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New DAC from Parasound...

post #1 of 11
12/19/12 at 3:10pm
Thread Starter 

While searching for a DAC, I came across this new offering from Parasound.  Though I'll probably get something that is smaller/more portable, such as the iFi iDac, I thought others might be interested given the price.

 

Parasound Zdac ($475):

  • Premium Analog Devices AD1853 24-bit/192 kHz Digital to Analog Converter IC
  • All inputs feature jitter reduction and are re-clocked and up-sampled to 422 kHz / 24 bit
  • Asynchronous USB input for playing music from PC or Mac (driver-less for easy setup)
  • Works with any format file on your computer up to 96 kHz / 24 bit
  • Works in variable volume mode in Windows® for connecting direct to a power amp (no preamp needed)
  • Optical and Coaxial digital inputs for use with any standard digital connection
  • RCA unbalanced and XLR balanced analog outputs
  • High current headphone output with volume control can drive any headphones from 32 to 600?
  • Oversized internal toroid power transformer (not a wall wart like many competitors)
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post #2 of 11
1/11/13 at 8:38am

I'd also like to know if anyone tried this yet.  I don't understand why it isn't more popular yet.

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post #3 of 11
1/23/13 at 1:03pm

I know that this is an older thread but I just saw the new Parasound Zdac in my latest Audio Advisor and as I already use their A21 and I'd LOVE to know if Parasound hit yet another one out of the park. Anyone listen to the Zdac yet? 

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post #4 of 11
1/26/13 at 7:24am

I know someone who absolutely loves the Zdac. He has a Krell SACD Standard 5.2 which is now used as transport because the Parasound is better. I keep trying to hear it for myself but so far haven't had time. 

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post #5 of 11
3/15/13 at 12:55pm

I have received mine two days ago as a replacemt for a rega dac and have trialed along side a m dac.

it is amuch smoother more detailedf and open thant the rega and more natural in a good real way than the mdac

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post #6 of 11
3/15/13 at 2:07pm

I'm using the Parasound Zdac in a system with my A21 amp and Magnepan 1.6's and I've been surprised by the performance of this under $500 DAC. The highs are nice and clean, the midrange is outstanding (spooky real sounding with the Maggies) and the bass is more powerful than I'm use to with DAC's in this price range. The Zdac gives you tons a detail without ever sounding bright. 

 

The built in headphone amp drives my Grado 3251's great but my AKG 701's prefer a stand alone amp...it'll drive the AKG's just fine but they sound fuller with a more powerful amp. I've had several DAC's in this system in the past few months and thus far the Zdac is the best DAC I've heard under $500. 

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post #7 of 11
4/20/13 at 11:26am

In the review of the Zdac on Inner Fidelity, John Grandberg mentions it makes a popping sound through the headphones when powering on or inserting them.  Have any of you noticed this, and if so, is it loud enough to be a concern towards damaging headphones?
 

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post #8 of 11
4/20/13 at 1:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pierre123 View Post

I have received mine two days ago as a replacemt for a rega dac and have trialed along side a m dac.

it is amuch smoother more detailedf and open thant the rega and more natural in a good real way than the mdac

 

Nice, thanks for the impressions. Any updates now that you've spent more time with it?

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by KLJTech View Post

I'm using the Parasound Zdac in a system with my A21 amp and Magnepan 1.6's and I've been surprised by the performance of this under $500 DAC. The highs are nice and clean, the midrange is outstanding (spooky real sounding with the Maggies) and the bass is more powerful than I'm use to with DAC's in this price range. The Zdac gives you tons a detail without ever sounding bright. 

 

The built in headphone amp drives my Grado 3251's great but my AKG 701's prefer a stand alone amp...it'll drive the AKG's just fine but they sound fuller with a more powerful amp. I've had several DAC's in this system in the past few months and thus far the Zdac is the best DAC I've heard under $500. 

Nice system - that A21 amp is killer (I use the A23 as my monitor speakers don't need much power). Also, good description of the Zdac sound - "tons of detail without ever sounding bright". 

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by runswithaliens View Post

In the review of the Zdac on Inner Fidelity, John Grandberg mentions it makes a popping sound through the headphones when powering on or inserting them.  Have any of you noticed this, and if so, is it loud enough to be a concern towards damaging headphones?
 

 

That guy doesn't know what he's talking about. biggrin.gif

 

Seriously though, the pop doesn't seem major enough to cause damage, either to headphone or even to hearing. It's just a minor annoyance. 

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post #9 of 11
4/22/13 at 8:36am

By the way thanks for another fine review Project86. I am curious though; disregarding cost and other features, how does it compare to your reference Anedio D2, as a DAC, and as a Headphone amp?
 


Edited by runswithaliens - 4/22/13 at 9:04am
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post #10 of 11
4/22/13 at 9:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by runswithaliens View Post

By the way thanks for another fine review Project86. I am curious though; disregarding cost and other features, how does it compare to your reference Anedio D2, as a DAC, and as a Headphone amp?
 

 

D2 is clearly in another league - better amp that's more suited for a wide variety of headphones due to lower output impedance, and a DAC section that is more resolving and realistic sounding. That said, I can imagine a scenario where someone might actually prefer the Parasound in their particular system - it's got the whole "smooth, analog" thing going for it, and if you had a system leaning towards the bright side it might be a better match. 

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post #11 of 11
4/22/13 at 11:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sawdin View Post

While searching for a DAC, I came across this new offering from Parasound.  Though I'll probably get something that is smaller/more portable, such as the iFi iDac, I thought others might be interested given the price.

 

Parasound Zdac ($475):

  • Oversized internal toroid power transformer (not a wall wart like many competitors)

Any idea on the ripple current from that oversized transformer?

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