SW1X DACs and more

[chrisdrop]

Well, I am happy to say that I am the new owner of an SW1X DAC II w/ USB & AudioNote capacitors. I have enjoyed working w/ Slawa.

For now, all I will say is that this thing is full of music

Here is the last picture we took before we put the top on this Saturday:



You can see a few capacitors next to the DAC on the right. We spent some time listening to another DAC of his swapping capacitors to see their effects. It was pretty surprising (to me, not Slawa) how big the difference can be just for swapping 2 caps!

I will post more impressions and comments as I listen, evolve and catch 200h or so of burn-in, which is what we expect for the capacitors to take...

Really enjoying this song as I type:

 

[chrisdrop]

The front of the unit, getting ready to sit comfortably in a new place.



I like the minimal look...

 

[chrisdrop]

I just posted a review (something I haven't ever done on head-fi) here. I mainly compare vs the Amber 3, which was the final in my debate vs the SW1X DAC.

 

[chrisdrop]

A few pictures of the current setup, including the DAC 2.

 

[maxpudding]

A few pictures of the current setup, including the DAC 2.

Good sounding setup you have there, cd.

 

[Khronos]

Looking at the prices I wonder if the DAC I can battle against Kingwa's R8, and anything from III to V vs the Rockna Wavedream and Wavedream Signature.

 

[chrisdrop]

Looking at the prices I wonder if the DAC I can battle against Kingwa's R8, and anything from III to V vs the Rockna Wavedream and Wavedream Signature.

I think those are valid comparisons. I have heard great things about the Wavedream FWIW, but I have never heard them. Once we exit #covidmadness2020 happy to have a London based comparison day if anyone has these DACs . At the more expensive range w/ Rockna, I'd also like to hear vs a Pavane.

Continuing up the Lapizator DAC comparisons would also be very valid and they are closer in construction perhaps. I do know at least one SW1X owner (not sure if he is on a DAC 3 or 4) who came from a more expensive Lampi DAC, but I think they are also nice.

 

[Dobrescu George]

I made a video review about the Sw1X DAC I Special This is some cool R2R magic stuff going on right there. In fact, it may very well be the most musical DAC I experimented to date, the only little downside is that it only takes SPDIF inputs, and there is no USB in, so it may not be quite as universal as ome of the other DACs I review in general...

 

[chrisdrop]

I made a video review about the Sw1X DAC I Special This is some cool R2R magic stuff going on right there. In fact, it may very well be the most musical DAC I experimented to date, the only little downside is that it only takes SPDIF inputs, and there is no USB in, so it may not be quite as universal as ome of the other DACs I review in general...

FYI - Slawa can, and does build USB units that can be mounted in any of his DACs. My DAC II has a USB unit in it.

 

[Dobrescu George]

FYI - Slawa can, and does build USB units that can be mounted in any of his DACs. My DAC II has a USB unit in it.

Woaaah, that is a pretty cool thing, I should have asked for one, because having USB DAC would have been really handy for me

 

[punit]

What is the price range of Sw1x Dac's ?

Edit :
Never mind.

http://sw1xad.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/SW1X_UK_price_list_2020.pdf

 

[Dobrescu George]

I made a full in-depth written review about the DAC I Special from SW1X

Pretty interesting product, a bit expensive, and a bit specific, but the sound itself is simply top notch!

https://www.audiophile-heaven.com/2020/10/dynamic-overload-step-one-sw1x-dac-special-review.html

 

[chrisdrop]

Today will be my 1st tube roll in this DAC. Slawa recommended "6N6P from the 60s with a square getter from the Foton factory". I found one via Russia and it turned up after a few weeks in the post. It is not really super accessible, but you just have to pop the top off, change tubes and get back to business really.

In the garish bright photo, the square getter can be seen. The other photo included because it is slightly more flattering.

 

[maxpudding]

Today will be my 1st tube roll in this DAC. Slawa recommended "6N6P from the 60s with a square getter from the Foton factory". I found one via Russia and it turned up after a few weeks in the post. It is not really super accessible, but you just have to pop the top off, change tubes and get back to business really.

In the garish bright photo, the square getter can be seen. The other photo included because it is slightly more flattering.

Nice...any changes to the sound output?

 

[chrisdrop]

Nice...any changes to the sound output?

The DAC usually sounds best after it has been on for some hours. Clearly, I turned the DAC off, let it cool down, etc before turning it back on.
The new tube is NOS with no hours on it. Usually tubes sound better after some time settling.
You can hear a change pretty much right off after letting it warm back up a bit. It is not as profound as changing DACs mind you, but it seemed to push a little more space between the images (in a good way). I'm curious to see how it goes from here. I kept the same tubes in the amp and I'll keep them both steady for the next few days to see if there are any more changes.

-Chris

N.B. A 1st DAC roll makes me envious of @leftside and @Monsterzero with their TRPs (tube roller's paradise)!