[cmirza]

Right now I'm trying to decide on a new source for my setup (AV-710->PIMETA (AD8620/10)->HD580). I'm leaning twoard the Lite DAC-AH since it seems to be favored over the 0404 onboard DAC and I'll be able to use it if I move to a laptop in the future. My only question is whether it worth getting the DAC-AH and getting it modded at once or just use it as is. I'd like to cap my budget for a source upgrade at ~$150. Would the difference even be noticeable on my setup? Any input would be apreciated.

 

[Thaddy]

Get the stock DAC-Ah first, and if you're happy with the sound, then put the upgrades on the back-burner. I plan on adding in that DAC into my setup fairly soon, and don't plan on modding it just yet. To echo what you've said, I've also read very positive reviews about the DAC even in stock form.

Also, don't forget to allot a portion of your budget towards a decent glass optical cable. If you search "Glass Toslink" on Audiogon, you'll get the Glass Toslink cable that has been raved about many times on this forum. Grab one

 

[cmirza]

I guess my concern is that I've heard some complaints about power supply noise with the DAC-Ah. But these complaints seem to be from just a few and not too common. So a stock DAC-Ah will sound as good (or better) than a stock 0404? If so, I'll be picking up one of these soon.

 

[Thaddy]

I also investigated those issues, and even talked to a member who had originally complained. He assured me it was a minimal problem, and who knows...it could be caused by something other than the DAC-Ah. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to get mine

 

[cmirza]

I definately can't wait to get it. I've already made room on my desk for it.

If power supply noise is an issue, a cheap power conditioner like the Monster Power AV200 might take care of it. They seem to run $25-$30 and might be worthwhile even if there is no power supply noise.

 

[Samgotit]

I like mine. It was a little "grainy" before I bypassed the active output. So yes, It is worth modifing and cheap to do so.

I noticed a huge difference, especially in the bass, over the AV-710 with HD580's even with out modification and It was all positive.

I have no issues with the ps and noise. I do have issuses with the DACs only getting 6V when they should be getting 8V according to the schematic. With some help over at DIY I hope to correct this.

Take Care,
Sam

 

[Gabe Logan]

Please post back after you have received it and had it for awhile.

 

[Mikenet]

I've heard of people bypassing the active output. Is it safe to do this when feeding a speaker power amp directly? Or will this cause impedance matching issues, or too low of signal level(causing noise to be amplified when the volume is turned up)?

 

[Samgotit]

The noise floor did not increase with either a Millet or PIMETA after I did the modification.

Sam