[FOXY]

What DIY DAC will be a big upgrade from Zhaolu D2.5A with LM4562?

Budget is $500.

 

[BIG POPPA]

The Buffalo DAC

 

[FOXY]

Full Buffalo DAC price is over $500.

More suggestion?

 

[Wilf]

Try replacing the LM4562 (I'm assuming you have the standard DIP package version) with the LM4562HA (metal can) version. Made a HUGE difference in my noodle dac and SCHA.

 

[FOXY]

I want to replace the Zhaolu D2.5A..

What about gamma 1 + sigma11 ?

 

[oneplustwo]

I haven't heard the Zhaolu, but I can tell you I love my gamma1 (standard full build) and many folks on the forums believe it performs very well compared to even higher dollar units. I probably wouldn't bother with the sigma11 since the gamma sounds very good and is portable without it.

 

[TimmyMac]

$500 is a generous budget. Build something with 'high end' chips - PCM1794, WM8741, TDA1541,

 

[cobaltmute]

ezDAC
COD DAC with a sigma11 for power and discrete I/V

I'm using a similar output stage as the ezDAC in my USB DAC and am quite happy with it.

The gamma1 is also very nice.

 

[FOXY]

Now I have the gamma 1 for examination, sounds nice.

But mid region to smooth, and less detailed.

Any idea how to improve the sound?

 

[amb]

FOXY, try experimenting with different output coupling caps to tailor the sound to your liking.

 

[fordgtlover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FOXY /img/forum/go_quote.gif Now I have the gamma 1 for examination, sounds nice. But mid region to smooth, and less detailed. Any idea how to improve the sound?

Try removing the output bypass capacitors (C26D & C27D). I believe it opens up the y1 sound. (and it's a free tweak

)

Quote:

Originally Posted by amb /img/forum/go_quote.gif FOXY, try experimenting with different output coupling caps to tailor the sound to your liking.

I've tried a few different caps and it does make a difference to the sound. The cap used at C22 (VMID) also makes a difference to my ears at least.

 

[MisterX]

Quote:

The cap used at C22 (VMID) also makes a difference to my ears at least.

Mine to so it's just not you.

 

[fordgtlover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterX /img/forum/go_quote.gif Mine to so it's just not you.

That's good to know

 

[FOXY]

fordgtlover, what cap make big difference to the sound?

 

[fordgtlover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FOXY /img/forum/go_quote.gif fordgtlover, what cap make big difference to the sound?

I am still testing various combination, but so far I like the following combination (all 22uF):
C26D & C27D / (C22)
- Elna Silmic II without bypass
- Elna Silmic II without bypass / Oscon SC
- black gate NX without bypass

I'll try the black gate / Oscon combination this week.

Others tested:
Rubycon ZLG are grainy and harsh
Panasonic FCs are detailed and dynamic, but a bit grainy
Oscons are detailed dynamic, but a little bit too bright (for my ears)