X-Meridian mods and uses for ERS paper.

[Trance-Addict]

I am looking for the best sub $500 DAC for computer as source stereo listening. I think my best choice so far would be the X-Merdian with modded op amps, modded cap, and ERS paper mod.

Replacing the op amp is the only mod I have found for this card although I have heard people say that there are more. Can anyone tell me where the power cap filter is located on the X-Meridian board? (Picture is best) Would it be wise to replace the cap with a black gate? is a Nichicon KG better?

I believe that proper use of ERS paper can achieve better signal to noise ratios. Why is ERS paper only used on one side of the card wouldnt it be better on both sides? I wonder if my harmon kardon reciever has any magnetic shielding and would it benefit from a layer of ERS paper on top of and or underneath it? If high end cables are not used would there be a benefit from wrapping cables in ERS paper?

I dont know much about external DACs but wouldnt mind exploring that route either. Although the external DACs I have read about are way out of my budget maybe someone could recommend one that is sub $500 and sounds better than the X-Meridian card?

My setup
Computer for cd's and mp3's >> sound card/DAC analog out >> Harmon Kardon AVR-??? >> M&K THX 550 Satellites and VX7 Subwoofer.

Any recommendations on my setup are welcome

 

[Ahriman4891]

2 things:

1)X-Meridian uses 4 AKM4396 DACs for its 7.1 channel output. Since you are only interested in stereo, you might as well go for E-MU 0404USB--Same DAC, but it's external and has its own power supply. Since it's external, you don't need to bother with ERS paper (not that I believe it does anything). Plus, it has a decent headamp built in.

2) Quote:

My setup Computer for cd's and mp3's >>

Running CDs from computer's optical drive is not a good idea. Rip them to FLAC.

 

[Trance-Addict]

On the E-MU 0404 I think I would still need to figure out how to replace the opamps and power filter cap.

 

[pompon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trance-Addict /img/forum/go_quote.gif On the E-MU 0404 I think I would still need to figure out how to replace the opamps and power filter cap.

You only need replace the first opamp on the x-meridian if you use stereo .. no need to replace all 4.

If you want the same sound signature on 7.1 channel, change all 4 ... for 5$ each chip .. it's not a big deal.

My friend have bypassed 3 dc decoupling and sound quality was superior ... bass specially.

He changed somes cap with blackgate .. I will tell you to send you a picture on this post.
We will test that in 1 week (mine have only lm4562 mod and his had lm4562, dc decoupling and 4 blackgates).

Forgot DAC unless you planning buy a very very high end one ..

I have a high end cd player (audioresearch cd3mk2 5500$ us ) and xmeridian with lm4562 is the same signature to my arc. I have problem to tell if I listen my cd player or soundcard playing a wave ...

Only dynamic and depth still better on my cd player (not a big difference).


I don't know is EMU or XFI are good ... never try ...

I have never read EMU was a competition to a good cd player btw.

 

[ROBSCIX]

There are not as good as the XM. It has been besting alot of gear these days.
You can't really go wrong with this card..

 

[pompon]

Just look this thread:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showth...21#post2969621

I got chance to head friend's XMeridian with somes upgrade.

 

[ROBSCIX]

The Dynamics improve alot when the DC coulping is done. In fact the card improves alot just using the new Opamps.