got the zoom back from
@Amir yesterday, ran two sets of tests on it from DACs of similar class, the mytek brooklyn DAC+ and the benchmark DAC2
I measured and plotted the Benchmark AD2402-96 (AD2K) as a reference. Somewhat dated vintage gear but a solid performer that can take a hot input with great performance
yeah that low frequency distortion is unshakable at any input level
is -70 to -80 dB distortion below 50Hz a problem? not sure, its pretty low on the audibility curve of human hearing
knowing what i know now, will i be using the HPF? you bet
at the end of the day it seems like the sound quality of a handheld (at best) in a prosumer body.