View Full Version : WTD: Xiang Sheng DAC 01A , fitted with a WE valve
donmarrese
07-10-2018, 20:59
WTD: Xiang Sheng DAC 01A , preferably fitted with a WE valve...heard Andy's (andyrlb) 01A this afternoon, eye brow lifted to an all time high...Hasn't come down yet! :eek:
donmarrese
07-10-2018, 21:29
Hi Grant, thanks for that, corrected.
I have exactly what you want. So does Grant.
Finders keepers LOL.
Jerry had one with a WE I sold him. He might be worth a try unless he sold.it.
donmarrese
08-10-2018, 16:24
Thanks Justin, Jerry....?
Thanks Justing, Jerry....?
jandl100
donmarrese
08-10-2018, 16:44
My most recent one recently went sffft on its coax input. And I've had another one die on me before. I still use mine as a headphone amp from its other inputs.
27th July 2018
maybe not...
Yeah think I remember that - well now prompted at any rate.
Mine's been fine.
Yeah think I remember that - well now prompted at any rate.
Mine's been fine.
+1 [emoji1303]
Fine and sounds darn good too
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
donmarrese
08-10-2018, 19:45
Andy, it's all your fault!
Andy, it's all your fault!
It always is mate [emoji1303]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Had mine for a long time without issues. Still as impressed as I was .. not just with sound but the flexibility of it.
lordmortlock
08-10-2018, 20:01
Another vote from me, no reliability issues.
I bought mine for about £100 brand new, and then paid £30 for a WE valve. I wouldn’t be afraid to buy new at that price and it’s hard to justify paying much more for a dac given the SQ unless you’re getting into crazy hi end lampi territory or similar.
lordmortlock
08-10-2018, 20:02
Oh and snap ... Andy I’ve just remembered I owe you that valve! Will post, sorry mate, been completely absorbed with the boy.
Oh and snap ... Andy I’ve just remembered I owe you that valve! Will post, sorry mate, been completely absorbed with the boy.
No worries mate, how’s the extension
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Oh and snap ... Andy I’ve just remembered I owe you that valve! Will post, sorry mate, been completely absorbed with the boy.
I have some interesting bits [emoji6]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
lordmortlock
08-10-2018, 20:06
No worries mate, how’s the extension
Pretty much done, garden landscaped too! Productive year what with the baby as well. Eff all time for Hifi mind! :lol: it’ll come back I’m sure
Another vote from me, no reliability issues.
I bought mine for about £100 brand new, and then paid £30 for a WE valve. I wouldn’t be afraid to buy new at that price and it’s hard to justify paying much more for a dac given the SQ unless you’re getting into crazy hi end lampi territory or similar.
Hello lordmortlock,
I seem to recall seeing your name on the Beresford threads a while back on the Caiman Seg (I might be wrong)? If not, I see you have a Xiang Sheng DAC-01A, I am curious about this dac/preamp and would be grateful for any info give of it compared to the SEG?
Cheers,
Rob
donmarrese
08-10-2018, 22:17
How does this one measure up on the bay?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/XiangSheng-DAC-01-Tube-24Bit-192Khz-USB-Decoders-Headphone-Pre-Amplifier/172692792613?hash=item28354ae525:g:CtAAAOSwJtdaPLP 8
Mods, may have to move this to Blank Canvas...pls advise.
I use a Xiang Sheng 01A and love it.
It arrived with a nasty channel imbalance that was fixed by replacing some of the cheapo no name caps around the DAC chip.
I've tried a few tube rolls but not the WE valve and much prefer the SS outputs into my tube amps....
lordmortlock
09-10-2018, 06:47
Hello lordmortlock,
I seem to recall seeing your name on the Beresford threads a while back on the Caiman Seg (I might be wrong)? If not, I see you have a Xiang Sheng DAC-01A, I am curious about this dac/preamp and would be grateful for any info give of it compared to the SEG?
Cheers,
Rob
Morning Rob, hope you’re well. I had a few of Stans older models and very good they were too. I haven’t compared the two directly I’m afraid, and it’s many many years since I heard a Bdac, so I might not be of much help, sorry!
I've had 2 Xiangs and 1 SEG...... The SEG is still here [emoji6]
Mind you I really only bought the Xiangs as cheap pre amps, but one of them distorted on the volume when pushed hard, and I tried another one but the Promitheus TVC I had was better as a pre than the Xiang, ok I know it's primarily a DAC but I thought it was worth another try.
As a DAC I prefer the SEG ( mine is standard ).
Edit: oops just realised this is a wanted thread, feel free to delete.
I use a Xiang Sheng 01A and love it.
It arrived with a nasty channel imbalance that was fixed by replacing some of the cheapo no name caps around the DAC chip.
I've tried a few tube rolls but not the WE valve and much prefer the SS outputs into my tube amps....
So did Jerry until he bought a WE 396A off me.
Hello lordmortlock & mikeyb,
Thanks for your replies.
The dac 01a keeps popping up on this forum with mostly positive opinions, it caught my interest. It seems though, like a sideways move from the SEG, but a lot cheaper than the SEG with a similar sonic performance? As a dac on its own it looks like a bargain.
Looking at the internals though, there's fair bit crammed on to the circuit board and perhaps a few things that can go wrong.
donmarrese
09-10-2018, 15:21
Hi Rob
I'm on the verge of buying a new one...if you're at that stage, let me know where you'll be sourcing from...everyone and their mother is selling one on the bay...
Or even check out this one...https://www.amazon.co.uk/KOHSTAR-XiangSheng-DAC-01A-Coaxial-Headphone/dp/B01H4LU2QY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1539098186&sr=8-8&keywords=xiangsheng+dac
Pls read description...I love the bit where is says..."Temperature is higher when tube amps working, placing attention to ventilation, cooling.In the boot or just shut down for a period of time (within 30 minutes) Do not spill liquid on the tubes. You should take about 100h time to operate the amp."
I've got second thoughts...:lol:
So did Jerry until he bought a WE 396A off me.
Any links as to where to get one from?
BTW, I moved form a SEG to the XS and much prefer the XS...
Any links as to where to get one from?
BTW, I moved form a SEG to the XS and much prefer the XS...eBay USA. Nearly all the stock is there I am afraid.
Which is bad news but it is worth the money it will cost you, import tax rape, shipping and the rest.
I bought mine from eBay and used a German or Belgian seller, can't remember which, no tax of course and was under £110 Inc postage.
I bought mine from eBay and used a German or Belgian seller, can't remember which, no tax of course and was under £110 Inc postage.How many was that?
I paid $116.44 all charges included for two from the US.
I think someone is talking about the valves, and the other DACs? :scratch:
donmarrese
09-10-2018, 17:23
Yep, now it's all a mucking fuddle...
Mikeb is talking about the 01A DAC he got from Germany or Belgium for £110.....as for User211, he's bought a couple of valves, the WE 396a for $116.44...:doh:
Lawrence001
09-10-2018, 18:12
I'll buy those 2 dacs from the US, does anyone have a link? :lol:
I think someone is talking about the valves, and the other DACs? :scratch:Yup. I £&#@ed it up. My price was for 396A valves.
Hello donmarresse & intenso,
Some of these Chinese sellers don't fill you with confidence, I wonder if that is the manufacturer description or the sellers?
Let's have a closer look at the XS dac 01a & SEG:
01a
https://i.imgur.com/urzjU1B.jpg
SEG
https://i.imgur.com/AgAqsrv.jpg
As I said in a previous post it's very crowded on that 01a pcb, there's a lot more that can go wrong, but the design was copied from the Grant Fidelity DAC-09 & Maverick Audio Tube Magic DAC and it's a carbon copy.
It probably comes down to the quality of the components and if they were properly soldered on, the heat from the tube shouldn't be a factor.
Looking at the SEG there's not a lot to go wrong, no heat issues at all and I would expect it to have a long life.
The 01a has a linear psu inbuilt, the tube capability, good ss dac and is ridicously cheap. When I bought the SEG it was £240 including p&p + vat and now that the new Beresford Dorado psu kit at £80 has come out the cost has gone up to 3 times the value of the 01a dac at £320 to have the SEG at its best.
I'd love to hear these two side by side, before I spend any more money on the SEG.
jandl100
09-10-2018, 20:39
Quote Originally Posted by jandl100
My most recent one recently went sffft on its coax input. And I've had another one die on me before. I still use mine as a headphone amp from its other inputs.
27th July 2018
maybe not...
Here I is. :)
I've still got the XS 01A with WE valve but I don't use it.
It has a defunct USB input but the coax and optical digital inputs work OK. ( I did a swap for someone else's partially faulty XS)
If you want to borrow it to try out, Don, that would be fine.
Happy to post it.
Having said that, I've now moved on to a Topping D30 (rrp £90) - for me, it defo shades out the XS, more detail, better focus, better transparency.
Best DAC I have heard in my system.
I've now added a £50 Chinese linear PSU for even better results.
Hello Jerry,
Yes please, the SEG is the only dac I have and I'd like to test/benchmark it against something else before I consider the Dorado psu upgrade.
If a £90 dac can hold its place within your excellent kit, it must be a real gem. The only thing that stops me showing a serious interest in it, is that I'm currently using the SEG as a preamp to a Quad 405-2 and need the preamp in the XS01A. The Quad +SEG is a nice pleasant combo, easy to listen to and entertaining, but I don't mind trying new stuff.
I'll PM my address again.
Thanks,
Rob
jandl100
09-10-2018, 21:21
OK - you will probably need to open her up and twiddle with the jumpers as I think the pre-amp volume is not connected atm.
donmarrese
09-10-2018, 21:53
Hi Jerry, just got back...thanks for the offer...I too would like Rob to test out your XS01A and see what he thinks of it...I suppose I'll be second dibs if he doesn't go for it.
Rob, once you get it, let us know what you think...any more views on the Topping D30 DAC anyone?
ps. Rob, nice write up & pics in previous post....XS01A looks pretty condensed!
Hello Jerry,
It's no problems with the jumpers.
Hello donmarrese,
Yep I'll give it good listen to both tube and ss with a report to follow.
Lawrence001
10-10-2018, 06:55
Hello Jerry,
Yes please, the SEG is the only dac I have and I'd like to test/benchmark it against something else before I consider the Dorado psu upgrade.
If a £90 dac can hold its place within your excellent kit, it must be a real gem. The only thing that stops me showing a serious interest in it, is that I'm currently using the SEG as a preamp to a Quad 405-2 and need the preamp in the XS01A. The Quad +SEG is a nice pleasant combo, easy to listen to and entertaining, but I don't mind trying new stuff.
I'll PM my address again.
Thanks,
Rob
Umm wasn't Jerry offering to lend it to Don (the OP)?
jandl100
10-10-2018, 06:56
Hi Jerry, just got back...thanks for the offer...I too would like Rob to test out your XS01A and see what he thinks of it...I suppose I'll be second dibs if he doesn't go for it.
Noooo. I'm not sure I want to sell it.
It wasn't a cunning sales ploy. ;) Just an offer of a loan to suss out the sound quality
The headphone output with digital and analog inputs is what I'd be keeping it for.
Anyway, not sure what I could fairly ask for a faulty DAC (duff USB input).
I guess I'd be OK with selling the WE valve, though.
jandl100
10-10-2018, 07:02
Umm wasn't Jerry offering to lend it to Don (the OP)?
:lol:
Whoa - yes. I just dipped in to the thread and rather lost track of who was who!
Where did meBob come in on this? :scratch:
Happy to loan it to whoever, but it does seem that the OP has first dibs.
donmarrese
10-10-2018, 07:12
:lol:
Whoa - yes. I just dipped in to the thread and rather lost track of who was who!
Where did meBob come in on this? :scratch:
Happy to loan it to whoever, but it does seem that the OP has first dibs.
Hi Jerry...as to complete comparison/report back for everyone's benefit, , I don't mind it going to Rob (meBob) first..Perhaps meBob could then send DAC down to me and I'll have a listen, and I'll get Lawrence to cast an ear and eye over it too..(he's just down the road..)...then we'll take it from there if that's ok with you....?
And by the way, thanks for the offer...
ps. (I always handle kit with Kid gloves!)
jandl100
10-10-2018, 07:16
Hi Jerry...as to complete comparison/report back for everyone's benefit, , I don't mind it going to Rob (meBob) first..Perhaps meBob could then send DAC down to me and I'll have a listen, and I'll get Lawrence to cast an ear and eye over it too..(he's just down the road..)...then we'll take it from there if that's ok with you....?
And by the way, thanks for the offer...
ps. (I always handle kit with Kid gloves!)
OK - I'll send it to Rob.
Noooo. I'm not sure I want to sell it.
It wasn't a cunning sales ploy. ;) Just an offer of a loan to suss out the sound quality
The headphone output with digital and analog inputs is what I'd be keeping it for.
Anyway, not sure what I could fairly ask for a faulty DAC (duff USB input).
I guess I'd be OK with selling the WE valve, though.
Sorry to jump on the bandwagon but would you be willing to let me try the valve at some point with a view to a sale?
From a box swapper to box loaner in one easy post Jerry [emoji6][emoji4]
It's something I've thought of doing as well as it's sometimes difficult to try out new/different kit, mind you not so easy for me now that I've gotten rid of most of my extra kit.
From a box swapper to box loaner in one easy post Jerry [emoji6][emoji4]
It's something I've thought of doing as well as it's sometimes difficult to try out new/different kit, mind you not so easy for me now that I've gotten rid of most of my extra kit.
Jerry is very decent about loaning stuff. I got a shot of his original xs and immediately bought one from same seller. quite a while ago now mind.
Most people come here then go and buy one
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
It looks like I might have triggered the AOS equivalent of Brexit or perhaps I should say Dacxit!!
I'm happy though to stand aside if I'm not first in line.
Sorry to jump on the bandwagon but would you be willing to let me try the valve at some point with a view to a sale?If you get it be sure to use the two sets of RCA outs into your preamp with the same I/C in both cases if possible and swap between the WE and SS outputs using your remote.
If you prefer the SS I'd be amazed. It just doesn't sound better. IMHO after doing the above.
Hello User211,
Yes, I'll give a stab.
I plan to test all my amps against it and the SEG.
jandl100
11-10-2018, 15:46
I posted the XS DAC to meBob this afternoon, should arrive Saturday/Monday.
Dulce Tones
12-10-2018, 10:48
While there’s an XS conversation going on I hope the OP doesn’t mind me asking
what is the WE valve?
Done a search but can’t find anything.
Westinghouse Electrics?
What is the type and where can you get one?
I have a DAC 01a and if this improves/ removes the ‘glare’ that’d be fantastic.
jandl100
13-10-2018, 06:36
While there’s an XS conversation going on I hope the OP doesn’t mind me asking
what is the WE valve?
Done a search but can’t find anything.
Westinghouse Electrics?
What is the type and where can you get one?
I have a DAC 01a and if this improves/ removes the ‘glare’ that’d be fantastic.
It's a Western Electric 396A valve.
Generally only available from the USA for some reason, quite a few usually on ebay.com.
Like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Western-Electric-396A-2C51-tube-USA-1956-Square-Getter-Test-Low-Works/113272607094?_trkparms=aid%3D333200%26algo%3DCOMP. MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D54676%26meid%3D1c924b0af3834f 2a96b307f24efce973%26pid%3D100008%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3 D11%26sd%3D352471025504%26itm%3D113272607094&_trksid=p2047675.c100008.m2219
https://assets.tubesforamps.com/attachment/e62bfd67-566a-43dc-80f4-305faf8de34a/WE396A.jpg
https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/392140842942?chn=ps
these tungsol 2c51's are supposed to be very good, if not better than the straight WE 396a
https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/392140842942?chn=ps
these tungsol 2c51's are supposed to be very good, if not better than the straight WE 396aUgly though. It's the yellow print that makes the WE sound so good:D
Who reckons they are as good or better?
Ugly though. It's the yellow print that makes the WE sound so good:D
Who reckons they are as good or better?
just read it somewhere. probably the company trying to justify the 90$ pricetag. might be worth the try for someone tho if price is right.. we make it i think
Dulce Tones
13-10-2018, 14:29
Ah, thanks!
Quite an array of different makes, numbers and prices 😲
Bendix 2c51 seems to get favourable opinion too.
Also GE je 5670 which are much more affordable.
RCA command 5670 gets a good mention..
A lot of talk here but which would sound best in the
XS dac 01a..?
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ge-jan-5670w-vs-we-936a.201062/
Ah, thanks!
Quite an array of different makes, numbers and prices ��
Bendix 2c51 seems to get favourable opinion too.
Also GE je 5670 which are much more affordable.
RCA command 5670 gets a good mention..
A lot of talk here but which would sound best in the
XS dac 01a..?
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ge-jan-5670w-vs-we-936a.201062/
I've tried the GE JAN 5670 and didn't think much of it to be honest...
Hello Jerry,
I'm having a problemo with the 01A, I can only get it to play when using the analogue AUX in.
I decided to test it as a dac first using my Sony 770ES integrated, I took the optical out of my SEG and plugged it into the 01A and likewise the rca's from the SEG. The rca's were connected upto the 'NORMAL' output of the 01A, changed the selector to 'OPTICAL', switched everything on and absolute silence was all I could hear.
Had a quick think and then switched everything off and reconnected the optical and rca's to the SEG, switched everything back on again now I could hear Bob Dylan singing 'Oh Sister'.
The dac works through both tube & normal using rca's inputs but not through optical (with my setup atleast?).
As far as getting the preamp going, while looking at the preamp jumper pcb, it doesn't look like any of the boards in the pdf link featured below:
http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/xangsheng-dac-01a-jumpers-and-volume-control.713060/
Without a specific manual for the version of the dac I wouldn't want to just randomly rearrange the jumpers and hope for the best?
Some pics of the pcb:
https://i.imgur.com/JLHaToo.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/6pOMpvB.jpg
As far as sound quality goes, it wouldn't be fair to compare the SEG via optical to the 01A via rca and to add they're both being coloured / changed by the pre section of the 770ES.
It's a pity I couldn't test it via optical, my PC card has an option that passes raw pcm for the external dac to do its thing, but via rca the computer's dac interferes first.
The listening was done through my 770ES and not my Quad 405-2 power amp via preamp, the 405-2 is more neutral and with no pre section to get in the way, this would have been a worthy comparison between the SEG and 01A.
jandl100
13-10-2018, 18:09
Ah.
I think I only used it with the RCA digital input.
Sorry it's not working for you, just send it back, I'll pay your postage if you supply me BT or Paypal details.
I'll send you my full address by PM.
Hello Jerry,
I'm grateful to you for your very kind offer of a loan of the dac and it's certainly not your fault it's become faulty.
I would have payed P&P anyway had it worked and I still feel the same way even if it hasn't worked.
Once again thanks for the kind loan.
Rob
jandl100
14-10-2018, 14:04
Can you check if the RCA digital input is still working, and if so maybe Don would like to try it so you could send it direct to him?
My soundcard only uses toslink or normal rca to the dac, I don't even own a coax digital cable or coax device except my SEG.
Sadly I Wouldn't be able to test it for RCA digital input.
jandl100
14-10-2018, 15:00
OK - I've sent Don a PM to see if he would like it forwarded on to him. Maybe he uses RCA digital, and maybe it still works!
Lawrence001
14-10-2018, 15:23
OK - I've sent Don a PM to see if he would like it forwarded on to him. Maybe he uses RCA digital, and maybe it still works!
I'm sure he will have a CD player with a coax and if not he's welcome to bring it to mine for a listen.
jandl100
14-10-2018, 17:30
Don says he needs a TOSLINK connection, so unless anyone else fancies a crack at the coax input I'll ask Rob to return the xs to me.
Don says he needs a TOSLINK connection, so unless anyone else fancies a crack at the coax input I'll ask Rob to return the xs to me.
If there are no takers for the XS I would like to try the WE tube...
donmarrese
14-10-2018, 20:52
Hi guys...not good for me, but I know Lawrence wants a crack of the whip, maybe mebob could send it down the road...to Lawrence? Jerry/mebob ur calls...and btw, Jerry ur a top AOS player!
Sent from my ONE A2003 using Tapatalk
jandl100
14-10-2018, 21:15
Hi guys...not good for me, but I know Lawrence wants a crack of the whip, maybe mebob could send it down the road...to Lawrence? Jerry/mebob ur calls
Yep, I'm fine with that.
If Lawrence wants to send meBob his address, please can Rob send it on to him. :thumbsup:
jandl100
14-10-2018, 21:17
... then when I get the XS back from Lawrence I'll send the WE valve on to Tony Intenso.
Lawrence001
14-10-2018, 22:26
Actually, I don't need to try it, I'm more than happy with what I've got, I was just trying to help Don out. Thanks for asking though.
Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk
jandl100
15-10-2018, 06:29
OK then - back to me, Rob!
fatmarley
15-10-2018, 06:55
I have a DAC 01a and if this improves/ removes the ‘glare’ that’d be fantastic.
I know a very cheap and easy way to remove the glare but it does involve a soldering iron.
jandl100
15-10-2018, 07:02
What glare? :scratch:
+2 I almost raised that but couldn't be bothered.
Could be a wind up since it is non-existent, I thought:)
Lawrence001
15-10-2018, 15:54
To be fair, a number of people have commented on some variability in the sound of these.
Hello Jerry,
I'll send the dac back to you tomorrow.
When it arrives I would test the dac with both coax and toslink again, there's an outside chance it might be an incompatibility issue with my soundcard?
Many thanks for the loan,
Rob
Dulce Tones
16-10-2018, 07:44
What glare? :scratch:
Well my only direct comparison is with using my Musical Fidelity
A3.2. There’s a bigger soundstage with the XS and a bit more ‘lively’
but also lacks a little composure I think.
Obviously there’s a few people upgrading the valve and I’m sure it must
be for a good reason.
I’ve heard the expression of glare associated with these and it seems to fit,
not a glaringly bad but...
Dulce Tones
16-10-2018, 07:55
I know a very cheap and easy way to remove the glare but it does involve a soldering iron.
Yes, I’d be interested to know what this modification is please. :thumbsup:
cant say ive noticed any glare on mine, although upgrading the valve from the stock one is a big plus. The pre amp mod needs 2 jumpers moved.(they are together at the back). some of the capacitors can also be changed(Alan Firebottle did this) but i am happy enough with mine tbh.
Obviously there’s a few people upgrading the valve and I’m sure it must
be for a good reason.
Only to see what gains are to be had by replacing a cheap Chinese valve. Twas me that found the WE 396A in the first place for use in this DAC (at least amongst people on this forum - I am not claiming greatness here;)).
TBH I rate my Xiang Sheng as sonically better than my Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista SACD player (long gone now).
I don't use it BTW it is just a spare. But it is a great spare DAC.
fatmarley
17-10-2018, 19:51
Yes, I’d be interested to know what this modification is please. :thumbsup:
PM sent.
donmarrese
18-10-2018, 22:07
Yes, I’d be interested to know what this modification is please. [emoji106]Could you possibly share the mod?
Sent from my ONE A2003 using Tapatalk
Idlewithnodrive
19-10-2018, 05:48
I've got one of the Firebottle modded ones, fitted with a Telefunken valve and rather splendid it is, too.
fatmarley
19-10-2018, 19:31
Could you possibly share the mod?
Sent from my ONE A2003 using Tapatalk
I should have said that my dac is the more expensive Xiang Sheng DA-03A so I guess there could be a difference in the sound. When I heard the word "Glare", I assumed it was the dacs fault because that's one word I would have used to describe mine.
Regarding the mod - If you DON'T find the dac has a bit of glare or is a bit thin or bright with the opamp output then you may not like the result, but even then,
you may find it actually gives a more meaty sound (bigger bass, better, more realistic midrange IMO). It doesn't make the sound soft, so don't worry about that. I'd actually argue that it makes it sound like a more expensive dac, and in my system it's a large improvement. I didn't like the valve output but can't remember if I
tried an upgraded valve (knowing me, i'd be very surprised if I didn't)
I also need to explain my background - In 2002 a number of us started playing with replacing components in the Naim preamp circuit over at pinkfishmedia (at a later stage we experimented with regulators and various circuit modifications). I learnt a lot from endlessly trying different components, but the main thing I learned was that there's a synergy between components/circuit mods and regulation. Get the matching wrong and the amp could sound anything from bright, dull, grey or if you were lucky it could sound very good. I must of spent thousands of pounds on components and years of my life on this hobby, it was an obsession that's now been replaced with loudspeaker design.
If you take a standard Naim preamp and ONLY replace all the coupling caps with film caps, it will sound bad. If you take an Onix OA21 amp and replace the single
coupling cap with film, it will also sound bad. This is also the same with the budget Cambridge Audio AM1 amp (Been there, done that). Lots of even very expensive hifi equipment use electrolytic coupling caps as standard, this has nothing to do with price and everything to do with sound quality and synergy IMO.
If you ask on any diy hifi forum if it's a good idea to use electrolytics for coupling you will be told to avoid them like the plague and yet subjectively, electros often
sound far better (depending on the ones chosen).
There are better ways to upgrade the Xiang Sheng dac but it's expensive, complicated and you risk breaking it. My suggestion is very cheap (about £2) and only
involves replacing two capacitors.
Not all electolytics sound the same, i've tried Silmics (soft), Nichicon Muse KZ (similar to film, so can sound bright or great), BC128 (can also sound bright) plus loads of others but the most neutral sounding caps i've tried, in a system that film don't work are the Nichicon FW (standard for audio). For film caps i've tried everything from cheap polyester to very expensive Mundorf Silver/Gold/Oil.
All you need to do is replace the 2.2uf film caps with Nichicon FW (standard for audio). They are inbetween the valve and transformer. looking from the front they are on the top left hand side. A pair of caps will cost about £2 delivered from ebay. If for some strange reason you don't like it, it's easily reversable.
fatmarley
19-10-2018, 21:00
Just had a look in my dac and I can see I replaced the caps with 4.7uf not 2.2uf, knowing that going too small can give less bass, I played it safe and went with 4.7uf 50v.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.