VentureCraft new DDC/DAC Go-DAP DD Socket 1 product

[AnakChan]

It looks like VentureCraft isn't sitting still with just their Go-DAP DAC/Amp portable products.
 
They have just recently announced a new Go-DAP DD Socket 1 iDevice & DDC/DAC priced around Y32,800 and will make a show at the E-earphone Festival this weekend (20th/21st Oct '12), as well as Fujiya Avic's Autumn Headphone Festival next weekend (27th/28th Oct '12).
 
 

 
Specs are as follows:-
 
 
Digital Output (Coaxial/Optical)
Analog Output (Stereo Mini Jack)
Line Amplifier (Analog Devices OP275)
Large Capacity 2200mAh Battery (iDevice Charging)
Reliable Made-in-Japan
*Possible to socket-change an operational amplifier!!!
 
The DAC chip used is unknown but I'm going to make a guess it's an AKM of some kind.

 

[mitsu763]

Looks very interesting. These are exciting times for portable/transportable audio fans!

 

[AnakChan]

IMHO, I get the feeling this is going to compete with the loder CLAS. plus a few other features here 'n there. The new CLAS is balanced but is also priced almost double of this. The DD Socket 1 is probably more comparable to the older CLAS with SE Line Out however, this product also has optical out in addition to coax as opposed to the older CLAS. Plus it does the iDevice charging (which is a feature carried from the other Go-DAP X/4.0).

 

[mitsu763]

This has every feature I want/need. I just hope the amp will be a good match for sensitive IEM's. Then I can feed the line out to my desktop amp at home for full size phones.
 
Edit: I just noticed this has no headphone out. It would have to be paired with an amp. Still interested though! This will be a direct competitor with the new CLAS-R.

 

[AnakChan]

This has every feature I want/need. I just hope the amp will be a good match for sensitive IEM's. Then I can feed the line out to my desktop amp at home for full size phones.

Edit: I just noticed this has no headphone out. It would have to be paired with an amp. Still interested though! This will be a direct competitor with the new CLAS-R.

The new CLAS -db is balanced, the DD isn't. I'd say this is more a direct competitor to the old CLAS that's single ended. It's a little bit of a blend of the old CLAS & HP-P1 in that it's a DAC & DDC only but can output the DDC into coax & optical. Then the other feature is that is charges the iDevice if needed.

I found out that it's an AKM chip too, but no further details. Presumably the AK4353 chip.

I've got some pix of the real product now. Will put them up later.

 

[AnakChan]

Here are the pix of the DD Socket 1 :-
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
And compared to the Go-DAP X :-

 

 

[mitsu763]

In addition to the solo-db there is a new solo-r that adds idevice charging.

Any idea when the DD Socket will be available for international shipment?

 

[AnakChan]

Talking to VentureCraft over the weekend, they're supposed to open to international orders starting today. But I don't see them updating their web page yet.

By the way, as briefly previewed in the e-earphone festival over the weekend, I managed to test the Go-DAP DD Socket 1 side-by-side with the Cyperlabs Algorhythm Solo. Unfortunately I only managed to try it for 2-3 tracks (so maybe about 10 mins?). Overall I'd describe the DD to be more mild and refined, whereas the CLAS was more impactful. So it'll depend on your taste and preference.

 

[jazzman7]

This seems to be a great device for iUsers.  Digital out in multiple forms (optical/coax), rechargable, small.   
 
Does it support Lightning-based devices with Apple's "approved" cable?

 

[AnakChan]

Quote:

This seems to be a great device for iUsers.  Digital out in multiple forms (optical/coax), rechargable, small.   
 
Does it support Lightning-based devices with Apple's "approved" cable?

 
I believe it does after the a firmware upgrade (well they upgraded the firmware for lightning compatibility before going production). VentureCraft actually sold a cable that used the EU (and now US) Lightning -> USB adapter. But it was quite expensive :-
 

 

[jazzman7]

Quote:

 
I believe it does after the a firmware upgrade (well they upgraded the firmware for lightning compatibility before going production). VentureCraft actually sold a cable that used the EU (and now US) Lightning -> USB adapter. But it was quite expensive :-
 

It is interesting how VentureCraft got a compatible Lightning cable:  stick an Apple part at the end of a USB to micro-USB cable.   Apple-approved by definition.    The Lightning end gets to be pretty long, though, especially for the already-long iPhone 5. 

 

[Saraugie]

Musica Acoustics is now selling the DD. Its got a introductory Black Friday price of $395 with free shipping till Nov 30. http://www.musicaacoustics.com/wp/amplifiers/venturecraftgo-dap-dd-socket-1/
 
I will be receiving one to evaluate and will post my impressions after I have spent some time listening. 

 

[audionewbi]

which one of them have the MUSE opamp?

 

[AnakChan]

Quote:

which one of the have the MUSE opamp?

 
Probably a question to ask Musica Acoustics but for that price, it's probably going to be the OPA-275. The Muses01/02 or OPA-627 will probably be pricer than that.
 
By the way, Amazon USA will probably start selling the DD OPA-627 very soon and base OPA-275 now.

 

[audionewbi]

Quote:

 
Probably a question to ask Musica Acoustics but for that price, it's probably going to be the OPA-275. The Muses01/02 or OPA-627 will probably be pricer than that.
 
By the way, Amazon USA will probably start selling the DD OPA-627 very soon and base OPA-275 now.

Thanks, I really want to try the muse opamp, I read somewhere that the socket inside allow for replacement of opamp. What is not clear to me is if it DIP or it requires soldering. 
 
edit:Found it, it is DIY friendly
 
http://ameblo.jp/e-earphone/entry-11405064750.html