spacemanspliff
Headphoneus Supremus
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- Oct 19, 2005
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Edit: Please see Bottom area of this post for Modded impressions.
Ok I have listened for long enough to give a basic opinion on this unit as a stand-alone dac. I have yet to try the headphone out as I am using a burned in MisterX mini3.
Source is X-Fi Fatality, Audio Creation Mode, Bit matched, 48KHZ clock, WMA lossless files.
Unmodded review done with neutralish Beyer 880s with Cardas recable.
Modded review done with SR-Lambdas and SRD-7
Compared to the Zhalou 2.5C and MD-10 Dacs which I have had the 7510 is more detailed and extends more in the highs than either. The bass of the 7510 is the best of the three now that it has burned in a bit. Defined and with decent impact. Less slam than the Zhalou but very good for this price range. I like the Zhalous mids a bit better b/c I prefer warmer but the 7510 has clearly defined mids no doubt.
Soundstage as of now would appear to be the same as the Zhalou or slightly less. It does seem to be as airy as the Zhalou and the 7510 has a faster attack I feel.The 7510 has a larger soundstage than the MD-10.
Separation is best on the 7510 as it has the best detail. You can clearly define instruments and voices. There is more congestion with the other two Dacs.
Overall, it is the most neutral of these three dacs. The MD-10 was designed to have a warmish, vinyl tone and the Zhalou is warmer too. Not to say the 7510 is cold really but more in the clear window on a nice spring day kind of feel.
The closest thing that I have heard to the 7510 is probably the PS Audio GCHA. Slightly less clear and not as fast. The 7510 also has a spot more grain to it than the GHCA but it is very similar to me.
So as an initial, quicky review I would say IMO that this DAC is to be considered the most neutral and balanced of the three Dacs I have heard under the $300 range. The Zhalou obviously has more room for modding with it's Ori or Zap output stage options but the MD-10 can't really compete here unless you want more warmth and tighter soundstage.
After burn in I am now considering keeping this dac as it has improved in the bass and soundstage.If you want a dac that doesn't need mods to be good this is a great deal.
Just my opinion of course. I would say though that the 7510 offers a quality sound with great input/output options for the price.
Modded Impressions
Wow! Nice improvements. Fierce did the modifications to the highs and lows leaving the midrange alone. There is a significant jump in detail, extension and clarity. I highly recommend this mod. For the $$ there really is not a dac out there to compete with this one. The stock Zhalou 2.5C is nice and has more bass slam but lacks the neutrality, clarity, speed and balance the 7510 has. Sound stage appears to be around the middle of the room. Slightly forward but in a good position for headphones. Is it a giant-killer? No. It is a very good deal and has a sound which most will like. I can hear how some would compare it favorably to higher end dacs. It certainly is better in most ways than my old PS Audio Superlink II dac for instance. Bassheads might want to look elsewhere unless they have bass heavy cans. Those seeking balance and speed I can say you will need to at least try this dac modded.
For around $225 new this gets my budget best buy award for dac/pre-amp/headphone amp swiss-army knife for headfiers.
Highly Recommended.
Ok I have listened for long enough to give a basic opinion on this unit as a stand-alone dac. I have yet to try the headphone out as I am using a burned in MisterX mini3.
Source is X-Fi Fatality, Audio Creation Mode, Bit matched, 48KHZ clock, WMA lossless files.
Unmodded review done with neutralish Beyer 880s with Cardas recable.
Modded review done with SR-Lambdas and SRD-7
Compared to the Zhalou 2.5C and MD-10 Dacs which I have had the 7510 is more detailed and extends more in the highs than either. The bass of the 7510 is the best of the three now that it has burned in a bit. Defined and with decent impact. Less slam than the Zhalou but very good for this price range. I like the Zhalous mids a bit better b/c I prefer warmer but the 7510 has clearly defined mids no doubt.
Soundstage as of now would appear to be the same as the Zhalou or slightly less. It does seem to be as airy as the Zhalou and the 7510 has a faster attack I feel.The 7510 has a larger soundstage than the MD-10.
Separation is best on the 7510 as it has the best detail. You can clearly define instruments and voices. There is more congestion with the other two Dacs.
Overall, it is the most neutral of these three dacs. The MD-10 was designed to have a warmish, vinyl tone and the Zhalou is warmer too. Not to say the 7510 is cold really but more in the clear window on a nice spring day kind of feel.
The closest thing that I have heard to the 7510 is probably the PS Audio GCHA. Slightly less clear and not as fast. The 7510 also has a spot more grain to it than the GHCA but it is very similar to me.
So as an initial, quicky review I would say IMO that this DAC is to be considered the most neutral and balanced of the three Dacs I have heard under the $300 range. The Zhalou obviously has more room for modding with it's Ori or Zap output stage options but the MD-10 can't really compete here unless you want more warmth and tighter soundstage.
After burn in I am now considering keeping this dac as it has improved in the bass and soundstage.If you want a dac that doesn't need mods to be good this is a great deal.
Just my opinion of course. I would say though that the 7510 offers a quality sound with great input/output options for the price.
Modded Impressions
Wow! Nice improvements. Fierce did the modifications to the highs and lows leaving the midrange alone. There is a significant jump in detail, extension and clarity. I highly recommend this mod. For the $$ there really is not a dac out there to compete with this one. The stock Zhalou 2.5C is nice and has more bass slam but lacks the neutrality, clarity, speed and balance the 7510 has. Sound stage appears to be around the middle of the room. Slightly forward but in a good position for headphones. Is it a giant-killer? No. It is a very good deal and has a sound which most will like. I can hear how some would compare it favorably to higher end dacs. It certainly is better in most ways than my old PS Audio Superlink II dac for instance. Bassheads might want to look elsewhere unless they have bass heavy cans. Those seeking balance and speed I can say you will need to at least try this dac modded.
For around $225 new this gets my budget best buy award for dac/pre-amp/headphone amp swiss-army knife for headfiers.
Highly Recommended.
