The Zishan dsd's corner
Oct 31, 2019 at 5:24 PM Post #2,551 of 3,711
Yeah I have the 4490 and 4497, pretty big difference, if I use high impedance buds on both, then I would say the 4497 has a bit more detail, and bass seems more full, background a bit darker, nicely controlled all around.
If I use low impedance on both, 4490 has more control, tighter, deeper bass and less distortion

With larger over ears, the 4490 gets a bit louder, distorts far less then 4497 and has better bass (hifiman he4xx, Grado sr80, emu purple heart)
I would go for the 4490, but if you can get both, why not?

That's very helpful, thanks for your input. Personally, I've found the ak4497 doesn't perform very well with 200 ohms earbuds, a small amp does better. So I suspect the op-amp isn't legit.

This whole discussion gives me gas for an ak4490 :/
 
Oct 31, 2019 at 6:00 PM Post #2,552 of 3,711
That's very helpful, thanks for your input. Personally, I've found the ak4497 doesn't perform very well with 200 ohms earbuds, a small amp does better. So I suspect the op-amp isn't legit.

This whole discussion gives me gas for an ak4490 :/
You should try the balanced out if you can, it's even stronger, but I think you are right, I had a couple opamps that didn't sound right, I also believe the are fakes, right now I have an ad823 with a 10uf cap on it, best option I have tried so far in the 4497, but I replaced the opa275 with ad8620
The 4490 has a line out, so it's better for stacking
 
Oct 31, 2019 at 6:00 PM Post #2,553 of 3,711
Yeah I have the 4490 and 4497, pretty big difference, if I use high impedance buds on both, then I would say the 4497 has a bit more detail, and bass seems more full, background a bit darker, nicely controlled all around.
If I use low impedance on both, 4490 has more control, tighter, deeper bass and less distortion

With larger over ears, the 4490 gets a bit louder, distorts far less then 4497 and has better bass (hifiman he4xx, Grado sr80, emu purple heart)
I would go for the 4490, but if you can get both, why not?

I know to some it might seem a bit greedy and flash to just buy a selection, but after spending big over the years on Astell Kern and Lotoo Paw Gold etc this is a breath of fresh air especially how easy it is to mod and tweek at a very affordable price point I'd be crazy not to join in the fun. Seeing the mods on this thread just confirms I've got to pull the trigger and fast, thanks for all the replies and anyone else feel free to chip in and offer up anything else.
 
Nov 1, 2019 at 3:10 AM Post #2,555 of 3,711
So on top we have 3.5mm and 2.5mm output
Screenshot_20191101_070835.jpg
Socket on bottom ?
Screenshot_20191101_070854.jpg
 
Nov 1, 2019 at 2:32 PM Post #2,559 of 3,711
You should select it as output source from control panel
It's really weird. that USB dongle I am using, it would not recognize Zishan 799 DAC. I tried using other USB multi tap and connect that to the USB dongle.

So... Macbook Pro--USB dongle (that doen't recognize DSD 799)--USB multi tap--DSD 799.

And it recognized it. Why would certain dongle only route audio source to the headphone jack only?
 
Nov 4, 2019 at 2:15 PM Post #2,561 of 3,711
I have played a little in the past with a balanced 2 pins cable and iems on the DSD pro, but it didn't last long as I found the unbalanced output warmer and overall preferable. Concluded the impedance must be higher and not suitable to low Z iems and forgot it.

Recently got a 200 ohms earbuds, and tried balanced again, it's even more pronounced, it sounds really thin, and it completely robs the bass there's nothing left.

Do you guys experience the same or do you think my unit has an issue?
 
Nov 7, 2019 at 12:30 PM Post #2,562 of 3,711
Maybe you need to replace the stock 2x op275 with something that gives more bass.
I have and like 2x AD8066 that Ivan recommended me, they give me the needed bass.
I also like the sound of genuine op275 that I bought for other daps, but I dont't like them here.
From what I read from others, there are more options, but I didn't tried them, try to search what others recommend.

Also replacing the 4x100uF caps can improve the sound, for now I like and use genuine Nichicon fine gold.
I have some more caps to try, but I didn't had the time to get back to this yet.
 
Nov 7, 2019 at 1:43 PM Post #2,563 of 3,711
Thinking of buying one of these as work workhorse. Was thinking of changing the op amp for something decent. What is a great op amp upgrade for the dsd? I have top tier daps for home but have enjoyed a zishan z2 with muses op amp over past few days
 
Nov 7, 2019 at 2:19 PM Post #2,564 of 3,711
Thinking of buying one of these as work workhorse. Was thinking of changing the op amp for something decent. What is a great op amp upgrade for the dsd? I have top tier daps for home but have enjoyed a zishan z2 with muses op amp over past few days


I got one with with a v5i, and the other I got a ad823 with a 10uf capacitor
Those are my 2 favorites so far
 
Nov 7, 2019 at 3:24 PM Post #2,565 of 3,711
Thinking of buying one of these as work workhorse. Was thinking of changing the op amp for something decent. What is a great op amp upgrade for the dsd? I have top tier daps for home but have enjoyed a zishan z2 with muses op amp over past few days

If you use the Single-Ended 3.5mm TRS output, a pair of OPA627AU op-amps mounted on a BrownDog P/N 020302 adapter (which can be ordered with low profile, shoulderless pins) sounds very good.
If you don't mind surface-mount soldering, the op-amps can be ordered from Mouser, and installed on the adapter (for a total of ~$55) --- or you can buy the adapter with the op-amps installed (for $60.50).
Before you place the order for the 020302 adapter, contact Cimarron by email, and request the low profile, shoulderless pins - so the adapter sits low enough to fit in the DSD.
https://www.cimarrontechnology.com/product/browndog-020302-single-to-dual-op-amp-adapter

If you use the Balanced 2.5mm TRRS output, you'll need to unsolder and replace the two OP275 op-amps in the Low Pass Filter circuits - since they're what drive the 2.5mm jack.
I've got a set of MUSES8920E op-amps to install in my DSD, and will be working on that this weekend.
 

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