Meticulous detail

[bumpy]

I have just spent 4 days in my house judging the sonic differences between I/U transistors in the SW1X DAC. Slawa supplied the DAC and 6 sets of PNP resistors with a circuit board set up so that each could be plug and played.

Well those sceptics that claim all components sound the same can turn away now.

My criteria was not about Hi Fi qualities such as extended bass, or fuller mid range, but more about was I really enjoying the sound, would it keep me listening late into the night, and if there were 6 DACs separately fitted with just one of the pairs of trannys, which would I buy?

Slawa had pre selected the six trannys from a host of candidates ranging from rare 1960s stuff to modern equivalents, some silicon and some germanium. I wont go into detail, but suffice to say that marking out of 10, the worst got 4 and the best got 9. Differences were not subtle.

I use this just as an example of how one component in a circuit can influence the sound of the final product. Slawa tests most components in this way

[Macca]

How did Germanium score?

[sq225917]

I'm more intrigued how the circuit was compensated for the electrical differences between the transistors? Was it just a straight transistor swap or were they mini-circuits?

[Marco]

How did Germanium score?

As usual, they beat England on penalties!

Sorry, as you were.

Marco.

[bumpy]

How did Germanium score?

The preselection process had only brought 1 germanium to my testing, but it did finish in second place.

[bumpy]

I'm more intrigued how the circuit was compensated for the electrical differences between the transistors? Was it just a straight transistor swap or were they mini-circuits?

I wish I had the skills to answer that, but I just listen to music. I'm sure Slawa may be along to help explain the technical stuff.

[bumpy]

As usual, they beat England on penalties!

Sorry, as you were.

Marco.

Love it.

[bumpy]

I'm more intrigued how the circuit was compensated for the electrical differences between the transistors? Was it just a straight transistor swap or were they mini-circuits?

I spoke with Slawa briefly about this yesterday. Apparently its a bit like valve rolling, except in this case its with I/U transistors. This is achievable if the surrounding 'circuitry' is vastly over specified as it is in his equipment, and the trannys are selected to do a similar job in that circuit.

[Arkless Electronics]

[Haselsh1]

How did Germanium score?

Considerably better than Francium