AudioCircle
Industry Circles => ModWright Instruments (MWI) => Topic started by: modwright on 6 Mar 2018, 05:23 pm
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Which DAC would you want a mod for?
It does not necessarily have to be a tube mod and could be more reasonably priced.
I am simply looking for a product that is popular and that could be improved.
If there is a product that enough people agree on, then I would be very interested in developing mod(s) for it!
Thanks,
Dan
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May sound crazy, but the little iFi Micro DSD DAC is 1/2 of the way to being great right out of the box. I've heard one used in several systems, and the only thing it really lacks (which is an important 1/2 to me) is an ability to create a lifelike 3 dimensional soundstage as a top tier DAC can. Perhaps you could get it closer?
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Thanks, I will check it out!
Dan
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:D How about Sony ubp X800 or x1000 es?
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Very small form factor unit. What is the level of interest in this unit from everyone else?
Thanks,
Dan
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Bryston BDA3... it is already great, would be interesting to see what you could do
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Hey Dan,
I initially thought about modding one of the fairy inexpensive Chinese DACs with a tube output stage, upgrades to power supplies, etc. However they are in the same relative price point as the Sonica DAC so I'm not sure that makes much sense. How about going in the opposite direction and putting a tube output mod on a Schiit Yggy?
Todd
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Hey Dan,
I initially thought about modding one of the fairy inexpensive Chinese DACs with a tube output stage, upgrades to power supplies, etc. However they are in the same relative price point as the Sonica DAC so I'm not sure that makes much sense. How about going in the opposite direction and putting a tube output mod on a Schiit Yggy?
Todd
The Sonica has been out of production for several months now, so I don’t think it’s something to consider going forward.
As far as Schitt, my personal opinion would be that Dan’s time is better spent on modding something from a mass-market manufacturer, rather than another small specialty manufacturer like he is. If you want a better Schitt, ask Schitt to build you one; they probably would.
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Very small form factor unit. What is the level of interest in this unit from everyone else?
Thanks,
Dan
Sorry to dominate this thread, but personally I don't have interest in modded disc players, only dacs. I used to have one of your modded Sonys but wasn't using it after I got a server going.
.......my personal opinion would be that Dan’s time is better spent on modding something from a mass-market manufacturer, ......
Agreed. Don't know if a $500 dac can get a $500 mod and be more than a $1k dac, or if that's enough to be worth your efforts? I've been at a couple meet ups where the iFi dac bested some Sabre chip dacs that sell for $2k +.
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The Project S2 Digital DAC. Hits sweet spot of known brand, decent performance, well reviewed, modest price, and just the marketing of a modded Pro-ject anything would get typical audiophiles excited.
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Thank you! Indeed the Project products are reasonably priced and I agree that this could have potential. As always, I am looking for good quality products that represent very good value to start with. My goal then is to simply elevate their performance significantly, to the point that the modified unit ALSO represents exceptional value AND World Class performance.
I will look into it and post my thoughts!
Take care,
Dan
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Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I will look into the Bryston also. Agreed about the Schiit products. I am looking for something mass produced and inexpensive that I can make great and uniquely ours.
Dan
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Ditto for the Pro-ject S2.
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The project DAC or something in that $500 price range is very interesting. To do what I would want to do, the mod would be in the $1K range. Now the question would be of course, at $1500 net investment, how good would it be?
Well, our $2500 mod to the $1300 Oppo UDP-205 blows people away with a net $3800 price tag. People telling us that it CLEARLY betters standalone sources at over $7600+!
So, the question is then, is a $1K tube mod for a $500 DAC of interest?
I am thinking of a mod that would include a completely separate box, including power supply and tube stage, ideally even an improved 5V digital supply for the DAC. I would expect there to be a simple 'bypass' mod to the DAC that would route the simplest and cleanest signal directly from the DAC to our new design, in a separate enclosure. Given the size of the Project DAC (small), I would anticipate a secondary enclosure that the DAC could sit directly ON, so as to not require extra shelf space. No outboard high voltage supply either. The mod enclosure would have RCA inputs (low level) from DAC and RCA/XLR outputs (line level) out from the mod stage. AC power cord in and a 5V supply output connector to match the stock project supply cable.
Ideally very short RCA cables would connect the DAC to our mod stage and these cables could be ANY design type. I.e. you could have your favorite cable mfr. make very short custom cables for you.
This concept is very interesting to me and, could be applied, in theory, to a number of different DACs of small form factor, with similar power needs. I.e. a minor change made to the DAC itself (possibly could be switched on/off - i.e. stock to modified output) and the bulk of the work would reside in the separate mod enclosure. In fact, in an ideal world, this DAC-Mod module, would be designed such that it could be inter-changed with other DACs...again in theory.
Let me know what you think of this idea! The possibilities here are endless, as is the sonic potential!
Thanks,
Dan
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How about something different like upgrading phono preamps? There are quite a bit of inexpensive phono preamps in the $200-$500 range. I would love to see what my Bellari VP-129 phono pre could do with upgraded power supply, caps and resistors.
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That is also a possibility. To be honest, however, it doesn't make good business sense for us to do mods that are less than $500. A $500 mod for a $250 phono stage may not make a lot of sense. If I am wrong, please let me know. If there are other phono stages that are popular also, that people are interested in mods for, I am all about it!
I would rather do more than just cap and resistors upgrades. That is easy and does make a difference! However, the REAL magic comes when we re-engineer what are clearly weaknesses in the stock design. Often this does not require the cost of fancy parts alone and makes a MUCH bigger difference! Combine the two of course and then you really have something!
If there is a phono stage or stages that people are interested in, please let me know!
Thanks,
Dan
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There are plenty of nice Phono pre's in the $400 to $1K range from Pro-ject, Rega, Clear Audio, Vincent and Jolida that may be worth a look. It would be worth it if they could be modded to compete with $1500K and up gear. Although DAC's make more sense.
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Well, this is true. I am also planning to release a phono of our own design, in the $1250-$1500 price range after our < $3K design is released.
Thanks,
Dan
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Mytek Brooklyn
Gustard X20u
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Mytek is on my radar also! I have an idea that may allow for a ‘universal’ tube mod to different DACs.
Thanks,
Dan
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Well, this is true. I am also planning to release a phono of our own design, in the $1250-$1500 price range after our < $3K design is released.
Thanks,
Dan
This is what I'm waiting for !!!!!!!! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
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And it will be great!
One box with wall watt type supply (optional upgraded supply also). Hybrid SS/tube design with dip switches for loading and simple design. Emphasis will be on sound quality, MM and MC.
Thanks!
Dan
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May sound crazy, but the little iFi Micro DSD DAC is 1/2 of the way to being great right out of the box. I've heard one used in several systems, and the only thing it really lacks (which is an important 1/2 to me) is an ability to create a lifelike 3 dimensional soundstage as a top tier DAC can. Perhaps you could get it closer?
+1
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The iFi DAC could easily work with the proposed mod solution that I am thinking of!
The solution I am thinking of would work with a variety of DACs and players.
The areas that we would address include:
Power to the DAC.
Replacement of the stock analog stage with our own.
Ideally the modification to the actual unit would be minimal, with most of the work being done in the external ModWright mod enclosure with its own high voltage supply.
Potential candidates that I see now include:
Project DAC
iFi DAC
Sony UBX1000ES Universal Player
More to come....SOON!
Thanks,
Dan
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Bluesound Node 2 or the Vault 2. I know they are streaming devices, but the DAC portion could be improved.
(One would think).
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The Benchmark DAC3 HGC DSD DAC
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I am supposed to get a Bluesound Node 2 in the mail at some point. A dealer has asked me about modifying it and I said I would look into it, but it has not been sent yet.
Thanks,
Dan
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would the musical paradise mp-d2 mkII or soon to be mkIII be too large?
http://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=61&product_id=95
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Interesting design. I have not seen it before. Any reviews or has anyone posted any feedback about it yet? The design looks good!
Thanks,
Dan
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Interesting design. I have not seen it before. Any reviews or has anyone posted any feedback about it yet? The design looks good!
Thanks,
Dan
Hey Dan, this DAC has some decent feedback posted, the ability to swap out DAC cards and also easily swap out the caps seems to have drawn quite a bit of interest:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=148213.0
https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=42058
Todd
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Hey Dan, this DAC has some decent feedback posted, the ability to swap out DAC cards and also easily swap out the caps seems to have drawn quite a bit of interest:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=148213.0
https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=42058
Todd
some more feedback.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/musical-paradise-m2-d2-ak4490-balanced-dac-reviews.802557/
http://www.audioshark.org/computer-digital-audio-11/musical-paradise-mp-d2-ak4490-xmos-balanced-dac-dsd-dop-384khz-11049.html
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It certainly looks interesting. How long has it been in production? I need to know that a product has longevity and a reliable track record before I consider modifying it.
Thanks,
Dan
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Have you considered looking at a DAC that's already a top performer, but is solid state? I'm thinking something like the Auralic Vega. It has a huge reputation, it's been around a while, and they just came out with a new gen 2 model.
I can say this, as a tube lover, the Vega is the only SS DAC I've been able to use in my system and enjoy. It would make a great foundation to put in some mods especially a nice tubed output. And if the Vega mods go well, you could expand to other models they have, like their digital streamer the Aries (also just came out with a G2 model). Auralic already has a huge, built in customer base that would be good to tap into.
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That is a good point and I understand that it is a very good DAC.
I believe it is a $3K DAC? Are people willing to invest another $1K-$3K in mods for it?
Thanks,
Dan
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The universal Mod with your own analog stage sounds very interesting.
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That is a good point and I understand that it is a very good DAC.
I believe it is a $3K DAC? Are people willing to invest another $1K-$3K in mods for it?
Thanks,
Dan
G2 Vega is $5400 list. So yeah. But I was thinking that people who already had the G2 Vega might be looking to go to "next level", without having to spend $13k to go up to a MSB Analog DAC (or more!!)
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OK, well I think that the Universal Mod design will be the direction that I will pursue initially. The beauty of it, is that it could be used with a number of different products to mod, from DACs to players.
The process would be the same: To extract the lowest level, cleanest and purest signal straight from the DAC in the unit to be modified. Then feed it via very short cables to our mod product. Our Mod 'product' would provide the upgraded analog stage with analog filtering and also a digital supply to feed DACs with outboard wall-wart type supplies.
This Universal mod approach could apply to a lot of products.
I will make something up and then start with an inexpensive candidate, such as the Project or iFi DAC.
The Auralic DAC would also be a candidate, as well as a $500 Universal Player.
Thanks,
Dan
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It certainly looks interesting. How long has it been in production? I need to know that a product has longevity and a reliable track record before I consider modifying it.
Thanks,
Dan
looks like it's been out since the end of 2014. been thru 2 versions with the mkIII to be released the end of july.
seems he manufactures in batches since the mkII has been sold out.
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OK, thanks.
Dan
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Hi Dan,
Sent you an email about the MP-D2 for possible upgrades.
Thanks,
JakeJ
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I replied. Please call me at 360.247.6688.
I am anxious to get going on it!
Thanks,
Dan
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What about Teac UD/NT 503/505 series?
These even have an optional master clock CG-10M
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It sounds like you're talking about what I'd think of as a tube buffer. Correct?
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OK, a bit of an update:
I have a Musical Paradise D2 DAC here and I have a direct and highly beneficial mod developed for it. In stock form, with 6922 tubes and this unit has AKM DACs, it is good but not great. It just seems a bit forward and somehow lacking in overall cohesion, soundstage and depth.
I first studied the circuit, using the 6922 in this case and the power supply. I decided that the operating bias point chosen by the designer is not ideal and I have addressed this. The result is VERY good and makes a BIG difference!
The power supply design is good, but simple. High voltage is used, presumably to allow for the use of many different tubes. I like the 6922 tube and so my mods for this DAC will focus on the use of this tube. The transformers are isolated from the audio circuitry via steel enclosure which is good and a choke is also used in the HV supply. My next step will be to replace a simple RC main filter with a discrete high voltage regulator. I expect this will make another significant difference in the performance. When I am finished, I expect this DAC to sound FANTASTIC!
RE TEAC designs. I have looked at their offerings and they do offer good promise! I am continuing to study them.
RE the Universal Mod box, it is much more than a tube buffer. It would essentially be the mod analog stage that we install in our existing Oppo 205's, or very similar, but will be in one box, including the supply. It will provide analog filtering, gain and buffering and possibly include a volume control and analog input. As such, it could potentially serve as Digital source mod and line stage to the amp. The digital mod input would ideally be a low level signal, post DAC output, before analog filtering and stock op-amp circuitry. Our mod box would take this signal and provide filtering, gain and buffering. The digital source would serve as digital processor, but would hand off analog duties to our mod box. This would involve a minor change to the source, providing a stock analog stage path to its stock outputs and a switched output, that takes the lowest level signal after the DAC, out to separate outputs to feed our mod box.
I hope this all makes sense and gives you all an idea of the direction that we are pursuing. I am still looking for a good candidate for the Universal Mod box (a better name to follow...). Ideally a DAC with DSD, Roon, MQA capability, etc.
I will announce mod offerings for the Musical Paradise DAC 2 for those who are interested. This design offers tremendous value for the money and I believe can be made to be great, with a few simple and cost-effective re-design and changes.
Thanks and I look forward to hearing more from all of you.
Dan
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Dan, I also own a Musical Paradise MP-D2 DAC. I happen to own some 6H30-DR NOS tubes, will these be able to be used? If I have to I could use my Voskhod 6H23n tubes instead of the 6922 tubes, but would greatly prefer using the 6H30-DR tubes instead! Any ballpark idea of what your mod for the Musical Paradise MP-D2 DAC will cost?
I'm listening to A Place For Me by Margot Roi
Thetubeguy1954 (Tom Scata)
Central Florida Audio Society -- SETriodes Group -- Space Coast Audio Society -- Full-range/Wide-range Drivers -- Front & Back-Loaded Horns -- High Sensitivity Speakers
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Thanks for the clarification on the universal mod box. It took me a couple reads of that paragraph to realize what you're talking about is a mod for just about any dac. To be perfectly clear though, it would require internal mods to my dac. Correct?
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s for the mod to the MP-D2 DAC, I would say the mod will be in the $750 range, depending on parts quality and scope.
Thanks,
Dan
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As for the 'mod box' for lack of a better name at this point, ideally, the DAC or player would have a simple mod done to it also, yes. This would take out the low level signal right at the DAC, to a switch and separate set of outputs. This would allow you to compare the sound of the stock outputs to the modified sound through our Universal Mod Box (UMB).
Thanks,
Dan
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Dan,
Does your mod on the MP-D2 include replacing the stock volume control? If so, which volume control models are available that will fit inside the case?
Regards,
Michael
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Seems like your best bet is to find a popular budget brand where people already know there are trade-offs for lower price, but the stock performance, engineering and chassis is good quality.
If you pick too cheap a brand, you risk having to do too much and pricing yourself out of their budget. Plus, the performance level may be capped by them being too cheap in certain areas.
If you pick a too high dollar/high performance piece, then you risk diminishing returns and less improvement to be noted.
Personally, I'd look into modding Emotiva gear. There is tons of it out there and the existing performance is respectable... especially for the price. Even a certain owner of big high end company admits to having Emotiva gear in his home theater system, and without naming names I've noted it in other esoteric Audiophiles systems too.
It might not be that hard to get a schematic from them which I'm sure if another important part of the equation.
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Regarding the emotiva, I was interested, but then I talked to a custom who had two units with bad drives and his friend also had issues. I won't modify something that I know does not have a good track record for reliability.
Yes, it has to be the right price/performance and build to be ideal for mods.
Thanks,
Dan.
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RE the MP D2 DAC, I didn't respond about the use of 6H30 tubes. The unit I have here is using 6922's and the customer wants to stick with them, so I am optimizing it based on that. If all units are the same, then I have to think that the 6H30 is also biased at a range that would not sound good for that tube, but I would have to test it with the tube that the customer prefers to use.
As for the VC, I am not really sure what type it is. Space appears to allow for all but the biggest stepped attenuators. Something such as a Goldpoint or DACT could fit. In that case, I would just ask that the customer send in the VC that they want installed and I would charge labor to do so.
Thanks,
Dan
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Dan,
I asked about VC because I have heard two differently modded MP-D2 DACs (different tubes and caps) that had the stock VC. I really like this DAC but it’s weakest point is the stock VC.
I don’t have much experience with VCs. My preamp uses a 64 step Khozmo. Would this fit inside?
Michael
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I would need a depth dimension to be sure.
Dan
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TEAC designs👍. Others are already modding with great success. They have however delayed USA release of their latest DAC, the NT-505.
NB
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Thanks, I will look into their offerings and see what we can do.
Dan
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TEAC PD-501HR or NT-503 Mods?
It looks like a couple of options, but I have little experience with Teac products.
Input welcome.
Dan
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How about the Benchmark 3?
Lots todo there. Headphone, pre amp, phono and DAC. A better sounding Brookland.
Steve
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NT-503 is the one Dan.
NB
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OK, the Benchmark 3 is a possibility, as is the TEAC 501.
I am looking for a product that is widely used and for which there is a good demand for a mod.
The Mytek DACs are also very interesting!
Thanks,
Dan
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Looking at Chinese DACs I found few brands that could be of interest:
Gustard
LKS (LKS Audio MH-DA004)
Audio GD
Matrix
Holo Audio
There is plenty more but I think the price should be contained around under 2.5k.
I would be quit interested in a LKS Audio MH-DA004 Modwright solid state work
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The LKS unit does look interesting. I have to be honest though, I am leary of products that are designed and made in China from small independent companies. What about drivers, updates and support? I don't want to have customers spend a lot of money modifying a product if it is not supported in terms of firmware updates, technology etc. I don't want our customers to have an out of date unit that cannot be updated, at least in terms of technology.
Having said that, I know nothing about this company in particular. I am working on a Musical Paradise D2 DAC right now and it is nicely made and our mods are pointed, worthwhile and make a very nice improvement.
I was able to pursue a mod of the scope that we did for the Oppo units because I knew that we had excellent support from Oppo.
Actually, looking at each of these brands, the prices are very good and the feature set and designs look fantastic. However, again I just don't know anything about these companies.
Can anyone give me more information about the longevity of these brands and products?
Thanks,
Dan
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I don't know about the LKS hardware (or the company) but would imagine they use a generic driver (the driver is here - https://www.shenzhenaudio.com/l-k-s-audio-mh-da004-dual-es9038pro-flagship-dac-dsd-input-coaxial-bnc-aes-ebu-for-dop-usb-i2s-optical-audio-decoder.html)
http://www.mu-sound.com/files/MH-DA004.pdf
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https://positive-feedback.com/industry-news/exasound-network-audio-server/
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https://positive-feedback.com/industry-news/exasound-network-audio-server/
Nice unit and $14,000
"
Item Description Unit Price
PPDM v.1.0 PlayPoint DM Dual Mono D/A converter and Network Audio Server US $14,000
Finishes: Silver, Black, Zebra
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Dan,
I asked about VC because I have heard two differently modded MP-D2 DACs (different tubes and caps) that had the stock VC. I really like this DAC but it’s weakest point is the stock VC.
I don’t have much experience with VCs. My preamp uses a 64 step Khozmo. Would this fit inside?
Michael
Dan,
Here are the dimensions of the Khozmo 64-step VC:
The dimensions are
W56mm
H46mm
L60mm
Regards,
Michael
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I don't know about the LKS hardware (or the company) but would imagine they use a generic driver (the driver is here - https://www.shenzhenaudio.com/l-k-s-audio-mh-da004-dual-es9038pro-flagship-dac-dsd-input-coaxial-bnc-aes-ebu-for-dop-usb-i2s-optical-audio-decoder.html)
http://www.mu-sound.com/files/MH-DA004.pdf
Indeed, most chinese audio gear companies will use generic drivers.
I still own a fully functional Shanling CDT100 which had some modifications done.
I do believe a DAC should have a long life span and if build properly, can be repaired by a skilled technician.
It might be difficult to get spare parts if these also integrate some streaming hardware.
As for the software, if it is generic drivers with the XMOS or the AMANERO (some use this USB input tech) there is nothing to worry about. Not more than a EU or US company than will end support on a legacy product.
Dan I understand your concern about customer support.
Ultimatly we customers must accept that support cannot be for decades which digital products when complex hardware needing software compatibility is involved. Driver less solutions solve that kind of issues though.
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I appreciate that and need to learn a bit more about these drivers to insure that this is in fact the case. The biggest problem is tech obsolescence. The hardware is typically fine, but if the drivers are not available, it is no good!
Thanks,
Dan
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Dan,
Per the previous posting about DAC options, especially from China...
I have the Audio-Gd R2R-2 DAC, which is a ladder resistor DAC, because, well, I always wanted to hear how an R2R DAC sounded.
This model sounds fantastic! Full disclosure, most folks run this unit on Non-Over-Sampling (NOS), but i think the sound is better with the Oversampling (OS) engaged. Actually, I am stunned at how good this sounds. Not as good as your Oppo 205 mod, mind you, but really excellent, and under $1K US.
That said, having purchased a decent amount of gear direct from China over the years (but mostly, as you can attest, I buy US), most units are one-and-done designs, and I have not seen a whole lot of longevity and stability in product production, in general. Not saying this about Audio-Gd in any way, because I have zero experience with them until a week ago. The much heralded designer, Mr. He Qinghua, known as Kingwa, produces high quality gear at affordable prices.
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/audiogd/1.html
Dan, you mentioned you did not have much experience with the list of DACs from China, so I thought i would mention that my experience with this DAC is quite good. BUT your comment about needing consistently and reliability available gear is well taken. You might want to reach out to the firm and see what their plans are...
Bill C
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Thanks Bill, I am aware of this company and have heard good things about the designer! This has good potential! Thank you for suggesting this, I will investigate further!
Dan
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Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital Preamplifier and DAC
Has anyone heard this unit or have any experience with it?
The specs indicate that it has all of the digital Horsepower that I would want to make a TRULY GREAT tube DAC, less the analog stage. This is the kind of product that would suit the Universal Tube Mod product that I am thinking of.
Please let me know if anyone has experience with this. DSD, MQA, Dual SABRE Ref. DACs and a very low price!
Thanks,
Dan
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Dan,
Per the previous posting about DAC options, especially from China...
I have the Audio-Gd R2R-2 DAC, which is a ladder resistor DAC, because, well, I always wanted to hear how an R2R DAC sounded.
This model sounds fantastic! Full disclosure, most folks run this unit on Non-Over-Sampling (NOS), but i think the sound is better with the Oversampling (OS) engaged. Actually, I am stunned at how good this sounds. Not as good as your Oppo 205 mod, mind you, but really excellent, and under $1K US.
That said, having purchased a decent amount of gear direct from China over the years (but mostly, as you can attest, I buy US), most units are one-and-done designs, and I have not seen a whole lot of longevity and stability in product production, in general. Not saying this about Audio-Gd in any way, because I have zero experience with them until a week ago. The much heralded designer, Mr. He Qinghua, known as Kingwa, produces high quality gear at affordable prices.
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/audiogd/1.html
Dan, you mentioned you did not have much experience with the list of DACs from China, so I thought i would mention that my experience with this DAC is quite good. BUT your comment about needing consistently and reliability available gear is well taken. You might want to reach out to the firm and see what their plans are...
Bill C
I had the top line Audio gd preamp and amp, the build quality on both units was outstanding. And I'm pretty jaded about stuff like that. I'd still have it but I moved away from SS gear and toward tubes. But for SS, it sounded great.
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Thanks for that!
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The Pro-Ject DAC looks like it has tremendous potential. I would be very interested in seeing what could be done with this.
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I have a unit slated to be in hand by Tues. I am very intrigued with the affordable possibilities here. It has PHENOMENAL the features and I am confident that we can make it great without a huge coset!
Thanks,
Dan Wright, President
ModWright Instruments Inc.
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The Project S2 has impressive credentials, do you think you can do much inside, or more likely add an external box?
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I was considering pulling the trigger on the Project S2 for my desktop system, but I prefer sending a balanced XLR signal to my studio monitors.
Also I need two sets of outputs. XLR for the studio monitors, and RCA to the sub.
There doesn't appear to be much room inside, any chance of adding XLR outs?
(https://www.stereophile.com/images/styles/600_wide/public/118project.dac_.jpg)
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The Pro-Ject DAC looks like it has tremendous potential. I would be very interested in seeing what could be done with this.
It looks a lot like the Oppo Sonica feature set without the streaming
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Yes it truly does! This is why I am so interested!
Dan
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It is almost certain that any work will require another box. Ideally one of similar size to sit over/under or beside the DAC.
I agree, there is no room inside the unit, but if the bones are there, then we can do a lot!
Dan
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Dan, I just saw the Pro iDSD DAC from iFi Audio, perhaps too expensive but has switchable tube/SS outputs.
Kemper
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I saw it too! Looks quite interesting. I am eager to learn more when people get them.
Thanks,
Dan
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I have a Project PreBox S2 DAC with SABRE DACs, DSD and MQA playback!
Aside from being physically TINY, the sound is good and the potential is huge!
Any mod that we do will involve a separate enclosure, ideally of similar profile as the Project box, but larger in at least one dimension I expect.
More as I get into it!
Dan
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I have a Project PreBox S2 DAC with SABRE DACs, DSD and MQA playback!
Aside from being physically TINY, the sound is good and the potential is huge!
Any mod that we do will involve a separate enclosure, ideally of similar profile as the Project box, but larger in at least one dimension I expect.
More as I get into it!
Dan
:wink:
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This has probably been mentioned, the Musical Paradise MP-D2 AK4490 has a big chassis, now optional AKM or Sabre chips, tube rectified and tube output stage, it could have a lot of what you do in a massageable package, base price $900.
Kemper
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And the Mk III version with updated USB module and improved power supply is coming soon. This info supposedly supplied by Gary was posted on the CAM forum.
The MP-D2 Mk3 rumor mill. Coming to your favorite online supplier end of July 2018
New upgraded USB board with DSD 512 capability. Other clocking refinements. A DSD 512 file is roughly about 5 times the size of a 24/192 wav file. There is quite a bit more number crunching involved.
New motherboard allowing PCM 192 on coax. Also upgrades and changes to power supply regulation.
New firmware to optimize the new boards.
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Hi guys, RE the Musical Paradise DAC, I actually have MP D2 DSD DAC here, with AKM DAC chips, Mundorf coupling caps and USB input.
I am shipping the first unit today, with the following mods:
Re-biased tube analog stage (optimized for 6922 driver tubes) and replaced signal path resistors with Tantalums.
Revised power supply operating voltage as part of bias revision.
Added our own SS High Voltage Regulator circuit to provide rock solid regulated B+ to the tube output stage.
Bypassed the B+ and regulator rails with MWI custom capacitors.
It sounds MUCH better than stock now!
It is actually a well designed and built DAC. In stock form, I found the soundstage to be too diffuse and the tonal balance off. When I looked at operating bias and where the 6922's were operating on the tube curve, I could see that they were operating in a VERY non-linear region. Once this was resolved, alone, things got much better! I then added our own SSHVR (Solid Stage High Voltage Regulator) with MWI bypass and the B+ became VERY clean and VERY tight!
This translated to tighter and better defined bass and control across the frequency spectrum. The combination now, of proper operating bias, upgraded tube signal path resistors and regulated supply, gives the music a controlled but natural and organic flow.
I am very pleased with the result!
Finished photos to follow.
Thanks,
Dan W.
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I am going to be digging into the Project S2 DSD DAC also this week. I will first post photos of the TINY and well designed unit!
Thanks,
Dan
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Dan, Great news about the Musical Paradise mod! Can you give an estimate of the cost, and some info comparing it to perhaps a 205 MW?
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hello dan, which version did you do the mod on, will the mod work on the original akm 4490, mkII , or upcoming mkIII ?
again price? :)
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This unit has the AKM DACs and USB input. Not sure exactly which model that is, but I doubt that the tube circuitry is really any different for the MK II vs MKIII.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=181601)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=181602)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=181603)
The mod as shown, with re-bias, MWI cap B+ bypass (on bottom of audio PCB), and MWI SSHVR (Solid State High Voltage Regulator).
I did compare it to an Oppo 205 and I was pleasantly surprised to find the sound with our mods to be on the same level as the modified 205. There are some tonal differences, but the level of sonic performance was right on par! Both mods use the 6922 tube and both are optimized for a similar operating point on the tube curve.
I am very pleased and excited with how this turned out! Please contact us if you are interested in learning more.
Mod Price: $500 + shipping.
Thanks,
Dan Wright
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I run mine in set mode so I only have 2 upgraded tubes and 2 upgraded caps. will the mod work if you are not using balanced?
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=181604) Here is a pic iof the mkI insides.
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This looks virtually identical to the unit I just modified. The USB board is a different color, perhaps a different rev. The coupling caps are also different, but I can tell that the audio PCB is the same.
Thanks,
Dan
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And the Mk III version with updated USB module and improved power supply is coming soon. This info supposedly supplied by Gary was posted on the CAM forum.
The MP-D2 Mk3 rumor mill. Coming to your favorite online supplier end of July 2018
New upgraded USB board with DSD 512 capability. Other clocking refinements. A DSD 512 file is roughly about 5 times the size of a 24/192 wav file. There is quite a bit more number crunching involved.
New motherboard allowing PCM 192 on coax. Also upgrades and changes to power supply regulation.
New firmware to optimize the new boards.
+1
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Dan,
Per the previous posting about DAC options, especially from China...
I have the Audio-Gd R2R-2 DAC, which is a ladder resistor DAC, because, well, I always wanted to hear how an R2R DAC sounded.
This model sounds fantastic! Full disclosure, most folks run this unit on Non-Over-Sampling (NOS), but i think the sound is better with the Oversampling (OS) engaged. Actually, I am stunned at how good this sounds. Not as good as your Oppo 205 mod, mind you, but really excellent, and under $1K US.
That said, having purchased a decent amount of gear direct from China over the years (but mostly, as you can attest, I buy US), most units are one-and-done designs, and I have not seen a whole lot of longevity and stability in product production, in general. Not saying this about Audio-Gd in any way, because I have zero experience with them until a week ago. The much heralded designer, Mr. He Qinghua, known as Kingwa, produces high quality gear at affordable prices.
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/audiogd/1.html
Dan, you mentioned you did not have much experience with the list of DACs from China, so I thought i would mention that my experience with this DAC is quite good. BUT your comment about needing consistently and reliability available gear is well taken. You might want to reach out to the firm and see what their plans are...
Bill C
Bill, you're 100% correct! Kingwa's gear is very impressive for the $$$$ spent. In fact, I owned the Audio-gd Reference 7.1 DAC that John Darko liked so much in this review: https://darko.audio/2011/04/audio-gd-reference-71-dac-8-x-pcm1704uk/ But I sold the Audio-gd DAC to purchase the Musical Paradise MP-D2 and I never regretted doing so. The MP-D2 is simply a better sounding DAC IMHO or at least in my audio system which consists of a YBA Genesis CD4, CDP (used strictly as a transport) a Musical Paradise MP-D2 tubed DAC, a 135LB, 40W/ch, Mastersound Reference 845, integrated, SET amp and Beauhorn Virtuoso speakers with Lowther PM5 drivers using Ticonal magnets. Dan, I cannot wait for you to complete your Musical Paradise MP-D2 tubed DAC mod!
I'm listening to A Paul Simon Songbook by Bill Cunliffe
Thetubeguy1954 (Tom Scata)
Central Florida Audio Society -- SETriodes Group -- Space Coast Audio Society -- Full-range/Wide-range Drivers -- Front & Back-Loaded Horns -- High Sensitivity Speakers
===============================================================================
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I am very impressed with the Musical Paradise DAC. What they have accomplished for the asking price is quite good! It is significantly better with our modifications. Our mods simply take a very good product and make it great!
I hope that our first customer, who will be receiving it today, will share his impressions.
Thanks,
Dan
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dan, since you optimized the mod of the musical paradise for 6dj8 tubes, if I decide to put some 12au7's in will the dac also sound better or revert back to stock sound or worse ?
same goes for caps since you has mundorfs installed ?
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Hi and good question.
The caps will not be impacted by the mod. If you put different caps in, it will sound different, and you may prefer Mundorf or another cap.
As for the bias and voltage, I honestly would have to test it with a 12AU7, once optimized for the 6922. The bias voltage and operating point for the 12AU7 would certainly be different than stock, but I am not sure where it would end up. The next unit I modify, I will let you know.
I have mods being scheduled already today, so I will soon be able to tell. To be clear, I did modify the first unit specifically for use with 6922 tubes. That doesn't mean that it won't work well with 12AU7 tubes also, but I need to verify.
Thanks,
Dan
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Musical Paradise D2 DSD DAC Mods: $500
RE-Bias tube stage for optimum operation (for tube type) and upgrade signal path resistors.
Revised high voltage to be compatible with new tube operating point.
Add MWI high quality bypass caps to B+ supply - none present in stock unit.
Install MWI's own Solid State High Voltage Regulator (SSHVR) circuit for tightly regulated high voltage supply to tube plates.
The result is a huge improvement in sonics. Tighter and more controlled bass. Lower distortion, bigger and better soundstage as well as focus. Overall tonal balance is more natural and accurate, while still providing the beauty of tubes.
We are now taking mod orders and scheduling start dates.
Please call: 360.247.6688 or email modwright@yahoo.com if interested.
Thanks,
Dan Wright
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Hi All,
I'm the first to have my MP-D2 modded by Dan so I plan to write a comparison of it to the "stock" sound and my Metrum Acoustics HEX. I missed UPS yesterday so I'm hoping to
I am unfortunately having some issue with my system that I believe is due to worn out tubes in my preamp. I hope to isolate the problem tonight and resolve it before the weekend. If tubes are bad then it's unlikely that I'll get replacements before this weekend. Wish me luck.
Jake
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Hi All,
I'm the first to have my MP-D2 modded by Dan so I plan to write a comparison of it to the "stock" sound and my Metrum Acoustics HEX. I missed UPS yesterday so I'm hoping to
I am unfortunately having some issue with my system that I believe is due to worn out tubes in my preamp. I hope to isolate the problem tonight and resolve it before the weekend. If tubes are bad then it's unlikely that I'll get replacements before this weekend. Wish me luck.
Jake
Hi, Jake.
I hope you resolve your preamp issues soon.
I'm delighted to learn your MP-D2 is Dan's first. I've heard your DAC at Greg's place and I liked how you had modded it. I'm very interested in your impressions of this newest mod.
Michael
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Dan, I was wondering what you'd think about the sony TA-ZH1ES ?
Great unit, but a bit sqeezy in it.
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Nice looking unit, but pretty small inside. This is a desktop piece, yes? I first thought it was portable, but it is clearly too big for that and relies on AC power.
What kind of mods would be of interest?
Thanks,
Dan
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guys that are getting your musical paradise dacs upgraded please chime in with your thoughts after you get them back.
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Dan,
This is the current D2 MK2 main board and I think you'll find the changes compatible with your mods. The main difference is the plug in upgradeable DAC modules and some minor layout tweaks.
Pete
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=181841)
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I too am anxious to hear.
The new board layout looks great! And yes, our mods will still very much apply.
Thanks,
Dan
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Hi All,
I'm the first to have my MP-D2 modded by Dan so I plan to write a comparison of it to the "stock" sound and my Metrum Acoustics HEX. I missed UPS yesterday so I'm hoping to
I am unfortunately having some issue with my system that I believe is due to worn out tubes in my preamp. I hope to isolate the problem tonight and resolve it before the weekend. If tubes are bad then it's unlikely that I'll get replacements before this weekend. Wish me luck.
Jake
+1 waiting to hear what you think about the mod! :)
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Hi All,
I'm the first to have my MP-D2 modded by Dan so I plan to write a comparison of it to the "stock" sound and my Metrum Acoustics HEX. I missed UPS yesterday so I'm hoping to
I am unfortunately having some issue with my system that I believe is due to worn out tubes in my preamp. I hope to isolate the problem tonight and resolve it before the weekend. If tubes are bad then it's unlikely that I'll get replacements before this weekend. Wish me luck.
Jake
Jake,
Your dac already sounded very good the way you had it set up before. I was impressed with it and look forward to your thoughts on the new mods Dan has done.
I think it's time for us to think about another G2G so we can all listen to the new gear we have accumulated. Of course seeing the great people is the most important part :thumb:
Dan, don't you live in WA. State down South yourself? Maybe you could join us some time?
Take Care,
Greg
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Yes, I live just north of Battle Ground. I would be happy to join you guys.
Thanks,
Dan
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Yes, I live just north of Battle Ground. I would be happy to join you guys.
Thanks,
Dan
Dan, I live in Bothell so a bit of a drive for you. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say it would be great for you to join us sometime. I will come up with a new date and let you know along with posting it on our audio thread we have here.
Greg
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That sounds fantastic! I can bring a few things for you all to check out also.
Thanks,
Dan
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Dan,
Any way to keep the tube rectifier with your mods for the MP D2?
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Yes of course, the tube rectifier remains in circuit.
Dan
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Ok. I thought your SS voltage regulator did away with it.
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No, still tube rectified, we just add a SS voltage regulator.
Thanks,
Dan
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This stabilizes the rectifier voltages so it operates properly?
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Nice looking unit, but pretty small inside. This is a desktop piece, yes? I first thought it was portable, but it is clearly too big for that and relies on AC power.
What kind of mods would be of interest?
Thanks,
Dan
Depends on what can be done.
I will keep an eye on your exploration on which DAC you like and what you could do with it.
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Hi Dan
Do you currently offer a mod for the Marantz NA11S1 DAC Network Player?
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=181956)
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To JakeZ, sorry for not replying sooner. The rectifier (tube or SS), rectifies the AC to DC voltage. After this, the DC voltage is further smoothed with R-L-C circuits, using capacitors, resistors and inductors. The purpose of the voltage regulator is to further smooth DC, but MOST importantly, it regulates the output voltage, keeping it rock-steady, no matter what happens to the incoming DC voltage.
Fluctuations in the AC mains voltage will cause the DC voltage to move up and down by some amount. In tube circuits, this results, in varying amounts of DC at the output of the tube circuit, even though it is cap coupled. The output caps do block DC, but slow moving fluctuations in DC voltage pass right through the output caps, resulting in a DC voltage that is moving up and down at the outputs. This could be 10's of mV, to 100's of mV's. This can cause problems at the input of preamps and amps, particularly if they are SS types!
When the regulator works properly, no matter what the voltage coming into the regulator does, provided it is within the headroom range of the regulator (10%-20%+ ideally), then the output voltage will not change. This allows the circuit to operate more linearly and also prevents any DC at the output of the device.
I find that this translates sonically to better bass and overall control and solidity of the sound!
I hope this helps.
Dan
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Regarding the Maratnz, yes, we could certainly offer a tube mod for this product. It would be very similar to what we did with the Marantz SA8005 player/DAC. The analog stages in the Marantz units are all very simple and I know how to improve them significantly with our tube circuitry.
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Regrading the Pro-Ject DAC, I plan to have prototype results by next week!
The goal will be a separate box with VERY solid 5V DC supply for the DAC and a well designed tube buffer to follow the analog output from the Pro-Ject DAC box.
Thanks,
Dan
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Mornin' Gents,
Here is a link to my Modwright / Musical Paradise MP-D2 v.2 modification review.
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=158757.new#new (https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=158757.new#new)
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Some more DACs to look at:
https://www.denafrips.com/
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Very interesting! Price Points?
Dan
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Very interesting! Price Points?
Dan
go to:
https://www.vinshineaudio.com/denafrips
also a review of the Terminator here:
https://www.audiostream.com/content/review-denafrips-terminator-dac
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Impressive design and I am sure it sounds great!
Two things though:
Made in China and what is the firmware support like? I ask this because this type of DAC is ALIVE because of the programming/firmware.
I have never heard of it before. Is it well known? I don't mean in any way that it isn't a great design, I just don't know how many are out there and hence what the level of interest in mods may be.
Thanks,
Dan
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Impressive design and I am sure it sounds great!
Two things though:
Made in China and what is the firmware support like? I ask this because this type of DAC is ALIVE because of the programming/firmware.
I have never heard of it before. Is it well known? I don't mean in any way that it isn't a great design, I just don't know how many are out there and hence what the level of interest in mods may be.
Thanks,
Dan
I don't know, but here's a post from the distributor:
Hi guys,
I posted in another forum, but I thought I should share it here as well.
We have had someone in mind for months now but wanted to make sure that person was up to our standard of service. After a couple of repairs were done very well, we are happy to announce the US service center in Atlanta GA, Mike Powell Audio, a 15 year veteran in the Hifi industry with the background in modification and repair as well as design and manufacturing.
Henceforth, for US customers, you do not need to ship the faulty unit back to us. Mike offers 'white glove' courier service. All you need to do is to pack the unit back in its original packaging, tape it, and wait for the courier to pick up from your doorstep.
The turn around time is approx 1-2 weeks. Once fixed, the unit will be returned to you, door to door delivery.
Many thanks.
Sincerely,
Alvin @ Vinshine Audio
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Mike is also the owner of Verastarr, the cable manufacturer.
http://verastarr.com/
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OK, it sounds like it has good support.
Has anyone heard this unit? I have to say that I am intrigued with R2R designs and adding a tube analog stage to a fantastic digital design like this is VERY attractive to me!
Thanks,
Dan
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Dan,
I auditioned the Venus DAC. I wrote about it on AC. I returned it to Vinshine Audio with the <then> intention of purchasing a Terminator a few month later. However, life happened, and I bought a dB Audio Labs Tranquility SE DAC.
Michael
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I have a Schiit Yggdrasil and a BorderPatrol DAC USB + SPDIF. Both are R2R. The BorderPatrol is more analog sounding, especially with a Mullard EZ80 tube. The Yggy is more detailed. I like both. Since vinyl is my main media, I probably listen to the BorderPatrol the most. I find Steve Guttenberg's assessment of the DAC's to be on target.
Duane
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The project DAC or something in that $500 price range is very interesting. To do what I would want to do, the mod would be in the $1K range. Now the question would be of course, at $1500 net investment, how good would it be?
Well, our $2500 mod to the $1300 Oppo UDP-205 blows people away with a net $3800 price tag. People telling us that it CLEARLY betters standalone sources at over $7600+!
So, the question is then, is a $1K tube mod for a $500 DAC of interest?
I am thinking of a mod that would include a completely separate box, including power supply and tube stage, ideally even an improved 5V digital supply for the DAC. I would expect there to be a simple 'bypass' mod to the DAC that would route the simplest and cleanest signal directly from the DAC to our new design, in a separate enclosure. Given the size of the Project DAC (small), I would anticipate a secondary enclosure that the DAC could sit directly ON, so as to not require extra shelf space. No outboard high voltage supply either. The mod enclosure would have RCA inputs (low level) from DAC and RCA/XLR outputs (line level) out from the mod stage. AC power cord in and a 5V supply output connector to match the stock project supply cable.
Ideally very short RCA cables would connect the DAC to our mod stage and these cables could be ANY design type. I.e. you could have your favorite cable mfr. make very short custom cables for you.
This concept is very interesting to me and, could be applied, in theory, to a number of different DACs of small form factor, with similar power needs. I.e. a minor change made to the DAC itself (possibly could be switched on/off - i.e. stock to modified output) and the bulk of the work would reside in the separate mod enclosure. In fact, in an ideal world, this DAC-Mod module, would be designed such that it could be inter-changed with other DACs...again in theory.
Let me know what you think of this idea! The possibilities here are endless, as is the sonic potential!
Thanks,
Dan
If someone is buying a DAC for $500 they are obviously on a tight budget. I dont think they would pay double what they paid for the original product as an upgrade. It would make more sense to do it the other way around; a $1000 upgrade on a $2000 Dac.
I like the Tube buffer idea. A R-core or AN C-core external power suply are good.
A good XLR, stepped attenuator volume control or LDR bassed volume and a balance control addon would be nice. There are alot of Dacs that don’t have volume or balance controls. Tortuga LDR V25 Is a good example.
XLR TO Ethernet adapter would be good as well. This would turn your Dac into a network selectable node like the Roon ready devices are. Dante Ethernet to AES adapter Is a good example.
Or a USB to Gigabyte Ethernet adapter would be good too.
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The Topping D50 would also be a good contender for your new box. 5v input and very clean output. See review https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-topping-d50-dac.2403/ (https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-topping-d50-dac.2403/)
It's as low as $199 on Massdrop!
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Yes, thanks!
Dan
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Yes, thanks!
Dan
Kinda cool http://en.tpdz.net/imageRepository/92d2df6a-1a5f-488e-94d1-0cc854408761.jpg (http://en.tpdz.net/imageRepository/92d2df6a-1a5f-488e-94d1-0cc854408761.jpg)
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That is cool, thanks.
Dan