WindowsX
Member of the Trade: Fidelizer Audio
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2007
- Posts
- 1,962
- Likes
- 364
Mods
-Separated power supply for analog and digital circuit
-Nordost Valkyrja 22awg conductor wiring for all wires
-Superclock V3 for 44.1khz input
-Burrbrown 627BP for I/IV opamps in DAC and AD8620 for opamps in output
-Blackgate caps for analog and Sanyo Oscon for digital
-Replaced balanced input with Balanced output (with splitter and buffer)
Sound
Signature: doesn't change that much. Little brighter, more contrast and mid for tonal balance. Still keep grace's reference signature goodness.
DAC: I used to own Benchmark DAC1 and this ones doesn't make me feel regret in selling it. CS8416 receiver, PCM1730 dac chip and OPA627BP I/IV stage opamps are great synergy when properly combined. I want to try A/B test with Bel Canto DAC 3, though.
PRE: Pre from original grace is already good for sub $2000 preamp selection. An upgraded pre with separated terloid, blackgate caps, opa2134 to ad8620 opamp and balance output with valkyrja wiring should be a killer with this upgrade.
AMP: original headphone amp sounds really nice. However, it lacks strong mid and speed. With upgrade like preamp part, you're listening to grand finale of Dr. Jan Meier's Opera's successor!
Price
Original MRSP price: $1695
Materials for mod price: $1000
Total: $2695
Rule of thumb for modding, you get 3 of what you pay compared to commercial upgrade.
-Separated power supply for analog and digital circuit
-Nordost Valkyrja 22awg conductor wiring for all wires
-Superclock V3 for 44.1khz input
-Burrbrown 627BP for I/IV opamps in DAC and AD8620 for opamps in output
-Blackgate caps for analog and Sanyo Oscon for digital
-Replaced balanced input with Balanced output (with splitter and buffer)
Sound
Signature: doesn't change that much. Little brighter, more contrast and mid for tonal balance. Still keep grace's reference signature goodness.
DAC: I used to own Benchmark DAC1 and this ones doesn't make me feel regret in selling it. CS8416 receiver, PCM1730 dac chip and OPA627BP I/IV stage opamps are great synergy when properly combined. I want to try A/B test with Bel Canto DAC 3, though.
PRE: Pre from original grace is already good for sub $2000 preamp selection. An upgraded pre with separated terloid, blackgate caps, opa2134 to ad8620 opamp and balance output with valkyrja wiring should be a killer with this upgrade.
AMP: original headphone amp sounds really nice. However, it lacks strong mid and speed. With upgrade like preamp part, you're listening to grand finale of Dr. Jan Meier's Opera's successor!
Price
Original MRSP price: $1695
Materials for mod price: $1000
Total: $2695
Rule of thumb for modding, you get 3 of what you pay compared to commercial upgrade.
