Which DAC measurements do you like to see next?

[Headphonaholic]

I've seen the JDS Labs Element mentioned a few times and I too would be interested in seeing how it performs. Not sure if it's been mentioned but my understanding is that the JDS Element and JDS EL Dac perform differently. The EL Dac has better specs and from what I've read is the better option if all you need is a dac. I'm guessing not cramming amp components in with the dac improves the performance.

 

[yue]

JDS Element is similar to ODAC. they are based on the same architecture --- SA9023 controller and PCM5102A DAC.

EL DAC is essentially OL DAC but in different case. they are all based on AK4490EQ and use AC Power.

 

[escalibur]

Thanks for asking me about it as there is no sign of it. No tracking number, no nothing. So I just sent a message. Their web page says it only takes 2-4 days to ship so not sure what is going on.

I tell you, I hate ordering from any site other than Amazon.

Still no replies?

He has bought a modern motherboard just recently I think the measurements will come once they're done. With the many he's been pushing out I think he needs a break now and then lol.

Sure he does! I was just trying to throw in some suggestions. @amirm can consider them whenever he has time for that.

 

[Dodo974]

Hi,

There is the new SMSL M10 with AK4497.

http://www.smsl-audio.com/productshow.asp?id=149

 

[bakker_be]

Hi,

There is the new SMSL M10 with AK4497.

http://www.smsl-audio.com/productshow.asp?id=149

Using OPA6120 so output impedance will probably be around 10 Ohm ...

 

[Dodo974]

OPA6120

It's the OPA6120 A2 version
http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/tpa6120a2.pdf

It seems 16 Ohms for output impedance

 

[bakker_be]

It's the OPA6120 A2 version
http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/tpa6120a2.pdf

It seems 16 Ohms for output impedance

Indeed, A2, which is also used in Topping A30 and DX7s, which are around 10 Ohm.

 

[amirm]

Still no replies?

No replies but unit arrived! It is a very cheap looking device by the way.

 

[maxxevv]

Using OPA6120 so output impedance will probably be around 10 Ohm ...

They could have put an AD797 or LT1128 in there and be done with those nasty output impedance values !

 

[sssn]

Indeed, A2, which is also used in Topping A30 and DX7s, which are around 10 Ohm.

Chinese manufacturers adore the TPA6120A2. FX-Audio, Topping, SMSL, Sabaj...almost their entire (desktop) headphone amp lineup is based on this chip and it's freaking 10 ohm output impedance.

 

[escalibur]

No replies but unit arrived! It is a very cheap looking device by the way.

Can't wait for some measurements!

 

[amirm]

Hi,

There is the new SMSL M10 with AK4497.

http://www.smsl-audio.com/productshow.asp?id=149

Excuse me but I don't review hairless DACs:

That aside, how much is it anyway?

 

[Dodo974]

Excuse me but I don't review hairless DACs:

View attachment 14299

That aside, how much is it anyway?

From a french revendor (Audiophonics), it's 519 € VAT.
Chinese don't have the same definition of "hairless" perhaps !

 

[Thomas savage]

From a french revendor (Audiophonics), it's 519 € VAT.
Chinese don't have the same definition of "hairless" perhaps !

I can vouch for amir having a abundance of hair.. no hairlessness here..

His dogs have enogh hair for all of us

 

[yue]

Excuse me but I don't review hairless DACs:

View attachment 14299

That aside, how much is it anyway?

$545 on aliexpress.

 

[Ron Texas]

Expensive for Chi-Fi and hairless. Not hairy enough for me.

 

[amirm]

$545 on aliexpress.

Ouch. Expensive. I am just hesitant of spending over $500 on a DAC that may not be performed and no one will buy it from me.

 

[yue]

Ouch. Expensive. I am just hesitant of spending over $500 on a DAC that may not be performed and no one will buy it from me.

you can test the oppo sonica. should perform well, based on their other es9038pro product, OPPO UDP-205 .
your employer may be able to get one from oppo

 

[yue]

Oh, btw, I'm really interested to see a measurement of the macbook pro.
I have both HD600 and HD650. With normal listening volume (<75db), the difference between ODAC + O2 and Macbook Pro's headphone jack (with no amplifier connected) is quite subtle. Only when I turn up the volume to extremely loud (95db+) can I tell the difference reliably.
With Mac's headphone jack connected to O2, and compare it with ODAC+O2 combo, I can't tell the difference between the two at all.
Sometimes I question if a standalone DAC is helpful, if the native audio format is supported by laptop's internal DAC.

 

[Veri]

Oh, btw, I'm really interested to see a measurement of the macbook pro.
I have both HD600 and HD650. With normal listening volume (<75db), the difference between ODAC + O2 and Macbook Pro's headphone jack (with no amplifier connected) is quite subtle. Only when I turn up the volume to extremely loud (95db+) can I tell the difference reliably.
With Mac's headphone jack connected to O2, and compare it with ODAC+O2 combo, I can't tell the difference between the two at all.
Sometimes I question if a standalone DAC is helpful, if the native audio format is supported by laptop's internal DAC.

I love the punchy bass of 2014->2016 macbook pro 15", like you say it was equal to an O2 stack back in the days! Not sure if the 2017/2018 new ultra-thin models have the same quality dac/amp though, not too trusting in Apple these days.