Xindak DAC-3 MKII

[nelda]

Hi, has anyone have this...(mkII)
http://www.xindak.com/english/produc...ail.asp?id=230

how is it sounds like or to what would you compare this dac to? I have an offer from someone. He had changed the tube to mullard and silver fuse. Do you think that worth USD$325.00. It is used for 6 months.
I want a detail dac. I have K340 and tube amp so i don't really care about the warmth, but i want detail and soundstage...
Thanks

 

[B-side J]

Thanks for point this one out...I too would like to know if anyone has any experiance with it...and how it stacks agains the Zhaolu.

 

[B-side J]

PS: Where is this availible in Northamerica?

 

[nelda]

anyone at least heard of other xindak product?

 

[Zaporano]

Yes I just received one of those Xindak DAC-3MKII tube dac's.
Not too shiny and fancy thing but without the cover it looks just great.
(quality parts, professional design and built with great workmanship)

I found some good pictures:
http://www.dvdplaza.fi/galleria/showgallery.php/cat/631

If anyone is interested about this chinese wonder here are some facts.
-DAC chip: AD1854 - Stereo, 96 kHz, Multibit Sigma-Delta DAC
-tube (1pc): any of these types will do 6DJ8/ECC88/CV5358/6922/E88CC/ CCa/7308/E188CC/E288CC
-Wima and Elna capasitors
-RCA-tube/RCA-transistor and balanced out's
-digital RCA and digital Optical input's

First impessions:
DAC is still in burn in process but I have created some kind of picture in my big head...heh.. If you are looking for high definition and bright sounding DAC this is probably not the DAC for you. But If you like more about rhythmic dynamic and warm sound this could be the DAC for you.

I bought some NOS tubes and I am currently trying to find the best tube for my taste. I don't know much about audio tubes. That is one reason why I like this dac. It's easier and cheaper to by just one tube to test if you like the sound of it or not. Mullard tubes should have great dark tones. Amperex tubes are said to have great high and mid section. And some tube rewiev rated Siemens CCa "gray shield" tubes (1950's to min 60's) to be the best ones you can find. I just have to find THE tube for me.

 

[nelda]

Bad news...
I have bought the DAC. The previous owner change the tube to Mullard.
You said it will be dark? I'm a bit dissatisfied with the highs. Don't get me wrong, this dac open up the sounds. I'm not audiophile and not really familiar with all the terms but it definetly improve the music.
So do I need to do some tube-rolling to get my highs? Please let me know your finding.
Cheers

 

[rodentmacbeastie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nelda Bad news... I have bought the DAC. The previous owner change the tube to Mullard. You said it will be dark? I'm a bit dissatisfied with the highs. Don't get me wrong, this dac open up the sounds. I'm not audiophile and not really familiar with all the terms but it definetly improve the music. So do I need to do some tube-rolling to get my highs? Please let me know your finding. Cheers

easy fix, just get some nos amperex tubes.

 

[nelda]

Actually I think it is more to do with bad recording rather than the dac. cause some recording is ok but some a bit dull.

 

[rodentmacbeastie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nelda Actually I think it is more to do with bad recording rather than the dac. cause some recording is ok but some a bit dull.

I would bet my left testicle that if you are happy now an upgrade of the tubes you will blow you away! If they are the 6922 variety look for Amperex pinched waist, Siemen E188cc grey plate 1960's vintage or RCA 7308 or 6922(siemans rebranded at lower cost), or even on a budjet Amperex 6DJ8 A-frames.

 

[Zaporano]

Has anyone done some mod's on dac-3 MKII ?

I think Coemaudio has been selling moded dac-3.
Is it any good and what kind of mods are they doing ?

http://www.dvdplaza.fi/galleria/showgallery.php/cat/631

Any ideas how should I try to mod it ?

Yes I know the opamps ...but how changing will improve sound ?
(2X OPA604AP , 2X OPA2604AP)

 

[Zaporano]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nelda Bad news... I have bought the DAC. The previous owner change the tube to Mullard. You said it will be dark? I'm a bit dissatisfied with the highs. Don't get me wrong, this dac open up the sounds. I'm not audiophile and not really familiar with all the terms but it definetly improve the music. So do I need to do some tube-rolling to get my highs? Please let me know your finding. Cheers

OK I meant that Mullard has better low- and mid frequencies than highs.
On the other hand you can find differences between Mullard tubes.

Yes I found it.
This is the mod that coem has done.
Xindakdac 03 modification 2 m-cap 0.1 u silver and one op amp 1364 US$80

 

[nelda]

I forget to mentioned that thru my research on this DAC. I found reviewer that said Xindak products are very sensitive to power cable.
My unit used a silver fuse that supposedly make the sound better. I still use stock cable though.

 

[Patu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nelda I forget to mentioned that thru my research on this DAC. I found reviewer that said Xindak products are very sensitive to power cable. My unit used a silver fuse that supposedly make the sound better. I still use stock cable though.

If you want brighter and more detailed sound, go for NOS Amperex 6DJ8 White Label tube. It will bring you all the details, deep basss and clear high end.

I've owned 6DJ8 Mullard and those Amperex's and Mullard is much warmer and darker sounding compared to Amperex. Mullard is very enjoyable and musical though.

 

[Zaporano]

I am repeating myself.

Would there be any idea changing OPAMPS ?
What opams you recommend ?

Original ones are 2X OPA604AP , 2X OPA2604AP
Please see pics:
http://www.dvdplaza.fi/galleria/show...ze/big/cat/631
http://www.dvdplaza.fi/galleria/show...ze/big/cat/631
http://www.dvdplaza.fi/galleria/show...ze/big/cat/631

I have Siemens CCa tube from late 60's in my dac.
(silver plate,F-frame,O-getter)
Sound is much better with CCa tube than it was with the original JJ
It's much more detailed and neutral. I am still trying to find
some improvement to those high notes.

Any suggestions ??

Next I'll be tuberolling with Siemens CCa "gray plate"(F-frame,O-getter) and HP branded Amperex tubes (those HP tubes are from different prod. series)

 

[Zaporano]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patu If you want brighter and more detailed sound, go for NOS Amperex 6DJ8 White Label tube. It will bring you all the details, deep basss and clear high end. I've owned 6DJ8 Mullard and those Amperex's and Mullard is much warmer and darker sounding compared to Amperex. Mullard is very enjoyable and musical though.

Yes Patu had it right. Go for the Amperex tubes. I bought mine from ebay.
7pcs Amperex tubes (packed for Hewlett Packard) for 47.49 Euro's about 60 USD.