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]

Thanks for clearing that up! So great to learn more things.

Maybe this can help as well

 

[sfrsfr]

Maybe this can help as well

Recommended load range for AD3 is 16Ω - 400Ω. This suggests the output impedance is 2Ω.

 

[Syncaine]

Of Stock AD3?

This is the player "as is", without modifications.

 

[Setmagic]

This is the player "as is", without modifications.

Good to have professional equipment as You
Looking good!
Do you have website or blog for Yours mesurments?

 

[Syncaine]

Do you have website or blog for Yours mesurments?

I have a blog and a youtube channel, but only in Russian.

 

[Setmagic]

I have a blog and a youtube channel, but only in Russian.

Good to see You here!
I'm quite understand Russian from hearing.
I saw few of Your videos searching reviews some time ago.

Now I'm reading your journalist iXBT profile, this is really impressive greate reviews and photos.

 

[XTF1]

Not it's not support Support coaxial out so it's good as a transport as well.

Where you able to test the coaxial out? Per the (Chinese) manual, the “Coaxial DoP” (s/pdif out?) is enabled through the USB-C “Charge” port with a special Z4 accessory cable, not yet released apparently… If true, the LO is entirely analog (one of the OP275 out?) and cannot be switched between analog LO and digital out (s/pdif) like others DAPs.

 

[Setmagic]

Where you able to test the coaxial out? Per the (Chinese) manual, the “Coaxial DoP” (s/pdif out?) is enabled through the USB-C “Charge” port with a special Z4 accessory cable, not yet released apparently… If true, the LO is entirely analog (one of the OP275 out?) and cannot be switched between analog LO and digital out (s/pdif) like others DAPs.

Yes You have right I was sure it's directly from the 3,5 because it's connected straight to DAC. It's my mistake. I do t have operational device right now so I can't check.

 

[HashSlingingSlasher]

You welcome.
I tested as well for fun 5.1 surround 24-bit 192kHz and 5.1 DSD 64 2.8224Mbit/s - yes all true 6 channels files and its work!
Processor achieves maximum utilization (full circle is red) LCD GPU is failing and have big funny interference like broken TV.
When it's stopped, interference disappear.
Device and playback is still running and audio is smooth without lagging

How do you play dsd? I have dsd 128 but cannot play in z4

 

[Syncaine]

With fast forward, something needs to be decided, it never stops. Just turn off and turn on the player.

 

[Setmagic]

How do you play dsd? I have dsd 128 but cannot play in z4

All DSD formats from 64 to 256 1-6 channels is supported, maybe You found another firmware bug.
128 should be smooth, 256 can lag and will be fixed in new firmware.

Try to run other DSD128. Best test files from here: http://www.2l.no/hires/

With fast forward, something needs to be decided, it never stops. Just turn off and turn on the player.

Yes I think it's better to fix it via firmware. I was send raport to Zishan.
Buttons needs to be fixed as well because they are to hard for pressing and to easy to press 2 in same time to start fast forward what is not in mention in manual.

 

[Setmagic]

I replace a burned transistor and device is running

Little MOD:

• LDO for Texas Instruments LP5907 3.3V replaced DC filtering 47uF (X7R) + 15nF (NP0)
• LPF for opa1656 + 47uF + 15nF
• Opa1622 + 15nF + Film Panasonic 56nF
• 2 x 47uF for PSU filtering for DAC 9038
• 2x 200uF X5R for main filtering

I'm testing on 3,5mm.
It's better than original but not as wide sound stage as DSDs D4497 + Burson V5i.
Overall sound quality is still o modded DSDs side.

I'm just wonder what I can do with Z4 more?

 

[Mr.HiAudio]

I replace a burned transistor and device is running

Little MOD:

• LDO for Texas Instruments LP5907 3.3V replaced DC filtering 47uF (X7R) + 15nF (NP0)
• LPF for opa1656 + 47uF + 15nF
• Opa1622 + 15nF
• 2 x 47uF for PSU filtering for DAC 9038
• 2x 200uF X5R for main filtering

I'm testing on 3,5mm.
It's better than original but not as wide sound stage as DSDs D4497 + Burson V5i.
Overall sound quality is still o modded DSDs side.

I'm just wonder what I can do with Z4 more?

I think that Z4 is still aimed at balanced use

 

[Setmagic]

I think that Z4 is still aimed at balanced use

If I replace 3,5 mm for 4.4 will be just one way ticket.
I have balanced generic one for testing based on Canare StarQuad. My custom 3,5 is very rare and can't find another one

So it's balanced Z4 Vs 3,5mm DSDs still better soundstage on DSDs.
I think about adding electrolytic capacitors for Z4 but I'm not sure it's good idea with 1622.

I read few articles about adding too many capacitors, that just creating more problems than benefits.
Data sheet of 9038, 1656 and 1622 amount of capacity is just on right spot on stock Z4.

 

[Merlin-PT]

I replace a burned transistor and device is running

Little MOD:

• LDO for Texas Instruments LP5907 3.3V replaced DC filtering 47uF (X7R) + 15nF (NP0)
• LPF for opa1656 + 47uF + 15nF
• Opa1622 + 15nF
• 2 x 47uF for PSU filtering for DAC 9038
• 2x 200uF X5R for main filtering

I'm testing on 3,5mm.
It's better than original but not as wide sound stage as DSDs D4497 + Burson V5i.
Overall sound quality is still o modded DSDs side.

I'm just wonder what I can do with Z4 more?

Is it ok to use 15nf (=0.015uF) ? I usually see schematics using 100nF (=0.1uF) ceramic in parallel with 10uF ceramic or more.
(Connected between ICs power lines and GND and near those ICs power supply legs).