Zishan Z4 - DAP with Dual DAC ES9038Q2M | Dual AMP OPA1622 | USB 32-bit + DSD | Bluetooth LDAC 24-bit | Balanced 2,5/4,4 | LO/PO 3,5mm

[Setmagic]

all the same, the buttons are poorly pressed, I do not press up and to the right. all the same I will make a 3d print

Yes i was set up just fair enought...
but all we need Yours 3D print buttons

 

[Mr.HiAudio]

2 type of buttons Will print it/ After testing will sharing this buttons with all

 

[Setmagic]

@Mr.HiAudio they looks greate!
My opa2134 are fake or can't work with Z4 in proper way so I put opa1612 because they are same stage as 1622.

I'm very happy with sound.

 

[Mr.HiAudio]

@Mr.HiAudio they looks greate!
My opa2134 are fake or can't work with Z4 in proper way so I put opa1612 because they are same stage as 1622.

I'm very happy with sound.

I installed hell826 and with it the sound becomes more neutral

 

[Setmagic]

@Mr.HiAudio do You planing some capacitors?

 

[cqtek]

Continuing with the Z4 measurements, I have updated to the latest firmware posted here and I have connected it as a DAC to REW, to measure some of my IEMS. I have used balanced cable for all of them and the result is indistinct for the 2.5mm output and for the 4.4mm output.
Here you can see the influence of Zishan Z4 depending on the type of IEM connected. It is clear that it affects those with BA drivers much more, even though the impedance is not as high.

 

[Setmagic]

@cqtek it's really impressive, how about just old good RMAA and Z4?

 

[cqtek]

@cqtek it's really impressive, how about just old good RMAA and Z4?

Sorry, what is RMAA?

 

[Setmagic]

Sorry, what is RMAA?

https://audio.rightmark.org/index_new.shtml

 

[cqtek]

First a comparison with the two outputs of the Z4 using the Burson Audio Playmate I as a reference (and I always do it this way).



Then other graphs that I can measure with REW.



The measurements have been taken with the line input of my PC, so don't expect them to be very reliable, except for the frequency response. That's why I don't go out of my way to use something like RMAA.

For the IEMS measurements I use an IEC60318 microphone connected to the microphone input of the Burson Audio Playmate I.

 

[Mr.HiAudio]

now the buttons are easy to press. I made it almost flush with the body (the leftmost model is closer to us).

 

[Mr.HiAudio]

@Mr.HiAudio do You planing some capacitors?

not yet, possibly in the future

 

[Setmagic]

First a comparison with the two outputs of the Z4 using the Burson Audio Playmate I as a reference (and I always do it this way).
[pic]
Then other graphs that I can measure with REW.
[pic]
The measurements have been taken with the line input of my PC, so don't expect them to be very reliable, except for the frequency response. That's why I don't go out of my way to use something like RMAA.
[pic]
For the IEMS measurements I use an IEC60318 microphone connected to the microphone input of the Burson Audio Playmate I.

Do You have some nice sound card in PC ?
Measurement of distortion don't look good.

First testing MOD
6x 100uF 16V Nichicon Gold Audio
5x 47uF 16V Murata MLCC
LPF OPA1612

 

[cqtek]

Do You have some nice sound card in PC ?
Measurement of distortion don't look good.

First testing MOD
6x 100uF 16V Nichicon Gold Audio
5x 47uF 16V Murata MLCC
LPF OPA1612

I will have about 20 dongles, DACS and other sources, but the integrated sound card in my PC is very bad. I have no interest in doing that kind of testing. Even more so, when I have it on very good authority that an inexpensive analogue/digital converter is being designed for that kind of testing.

It looks like you have done a good job, I'm very bad at soldering... Why doesn't Zishan release a special version with all the good mods implemented?

 

[Setmagic]

It looks like you have done a good job, I'm very bad at soldering... Why doesn't Zishan release a special version with all the good mods implemented?

Thank You it's just test but looks nice.
It's a trend in high end brands to put some Elna SIMLIC II for example good but cheap (about 1$ each).
They are celebrating it so why don't put some additional caps as well If I have space
Opa1612 changes a lot espacially space and separation.

Zishan creating cheap audio as possible using high end chips to mach 10 times more expensive stuff for fun.
Z4 have similar price as DSDs because use single board who is little slimer.
But is feel like lower build quality.
Maybe in the future we will see Z4 pro with better components but it will be cost 2-3 times more due changing production line and way more expensive original components.

For example:
Cheap Chinese LDO (power delivery chip) costs 2¢ and works
Really good LDO for audio from Texas Instruments cost 2$

LPF opamp op275 cost around 30¢
Best grade OPA1612 5$

Cheap Chinese Capacitors about 15¢ and works
Murata with same spec 3$