[mrwinick]

I haven't even had ten minutes to listen to it yet, but I've been looking forward to this upgrade for a long time. I upgraded from EMU 0404 USB. I'll take more time for a real comparison after I've had more time to listen, but so far I would describe the OMZ as having a substantially wider and deeper soundstage (huge difference), tighter bass and better clarity. I'm using an Imac G5, apple lossless thru VLC media player, optical input to OMZ, rca to MPX3, to HD600.
I can't believe the difference in soundstage. I am blown away. After I've had some time to compare there will be an EMU 0404 available for sale........

 

[ecclesand]

I am really happy with my OMZ v4 (DAC only). I upgraded from a MHDT Labs Constantine NOS DAC and the improvement was immediate. Did you get one with the new headamp?

 

[mrarroyo]

Pics would be nice!

 

[sacd lover]

mrwinick, is your dac the latest v4.1?

 

[mrwinick]

Latest version. Made Last week. I'll get some pictures tonight and figure out how to link to them.

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrwinick /img/forum/go_quote.gif Latest version. Made Last week. I'll get some pictures tonight and figure out how to link to them.

I just got mine back today, also v4.1. Fedex didnt deliver until well after 7:00pm. I want to let the unit warm up, from freezing to room temperature, before I use the dac. So, I will not have any impressions until tomorrow.

 

[mrwinick]

Here are a few pictures.

 

[mchang]

I'm very interested in any info on the OMZ -- especially compared to 0404 USB (which I am using know, and am learning the limitations of).

Quick question: does the version that just shipped to mrwinick and sacd_lover (or any others) have a functioning toslink input? I emailed Ori and he said that starting from v4 of the DAC, there is optical toslink and coaxial.

 

[utep10]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mchang /img/forum/go_quote.gif Quick question: does the version that just shipped to mrwinick and sacd_lover (or any others) have a functioning toslink input? I emailed Ori and he said that starting from v4 of the DAC, there is optical toslink and coaxial.

Yes, there is a functioning toslink input on the current models.

 

[d-cee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrwinick /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am blown away.

you could be led to believe the 0404 USB is the greatest thing out give its recent hype, truth is there is much better... had a similar reaction going to the OMZ from a stock Zhaolu

somehow I'm sure that there is something better. but i don't and my wallet certainly doesn't want to venture there

 

[infinitesymphony]

Quote:

Originally Posted by d-cee /img/forum/go_quote.gif you could be led to believe the 0404 USB is the greatest thing out give its recent hype, truth is there is much better... had a similar reaction going to the OMZ from a stock Zhaolu

I think that price was the main consideration for those claims... One could buy four 0404 USBs ($125 from music123) and still have money left, versus the price of one OMZ D2.5A ($529 direct). It's no wonder the OMZ D2.5A sounds better--it should, given the price difference.

The two are entirely different beasts, including different DAC chips, analog output design, and purpose. I'd be very surprised if they sounded similar at all, and I'll bet most people would find the OMZ to be a significant upgrade.

 

[d-cee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinitesymphony /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think that price was the main consideration for those claims... One could buy four 0404 USBs ($125 from music123) and still have money left, versus the price of one OMZ D2.5A ($529 direct). It's no wonder the OMZ D2.5A sounds better--it should, given the price difference. The two are entirely different beasts, including different DAC chips, analog output design, and purpose. I'd be very surprised if they sounded similar at all, and I'll bet most people would find the OMZ to be a significant upgrade.

of course, but pricing aside there are prachers that it's the greatest EVAR!!11!!1~

 

[maarek99]

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinitesymphony /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think that price was the main consideration for those claims... One could buy four 0404 USBs ($125 from music123) and still have money left, versus the price of one OMZ D2.5A ($529 direct). It's no wonder the OMZ D2.5A sounds better--it should, given the price difference.

Well my cheap-o-receiver with worse dacs sound better than the 0404 usb so price is not a given for quality sound.

 

[infinitesymphony]

Quote:

Originally Posted by d-cee of course, but pricing aside there are prachers that it's the greatest EVAR!!11!!1~

I think that was just the OP of that one thread... But it did kind of read like the "all wire is the same" argument; "if something is a good value, it must be the best!" Or something.

IMO, most people shouldn't end their ultimate audio quest with the 0404 USB. It may be the best for the money, but certainly not the best compared to all possible choices. Both you and the OP of this thread made that discovery.

Quote:

Originally Posted by maarek99 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well my cheap-o-receiver with worse dacs sound better than the 0404 usb so price is not a given for quality sound.

Good point. Specifications don't tell the whole story, either, but they're a start. Given the amount of work Ori puts into these modifications and the R&D he must have done to arrive at the final product, I imagine he has reason to be proud of his efforts. So in this case, much of the cost is in labor, which is where it should be, and that justifies the price increase (and should make for better sound quality).

 

[sacd lover]

I have been busy so I didnt get the OMZ V4.1 hooked up until yesterday. I can say I find this version an improvement over my previous version. The sound has more transparency but still retains a nice warm tone. I liked the sound better immediately. Removing the processor in this version also seems to improve the dynamic contrasts slightly. The other advantage is I am having absolutely no trouble getting signal lock like before with the V4.0.

I am using a Sacdmods 555ES as the transport feeding an Enigma Audio coax digital IC > OMZ V4.1 > stock PPX3 SLAM > MS2i with flat pads .... the sound is all most people would hope for and I am definitely impressed.