You are absolutely right Shoom. It is all about implementation and that might result in totally different routes to success. Also personal taste is not to be underestimated. For example, I am no a fan of the ESS DACs. But as said, that is me. Not an absolute ordeal…
and finally, every tweak / change whatever, only stays when it passes the listening tests 😎
and finally, every tweak / change whatever, only stays when it passes the listening tests 😎
So would you recommend soldering all electricial connections ? If so , does solder type make any difference ? I understand (no i don't) that ESR affects frequency response?. Incidently Audiophile switches and Data cables have never made any real sense to me when you can just Isolate the signal , I have yet to be convinced. But room acoustics will make a bigger difference than anything else
Yup to my ears Ian's DAC seemed to take some time (weeks) to really sing with the SC Pure clocks on Q7 developing a bigger. deeper. wider more refined sound over time.
Not sure why or if it's the same story with your 338's which I believe are selected versions of the 318 but it's going to be interesting to find out from you so do keep us posted.
I now leave the clocks on 24/7 and fire up the DAC and OP stage when I want to listen but still find a 30min warm up preferable.
I must admit to fearing for your Gustard when you mentioned comparison as we had done a similar comparison with a friends Eversolo Z8.
Left that streamer on the ropes pretty quickly to our ears.
Glad that you like your build and to see it working well.
Nice work.
But we do have something in common also.
Love of Lucians WAVEIO which I have two of still in use. I have 1x his original board with Foxcon clocks. Great work from Lucian which stands the test of time very well indeed IMHO.
Hello
Doede just like Ian have declared that specs at low frequencies are important in a supply.
Ian just announced that one of the unique selling points of his latest creation is a 70 % lower esr so if you are accusing me of telling crap listen to your Messiah.
Of course the notorious green connector starts with a soldering joint.
I think solder containing lead gives usually a better connection for the people who don't solder on a daily basis.
Yesterday, on youtube, i saw someone who already started with opening the package the wrong one. He melted the solder by putting it at the tip and let it drip down gently onto the connection. So i guess there is still much to be desired.
If the connectors are soldered skipping a few and just keeping the solder connecting it should be better.
Just like some mc transformers in the past did complete skip cinch output connecter and just let the cable start directly at the transformer and just have a contact at the preamp. Of course the next step would be do the same at the input side.
Greetings, Eduard
Doede just like Ian have declared that specs at low frequencies are important in a supply.
Ian just announced that one of the unique selling points of his latest creation is a 70 % lower esr so if you are accusing me of telling crap listen to your Messiah.
Of course the notorious green connector starts with a soldering joint.
I think solder containing lead gives usually a better connection for the people who don't solder on a daily basis.
Yesterday, on youtube, i saw someone who already started with opening the package the wrong one. He melted the solder by putting it at the tip and let it drip down gently onto the connection. So i guess there is still much to be desired.
If the connectors are soldered skipping a few and just keeping the solder connecting it should be better.
Just like some mc transformers in the past did complete skip cinch output connecter and just let the cable start directly at the transformer and just have a contact at the preamp. Of course the next step would be do the same at the input side.
Greetings, Eduard
Hi @camrector nice build & well done as a newbie !!
I'd be really interested in your opinion as to how your ES9038 & OPA861 DAC stack compares with the Gustard R26? I know you moved on from the R26 to the A26, so memories of your R26 may be fading...! But even so, would value your feedback. I currently have an Ian Canada streamer feeding my Gustard R26. I am tempted to build the same DAC stack as yourself but am not sure whether the result would be better than my R26.
BTW - I found that the sound quality jump gained by moving away from a UcConditioner 3.3v for my FiFoPi Q7 to a UcPure was probably the best value for money upgrade I have made in a couple of decades. So, you still have plenty of potential for further improvement.
Hello,
Available in France.
Don't know how they can do it.
https://www.apeakoman.shop/ecran-ra...an-oled-et-analyseur-de-signal-pour-p-5251838
Greetings,Eduard
Available in France.
Don't know how they can do it.
https://www.apeakoman.shop/ecran-ra...an-oled-et-analyseur-de-signal-pour-p-5251838
Greetings,Eduard
I'm excited to share what I'll be comparing next: a setup crafted around 2012 featuring an ESS 9018, known for its exceptional implementation. It boasts a tube output utilizing Sylvania JAN71 and GZ34 tubes. The sound quality (SQ) is impressive, with a deep soundstage, sharp attack, and notable resolution. I'm eager to see how it stacks up against the new setup.
I'm currently in the midst of preliminary testing, utilizing a benchtop PSU to feed a selection of (UC-pure). Given the technological advancements over the past 12 years, I anticipate fascinating results. The new setup features a dual mono 9038 with OP 861, SC- pure etc, and the inclusion of a high-quality PSU is expected to significantly enhance performance. Stay tuned 😛
I'm currently in the midst of preliminary testing, utilizing a benchtop PSU to feed a selection of (UC-pure). Given the technological advancements over the past 12 years, I anticipate fascinating results. The new setup features a dual mono 9038 with OP 861, SC- pure etc, and the inclusion of a high-quality PSU is expected to significantly enhance performance. Stay tuned 😛
Attachments
Can't help to share a picture.
The customized transformers are great. Better than what I expected.
Based on my test, 20-20KHz +/- 0.3dB
This new fully finished transformer I/V has a lot of design considerations and it sounds amazing.
Runs in pure passive mode, no need any additional power supply. Really worth the it.
The customized transformers are great. Better than what I expected.
Based on my test, 20-20KHz +/- 0.3dB
This new fully finished transformer I/V has a lot of design considerations and it sounds amazing.
Runs in pure passive mode, no need any additional power supply. Really worth the it.
Last edited:
Is this an improved replacement of the OPA861?Can't help to share a picture.
The customized transformers are great. Better than what I expected.
Based on my test, 20-20KHz +/- 0.3dB
This new fully finished transformer I/V has a lot of design considerations and it sounds amazing.
Runs in pure passive mode, no need any additional power supply. Really worth the it.
Because that is the old (original) MonitorPi not the new one. Maybe Ian had a fire sale on first generation stuff. 😀 Good deal though.
Just teaser 🙂
4x3000F 3.3V XO/DAC
4x3000F 5V FIFO
8x3000F +-5V
Custom PCB for Supercapacitors
I may have some spare PCB if anyone is interested!
Custom Toroidy transformers
Pure madness
4x3000F 3.3V XO/DAC
4x3000F 5V FIFO
8x3000F +-5V
Custom PCB for Supercapacitors
I may have some spare PCB if anyone is interested!
Custom Toroidy transformers
Pure madness
Attachments
Last edited:
I think you've been frugal on the power supplies... 🤣
Great build! Congratulations! We are now waiting for sonic impressions.
