TedB
New Head-Fier
Having enjoyed my recently upgraded J2S (AKM 4493/TI -> AKM 4499EX/Sparkos SS3602), I wondered about what the Sparkos SS2590 might bring to the picture. Already, I found the new AKM DAC and SS3602 to deliver much improved dynamics and greater soundstage depth than the previous configuration, both of which being immediately noticeable. Since then, I've seen a few install a dual SS2590 with DIP8 adapter on the single ended RCA output, which is easy to do. The only caveat I might offer is I found the fit on my board socket was not snug enough for my liking. I rectified that by first inserting a DIP8 adapter socket and the SS2590 into that. This improved the fit in my case, YMMV. The thing is, I use the SE output mostly to accommodate an xDuoo-TA26 tube headphone amp. I used balanced XLR for everything else.
Getting the dual SS2590s to fit the XLRs is more of a trick and Geshelli will (wisely) tell you it doesn't work. I was able to get the front unit to work by first inserting a DIP8 adapter, which raised the SS2590 enough to clear the two small radial electrolytics that otherwise interfere. All good there. The rear unit was the problem, but I was just able to make it work with a DIP8 extender (Ali Express or Ebay) and some careful bending. Because the top of this dongled SS2590 tends to brush against the J2S case, I placed a large square of Kapton insulating tape to guard against any possibility of electrical contact. Reinserting the board into the case needs to be done very carefully while inspecting to see that good pin contact is maintained at all points in that arrangement until the board is in place.
As for the results, let me just say that I was happy with the SS3502, but the SS2590 instantly delivers an additional, clearly audible improvement. What's the difference? Right off the bat I'm observing even bigger punch, dynamics, and greater bass weight than the SS3602 with more vivid transient clarity. If I had to do it all over, I would opt for the J2S with the default TI op amps and go this route. This is most likely the best configuration the J2S can be.
Getting the dual SS2590s to fit the XLRs is more of a trick and Geshelli will (wisely) tell you it doesn't work. I was able to get the front unit to work by first inserting a DIP8 adapter, which raised the SS2590 enough to clear the two small radial electrolytics that otherwise interfere. All good there. The rear unit was the problem, but I was just able to make it work with a DIP8 extender (Ali Express or Ebay) and some careful bending. Because the top of this dongled SS2590 tends to brush against the J2S case, I placed a large square of Kapton insulating tape to guard against any possibility of electrical contact. Reinserting the board into the case needs to be done very carefully while inspecting to see that good pin contact is maintained at all points in that arrangement until the board is in place.
As for the results, let me just say that I was happy with the SS3502, but the SS2590 instantly delivers an additional, clearly audible improvement. What's the difference? Right off the bat I'm observing even bigger punch, dynamics, and greater bass weight than the SS3602 with more vivid transient clarity. If I had to do it all over, I would opt for the J2S with the default TI op amps and go this route. This is most likely the best configuration the J2S can be.
