Review: ZERO 24 BIT/192KHz DAC/Headphone Amp/Pre-Amp

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pincellone /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've reached the 100 hrs with my Zero and tried several opamp combinations. With my setup I have to say LT1364 + LME49720 is in fact the best combination you can get. I'm using a Sennheiser HD-555 and a SB Audigy 2 ZS. I've found the LME49720 to be more detailed then LT1469 in the AMP. The LT1364 in the DAC is unbeatable. A close competitor are a couple of OPA627BP on adaptor, but still it wins hands down. BTW I also put an heatsink on each opamp, they can't do bad on them...

Great! That is good news! When you say the LT1364 is better in the DAC, is that listening to the DAC output to a separate amp, or what? Or was it just how it affects the built-in headphone amp? Thanks!

 

[pincellone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Penchum /img/forum/go_quote.gif Great! That is good news! When you say the LT1364 is better in the DAC, is that listening to the DAC output to a separate amp, or what? Or was it just how it affects the built-in headphone amp? Thanks!

Hi Penchum. I'm saying both.

I believe the LT1364 is the best option in the DAC when connected to an amp (I've tried the Super T-amp and the Panasonic SA-HE70).

At the same time, LT1369 in the DAC combined with 2 X LME49720 in the (zero) amp is the perfect match for me.
Also 2 X LT1469 are good but not the best for my setup. I've also tried several other combinations, as I have a few opamps laying around

.

I don't have the Audigy 2 Drive, but I'm using a toslink optical connection through a self made board connected to my Audigy 2 ZS, although I don't think this really matters.

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pincellone /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hi Penchum. I'm saying both. I believe the LT1364 is the best option in the DAC when connected to an amp (I've tried the Super T-amp and the Panasonic SA-HE70). At the same time, LT1369 in the DAC combined with 2 X LME49720 in the (zero) amp is the perfect match for me. Also 2 X LT1469 are good but not the best for my setup. I've also tried several other combinations, as I have a few opamps laying around . I don't have the Audigy 2 Drive, but I'm using a toslink optical connection through a self made board connected to my Audigy 2 ZS, although I don't think this really matters.

Cool! Are the Senn HD-555's considered bass heavy at all? Or are they the ones that are more like the 580,600,650 types?

 

[edguetzow]

Thanks for your update, pincellone!

I guess I will try the 1364 again in my DAC. When I first tried it, the bass sounded bloated and boomy. The chip also ran hot (still need to order cooling fins!) in my Zero. Perhaps I was hasty or expecting too much from the chip and should give it another chance. I have been using the 1469 as DAC and 1361 in the amp section and find it very good - esp in the bass.

I am still waiting for a pair of 1028s to try and am hoping that they will arrive by mail today. It will be 10 days today since requesting.

And I just ordered a pair of 627s on adaptor, too!

 

[pincellone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Penchum /img/forum/go_quote.gif Cool! Are the Senn HD-555's considered bass heavy at all? Or are they the ones that are more like the 580,600,650 types?

I didn't have the luck to try the others, but the HD-555 are very good value for money. Check this out

Review: Sennheiser HD 555 headphones

 

[pincellone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by edguetzow /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for your update, pincellone! I guess I will try the 1364 again in my DAC. When I first tried it, the bass sounded bloated and boomy. The chip also ran hot (still need to order cooling fins!) in my Zero. Perhaps I was hasty or expecting too much from the chip and should give it another chance. I have been using the 1469 as DAC and 1361 in the amp section and find it very good - esp in the bass. I am still waiting for a pair of 1028s to try and am hoping that they will arrive by mail today. It will be 10 days today since requesting. And I just ordered a pair of 627s on adaptor, too!

Very good edguetzow, keep us posted. I'm also waiting for a couple of 1028s.

To be honest with you LT1469+LT1361 didn't impress me that much, but of course results also depend on the particular setup and personal tastes.

The 627s in the DAC scored quite high in my personal rankings. They are my second best after the 1364.

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pincellone /img/forum/go_quote.gif I didn't have the luck to try the others, but the HD-555 are very good value for money. Check this out Review: Sennheiser HD 555 headphones

That's a good read. I remember now, that I was looking at the 555 to replace my old 280pros, for computer output use. I still might do that. I see no need to spend extra on 595s, when the 555 will do just fine.

 

[Penchum]

I was going to mention, that when my order from LT came, no 1028s were in it. I don't know if they ran out, and I'll receive them later, or if I'm out of luck.

 

[edguetzow]

FYI, when I received my previous orders from LT, they were in separate shipments. My order came in 2 separate packets a couple of days apart.

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by edguetzow /img/forum/go_quote.gif FYI, when I received my previous orders from LT, they were in separate shipments. My order came in 2 separate packets a couple of days apart.

Ow, ok, great! I hope that happens.

I was all set to start swapping again.

 

[fault151]

Has anyone on here tried to upgrade any parts of their zero dac? I dont mean op amps, more like capacitors...

If so post up some pics please. im thinking of upgrading parts but wondering what would be best to do?

 

[pincellone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Penchum /img/forum/go_quote.gif That's a good read. I remember now, that I was looking at the 555 to replace my old 280pros, for computer output use. I still might do that. I see no need to spend extra on 595s, when the 555 will do just fine.

Smart thought Penchum. In fact, I believe that there are no audible differences between the 595 and the 555. The specs are pretty similar as you can see here:

Sennheiser Worldwide: HD 595 - HD 595

Sennheiser Worldwide: HD 555 - HD 555

But I'm not sure that you will be able to find the 555 in the U.S., I can't see it in the Senneheiser USA website:

Sennheiser USA - Audiophile

Fortunately, Ebay helps a lot. They are pretty cheap in Germany.

 

[fault151]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pincellone /img/forum/go_quote.gif Smart thought Penchum. In fact, I believe that there are not audible differences between the 595 and the 555. The specs are pretty similar as you can see here: Sennheiser Worldwide: HD 595 - HD 595 Sennheiser Worldwide: HD 555 - HD 555 But I'm not sure that you will be able to find the 555 in the U.S., I can't see it in the Senneheiser USA website: Sennheiser USA - Audiophile Fortunately, Ebay helps a lot. They are pretty cheap in Germany.

I have the 595's think they sound pretty good for the money but they are not as good as the hd600's!

 

[supertrichi]

Ciao
I have the Akg701 and Sony MDR 7506 which I drive with the ProJect Headbox and I ask you:
-Zero DAC is a significant upgrade how to headphone amp?
- Zero Dac also improves the sound of Squeezebox and CD4000 old Marantz?

Thank you

 

[edguetzow]

I have been periodically checking the thread for the Zero at the VR-Zone IT & Lifestyle Forum and thought this post might come in handy for sourcing opamps: VR-Zone IT & Lifestyle Forum! - View Single Post - ZERO 24 BIT/192KHz DAC/Headphone Amp/Pre-Amp

I haven't checked all the links but the first (top) four are 4 opamp manufacturer sites that are handy and in a single spot.

Hope it is useful for some esp those new to this thread.