Review of the Audio-GD FUN - A modular Dac / Headphone amp / Preamp

[ljperez84]

I can only answer question #2, yeah, even when the FUN is set to High Gain the HD650s need the pot volume to be at least somwehere arround 10 and 12 hours. I use it at 11 whereareas I use my grados at low gain slightly above 9.

By the way, What opamp are you using them with? It has nothing to do, just want to know about your preferences 

 

[sphinxvc]

I listened to my 650s on high gain at 9 o'clock, for 96khz-24-bit recordings I would turn it up to 10 o'clock.  They were quieter for some reason.

 

[olor1n]

High gain at 9 o'clock is quite loud for me as well. For high res recordings (96/24) I go as high as 10 o'clock. You guys need to ensure your system volume is set to 100%. Also, try rotating the 1/4" plug in the jack to make sure there isn't a contact issue.

 

[aroldan]

Indeed the gain problem was my fault But I still can't get 24/96 :confused_face: Can someone using Linux post the content of the /proc/asound/card1/stream0 file using the FUN (Version A)? I just don't see 96000 anywhere . Here is mine:


aroldan@volatile:~$ cat /proc/asound/card1/stream0
Tenor Electronics DigiHug USB Audio at usb-0000:00:1a.0-1.1, full speed : USB Audio

Playback:
Status: Stop
Interface 3
Altset 1
Format: S16_LE
Channels: 2
Endpoint: 3 OUT (ADAPTIVE)
Rates: 44100, 48000
Interface 3
Altset 2
Format: S24_3LE
Channels: 2
Endpoint: 3 OUT (ADAPTIVE)
Rates: 44100, 48000

Capture:
Status: Stop
Interface 2
Altset 1
Format: S16_LE
Channels: 2
Endpoint: 2 IN (ADAPTIVE)
Rates: 44100, 48000

 

[Pricklely Peete]

Which version FUN did you buy aroldan ? Version B (USB input) only supports 16/48  while version A's USB input can handle 24/96 .....
 
Peete.

 

[aroldan]

Peete, I bought the stock A version. The only difference is the OPA on the DAC stage (LM49720HA) but I believe it has nothing to do :confused_face_2:

 

[Pricklely Peete]

Quote:

Peete, I bought the stock A version. The only difference is the OPA on the DAC stage (LM49720HA) but I believe it has nothing to do

Version B has the older USB module limited to 16/48 (which is why I asked what version you have). I suggest emailing Edwin/Kingwa for some advice in the meantime. Hopefully folks familar with USB use will chime in with some suggestions while you communicate with A-gd.
 
I don't use USB at all so my experience is limited to basic setup etc...
 
You might want to post the USB issue in the computer gear forum and see if that brings about a fresh perspective for you or a possible solution.
 
Peete.
 
 

 

[rhythmic_impulse]

Does anyone still have the gain modules and the FET Output modules when the FUN first came out? I am thinking of getting them just for the heck of trying out different sound topologies. If there's anyone who wants to let them go....I just got hold of the WM8805 DIR module and burning in. First impressions compared to the DIR9001 module seems to show the WM8805 have just slightly more air but tonality pretty much remains the same. The annoying thing though is that whenever I switch tacks, there's a loud pop. My FUN is the first model originally issued, and an upgrade WM8741 module has the wire extension to the DIR9001 module. THe WM8805 module doesn't need the extension but I noticed there is an extra capacitor across the pins on the chip compared to the picture.
 
 
 

 

[aroldan]

I just emailed Edwin and he kindly sent me another TE7022 module, great customer service!

Version B has the older USB module limited to 16/48 (which is why I asked what version you have). I suggest emailing Edwin/Kingwa for some advice in the meantime. Hopefully folks familar with USB use will chime in with some suggestions while you communicate with A-gd.
 
I don't use USB at all so my experience is limited to basic setup etc...
 
You might want to post the USB issue in the computer gear forum and see if that brings about a fresh perspective for you or a possible solution.
 
Peete.
 
 

 

[rhythmic_impulse]

I did a little mod to the FUN. On the DIR9001 module, I swapped the stock XO clock to a Tentlabs XO which was unused since I switched back to non-oversampling on the DI. The effect of this is a soundstage expanding dramatically. Listening through a HD650, it sounds like the sonic image is now very solidly in front of the head, with definite placing of instruments in the audio space. Its like moving several steps back in a concert hall presentation. There were times, when I felt as though I was not listening through a headphone but speakers instead.  Vocals have a definite presence, standing in front of the instrumental ensemble. Before this, there seems to be a slight smoothness to the sonics, characteristics which Kingwa described for the FUN.
 
The sonics now seems to have enhanced clarity without any any hint of edginess at all and sound very sweet. I am not sure if this is a neutral sound but when compared to the DAC19/C2 combo, I can only describe the FUN is now sweeter and clearer with a soundstage that is comparable to the other set-up. Also, the opamp used is a ADA4627-1BRZ modules mounted on browndog adapters.
 
There's a few other mods I like to try, notably Prickly Peete's mods that should increase the dynamics of the FUN. For now, the XO upgrade brings very obvious results.
 

 

[sphinxvc]

Quote:

I did a little mod to the FUN. On the DIR9001 module, I swapped the stock XO clock to a Tentlabs XO which was unused since I switched back to non-oversampling on the DI. The effect of this is a soundstage expanding dramatically. Listening through a HD650, it sounds like the sonic image is now very solidly in front of the head, with definite placing of instruments in the audio space. Its like moving several steps back in a concert hall presentation. There were times, when I felt as though I was not listening through a headphone but speakers instead.  Vocals have a definite presence, standing in front of the instrumental ensemble. Before this, there seems to be a slight smoothness to the sonics, characteristics which Kingwa described for the FUN.
 
The sonics now seems to have enhanced clarity without any any hint of edginess at all and sound very sweet. I am not sure if this is a neutral sound but when compared to the DAC19/C2 combo, I can only describe the FUN is now sweeter and clearer with a soundstage that is comparable to the other set-up. Also, the opamp used is a ADA4627-1BRZ modules mounted on browndog adapters.
 
There's a few other mods I like to try, notably Prickly Peete's mods that should increase the dynamics of the FUN. For now, the XO upgrade brings very obvious results.
 

Very cool - wish I could hear it.  
 

 

[muad]

Hey Rythmic,
 
Ive been using my fun now for the longest time and am still absolutely in love with it. I haven't felt the need to upgrade once the wm8741 module came out and I plan to keep this thing forever. Anyways, I have a couple of the original fet modules lying around. PM me if you're interested.
 
 

 

[RonO]

Muad - same here, it's a workhouse.  My only mods since the 8741 are to put some ink in the volume knob so I can see it, and a couple O-rings on the volume knob that help with one finger volume adjustments.
 
 

 

[olor1n]

Yep, loving the Fun's versatility as my setup's evolved. It's a fine dac that feeds my active speakers and newly acquired Lyr. The Fun's amp section is great with the HD650 and although I enjoy the Lyr's coloured presentation more, the fact this beast of an amp hasn't shamed the Fun with the HD650 clearly illustrates how great the Fun is as a bang for buck option for dynamic cans. So glad the Fun is still a practical and vital component in my chain.
 
Btw, I like how the lid isn't screwed in place in that pic. Typical Fun owner.

 

[N0sferatu]

Quote:

Btw, I like how the lid isn't screwed in place in that pic. Typical Fun owner.

I"ve kept my FUN a virgin and haven't opened it yet... :/