This is just a little teaser to see if there is some interest. Ori made a very fine Dac based on the Zhaolu. He also made an extremely rare few preamplifier-dac's in one units. I do not think he makes these any longer, but the last time he did, it sold for a measly $1500, which easily beat big money line stage only units. This has the dac as well, so all you need is either a source w/coax and enjoy! It features a very nice built in headphone amplifier as well. For those wondering about the differences between Ori's dac only and this pre-dac, lets just say that his dac only is a nice sounding dac, but this pre-dac is a reference level product.
I have used this pre-dac and nothing has been remotely close to challenging it. Well close enough, but no cigar, while many big money devices even of year 2012 have been made to sound greatly inferior in spite their cough cough cough, absurd pricing.
I have used a lot of computer based USB converters up to $600, all the better known Soundcards, some excellent cd/dvd/blue ray transports, and this pre-dac does an exceptional job at eliminating the need for a high end source to the contrary of other dacs that most all seem to thrive using various sources. I have never done even strict a/b testing with various sources because I can easily hear the differences between each being extremely subtle at best. This means you can use a very cheap source and get excellent sound which obviously can save a lot of money.
This operates at US voltages, but the transformer is one that could be replaced without much difficulty for those in Europe that need the different voltage type and do not want to use a step down transformer.
Only entertaining this and the market's interest at $1000, quite firm as you will have to spend multiple thousands to even match the line driving/preamplifier section of this thing, let alone have a complete unit w/dac+headphone amp that can essentially defeat the point of what source you have in use.
It is remote controlled, so no having to fuss with a master controller;).
Let me know if you are interested in this unit, and please, only serious inquiries.
