Finally, a DAC that challenges the P-3A Turbomod - the ECD-1

audioengr · « **on:** 29 Jun 2004, 02:42 am »

Empirical Audio is pleased to announce our Turbomod for the Electrocompaniet ECD-1. This is the first DAC to approach the performance of our Turbomod Perpetual Technologies P-3A.

The ECD-1 DAC with the Turbomod (our world-class designation) embodies what music reproduction is all about. It transforms the listener from a critical listener into an enjoyment listener.

ECD-1 Turbomod is $800 plus shipping

Modded Superclock2 adds $450 or
Modded SuperTurboclock adds $600

See details at the Component Mods page of:
http://www.empiricalaudio.com

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #1 on:** 29 Jun 2004, 03:46 am »

OK Steve, I've got to ask, what's the difference between the SuperClock2 and the SuperTurboClock2 ? ....Thanks !!

audioslave · « **Reply #2 on:** 29 Jun 2004, 03:57 am »

Wolf, the superturboclock2 comes with a wastegate and an intercooler

oh, wait, this is not the import tuner auto forum. MY BAD!

zybar · « **Reply #3 on:** 29 Jun 2004, 04:01 am »

$150

George

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #4 on:** 29 Jun 2004, 04:23 am »

Quote from: zybar

$150

George

u know i was going to write that myself in ( )

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #5 on:** 29 Jun 2004, 04:25 am »

Quote from: audioslave

Wolf, the superturboclock2 comes with a wastegate and an intercooler oh, wait, this is not the import tuner auto forum. MY BAD!

tuna....what tuna

...better ask doug.....

audioengr · « **Reply #6 on:** 29 Jun 2004, 05:26 pm »

The SuperTurboclock2 adds a really really fast comparitor that reduces jitter even more and restores the symmetry of the clock.

zybar · « **Reply #7 on:** 29 Jun 2004, 05:31 pm »

Steve,

Should we wait for the "SuperDuperTurbo" model?

GW

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #8 on:** 30 Jun 2004, 01:11 am »

Steve,

Am I gonna' have to fork over another $600 for a SuperDuperClock upgrade just to enjoy another 2 days as top dog DAC with the MSB?

Stop working so hard, or only mod inferior DAC's; I was hoping to have the crown for another few days, at least.

I got a shootout with Bian Cheney's / VMPS all conquering Krell/Wadia combo...am I gonna' have to bulk up beforehand?

audioengr · « **Reply #9 on:** 30 Jun 2004, 04:41 am »

John - The MSB still holds the crown.

Just make sure that everything is well warmed-up before any listening starts - and watch out for differences in the volume levels. Best thing is to use a test disk with a tone with each setup to set the same volume.

zybar · « **Reply #10 on:** 30 Jun 2004, 09:41 pm »

Steve,

I was reading through your list of modifications:

Mod Details

Replace 12 rectifiers with FRED's
Upgrade the bulk decoupling caps to Black Gates
Upgrade and add high-frequency decoupling caps to analog section
Improve power delivery to DAC chip
Improve DAC PLL filtering
Rewire long analog signal traces with Perfect Crystal Silver wire in
Teflon
Eliminate the hum
Improve the post-DAC analog filtering
Replace the input selector with a low-impedance chip
Match the input impedance to 75 ohms
Add high-performance pulse transformers
Optional modded Superclock2
Optional modded SuperTurboclock2

and I had a few questions:

1. Match the input impedance to 75 ohms - is the input impedance set to 110 ohms for the balanced input as well?

2. Upgrade the bulk decoupling caps to Black Gates - did you try any other caps? I have heard good things about VH Audio's new caps, could they be an improvement over the Black gates?

3. Replace the input selector with a low-impedance chip - Did the input selector issues get fully resolved? Will ALL inputs be available and upgraded?

I look forward to hearing Wolfy's unit at my place in a few weeks.

Thanks,

George

audioengr · « **Reply #11 on:** 1 Jul 2004, 02:04 am »

Quote

1. Match the input impedance to 75 ohms - is the input impedance set to 110 ohms for the balanced input as well?

2. Upgrade the bulk decoupling caps to Black Gates - did you try any other caps? I have heard good things about VH Audio's new caps, could they be an improvement over the Black gates?

3. Replace the input selector with a low-impedance chip - Did the input selector issues get fully resolved? Will ALL inputs be available and upgraded?

The input impedance for 110 ohms AES/EBU is screwed-up, just like on all Electro gear that I have seen...

Chris' new caps could be nice, but they are for replacing coupling caps that are polystyrene or polypropylene. The Black Gates are electrolytics for power delivery. Different purpose and different characteristics. They would not work well in this application.

The input selector issues I believe are resolved by a new chip from Maxim semiconductor. All inputs will be available and matched to the correct impedances. This requires 3 pulse transformers and three terminators, the new selector and some additional mucking-around.

The selector that is used on the stock unit is actually designed out of spec. The input voltages exceed the parts specs, which could degrade its operation over time, but it probably wont.... This will be fixed after the mod.