ESS Saber DAC

[leo]

Only problem when you run all separate supplies, the amount of bits like diodes,transformers, caps etc mounts up

[minivan]

Oct 22, 2010 23:06:52 GMT leo said:

Hi Guys,

Just had to post this update, I've linked out the coupling caps in the Legato and removed the 15nf filter caps, using the PH series regs for the AVCC set to 3v45 This is by far the best I've heard the BII You wouldn't believe the amount of signature those caps was adding.
If you try linking the coupling caps out using SE output measure the DC offset, I'd imagine theres going to be a wide variation , I matched the devices and have 4mV one side and 11mV the other. Somebody else reported they have 80mV one side so be very careful, I'd only recommend this mod if your amp uses input caps or some servo .

Also removing the 15nf filter caps can give varying results, I found the AVCC supplies even more critical.

Probably a pointless post for most but in the right conditions you'll get sound containing very little signature . If you have a warm sounding amp or cans I don't think it would suit

hi leo,it it possible to put a dc servor on the output after removing the coupling capacitor?

[Will]

Oct 22, 2010 23:17:13 GMT leo said:

Nice one Will, let us know how you find them after some run in

The dac's been on pretty much 24/7 since installing these regs, so they they should be run in pretty well by now.

My initial impressions have been strengthened I would say. The 'technical' aspects of the music are improved again (timbre/texture/layers) but for me it's the way that every piece of music is emotionally involving. Having a good supply on the AVCC pins really does something to this chip. It really is something else.

I would say that putting these regs on the AVCC is the most cost effective mod for musical enjoyment with this dac, but wonder if it would be so apparent if the rest of the supply improvements had not been implemented?

State of play with my Sabre:

Z1P/Z1N +/- 15V shunts for the IV section (analogue).
Salas V1 5v shunt for the Digital section, also supplies two Z1703v3 shunts on the AVCC pins of the chip
Each major shunt has it's own transformer (3), and I'm using a TP ballsie for single ended ouput, using a LME49720NA, which is fed from the Z1 shunts.

[Will]

You couldn't make a tenth of that for $260 if you tried.... excellent VFM

You are not wrong there, Mike. Considering the dac chip itself is $68-odd, it's stunning value.

[Deleted]

Nov 4, 2010 9:27:57 GMT Will said:

Oct 22, 2010 23:17:13 GMT leo said:

Nice one Will, let us know how you find them after some run in

The dac's been on pretty much 24/7 since installing these regs, so they they should be run in pretty well by now.

My initial impressions have been strengthened I would say. The 'technical' aspects of the music are improved again (timbre/texture/layers) but for me it's the way that every piece of music is emotionally involving. Having a good supply on the AVCC pins really does something to this chip. It really is something else.

I would say that putting these regs on the AVCC is the most cost effective mod for musical enjoyment with this dac, but wonder if it would be so apparent if the rest of the supply improvements had not been implemented?

State of play with my Sabre:

Z1P/Z1N +/- 15V shunts for the IV section (analogue).
Salas V1 5v shunt for the Digital section, also supplies two Z1703v3 shunts on the AVCC pins of the chip
Each major shunt has it's own transformer (3), and I'm using a TP ballsie for single ended ouput, using a LME49720NA, which is fed from the Z1 shunts.

Will
I saw a thread in Computer Audiophile, where the poster said that the Sabre DAC is only as good as the data it is fed, and to really shine needs a low jitter source.
Alex

[Spirit]

Nov 4, 2010 9:47:43 GMT @sandyk said:

the Sabre DAC is only as good as the data it is fed

From all accounts, it seems that *everything* has an impact on the sonics from the Sabre.