Here is my feedback to Quanghao's comment after one day of using the ES9038 DAC. My output transformers still need a lot of run-in. So I do expect more improvement.
Fully agree. The ES9038 is much much more authoritative on the bass compare to ES9018 with output transformer.
I have owned other ES9018 DAC with discrete output component and their bass is very good. So shy in bass for ES9018 probably only applies to using passive output transformer.
I find 9038 is on par or may be better than 9018.
I find 9038 generally has more control ability. This apply to the mids as well. I find 9038 (using passive transformer) is a much much more balanced DAC soundwise compare to the 9018 (using passive transformer).
Full Agreed.
Still waiting for the output transformer to run-in. Vibrant. Yes.
Thank you for taking care of the DAC.
Fully agree. The ES9038 is much much more authoritative on the bass compare to ES9018 with output transformer.
I have owned other ES9018 DAC with discrete output component and their bass is very good. So shy in bass for ES9018 probably only applies to using passive output transformer.
I find 9038 is on par or may be better than 9018.
I find 9038 generally has more control ability. This apply to the mids as well. I find 9038 (using passive transformer) is a much much more balanced DAC soundwise compare to the 9018 (using passive transformer).
Full Agreed.
Still waiting for the output transformer to run-in. Vibrant. Yes.
Thank you for taking care of the DAC.
I heartily appreciate your honest comments!
Very respectful and thank you!
my English is bad !
I hope you understand!
what design? and show me your connect to DAC ?? and link for this design ? (descrete out put )
Now you can test only DAC with no use iv output , simple test sound DAC.
You need use one cap 1 -220uF min 6.3V for test sound with your amli.
see schema
thanks
Attachments
Further Comment on ES9038 DAC with output transformer
Dear All,
Here is my further comment on my last night listening session. I was listening to Jacintha Autumn Leaves SACD. (using ripped SACD.ISO from the USB input)
The sound is thick and musical which is unlike to the previous ES9018 with output transformer. Being musical, it also sounds dynamic. The lower frequency portion of the vocal come standing out like you can listen to the vocal coming from throat.
I start to like this DAC a lot. This ES9038 is surely a step up in the game compare to the ES9018.
Dear All,
Here is my further comment on my last night listening session. I was listening to Jacintha Autumn Leaves SACD. (using ripped SACD.ISO from the USB input)
The sound is thick and musical which is unlike to the previous ES9018 with output transformer. Being musical, it also sounds dynamic. The lower frequency portion of the vocal come standing out like you can listen to the vocal coming from throat.
I start to like this DAC a lot. This ES9038 is surely a step up in the game compare to the ES9018.
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You can try the Twisted Pear Audio. Their Buffalo IV is on its way. They should support a 8 channel.
Hello Quanghao,
money sent via paypal, transaction ID# 8A062431GV000013V for your reference.
Do you have in stock the output PCB for transformers ?. If the answer is yes, do please tell me how much should I sent you to buy 2.
I am sending you a pm regarding the shipment. Please take look and tell me what you think.
Thank you
Pepe
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Super I/V boards without LL1684
Quanghao,
Not sure why you are not responding to my question. Please let me know, otherwise I will have to look for another I/V output. Thank you!
Quanghao,
Not sure why you are not responding to my question. Please let me know, otherwise I will have to look for another I/V output. Thank you!
Im sorry!
25 $ for One pair LL1684 PCB ( L and R)
shipping ping 10$.
but ship is not fast, about 3-4 week you can get ti!
thanks your advice
using LL1684
Hi bvtrinh, (for your reference only)
I solder the output transformer as described in message #183 by Quanhao without using his board. I use point to point connection approach. In fact I believe this will even sound better than using a board.
First get a copy of the LL1684 specs from Lundahl Transformers so that you know which connection is which number.
I first soldered connection wires (one for the +, one for -, one for the ground) from the output from the bottom of the ES9038 board. I then measure the required length of the wire by placing the output transformer next to the board.
I placed blutac on top of the transformer and connect it up side down so that the top of the transformer is now attached to the chassis through the blutac.
Then solder the resistors and the three wires to transformer. Then solder a twisted pair of wire from the output of the transformer to the RCA connector.
It took me about 3 hours to do this.
I hope this help.
Hi bvtrinh, (for your reference only)
I solder the output transformer as described in message #183 by Quanhao without using his board. I use point to point connection approach. In fact I believe this will even sound better than using a board.
First get a copy of the LL1684 specs from Lundahl Transformers so that you know which connection is which number.
I first soldered connection wires (one for the +, one for -, one for the ground) from the output from the bottom of the ES9038 board. I then measure the required length of the wire by placing the output transformer next to the board.
I placed blutac on top of the transformer and connect it up side down so that the top of the transformer is now attached to the chassis through the blutac.
Then solder the resistors and the three wires to transformer. Then solder a twisted pair of wire from the output of the transformer to the RCA connector.
It took me about 3 hours to do this.
I hope this help.
Thank you!
Thank you Alan! This advice helps out tremendously. Would you happen to have a picture of how it looks?
Bao
Thank you Alan! This advice helps out tremendously. Would you happen to have a picture of how it looks?
Bao
