be welcome. I don't have either to provide at the moment.

Just to be clear. It has never produced any burnt smell or anything like that. Also, I know that both the rca out connectors are reached by electricity, but there is no music from the left channel, as said. For any clarification, anyone please feel free to ask. I am not going to state things different from reality, just say how things are at the moment with this dac. I'll keep describing it at the best of my capabilities.
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post #15 of 20
2/17/10 at 8:09pm
Can you please post current photos - really not sure what you mean by "without faceplate".
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