m2tech young dac observations

[Stratmangler]

I bought some caps and performed the mod on my M2Tech Evo DAC (the Young's smaller sibling).
The effort was worth it.
I'm quite taken back at the improvement in resolution.

Thanks for the heads up

[orbscure]

I've been running my Young DAC with the new cap for just over a week now and the improvement in soundstage is very good indeed. However, I've not only had to add a Van der Graaf PSU, I've also added a full set of Brian's Klotz cables, so the improvement might be the sum total of all three links in the chain... but whatever it is, I'm throughly enjoying the results

[Stratmangler]

Over the intervening time since my last post in this thread my DAC's sound has changed subtly, tonally shifting emphasis and gradually returning to a tonal balance I'm familiar with.
And all I've done is changed a power input reservoir capacitor.
The resolution has improved, and with it comes greater musical involvement.
Bit parts of the mix have greater significance than before, yet they are not exaggerated and demanding attention.

All I've done is to replace a power input reservoir capacitor, so the headf**k factor is quite large, as there's no change to the signal path.

I don't know what's going on, but I really like what I hear, and on that alone I recommend this upgrade.

Cheers Gaz, and thanks for the heads up

[haujobbz]

I am currently in the process of upgrading my oppo 95 dac to a young dsd and palmer psu as I find the treble on the sabre dacs artificial allmost like a DSP effect on the sound ? Would there be a significant improvment in resolution and musicality ? Thanks

Over the intervening time since my last post in this thread my DAC's sound has changed subtly, tonally shifting emphasis and gradually returning to a tonal balance I'm familiar with.
And all I've done is changed a power input reservoir capacitor.
The resolution has improved, and with it comes greater musical involvement.
Bit parts of the mix have greater significance than before, yet they are not exaggerated and demanding attention.

All I've done is to replace a power input reservoir capacitor, so the headf**k factor is quite large, as there's no change to the signal path.

I don't know what's going on, but I really like what I hear, and on that alone I recommend this upgrade.

Cheers Gaz, and thanks for the heads up

I'm tempted to do the cap mod but may have pay someone to do it as I don't want to screw it up

[Gazjam]

Never got on with the Sabre Dacs, heard a few n my system over a large price range and the Young always shone as being the most musical and, well, effortless.
It just plays music and gets out the way in a non hifi way.

I'd say it would be a noticeable upgrade, especially with the cap mod and linear psu.

[Stratmangler]

I am currently in the process of upgrading my oppo 95 dac to a young dsd and palmer psu as I find the treble on the sabre dacs artificial allmost like a DSP effect on the sound ? Would there be a significant improvment in resolution and musicality ? Thanks




I'm tempted to do the cap mod but may have pay someone to do it as I don't want to screw it up

I'd just leave the DAC as standard and enjoy it as it is for the time being.
The mod would always be there for later.
What Gaz says about a decent linear PSU is a given - you need to have one. The Palmer may be better still.

[337alant]

I have also been running the M2Tech young Dac for the last couple of years and I must say its superb.
Shortly after getting the dac I carried out the internal cap mod that SQ did and found the same improvement.
I realised that the walwart was holding back the full potential of the DAC so I built my own power supply using an Avondale TPR2 reg, this took it to a whole new level and I havn't though about changing it since, See pic below.
I do also own a Saber Dac and there is not much in it but the Young is more musicaly entertaining IMHO.

Young Dac power supply by Alan Towell, on Flickr

Alan

[sq225917]

Nice little psu there. I do think the Young offers remarkable value as a second hand buy these days.

[Søren]

I have been using the Squeeze Upgrade PS for quite a long time, with quite good results. It took care of the dirty highs completely, and is warmer and more "musical", than the supplied switchmode type.

But still a bit unsatisfied with a slightly slow and soft bass, and a lack of air, i decided to try the cap mod. I decided for a Nichicon KA audio grade type, which is a drop in replacement for the original. Same size and specs. Nichicon ranks it at the same level as their "Fine Gold" types, which is ranked just below their top of the line Muse type.
And it did the trick. Bass is now tight and punchy, and a huge improvement overall. Highly recommended.

[clap]

I got the mod done to the capacitor of my Young dac a few months ago. Pete kindly gave me one of his spare capacitors. The sound does seem to be a lot smoother now. I don't find any treble harshness now. I would describe the sound as being very open. A worthwhile upgrade.