[r_aquarii]

using optical from my PC, my zero dac and previous compass work fine on this setup.
tried different HDAM still the same, preamp out or headamp problem still occur intermittently around 5-10min after power up

 

[K3cT]

Sounds like power-cycling problem. Have you tried connecting it to a different wall outlet?

 

[r_aquarii]

Quote:

Originally Posted by K3cT /img/forum/go_quote.gif Sounds like power-cycling problem. Have you tried connecting it to a different wall outlet?

just tried that,
now don't have to wait 5-10min anymore
after powering up the compass, it will stream music for 1sec and stop playing anything.
before the dac stop working, i can hear a click sound like from a relay..
look like im the only 1 who received a DOA unit here...

 

[haloxt]

My entry-level power conditioner makes a big difference on the compass too, I'd say maybe 3x bigger than the audio-gd power cable. If there's a drawback with my power conditioner it is that the sound signature is somewhat like the sun hdam, more lively but may be too much depending on your tastes. I couldn't listen to sun+power conditioner because it was too much hyperactivity.

 

[PowerPaul86]

I am also interested in the Compass and I want to use it with my HD650 and my Westone UM2 IEM.
While the HD650 have 300 ohm impedance, the UM2 have only 27 ohms.

My question is with what gain should I order the Compass, because I have read that the Compass can be customized with different gain setting before shipping.

 

[K3cT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by haloxt /img/forum/go_quote.gif My entry-level power conditioner makes a big difference on the compass too, I'd say maybe 3x bigger than the audio-gd power cable. If there's a drawback with my power conditioner it is that the sound signature is somewhat like the sun hdam, more lively but may be too much depending on your tastes. I couldn't listen to sun+power conditioner because it was too much hyperactivity.

What brand is that if I may ask, haloxt?

Quote:

Originally Posted by PowerPaul86 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am also interested in the Compass and I want to use it with my HD650 and my Westone UM2 IEM. While the HD650 have 300 ohm impedance, the UM2 have only 27 ohms. My question is with what gain should I order the Compass, because I have read that the Compass can be customized with different gain setting before shipping.

IIRC, the revised Compasses come with a gain of 7 at low-gain to 9 at hi-gain. Someone correct me please if I am mistaken.

The Compass should do well with the HD650. Seems the MOON HDAM and Bright setting do wonder with this combination. OTOH, I don't like it very much with my IEMs because the Compass does not exactly excel in blackness. There is some sound coming out even at a volume level of zero. This is not a problem with full-sized cans but with sensitive IEMs, it is kinda annoying.

Quote:

Originally Posted by r_aquarii /img/forum/go_quote.gif just tried that, now don't have to wait 5-10min anymore after powering up the compass, it will stream music for 1sec and stop playing anything. before the dac stop working, i can hear a click sound like from a relay.. look like im the only 1 who received a DOA unit here...

That click sound is familiar with my Zero. The signal is not locking properly I think. Can you try connecting using the different input options (USB, Coaxial and even RCA if possible) and report back to us?

Also if you haven't, E-mail Kingwa about your problems.

 

[r_aquarii]

even if the optical input is faulty it still a DOA unit.
kingwa agree to replace a new unit after i send the faulty unit over =]

edit: USB is not working too.

 

[PowerPaul86]

Quote:

Originally Posted by K3cT /img/forum/go_quote.gif IIRC, the revised Compasses come with a gain of 7 at low-gain to 9 at hi-gain. Someone correct me please if I am mistaken. The Compass should do well with the HD650. Seems the MOON HDAM and Bright setting do wonder with this combination. OTOH, I don't like it very much with my IEMs because the Compass does not exactly excel in blackness. There is some sound coming out even at a volume level of zero. This is not a problem with full-sized cans but with sensitive IEMs, it is kinda annoying.

I just received an answer to my question after only 4 minutes(!):

Quote:

Dear Paul, Compass already have two gain, one is 6DB, the other is 13DB. Kingwa

 

[haloxt]

K3cT, it's a Furman AC-215. They don't sell very well and I managed to get it really cheap on ebay

only real complaint I have about it is it has 2 outlets and I have to daisy-chain power outlets for more.

 

[K3cT]

Yeah, he replies very fast but he seems to be bogged down with orders at the moment.

My bad, it appears that I remembered wrongly about the gain settings.

 

[PowerPaul86]

Quote:

Originally Posted by K3cT /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yeah, he replies very fast but he seems to be bogged down with orders at the moment. My bad, it appears that I remembered wrongly about the gain settings.

Hmm, not according to the second part of his email

Quote:

After you make the payment, send me a email include your Add and Tel. We will ship within 3 days, DHL can arrive 3-5 workdays. Kingwa

 

[K3cT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by haloxt /img/forum/go_quote.gif K3cT, it's a Furman AC-215. They don't sell very well and I managed to get it really cheap on ebay only real complaint I have about it is it has 2 outlets and I have to daisy-chain power outlets for more.

The problem is I live in Asia so I would need a step-down transformer. Would this affect the signals in a bad way?

Quote:

Originally Posted by PowerPaul86 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hmm, not according to the second part of his email

Lucky guy. It took a while to finalize my HDAM orders last week.

 

[PowerPaul86]

I haven't pulled the trigger yet, but only because i am at work right now and don't have a TAN handy.

But that will change as soon I am at home.

I am still astonished that I am going to spent more on the dac/amp than on the headphone itself.

 

[haloxt]

K3cT, I don't know if using that will affect sound quality, but furman makes 220v version of the ac-215, called ac-210 e.

 

[jsplice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by K3cT /img/forum/go_quote.gif The Compass should do well with the HD650. Seems the MOON HDAM and Bright setting do wonder with this combination. OTOH, I don't like it very much with my IEMs because the Compass does not exactly excel in blackness. There is some sound coming out even at a volume level of zero. This is not a problem with full-sized cans but with sensitive IEMs, it is kinda annoying.

I may have to order the Moon HDAM. Right now, the Earth with the HD650s is sounding a bit grainy/etchy with cymbals, high hats, and other higher frequencies. Vocals do not sound sibilant though. It just seems to be mostly cymbals that sound a bit annoying to my ears. I don't have this problem with my DT770s. The 650s are just much more revealing headphones.

Has anyone else experienced this character with cymbals on the Compass and 650s? It's the main thing that has me considering ditching this combo, because my ears have a hard time with it.