[diff]

i have already done this guide
 
but no response
 
so sad

 

[qsk78]

 
i have already done this guide
 
but no response
 
so sad

well, I had this issue just once (could not shut off) - this thing did help!

- Press and hold the Shuttle switch and the Back button for 10 seconds.
 
you should press both at the same time.
 
Sad to hear that it does not work in your case
 
I'm not sure if it is possible to disconnect the battery

 

[DrSheep]

Yes you can disconnect the battery by removing the case of the Valoq.

 

[diff]

thank you all of you
 
i disconnect the battery by removing the case of the Valoq and fixed

 

[VCMan]

New FW: http://venturecraft.jp/gadget_jp/valoq/firmware.php?dlfile_id=15.
Don't know what's changed - there's no log on the site, as always.

 

[qsk78]

Hope that album cover display issue is fixed.

 

[nanaholic]

  New FW: http://venturecraft.jp/gadget_jp/valoq/firmware.php?dlfile_id=15.
Don't know what's changed - there's no log on the site, as always.

 
The change log is always posted on another part of the site:
http://venturecraft.jp/gadget_jp/index.php
 
They fixed the resume function and addressed stability issues. 

 

[audionewbi]

The will continuously work on FW for a long time considering their aim to release a limited opa627sm version of Valoq with 200 GB internal memory. Estimated price is 2.5K usd.

Also I can't say I hear any drastic difference between single ended and balance ended connection. They both sound equally as powerful.

 

[qsk78]

Also I can't say I hear any drastic difference between single ended and balance ended connection. They both sound equally as powerful.

Well, I use the balanced output only, let's say "by default" 

 from the beginning to ensure better channel separation, at least (independent ground).
Can not tell if there is a difference or not today, all my phones/IEMs are balanced.

 

[audionewbi]

Well, I use the balanced output only, let's say "by default"   from the beginning to ensure better channel separation, at least (independent ground).
Can not tell if there is a difference or not toady, all my phones/IEMs are balanced.

For me Valoq comes very close for a perfect music only dap. I can get from point A to B fast, very fast.

What it lacks is FF button.

 

[diff]

I have changed opamp from muse8820 to ad827sq/883b
 
everything will be ok except the white noise problem

 

[qsk78]

  I have changed opamp from muse8820 to ad827sq/883b
 
everything will be ok except the white noise problem

With all type of IEM/Phones?
I hear sometimes the noise on some very sensitive IEMs but in general it's not an issue for the opa627au. 

 

[sonickarma]

  Truly looking for your opamp finding, cant wait to hear more from you. 

 
After getting a friend to solder my chips I have done a comparison and posted my impressions below.
 
I would suggest getting a decent TX5 torx screw driver (Wera is a brand I trust)

 
I would also suggest not lifting the non mounted chips by hand - likelyhood is you will end up bending pins, Get a grab lift tool like below. 
 

 

 
 
 

 
The legendary OPA627SM bad boy is below 

 
Some items I tested below

 
I would suggest getting a Heat Resistance: (280℃) Kapton tape (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-10mm-33m-100ft-High-Temperature-Heat-Resistant-Polyimide-Kapton-Tape-Hot-UK-/111809349361)

 
To place on the board as the Caps get hot and are very close to the mainboard chips - see below
 

 
Some pics with my recently acquired Andromeda with new balanced ALO cable - only person in UK with either I believe - gloat - hehe
 

 

 

 
Van Nuys case - nice fit

 

 
Chips nice arty shot below
 

 
 
Important bit below my impressions:
 
Using latest firmware-1.5.15888

MUSE 8820 - Hiss on background and sounds dull but thick signature - not to my liking. souless - stock chip
OPA2134PA - Background minor hiss, not very dynamic, a little flat sounding heavy signature - bought from Mouser
LME 49710HA - Detailed and precise but not full sounding flat and dull for me- bought from Mouser
Ultra Analog THE-1 - Bit of hiss, vocals intimate but the bass too full for me.- bought from eBay UK seller
OPA627AU - Thick smooth and warm signature- bought from ebay China seller (not sure if legit chips) Possible fakes so crossed out
 
 
These 2 below I like best currently:
AD827SQ - Well balanced and strong detailed signature, nice vocals. Some minor hiss.- bought from Mouser
OPA627SM - Effortless full and analogue sounding signature, lush bass, full, spacious, dynamic, detailed. - bought from Mouser - Sticking with this for now
 
 
BIG THANKS to raceinfi for all his advice and tips!!

 

[DrSheep]

Very, very nicely done.

 

[qsk78]

 
OPA627AU - Thick smooth and warm signature- bought from ebay China seller (not sure if legit chips)
 

 Well, I can not tell that the original 627au from VC is warm or thick, to me it is rather neutral.