toad
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Post by toad on Mar 23, 2009 12:12:49 GMT
So will these puppies fit in a Green Solo's case? I'm salavating here
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Post by clausdk on Mar 23, 2009 12:34:18 GMT
I do not know if it counts, but I actually bougth all three modules a while back and all I can say is that they all three sounds much better than what I am used to, but they do differ from each other The earth module sounds a lot like the one that is the standard chip in my Zero, just better in everyway, but with the same signature.. The Monn one makes everything "soft" but in a good way not soft like loose all details or compressed, just like my headphone cups are lined with very soft velvet. The Sun is a bit like the real sun you see/hear everything, it is a little bit sharper than my taste, but it still souds very nice and I am very impressed with the dynamics in this one. I have now reached a point where I swap Modules, when I swap headphones how geek like is that But WTF I have lots of fun doing it.. My amp is the X canv8, DAC is the Zero, My source/transport are a 300£ Philips dvdplayer (shhhy, I know) and headphones are Beyer dt880, JVC dx1000 and the darkhorse Philips sbchp 1000 that are so much better than they are priced, I got other phones and amps, but these are my favorites..
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robertkd
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Electronics Engineer from sunny Queensland
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Post by robertkd on Mar 23, 2009 13:16:02 GMT
Interesting comments, I bought the OPA Sun and find it a very good listen, detailed articulate and very open certainly a very worthwhile listen, I am waiting for the earth to arrive then I guess some burn in time. It will be interesting to compare, my preference is for the higher detail and clarity, of course without harshness.
Robert
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Post by Pinkie on Mar 23, 2009 15:45:32 GMT
So will these puppies fit in a Green Solo's case? I'm salavating here No... they are too tall. Mike.
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toad
Been here a while!
I am the Super Toad, the Original Toad, the Whole Toad and nothing BUT the toad.... don't forget it!
Posts: 1,223
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Post by toad on Mar 23, 2009 18:40:26 GMT
So will these puppies fit in a Green Solo's case? I'm salavating here No... they are too tall. Mike. Damn! I though that might be the case when I saw them. Oh well I can't complain about the Solo's sound anyway
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Post by clausdk on Mar 23, 2009 19:27:58 GMT
I was not badmouthing the sun in any way, it is just not my type of sound, but then again with my jvc dx1000 it is really good..
The chips are also too tall for the zero thats where the extesioncord comes in handy, I have not got the faintest idea of how much space there is in a solo, but in the zero it rests nicely on a small rubber pad I glued at the bottom..
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insomniac
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Post by insomniac on Mar 23, 2009 20:37:51 GMT
I do not know if it counts, but I actually bougth all three modules a while back and all I can say is that they all three sounds much better than what I am used to, but they do differ from each other The earth module sounds a lot like the one that is the standard chip in my Zero, just better in everyway, but with the same signature.. The Monn one makes everything "soft" but in a good way not soft like loose all details or compressed, just like my headphone cups are lined with very soft velvet. The Sun is a bit like the real sun you see/hear everything, it is a little bit sharper than my taste, but it still souds very nice and I am very impressed with the dynamics in this one. I have now reached a point where I swap Modules, when I swap headphones how geek like is that But WTF I have lots of fun doing it.. My amp is the X canv8, DAC is the Zero, My source/transport are a 300£ Philips dvdplayer (shhhy, I know) and headphones are Beyer dt880, JVC dx1000 and the darkhorse Philips sbchp 1000 that are so much better than they are priced, I got other phones and amps, but these are my favorites.. Hi Claus Thanks for reporting your experiences with the Discrete OPA's in your Zero... sounds like you like them a lot. I know what you mean about swapping the Modules when swapping headphones and also do this myself from time to time for a different sound depending on what mood I am in\music I am listening to. There are some fans of the DT880 and the JVC's here but not so much the Philips sbchp 1000 as far as I know... maybe that will change now though
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Post by clausdk on Mar 23, 2009 21:48:25 GMT
Ohhh a smal edit my Transport is not a 300£ but a 30£ dvdplayer......
The Philips is IMO a very overseen headphone, I rank it right next to the DT880, just with better comfort and a lot cheaper..
And yes I think that the modules has been one of my best investments in headfi sofar, but soon I will get a little pinkie and some new tubes for the Xcan, so maybe that will turn tings around..
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robertkd
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Post by robertkd on Mar 28, 2009 11:37:38 GMT
well Earth has had a days and a bit to bed in and still frankly it sounds great, whilst not as much detail as the Sun or the 4562 for that matter, it still has a very nice sound and I guess it's colouration but none the less a very nice listen. Of for more listening Robert
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Post by Deleted on Mar 29, 2009 23:47:08 GMT
Sun v2 in my SCHA. It's gone in on the back of me easily preferring the LM4562HA over the NA and 2134. Sooo, only about 15 songs in, all old faves well known to me. Acoustic, especially simpler compositions are already more natural Those tiny nuances of resonance and decay are far more accessible but still in their place. Even on busier rockier numbers the effects of the studio are more evident. Then on complex, busy passages the intricate "twiddly bits"(very tech term ;D) have more definition. If after burn in the treble calms down just the tiniest bit and the marginally softer bass tightens (compared to HA) it'll be nigh on perfect!
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insomniac
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Post by insomniac on Apr 2, 2009 19:19:26 GMT
well Earth has had a days and a bit to bed in and still frankly it sounds great, whilst not as much detail as the Sun or the 4562 for that matter, it still has a very nice sound and I guess it's colouration but none the less a very nice listen. Of for more listening Robert Nice one Robert... they take ages to fully burn in (>200hrs) but well worth the wait IMHO. I find there is a quite noticeable difference in SQ between a burned-in and a virgin OPA. How do you find the Earth's midrange in comparison with the LM-HA? Dave
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insomniac
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Post by insomniac on Apr 2, 2009 19:37:27 GMT
Sun v2 in my SCHA. It's gone in on the back of me easily preferring the LM4562HA over the NA and 2134. Sooo, only about 15 songs in, all old faves well known to me. Acoustic, especially simpler compositions are already more natural Those tiny nuances of resonance and decay are far more accessible but still in their place. Even on busier rockier numbers the effects of the studio are more evident. Then on complex, busy passages the intricate "twiddly bits"(very tech term ;D) have more definition. If after burn in the treble calms down just the tiniest bit and the marginally softer bass tightens (compared to HA) it'll be nigh on perfect! Chris The naturalness is what I notice and enjoy too when listening with the OPA's, particularly Earth. I'm in the middle of preparing a couple of acoustic compilation discs and have been listening to a fair bit music lately. Sun, as it's name suggests, is a lot brighter than the Earth or Moon and the treble can be a bonus on darker phones like the Senn's but in an already bright setup... may be too much. Dave
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Post by PinkFloyd on Apr 2, 2009 20:56:57 GMT
Chris, do you have the Sun's ground wire connected? If so, disconnect it...... I found the SQ actually improved slightly with it disconnected.... worth a go and doesn't cost anything
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insomniac
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Post by insomniac on Apr 2, 2009 22:24:11 GMT
Good advice Mike Connecting the ground wire is optional and as mentioned by Mike, you might get better results leaving it disconnected. Here's a few pics of my Yulong DAH1 after the sunroof mod... It's not going to win any beauty contests but it sounds very nice indeed.
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Post by charleyphogg on Apr 2, 2009 22:55:47 GMT
Nice job Insomniac. Paint those covers balck and I'd think they wouldn't matter sticking up. Someone mentioned about not enough room in the Solo and that's the first thing that popped into my head to allow them to fit.
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robertkd
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Post by robertkd on Apr 3, 2009 10:33:48 GMT
Nice one Robert... they take ages to fully burn in (>200hrs) but well worth the wait IMHO. I find there is a quite noticeable difference in SQ between a burned-in and a virgin OPA. How do you find the Earth's midrange in comparison with the LM-HA? Dave Ok folks prepare for some non technical terms (did I say that ) for me OPA Earth has what might be an increased ummm richness in the mids really noticeable over OPA Sun and 4562(HA/NA OPA2406, OPA2134, LT1057) now bear in mind I like detail OPA Earth has detail but slightly recessed in the overall presentation, I guess what could be described as almost tube warmth in the mids really noticeable on female vocals. OPA Sun sits somewhere between 4562HA and (OPA Earth or even OPA2406, LT1057) still it has warmth in the mids but presents more detail (top end is more pronounced over OPA Earth) Technically in my PCM1793DAC, I feel the 4562HA is more accurate as a reference system that is not to say the OPA Sun and OPA Earth are bad, far from it for me they do bring there own colouration a sonic signature if you like that is warm and very listenable, some folks wont like it and yet others will happily leave absolutes behind for what is a damn good listen. hey it's your personal nirvana and tech specs doesn't mean everything that is one thing I have learned Robert PS Dave I like the out riggers and how many times can you swap an op amp before the socket needs replacing,... ;D
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robertkd
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Post by robertkd on Apr 3, 2009 11:20:42 GMT
Ok an example if I may,... if you want the best sherbet sprinkled over the smoothest (Swiss) chocolate with lashings of warmth and detail,... mmmm My SC HA with extensive mods and 4562HA PCM1793 DAC with OPA Sun in DAC and Goldfrapp Supernature through AKG k702's, now that is as non technical as I get Robert
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Post by Deleted on Apr 3, 2009 13:24:43 GMT
Chris, do you have the Sun's ground wire connected? If so, disconnect it...... I found the SQ actually improved slightly with it disconnected.... worth a go and doesn't cost anything I agree! I have already con/discon the ground lead twice, when the sun was first installed and yesterday. Better without both times. For me it seems to effect the upper mid (better tone) and lower bass areas (tad more accuracy). So far I am pleased, the very top end has rounded off slightly, important to me on the K701. The bass now has more depth and definition. I won't compare to HA yet as the sun still seems to be in the settling process. insomniac, I lurrrve the 'power bulges', Thunderbirds are go!
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Post by PinkFloyd on Apr 3, 2009 20:48:29 GMT
Chris, do you have the Sun's ground wire connected? If so, disconnect it...... I found the SQ actually improved slightly with it disconnected.... worth a go and doesn't cost anything I agree! I have already con/discon the ground lead twice, when the sun was first installed and yesterday. Better without both times. For me it seems to effect the upper mid (better tone) and lower bass areas (tad more accuracy). So far I am pleased, the very top end has rounded off slightly, important to me on the K701. The bass now has more depth and definition. I won't compare to HA yet as the sun still seems to be in the settling process. insomniac, I lurrrve the 'power bulges', Thunderbirds are go! Glad I'm not going deaf..... IMO sounds marginally better with ground wire disconnected. My "sun" had a good few hours on it when I got it but continues to improve..... I'm of the belief that these modules perform best as "always on" devices as they seem to sound best when they reach a certain operating temperature...... switch them off, let them cool down and it's back to square one when you turn them on again.... much like a valve, these devices require an initial "burn in" period followed by, say, a couple of hours to stabilise / warm up every time you fire them up from cold. Nothing wrong with this, all good instruments require a period of use before coming on song (take the French horn or the Theramin as an example) just look at the "sun" as a constantly evolving, constantly revolving "organic" instrument and accept and embrace it's quirkiness...... the sonics will change slightly as the heat changes (it drifts quite a bit if ambient temperature fluctuates)..... my listening room is pretty much a constant 68F (possibly 75F in the summer) so the sun remains pretty much constant but if you experience erratic changes in ambient temperature the sonics may change slightly..... I may be talking BS here but I don't think so It would be interesting to note the ambient temperature of "sun" users worldwide.... as I type this it is 68.3F in here.
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robertkd
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Post by robertkd on Apr 3, 2009 22:06:03 GMT
I may be talking BS here but I don't think so It would be interesting to note the ambient temperature of "sun" users worldwide.... as I type this it is 68.3F in here. Mike, so you guys do live in a fridge, winter is coming and it's currently 24C (75F) the modules do generate a lot of heat typically about 2W and the closed in design tends to make them cook a little, but on a summers day tAmab mid 30's C they take no time at all to get up to operating temperature ;D as for grounded or not I'll have to have a listen but didn't notice anything and I generally attach the ground as a matter of course,... Robert
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leo
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Post by leo on Apr 3, 2009 22:13:43 GMT
Might be worth putting some tape or some type of insulation around the bare metal edges to prevent any possible short circuit across those little pcbs The pair of little top covers make it look like the Yulong has output transformers
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leo
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Post by leo on Apr 3, 2009 22:18:44 GMT
I may be talking BS here but I don't think so It would be interesting to note the ambient temperature of "sun" users worldwide.... as I type this it is 68.3F in here. Mike, so you guys do live in a fridge, winter is coming and it's currently 24C (75F) the modules do generate a lot of heat typically about 2W and the closed in design tends to make them cook a little, but on a summers day tAmab mid 30's C they take no time at all to get up to operating temperature ;D as for grounded or not I'll have to have a listen but didn't notice anything and I generally attach the ground as a matter of course,... Robert Its always cold over here Robert BTW, have you looked at the schematic to see where that ground wire is connected in the OPA Sun www.audio-gd.com/enweb/pro/diy/OPA.htm
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robertkd
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Post by robertkd on Apr 3, 2009 23:24:19 GMT
I studied those before ordering from Dave seriously i must get off my Ar well you know as that point should allow adjustment of the output offset by sourcing/sinking a small amount of current to balance the current sources Robert
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insomniac
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Post by insomniac on Apr 4, 2009 11:45:00 GMT
Nice job Insomniac. Paint those covers balck and I'd think they wouldn't matter sticking up. Someone mentioned about not enough room in the Solo and that's the first thing that popped into my head to allow them to fit. Thanks Charlyphogg, painting the covers black would help camouflage them a bit... they are pre-finished in some sort of hammered enamel so I would need to test what type of paint would take to them. There is actually enough room in a Solo to fit a module horizontally if connected with extension cable. Nice one Robert... they take ages to fully burn in (>200hrs) but well worth the wait IMHO. I find there is a quite noticeable difference in SQ between a burned-in and a virgin OPA. How do you find the Earth's midrange in comparison with the LM-HA? Dave Ok folks prepare for some non technical terms (did I say that ) for me OPA Earth has what might be an increased ummm richness in the mids really noticeable over OPA Sun and 4562(HA/NA OPA2406, OPA2134, LT1057) now bear in mind I like detail OPA Earth has detail but slightly recessed in the overall presentation, I guess what could be described as almost tube warmth in the mids really noticeable on female vocals. OPA Sun sits somewhere between 4562HA and (OPA Earth or even OPA2406, LT1057) still it has warmth in the mids but presents more detail (top end is more pronounced over OPA Earth) Technically in my PCM1793DAC, I feel the 4562HA is more accurate as a reference system that is not to say the OPA Sun and OPA Earth are bad, far from it for me they do bring there own colouration a sonic signature if you like that is warm and very listenable, some folks wont like it and yet others will happily leave absolutes behind for what is a damn good listen. hey it's your personal nirvana and tech specs doesn't mean everything that is one thing I have learned Robert Nice description there Robert and spot on with the "personal nirvana" thing Cheers The sockets I use are rated as having Mechanical life: min 100 cycles .... but I would imagine the smoother gold on gold interface of socket and OPA could extend this even further. Probably best to replace the sockets though when the fit starts to feel loose. Chris, do you have the Sun's ground wire connected? If so, disconnect it...... I found the SQ actually improved slightly with it disconnected.... worth a go and doesn't cost anything insomniac, I lurrrve the 'power bulges', Thunderbirds are go! They're like some sort of surface to air missile silo's or something... ..... my listening room is pretty much a constant 68F (possibly 75F in the summer) so the sun remains pretty much constant but if you experience erratic changes in ambient temperature the sonics may change slightly..... I may be talking BS here but I don't think so It would be interesting to note the ambient temperature of "sun" users worldwide.... as I type this it is 68.3F in here. Ambient Temp. 71F in here ATM. Might be worth putting some tape or some type of insulation around the bare metal edges to prevent any possible short circuit across those little pcbs The pair of little top covers make it look like the Yulong has output transformers Thanks Leo... I was going to glue a piece of 5mm rubber band around the bare metal edge with evo-stik... haven't got round to it yet. The left top cover is just there for "balance" or "symmetry" as it looked really odd with just one. Still plenty of space at the back for more "bumps"
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robertkd
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Post by robertkd on Apr 4, 2009 12:12:53 GMT
Dave, I see an OPA Earth if I'm not mistaken, poking up through the case. indeed I have the OPA Earth in the PCM 1793 DAC nice how thick is the case looks to be about 2mm?? you can get a nylon material designed to make "grommets" in place, it's available in several sizes and has fingers that grip top and bottom although I tend to compliment that with some contact cement. I'll see if I can an illustration for you. like this news.thomasnet.com/images/large/004/4787.jpgRobert PS, in Australia we would have to build the ruggedised version simply mount some standoff's and bolt a 40MM muffin fan for cooling
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