How to Fix ESS Hump on SGD1 and LA-QXD1

[mahirzukic2]

Could this ghost manifest in another form in different measurements?
I mean, there is definitely something strange going on in this chip.

I think it is cursed. We should get it to a preacher.

 

[raif71]

I think it is cursed. We should get it to a preacher.

 

[thomasjast]

Amazing work, @Ben1987 ! I love reading stuff like this.

 

[magicscreen]

It is good and great.
But is there any audible difference between an "imd hump" and "no-imd hump" device?

 

[urfaust]

Impressive, almost a 20db improvement at -30 level. Personally that's the kind of level i use daily with my power speakers through the dac so that hump always bothers me with ess dacs.

Any chance the Songocz could benefit from this fix with an update?

 

[amirm]

Any chance the Songocz could benefit from this fix with an update?

Ben is updating the design before new shipments are sent. The change requires using different components so it is not something that you can fix with a software/firmware update.

 

[mkawa]

for those wondering, amazon is showing new stock of the sgd1 on feb 5. my guess is that these units will incorporate the fix.

 

[bequietjk]

Whether I am on the toilet,
In the middle of talking with my boss at work,
Doing pullups,
Even if I am asleep!

The moment Ben gives the go ahead and that black SGD1 is available, you can be sure that I'll be dropping whatever it is I am doing and swiftly place my order!

 

[Hifihedgehog]

for those wondering, amazon is showing new stock of the sgd1 on feb 5. my guess is that these units will incorporate the fix.

Whether I am on the toilet,
In the middle of talking with my boss at work,
Doing pullups,
Even if I am asleep!

The moment Ben gives the go ahead and that black SGD1 is available, you can be sure that I'll be dropping whatever it is I am doing and swiftly place my order!

The new stock in February does incorporate the fix, correct? I just ordered at 1AM this morning, I just saw the charge go through, and I am hoping I made the right decision.

 

[Hifihedgehog]

Will @amirm or @WolfX-700 be doing a redo on the measurements now that the ESS hump has been fixed? Besides intermodulation distortion versus level, I would like to see if THD+N versus frequency with a bandwidth of 90 kHz has improved.

 

[scott wurcer]

It's very reaffirming that solid engineering yielded a solution. When I went to MIT engineering was not considered science, which always makes me smile.

 

[exaudio]

Hi @Ben1987 , Can you tell if my SONCOZ SGD1 has the fix for the ESS IMD hump? I received it last Tuesday December 31st.

Here's the inside:

The board is marked with:
SGD1 V22
2019 10
SG10CTZIIE

I'm guessing the firmware version is 1.0.0.6 based on the payload of the web service call it makes to check for firmware updates.

 

[Ben1987]

The new stock in February does incorporate the fix, correct? I just ordered at 1AM this morning, I just saw the charge go through, and I am hoping I made the right decision.

In fact, we have recalled all the machines with the hump problem. What you can buy now is a fixed machine. More supplies will be available at the end of February .

 

[Ben1987]

Hi @Ben1987 , Can you tell if my SONCOZ SGD1 has the fix for the ESS IMD hump? I received it last Tuesday December 31st.

Here's the inside:

View attachment 44851

The board is marked with:
SGD1 V22
2019 10
SG10CTZIIE

I'm guessing the firmware version is 1.0.0.6 based on the payload of the web service call it makes to check for firmware updates.

Yes, It is the latest version of the fix.The best way to tell is to look at the capacitance, 2200 nF/220nF. Enjoy.

 

[headwhacker]

Nice indeed

 

[Hemi-Demon]

Excellent write up

 

[solderdude]

Hi @Ben1987 , Can you tell if my SONCOZ SGD1 has the fix for the ESS IMD hump? I received it last Tuesday December 31st.

Here's the inside:

View attachment 44851

The board is marked with:
SGD1 V22
2019 10
SG10CTZIIE

I'm guessing the firmware version is 1.0.0.6 based on the payload of the web service call it makes to check for firmware updates.

As Ben already mentioned it is easiest to see on the caps but even looking at your picture one can see the MELF resistors are all 390 Ohm and there are no 2.7k resistors seen so even when not looking at the caps you can see this is a fixed PCB.

 

[Ben1987]

As Ben already mentioned it is easiest to see on the caps but even looking at your picture one can see the MELF resistors are all 390 Ohm and there are no 2.7k resistors seen so even when not looking at the caps you can see this is a fixed PCB.

There are also signs of hand welding.

 

[Hifihedgehog]

In fact, we have recalled all the machines with the hump problem. What you can buy now is a fixed machine. More supplies will be available at the end of February .

Yes, It is the latest version of the fix.

That's fantastic news! Hey Ben! What is the quickest way to get a SGD1 at this point? I ordered on Amazon and it says it won't be available until the end of February? I'd gladly pay for DHL and some special fees to get it sooner.

 

[Zoide]

What will be the best way to get your DACs in Europe? Thanks