A look at the improvements provided by upgrading the ES9038 DAC. FFT images are shown with an SDS1202X-E 200Mhz scope.
I also included a comparison of FIR filter responses
A look at the improvements provided by upgrading the ES9038 DAC. FFT images are shown with an SDS1202X-E 200Mhz scope.
I also included a comparison of FIR filter responses
HL tears the ES9038 DAC down to the bones for a full hardware upgrade! In stage 1 of upgrades, I worked on the analog side of the board, replacing nearly all the stock parts, including: resistors, DIP-8 sockets, and capacitors. The results have been impressive, giving a much more reference leaning tone. (ELNA SILMIC Super Gold included)
A look at the design process for the upcoming HL THD Tester for capacitors. I will be using SPDT or SPST switches to allow a variety of capacitances. Resolution depends on quality of reference arm, but measuring down -160dB, is easily achieved.
After spending weeks trying to figure out why I was getting random noise, coming out of my digital equipment, I found the cause. I noticed that it kept coming through, with nearly every op-amp. I figured out my DIP8 socket (on the ES9038 DAC) was faulty. It feels like it has lost all pin tension. The larger op-amps, especially those with lifted DIP8 adapters, tended to fall out of the socket. The review should be out in September. This is mainly due to the number of op-amps involved in the testing process. Which is also why, these sockets are very important.
I also acquired an UpTone Audio IsoRegen, as this is a must for HiFi on a Home-HPC. This totally isolates the USB 2.0 line from the power supply in the computer itself. This is something I had been wanting to get for a while. Got lucky and found one for less than half the normal cost. It looks to be barely used, with the stock power supply, all in great condition.
A short preview of the upcoming Sparkos Labs SS2590 review. This is part of Sparkos Labs “Pro Series” of discrete op-amps. I will be comparing them against Burson Audio’s V6-OPA and two of Orange Amplification discrete op-amps. Full review expected by July 4th.
Tore down the AU-517 once again, to get at the Power & Protection circuit. I made a mistake in replacing the 10D7C silicon diodes and hoping this fixes the relay issue.
HL Component Catalogs Catalogs and Data books Added: 200+Number of Brands: 45 I finally found the time and had all the pieces together again, to be able to share a lot of my vintage catalogs, handbooks and more! I hope that this helps some people find what they are looking for. A couple of years […]
How to Video on Converting SMD components to Full-Size. Op-amp and capacitors upgrades are shown.
Edit: 7/26/19 I got these molded last night (myself, at home) and must say, I was shocked at the difference (a word I rarely use on this site, except in the literal sense). I was expecting bass to improve, but it improved way more elements than that! Expect a full review in about a week, […]
An overview of how I changed my BYOC ESV 2 Knob Bender into a modular design with regard to capacitor swapping.