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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 26, 2009 22:07:29 GMT
Just received this today (ordered it last week from ebay) and boy does it look one VERY well put together amp I was after a pretty reasonably priced headphone amp with built in USB DAC and the NG27 seemed to fit the bill at £50 GBP. It will be a few days before I get round to hooking it up as I have just come out of hospital and supposed to be resting in bed but, in the meantime, I thought I'd have a look under the bonnet and take a few snaps. First impressions when you open the box are "quality". The NG27 comes with USB connecting lead, 3.5 to 6.3mm headphone adaptor and a 12V switched mode PSU: The PSU is a two pin type so no use for 3 pin mains plugs but I will be using one of my Little Pinkie V supplies to power this so not a problem. It will be a problem to anyone expecting to use the supplied PSU though (UK residents) I must make the seller aware of this. The amp itself just reeks of quality and has been extremely well put together. The headphone socket is a high quality "locking" type and the internal components are pretty much the best you can get (Nichicon fine gold capacitors, BUF634, Oscon capacitors, Nichicon MUSE capacitors, EVOX film caps, Wima film caps, ALPS 50K potentiometer etc.) No expense has been spared on parts quality and for £50 GBP perceived value is nothing short of amazing. The TDA2030 audio amplifier bolts onto the enclosure (using the enclosure as a heatsink) and even here no expense has been spared using proper TO220 mounting kit. DAC is the Burr Brown PCM 2702E. Opamp is the dual channel Burr Brown OPA2134 and buffers are Burr Brown BUF634. As I say, build quality is fantastic.... both front and rear panels are bolted on with stainless steel bolts, the enclosure is extruded aluminium and the PCB top quality double sided. In all, on looks alone, this appears to be one extremely nifty little tool.... I can't wait to fire her up and see what she sounds like.... of course, I will report back here as soon as she's up and running It will be my first journey into "computer / USB DAC audio" and I'm looking forward to it. In the meantime, here are the specs and a few under the bonnet pictures: Size: 7.6cm x 3.1cm x 11cm (width x high x deep) Input Interface: USB, AUX-in(3.5 stereo Jack) USB INPUT: PC2001 USB-B (plug and play, Windows2000 or Higher) Output Interface: 6.35 stereo headphones output. HeadPhone-OUT: 4V RMS DC Input: DC12V-16V, >1A/=1A .. Power: We offer a Wall Mount DC Switch Power Supply Input: AC 100-240V 50/60Hz, Output: DC 12V 1A. Suitable Headphone Impedance 32 ohm---120 ohm Item Include: PCM2702 USB DAC Headphone Amp*1, USB cable *1, Power Supply *1 (100V-240V), 1/4" Stereo M to 3.5mm Stereo F Adapter*1.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 26, 2009 22:22:42 GMT
A slightly larger pic (Click to enlarge)
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 27, 2009 21:39:08 GMT
Well....... I plugged her in today for a listen and there is a fault with the USB input..... the Red (power on) indicator dims when you connect the USB cable and the only sound I get is a loud hum.
I have tried on two different computers and two USB cables.... same thing. She works fine with a signal into the line in (and sounds BLOODY good too!) but ZILCH from the USB in.
Quite disappointing but these things happen. I have contacted QLS Electronics and am trying to arrange a replacement to be sent over.
I'll report back once a replacement unit has arrived.
Mike.
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Will
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Post by Will on Jul 27, 2009 22:42:22 GMT
Well that's a bugger! Nothing worse than having a new toy that does not work. Hopefully they'll get you a new one soon, as this one got here pretty quick.
Then you'll be stacking buffers and rolling away...
One thing though, whats the function of the TDA2030 in this amp? a 14W amp chip is a little out of place in an headamp (says him who has just built a scaled down 15W Class A amplifier..), and they don't mention it the listing either.
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insomniac
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Post by insomniac on Jul 27, 2009 23:05:46 GMT
Hope it was just a "one off" and the replacement unit arrives in working order as it looks a promising little device for the money.
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robertkd
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Post by robertkd on Jul 27, 2009 23:19:21 GMT
Well that's a bugger! Nothing worse than having a new toy that does not work. Hopefully they'll get you a new one soon, as this one got here pretty quick. Then you'll be stacking buffers and rolling away... One thing though, whats the function of the TDA2030 in this amp? a 14W amp chip is a little out of place in an headamp (says him who has just built a scaled down 15W Class A amplifier..), and they don't mention it the listing either. Will, I'll go out on a limb here and suggest the TDA2030 is used as a rail splitter! Mike just a thought your using a PSU that isn't referenced to ground?? Robert
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Will
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Post by Will on Jul 28, 2009 8:01:57 GMT
Robert, I was thinking that it would be power related, too. Just a bit shy!
Mike, another thought, what messages come up on the computer when you plug the USB in? Try this with the main power supply connected to the amp, and without. You should get a message saying "soundcard detected" or similar, in the USB dialogue box that pops up.
By the way, glad the op seemed to have gone well, and hope you are taking it easy. No point in rushing!
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 28, 2009 9:37:47 GMT
That sure looks like a well put together unit, at about $80 USD it should be a major bargain. Do you still have the link? The seller's shop is stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/QLS-Microchip-pic-mcu-mpu-tools__W0QQ_armrsZ1A really nice guy too! I am sending the amp back to him and he will be sending a replacement Will..... I tried connecting both with amp powered and without amp powered and the DAC was not recognised. As I say, when I connected the USB cable the red power LED dimmed so this would indicate all is not right ;D One of the best built amps I have ever seen and I cannot wait for the replacement to arrive..... this thing looks like real fun!
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Post by merton on Jul 29, 2009 1:27:29 GMT
why were you in the hospital?
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 29, 2009 10:52:48 GMT
why were you in the hospital? Operation on my leg man.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2009 13:25:32 GMT
why were you in the hospital? Operation on my leg man. Just noticed this, nothing too serious I hope. If they've given you an exercise regime already, keep to it, don't miss any sessions even if they're really painful, those who don't regret it later. ALSO, very interested in your thoughts, on thread theme, once a new unit is sorted. Speaking as another PC music luddite, I'm slowly finding more need for it. The wife now has a wifi Lo-Fi playing straight from my laptop, so now I have an ever expanding library on the HDD I may as well make use of it !
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 29, 2009 21:00:38 GMT
Just noticed this, nothing too serious I hope. If they've given you an exercise regime already, keep to it, don't miss any sessions even if they're really painful, those who don't regret it later. Just vein surgery..... all going ok Yes, I'm a luddite too and this little amp / DAC seems just the thing for a dinosaur like me to get to grips with(ie: plug it in and listen to the music) saves on soundcards, offboard DAC's etc. etc.... I only have "1" album on my computer (I "ripped" it from CD) so better get a few more "ripped" before the replacement NG27 arrives
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jul 31, 2009 22:00:44 GMT
Mike depending on customs and travel time you will have about 6,900 songs arriving. The songs are in Apple Lossless format and at an average of 11-12 songs per CD should be around 5,600 to 6,100 CD's. That should keep you busy for a while. Miguel, that is really awesome and I am so looking forward to hearing this jazz collection What do you recommend I play it through? On my computer all I have installed is Windows Media player.... I don't want something that takes over the entire computer, just a simple program that will list and play the tracks. Mike.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 18, 2009 20:26:02 GMT
The replacement NG27 has arrived I'll report on it as soon as I get it up and running next week.
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FritzS
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Post by FritzS on Aug 23, 2009 16:24:23 GMT
Well that's a bugger! Nothing worse than having a new toy that does not work. Hopefully they'll get you a new one soon, as this one got here pretty quick. Then you'll be stacking buffers and rolling away... One thing though, whats the function of the TDA2030 in this amp? a 14W amp chip is a little out of place in an headamp (says him who has just built a scaled down 15W Class A amplifier..), and they don't mention it the listing either. Will, I'll go out on a limb here and suggest the TDA2030 is used as a rail splitter! Mike just a thought your using a PSU that isn't referenced to ground?? Robert Railsplitter .... please see fig. 17 / page 6/12 right TDA2030 ... my mistage it's only a bridge .... but a railsplitter is not far away ... www.st.com/stonline/products/literature/ds/1458.pdf
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 28, 2009 22:51:44 GMT
I've got this little guy up and running and I have just one thing to say........ STUNNING! It's been playing away for a couple of hours now (lossless files on computer) and this is one very nice sounding DAC / amp... the sound can best be described as fast, energetic and bubbly without any hint of harshness.... The bass has got good pace and depth, the mids are clear and slightly euphonic and the treble is silky smooth.... I'm used to this type of presentation from an amp / CD player costing x10 this DAC / amp combo price, it's surprisingly good. Setup was a piece of cake, simply plug the USB cable into the amp and usb port on the computer and she's up and running. The SMPS now comes with a 3 pin adaptor for UK use which is handy (the original one came with a euro 2 pin only) you just plug the UK adaptor onto the two pin SMPS and you're away. Packaging is first class and the amp comes encased in shrink wrap..... totally professional, these guys are no cowboys, everything about the amp / packaging is top class. The only thing I'd like to see is the inclusion of 4 rubber feet (the amp comes without feet)..... they cost pennies and I see no reason why the amp comes without feet As stated in my original post, build quality is absolutely top notch and component quality is spectacular at this price point, just have a look at that headphone socket for example.... you'd expect to see that fitted onto a £500 amp, it's not often you see quality like that on a £50 amp "and" an amp with a combined DAC I may add! The internals sport equally mouth watering parts such as Nichicon fine gold capacitors, Burr Brown BUF634, Oscon capacitors, Nichicon MUSE capacitors, EVOX film caps, Wima film caps, ALPS 50K potentiometer etc........ I honestly can't fault any aspect of this package and if it cost me £200 I still couldn't fault it... I'll repeat it again for those in the back row....... this DAC / amp combo costs £50 (yes, FIFTY UK POUNDS).... I can see nothing available at the moment that can come anywhere close at that price and there are very few that could match it's sonic capabilities at four times the price, seriously, it is that good. I'm not Graham bashing but let's take the Graham Slee Voyager as a direct comparison..... it costs £180 GBP, doesn't have a DAC, comes in a plastic wrapper and sports quite cheap parts. A nice little amp but it doesn't hold a candle to the NG27 either sonically or aesthetically... the NG27 trounces it in most departments: A: Price B: Build Quality C: Sound Quality D: Component quality E: Versatility (The NG27 has a DAC) I am serious here and, YES, I own a Voyager (before you ask ) a BLOODY good little amp but almost £200.... I love finding the best bang for the buck and the NG27 is one of the best finds I have made in a long time and a find that comes with superb after sales support I may add, not your usual Chinese no name, no comeback punt.... the NG27 comes from a very good stable. It seems a sin to even contemplate tweaking the NG27, it's just so perfect as it is but I'm sure I won't be able to resist a bit of opamp rolling I'll give her a good 500 hours "stock" to see how she develops and report back here after every 100 hour stage. It'll also be interesting to see how she responds to a good quality linear regulated PSU. Miguel, I want you to listen to this amp / DAC.... it is the next "BIG NEWS" on Head-Fi but they don't know it yet This puppy breaks all boundaries, price, SQ, Build quality..... She's a stunner!
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 28, 2009 22:59:33 GMT
Here's where you get oneI'll put my reputation on the line with this amp... it really is a bastard good buy, I shit you not. Mike.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2009 23:28:06 GMT
Mike, What do you reckon to this... Bid hereif cosher, even cheaper! By the way, how do you do that renaming a link thing. EDIT = by golly I think I've got it chaps! thankyou.
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Spirit
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Post by Spirit on Aug 29, 2009 9:59:18 GMT
[url=http://www.proboards.com]ProBoards[/url] Shows as: ProBoards
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 29, 2009 10:21:42 GMT
I think it's the same guy Chris, if you look he also has a "buy it now" one for $98. Renaming a link is easy:
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pjc68
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Post by pjc68 on Aug 29, 2009 18:40:05 GMT
Mike what headphones did you use, i,m thinking of buying one of these for my father for xmas to use with his sony discman. pjc68
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 29, 2009 20:41:52 GMT
Mike what headphones did you use, i,m thinking of buying one of these for my father for xmas to use with his sony discman. pjc68 I've currently got the NG27 by the side of me and will be going through quite a lot of headphones with it.... to date I have listened through the Sennheiser HD-250 and Sennheiser HD-25/1 (both fine) I will be listening to AKG K-701 / K-501, Senn HD-600, HD-200, HD-414, ATH W-1000 and Grado SR-225. At the moment I have the 70 ohm Senn HD-25/1 and the little NG27 drives them superbly... absolutely crystal clear with extremely low noise floor.... listening to The Beatles "love" album you can easily pick out everything in the mix.... it's a joy to listen to such a revealing amp / headphone combo.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 30, 2009 9:17:49 GMT
Mike what headphones did you use, i,m thinking of buying one of these for my father for xmas to use with his sony discman. pjc68 What headphones does your dad have Patrick? If I've got the same 'phones I'll try them out with the NG27. Mike.
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pjc68
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Post by pjc68 on Aug 30, 2009 20:29:15 GMT
Hi Mike He has a old pair of sennheiser hd470, they are 32ohm, i was thinking about a pair of koss portapro or senn px100 as well. He has a sony walkman cd portable player and listens mostly to rock and roll, doo wop, guitar type music etc. thanks pjc68
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 30, 2009 20:37:34 GMT
Trying it out with the Grado SR-225 at the moment and absolutely "perfect" so this amp drives low Z 'phones no probs at all.... no hiss, background as quiet as a mouse..... drives them to ear shattering levels and they actually sound bloody good driven by this amp (there's not many amps I have come across that can make these guys sound good ) Next up are my jack of all trades HD-600 which have an impedance of 300ohm (according to the specs the NG27 is good for 'phones from 32 - 120ohm) so we'll see how they pan out.
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