REVIEW: DarkStar Zodiac LCD-3 - Page 2

I am curious, I have with me the Antelope Zodiac + on audition with the standard PSU now and I was wondering, does the voltikus make a significant change in the performance?

The antelope is really great except that for some orchestral movements, I find the flutes and violins a little weak, as though someone rearranged the position and put the horns in front and the soprano voiced instruments with the drums at the rear. This is the only thing holding me back from getting it and I was wondering if the voltikus might solve this issue. 

Quite an interesting and informative review to say the least. I was considering the Dark Star for my Sennhesier HD650, but I've heard that it is a rather dark headphone amplifier, and ended up just going with the WA5 once the time comes in the future. Again, great review.

Also, any chance you could do a review of that CablePro cable? I'm guessing that's the Reverie?

Originally Posted by silwen 

I am curious, I have with me the Antelope Zodiac + on audition with the standard PSU now and I was wondering, does the voltikus make a significant change in the performance?

 

The antelope is really great except that for some orchestral movements, I find the flutes and violins a little weak, as though someone rearranged the position and put the horns in front and the soprano voiced instruments with the drums at the rear. This is the only thing holding me back from getting it and I was wondering if the voltikus might solve this issue. 

 

It makes less of a difference than you might assume, as the stock model already has an external PSU (it's built into the power cord.)  There are also third party PSU's available from Welbourne and Teddy Pardo.  I know of at least two sellers who offer the Voltikus at a discounted rate, but it's still much more expensive than the third party options.

The only thing I can think of that is causing your impressions would be the output (in vrms) of the zodiac.  It outputs what many consider a "standard" of 2Vrms when it's volume is at max (56 ohm resistance).  A lot of DACs these days have higher output and thus sound less "weak."
 

If you would do so and let us know your findings, I would be most grateful. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthewhypolite 

I haven't tested the zodiac without the voltikus, but from reading other user's experience it does make a difference, which is why i got it, ill have to test it without voltikus and see for myself just how much difference it makes.

I think the difference I am expecting is a refinement of the sound, not quite a significant change. I should have probably clarified that earlier. I am in the Teddy Pardo is tempting since it would not incur further VAT charges. I haven't really found a detailed enough review on it though. I have heard of the Welbourne but have not really looked into that either. 

It is unfortunate that the Voltikus is as pricey as it is. 

The PSU is probably not where I should be looking for an improvement. Since last night, a set of Transparent Musiclink Ultra Balanced cables arrived and have been put into the system. It has made a difference, somewhat resolving the weakness. 

I didn't know about the output in Vrms. Thanks for the insight on that. It sucks not to understand in depth the technical bits of hifi. I'll be doing more reading on all of this. 
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radio_head 

It makes less of a difference than you might assume, as the stock model already has an external PSU (it's built into the power cord.)  There are also third party PSU's available from Welbourne and Teddy Pardo.  I know of at least two sellers who offer the Voltikus at a discounted rate, but it's still much more expensive than the third party options.

 

The only thing I can think of that is causing your impressions would be the output (in vrms) of the zodiac.  It outputs what many consider a "standard" of 2Vrms when it's volume is at max (56 ohm resistance).  A lot of DACs these days have higher output and thus sound less "weak."
 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWuss 

. Funny you mention the hd650. I have been listening to nothing but the 650 and darkstar for a few days now. I find myself somehow unable to unplug it. It is somehow, while not mindblowing, inspiring in its "rightness".
Dark? Do not believe everything you read.

It's hard to trust reviews though, as everybody has different ears. I remember talking to you and you said the HD650 sounds absolutely fantastic with the Dark Star!

I am a Headphone enthusiast living in England.Unfortunately,we do not have much choice in the premium Headphone/Headphone Amp scene.Much of my equipment  has had to be bought 'blind'.

So,I would welcome any advice on the following?

I have the Headroom BUDA/UDAC/Power Supply and the Rudistor RPX-303 from a Meridan Reference 818 Sooloos source.I have the Senns HD800 and Beyer T1 and have recently purchased the Audeze LC3 with Cardas Clear cable in balanced format.  Am I getting the most out of the LC3s??

I can't find, on the American Sites, any reviews of the Rudistor.It seems clear that The Dark Star combines well with the LC3.The obvious problem is do I spend $3495 'blind' without knowing if there is a potential upgrade over the Rudi?

I appreciate any recommendation is personal and  dependent on a number of issues but I would welcome any advice particularly from anybody who has experience of the Rudi and can make an assessment as to whether spending $3.5k is worthwhile??

Very nice review! A++

Could you make another review about the LCD-3 and how it compares to the HD650? Only if you feel like it of course.