[pincellone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seba /img/forum/go_quote.gif Oh crap, I can't stop listening to music anymore. I put my LD on and the sound is again way beyond Zero's headamp but that doesn't mean that Zero's headamp isn't good, on the contrary. Are those LME49720 re-branded LM4562? I don't like LM4562 at all in my X-Fi. Makes music so sterile and highs are harsh. Fortunately music doesn't go throught that anymore because I use my X-Fi only as a transporter and upsampler.

Yes they are. I like them in the Zero, but not at all in my spare DAC, where I prefer OPA627, so I think it also depends on where you install them.

 

[souperman]

I have found another opamp other than the OPA2107 for headamp and DAC. The AD746 works so well in the DAC IMO. Very transparent, detailed, and very dynamic as well. I tried the AD746 in all 3 places as opposed to the OPA2107 in all 3 places. It's a bit different, but very good as well. I have a feeling mixing and matching the OPA2107 and the AD746 will do wonders. If I have time, I'll try it. I got a few more AD746's and some OPA2107's for cheap if some people want to purchase them from me. These two are very good alternatives for the OPA726BP which is so much more expensive. You can buy 3 for the price of nearly both OPA627's. Just shoot me a PM if you are interested. Now back to listening to my AD746's

. I'll have to compare them to OPA2107's soon.

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seba /img/forum/go_quote.gif Oh crap, I can't stop listening to music anymore. I put my LD on and the sound is again way beyond Zero's headamp but that doesn't mean that Zero's headamp isn't good, on the contrary.

This is exactly how I have my two Zero's setup. (OPA627s in DAC, LT1364s in headphone amp) One Zero is almost exclusively for driving my MKIVse, which sounds absolutely amazing! I really like the full spectrum the OPA627s provide. I have some music that has bass notes under 40Hz, and they are there big time!

I also like to switch to the Zero's headphone amp sometimes, just to listen to nice SS sound for a change. Not all the time, but just when the desire hits me.

 

[Seba]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Penchum /img/forum/go_quote.gif This is exactly how I have my two Zero's setup. (OPA627s in DAC, LT1364s in headphone amp) One Zero is almost exclusively for driving my MKIVse, which sounds absolutely amazing! I really like the full spectrum the OPA627s provide. I have some music that has bass notes under 40Hz, and they are there big time! I also like to switch to the Zero's headphone amp sometimes, just to listen to nice SS sound for a change. Not all the time, but just when the desire hits me.

That's why I changed the LT1364's for headamp because I remembered that you tested them in amp section too and liked it.

LT1469 were good in headamp but they were little too dark or veiled for my taste.

 

[supertrichi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif Audio cables don't work well, if at all, as digital cables. They are generally the wrong impedance. A Video cable, if 75 ohm, will work fine.

Ciao,
I bought this cable
eBay Store - Tartan Cable: Digital Audio Cables: Tartan Coaxial Digital Audio Cable, 3 foot, CL2 rated

Cheap with good quality.

P.S. I don't hear the difference between Optical cable vs. coaxial cable

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by supertrichi /img/forum/go_quote.gif Ciao, I bought this cable eBay Store - Tartan Cable: Digital Audio Cables: Tartan Coaxial Digital Audio Cable, 3 foot, CL2 rated Cheap with good quality. P.S. I don't hear the difference between Optical cable vs. coaxial cable

Most have found that either one (optical or coaxial) works great with the Zero. No differences in SQ.

 

[fl00r]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Penchum /img/forum/go_quote.gif Most have found that either one (optical or coaxial) works great with the Zero. No differences in SQ.

But what if my laptop have neither coaxial nor optical

I really have read most of this thread and still I'm (unpleasantly

) surprised that there's NO USB on the ZERO :'(

I guess a was blinded by the stellar review

No offence Dave

 

[mADmAN]

The ZERO is almost identical to the Zhaolu... even looks the same... heard the design was also based on the Zhaolu...so no surprises that it doesnt have a USB.

i guess a cheap option would be to get a USB -> SPDIF converter. ive heard both good and bad about the converters though and that direct SPDIF from ur soundcard is best.

if ur laptop has neither SPDIF formats, i guess the converter will definitely be needed. else a simple USB soundcard with SPDIF output should do the trick.

 

[scompton]

You could use something like this

Laptop Sound Card - Audio Advantage Micro

 

[LaZyKun]

Just got my Zero unit 2day through the post, currently burning in and all I wanted to say is thanks to everyone here at HeadFi for the help and information.

Indeed sorry about my wallet but damn its was money well spent hehe. Next on the hit list HD650/LD MKIII

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fl00r /img/forum/go_quote.gif But what if my laptop have neither coaxial nor optical I really have read most of this thread and still I'm (unpleasantly ) surprised that there's NO USB on the ZERO :'( I guess a was blinded by the stellar review No offence Dave

Quote:

Originally Posted by scompton /img/forum/go_quote.gif You could use something like this Laptop Sound Card - Audio Advantage Micro

I'll be darned! I could have sworn you said your notebook had a flexi-jack (both line out and optical combined in one) way back when! Scompton's idea is a good one for the price for sure. I think Diykits on ebay sells a silver looking one inexpensive also. Sorry!

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mADmAN /img/forum/go_quote.gif The ZERO is almost identical to the Zhaolu... even looks the same... heard the design was also based on the Zhaolu...so no surprises that it doesnt have a USB. i guess a cheap option would be to get a USB -> SPDIF converter. ive heard both good and bad about the converters though and that direct SPDIF from ur soundcard is best. if ur laptop has neither SPDIF formats, i guess the converter will definitely be needed. else a simple USB soundcard with SPDIF output should do the trick.

This is one of those "someone said that someone else said in another thread about another site post" rumor-facts. It actually doesn't look very much like the Zhaolu and the design according to Lawrence is not from the Zhaolu. All of this was talked about earlier in this thread because of statements like this from previous Zhaolu owners who didn't like them very much (I think)

. Its been quite a while ago. Some of the posts may have been removed, as the discussions were super heated by a person who keeps getting banned all the time and their posts kinda disappear each time they get banned.

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaZyKun /img/forum/go_quote.gif Just got my Zero unit 2day through the post, currently burning in and all I wanted to say is thanks to everyone here at HeadFi for the help and information. Indeed sorry about my wallet but damn its was money well spent hehe. Next on the hit list HD650/LD MKIII

Congratulations! I like your shopping list too! You are going to have one heck of a rig when you have it all put together!!

 

[hxcxor]

Just a little update from me:

Got my new Opamps and threw 'em in the headamp board.

1. When using the DAC as a simple DAC without the true preamp function, it works perfectly. Sounds great.
2. When using the DAC as a true preamp, it goes wayward. The sound is balanced roughly 90% to the left channel.
3. When using the headamp, the sound is balanced 100% to the left channel.

I'm a bit baffled!

 

[edguetzow]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hxcxor /img/forum/go_quote.gif Just a little update from me: Got my new Opamps and threw 'em in the headamp board. 1. When using the DAC as a simple DAC without the true preamp function, it works perfectly. Sounds great. 2. When using the DAC as a true preamp, it goes wayward. The sound is balanced roughly 90% to the left channel. 3. When using the headamp, the sound is balanced 100% to the left channel. I'm a bit baffled!

Hi! Which opamps did you get and try out. Maybe someone can tell you of similar results and what to try or not try!