[max232]

.
I don't know what the specific output rating of the DSD is (Single-Ended or Balanced), but I don't think it's too much less than the other DAPs. I've found that a level of 15-20, out of 31, is plenty loud for any of the earbuds or earphones that I've tried. One thing that I think is true about all of the Walnut and Zishan DAPs and Amps, is that they have an output impedance of ~100Ω - so the sound of some earphones may be affected.
.
Since the DSD is two circuit boards, inside a one piece housing, with end caps - it's not as easy to open and swap op-amps, as the other Zishan DAPs.
To swap the op-amp, you have to remove the two screws from each end, and then slide the two circuit boards & battery out of the case.
Then you have to unplug the two boards from each other, being careful not to dislodge or damage the display.
The op-amp socket is between the boards, so replacement op-amps can't be very much taller than a standard DIP-8 op-amp.
You'll need a good microfiber or lens cleaning cloth, to wipe any fingerprints off the display and glass cover, before reassembling the DSD.
.
Even considering the Cons listed in the post above, I do think the DSD really does sound good, as a DAP, and as a DAC. But, if your earphones are the multi-Balanced Armature type, which are more likely to be affected by an amp with a high output impedance, then for Balanced connected earphones - the M3s may be the better deal; or the N3 may be better for Single-Ended connected earphones.

Here's a Russian review of the 4495 version. The videos show him opening the unit up. https://www.ixbt.com/live/digs/obzor-zishan-dsd---pleer-materogo-audiofila.html

 

[max232]

Now the search for the perfectly mathed headphones. Balanced or standard? High or low impedance?

 

[DBaldock9]

Here's a Russian review of the 4495 version. The videos show him opening the unit up. https://www.ixbt.com/live/digs/obzor-zishan-dsd---pleer-materogo-audiofila.html

The circuit board layout is different on the AK4497EQ model - since the socket is lined up directly under one of the large quad flat packs, rather than between them, like in that video.

 

[shutterbox]

Does any one know the output impedances of various zishan models, ie 4495 n 4497 based ones?

 

[max232]

Does any one know the output impedances of various zishan models, ie 4495 n 4497 based ones?

I'd like to know that myself. Who actually makes these? Is there a way to contact them?

 

[endia]

Does any one know the output impedances of various zishan models, ie 4495 n 4497 based ones?

I'd like to know that myself. Who actually makes these? Is there a way to contact them?

thanks to @hakuzen who did measurements of zishan dsd (4495)

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-zishan-dsds-corner.826185/page-31#post-13188914

 

[max232]

thanks to @hakuzen who did measurements of zishan dsd (4495)

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-zishan-dsds-corner.826185/page-31#post-13188914

In the System menu perhaps "Full Speed"=Turbo or High Gain?

 

[Alex3221]

.

I don't know what the specific output rating of the DSD is (Single-Ended or Balanced), but I don't think it's too much less than the other DAPs. I've found that a level of 15-20, out of 31, is plenty loud for any of the earbuds or earphones that I've tried. One thing that I think is true about all of the Walnut and Zishan DAPs and Amps, is that they have an output impedance of ~100Ω - so the sound of some earphones may be affected.

.

Since the DSD is two circuit boards, inside a one piece housing, with end caps - it's not as easy to open and swap op-amps, as the other Zishan DAPs.

To swap the op-amp, you have to remove the two screws from each end, and then slide the two circuit boards & battery out of the case.

Then you have to unplug the two boards from each other, being careful not to dislodge or damage the display.

The op-amp socket is between the boards, so replacement op-amps can't be very much taller than a standard DIP-8 op-amp.

You'll need a good microfiber or lens cleaning cloth, to wipe any fingerprints off the display and glass cover, before reassembling the DSD.

.

Even considering the Cons listed in the post above, I do think the DSD really does sound good, as a DAP, and as a DAC. But, if your earphones are the multi-Balanced Armature type, which are more likely to be affected by an amp with a high output impedance, then for Balanced connected earphones - the M3s may be the better deal; or the N3 may be better for Single-Ended connected earphones.

I guess I will skip the Zishan then, all my gear is rated below the 50ohm.

Thank you so much much

Edit: I forgot to quote you

 

[endia]

In the System menu perhaps "Full Speed"=Turbo or High Gain?

what is "full speed"?
there is a turbo option (is actually high gain) on zishan (4495) dsd..

 

[endia]

I guess I will skip the Zishan then, all my gear is rated below the 50ohm.

Thank you so much much

why is that? measurements show that it's output impedance is way below 1 ohm on single ended output..

 

[max232]

Sounds exellent with FiiO F9 that I just copped from this site. 2.5mm balanced. EQ on to add just a touch more base. Awsome IEMs.

 

[max232]

what is "full speed"?
there is a turbo option (is actually high gain) on zishan (4495) dsd..

Beats me. There's no "Turbo" setting on my 4497. Maybe the re-named Turbo to Full Speed?

 

[Alex3221]

why is that? measurements show that it's output impedance is way below 1 ohm on single ended output..

I believed the output power is 100ohm for the DSD 4497, Can you share the measurements?

 

[endia]

I believed the output power is 100ohm for the DSD 4497, Can you share the measurements?

"output power" and "output impedance" are totally different things, you can search for either of them what they mean.. i didn't see any measurement about it (4497) yet, sorry!

 

[DBaldock9]

I just had a message here on Head-Fi, from a user who's modding his DSD, and the series resistors between the outputs of the OP275 op-amps and the 2.5mm TRRS jack, are 22Ω.
He said that there are also 22Ω resistors between the socketed op-amp and the 3.5mm TRS jack.