[Bill O'Connell]

These just arrived yesterday.
 DSD capable



 I've only had a day with the Supreme but I can tell you it sounds wonderful in all the audio frequencies.
$1350 shipped to your door.
 Call me at 847-255-1150 for details.

 Thanks,
 Bill

[dburna]

Would you post some of the technical/implementation information?  Is this a refinement of previous EE DAC(s)?  Or is this a wholly new design?  What DAC chip is used, etc?

Thanks,  -dB

[ajayrav]

Is this the same chassis size as before?

Thanks,
Ajay

[Bill O'Connell]

Sorry for the late reply but my wife and I were gone overnight.

New Design still using the Sabre 9018 DAC chip.

Chasis size is about 2 inches wider and 2 inches deeper
 Digital front readout


 We also have made a USB only DSD capable DAC using the Sabre chip called the Junior. $850

[loving_it]

Is there a sheet on these dacs for more info ?

[Bill O'Connell]

USB Signal Type: PCM,DSD
Frequency Response: 15Hz - 32KHz
Sampling Rates: 32 bit 32KHz, 44.1KHz, 48 KHz, 192KHz,352.8KHz, 384KHz
 Dynamic Range: 130dB
Digital Input Impedance: 75ohm
Output Impedance: Tube:22K,  Solid State 10K
Output Voltage: Tube:3.2V +/- 0.5dB   Solid State: 2.8V  +/- 0.5dB
S/N Ratio: Tube 92dB,  Solid State 98dB
THD: Tube 0.4%  Solid State 0.01%
 Power consumption: 12W
 14 3/4 X 11 3/4 X 3 1/2 dimensions

[Bill O'Connell]

Some specs for the Junior DAC.

DSDPlay Back
ESS 9018 DAC chip channels paralleled

When the DAC JUnior detects a DSD signal, the DSD will light up to indicate it is playing a DSD file.

DSD Indications:
DSD+44.1 = DSD64 (2.8M)
DSD=44.1 + X2 = DSD128 (5.6M)

 PCM Play Back
PCM Indications:
44.1KHz = 44.1KHz
48KHz = 48KHz
44.1KHz X2 = 88.2KHz
48KHz X2 = 96KHz
44.1KHz X2 X4 = 352.8KHZ
48KHz X2 X 4 = 384KHZ

[werd]

Whats the VA size of those transformers?

[Bill O'Connell]

Each Transformer is 30VA

[werd]

Looks good thanks!

[jimiles]

Looks fantastic!  Are the op amps still socketed?  (I couldn't quite tell from the picture)  The larger case looks like a modder's paradise! 

[jimiles]

Order placed     I'll post some initial impressions once the unit arrives.  I already ordered up the Psvane 12AU7 and a HiFi Tuning fuse so we can get the tweeking under way. 

[PeteG]

Did you find out if the op-amps are socketed.

[jimiles]

After a few days of burn-in, things are shaping up nicely 

I've got it leashed up to an Eastern Electric m520 that I re-capped with Mundorf SGO.  My source is an Empirical Audio Off Ramp 5 w/ Paul Hynes power supply and regs. Power is courtesy of a PS Audio PPP.  Speakers are full range DIY affairs using Tang Band W8-1772 drivers.

My initial impression is loads and loads of detail on top with plenty of articulate bass. Midrange is neutral and not euphonic. On that note, the tube and solid state outputs sound similar. The tube output gets my nod, though. The bass is plumper and there's slightly more tone/texture. Having never owned the either of the previous Minimax units, I don't have any real frame of reference to make a comparison, though.  I can't imagine anybody being disappointed; it's a sweet machine!

I haven't lifted the hood to start the modding party, so I don't know about the opamps yet.  Hi-Fi Tuning Supreme fuse is in and sounds as advertised. Those are on sale at Parts Connexion right now, btw. Psvane tube is still on the way. Burson has new op-amps out, too...and unlike the old ones these appear as though they might fit under the hood.

More updates as things progress, though I foresee the need to move this party to its own thread...as it's likely to be more about modding that about the stock unit, which is shaping up to be outstanding in its own right. 

Party On!
Jake

[jimiles]

Did you find out if the op-amps are socketed.

The op-amps are indeed socketed: NE5534 singles and NE5532 duals.  Coupling caps are 3.3uF Eastern Electric branded MultiCaps.  Whatever you plan to do, you've got 1.625 inches (~41mm) from the surface of the board to the bottom of the lid.  You'll want to double check that clearance; I was measuring with a relatively blunt instrument.

The only obvious difference between the production unit and the picture EE stock photo is a full shield around the USB board.

Party On,
Jake

[Vulcan00]

Regarding the display.

Color? ( look orange?)  About what size is it and can you estimate the max distance where you are comfortable reading it?

[Nick77]

Any updates Jake? Midrange come around?

[GregC]

I am curious if this DAC supports 176.4 KHz and DSD over PCM?

[jimiles]

Any updates Jake? Midrange come around?

About year down the road, I'm still extremely pleased.  The whole spectrum, midrange included, is better after implementing the basic plug-in mods.  The DEXA op-amps are a quantum leap forward from stock, and a Pavane tube is also mandatory. I finished the first round of modding with a Hi-Fi tuning fuse. 

What did not go to plan were the ClarityCap MR 3.3uF 400v coupling caps.  They won't quite fit with lid on, and I'm not interested in running topless.  It looks like V-Cap OIMP might fit, though.  I'd love to hear from anybody who has tried those in a MiniMax. 

Speaking of the second round of mods, has anybody upgraded any of the voltage regulators? 

[Rocket]

Hi,

Are the voltage regulators socketed like the opamps in the eastern electric dac?  Is it recommended to replace the coupling capacitors with better quality.  I thought Multi Caps were quite a good capacitor?

Cheers Rod