$75.00 Sharp SD-EX111 : SOLD OUT

staggerlee · « **Reply #201 on:** 11 Mar 2005, 10:02 pm »

What is the difference bewteen the sd-ex111 with 5.6MHz and the 2.8 MHz on the ex-220.Does this have somthing to do with the amp or cd player?Is this audible?The 220 claims 80 wpc into a 4 ohm load...Hell I may spring for 2 of those..I have the ex-111 hooked up to a pair of Acoustic Energy Asprit 300cs and am very impressed,...

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #202 on:** 11 Mar 2005, 10:33 pm »

Quote from: staggerlee

What is the difference bewteen the sd-ex111 with 5.6MHz and the 2.8 MHz on the ex-220.Does this have somthing to do with the amp or cd player?Is this audible?The 220 claims 80 wpc into a 4 ohm load...Hell I may spring for 2 of those..I have the ex-111 hooked up to a pair of Acoustic Energy Asprit 300cs and am very impressed,...

Hi Staggerlee,

The 5.6MHz / 2.8MHz has to do with the switching speed of the sigma-delta amplifier section (similar technology as DSD...used by SACD).
It has nothing to do with the cd player section.

In theory, the higher switching speed is better, but I've only heard the 5.6MHz unit (EX11) and not the 2.8MHz unit.

Regards,

suits_me · « **Reply #203 on:** 12 Mar 2005, 05:05 am »

nature boy, I was responding to staggerlee's original question about the amazon units with the lower sampling rate and the included mini speakers, but I didn't quote him 'cos I was just down the page from him.

I will have to start using the topics since last visit, because I missed the posts about there being hail mary units of the 111 at overstock.

BTW, overstock $10 off coupons are at dealmac dot com now. In the coupons link last I looked...these things expire quickly though.

KT · « **Reply #204 on:** 13 Mar 2005, 04:08 am »

Quote from: Vinnie R.

Hey guys,

...the stock built-in CD player in the Sharp sounds really good! It uses a Burr-Brown 96kHz, 24-bit DAC, separate DAC board that is fully enclosed in metal casing (shielded), and a separate voltage regulator dedicated for DAC chip.

Vinnie,

I've compared the built-in Sharp CD player with my Scott Nixon DacKit/ Rega Planet transport combo.

Your'e right - the-built in player sounds really good. I've only used the built-in CD player for 15 hours or so, but it sounds big, warm, and dynamic.

The DacKit, in comparison, sounds more refined, is better at creating a sense of "anticipation" and drama, and gives a better sense of air around the instruments. The DacKit, however, sounds more recessed with vocals and is not as exciting in terms of dynamics and rhythm. It's more refined, but not as pacey as the Sharp.

The Sharp is very big and upfront, but still open. It's just very slightly rough right now, but hopefully this will work itself out with more play.

I like the DacKit for more of an intimate and insightful feeling and sound. Really nice on acoustic music, music that showcases the sound of a venue or environment, and rock that isn't too dependent on huge dynamic swings or an insanely propulsive beat. The Sharp is better for hiphop and propulsive rock, as well as music with prominent studio vocals (OutKast sounds more "right" with the Sharp, as does Nina Simone).

I'm happy with both, but more surprised that the Sharp CD player turned out to be quite a good one. Maybe it'll improve more with further burn-in... let's hope!

KT

JackStraw · « **Reply #205 on:** 13 Mar 2005, 04:21 am »

Eric, how many views does your thread have now?

Just giving you a hard time, big guy. Thanks for starting the thread that led me to this great deal.

My SD-EX111 arrived today, packed pretty darn well by Overstock.com I must say. It was definitely not an obviously returned repeated repack like some have mentioned. I'm listening now using a pair of RAD Micros -- it's kind of silly what kind of sound can be achieved for a couple of hundred bucks these days.

tyee · « **Reply #206 on:** 13 Mar 2005, 04:41 am »

My latest arrived in only the original SHARP box (not double boxed). Look like a factory seal, unlike my first.

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #207 on:** 13 Mar 2005, 05:33 am »

Quote from: KT

Vinnie,

I've compared the built-in Sharp CD player with my Scott Nixon DacKit/ Rega Planet transport combo.

Your'e right - the-built in player sounds really good. I've only used the built-in CD player for 15 hours or so, but it sounds big, warm, and dynamic.

The DacKit, in comparison, sounds more refined, is better at creating a sense of "anticipation" and drama, and gives a better sense of air around the instruments. The DacKit, however, sounds more recessed with vocals and is not as exciting in ...

KT,

Great post...very insightful! I pretty much feel the same way

BTW, is your DacKit running off of battery power, or a 12V ac/dc power supply? Just curious...

Glad you are enjoying the built-in cd player in the Sharp. It is a terrific value! I wonder how it would sound if I took the output of the CD player section and sent it out (before it reaches the preamp stage) to another amp

It does use all-linear power supplies

Regards,

KT · « **Reply #208 on:** 13 Mar 2005, 07:05 am »

Vinnie,

I am using a 12v SLA with my SN DacKit.

I think the sound of the DacKit can vary somewhat within the parameters of the topology simply because the parts are not standardized (being a kit and all).

I purchased my kit from Scott about 3 years ago shortly after he introduced the first 2.5" single sided board (original board was 2" with no holes for mounting). I think the critical circuitry is the same today with some upgrades to the board and layout.

At that time, Scott offered a upgrade parts package which included all Blackgate caps for electrolytics, which is what I got. The input caps, though, were a pair of small .01uF caps that look like small light-blue cubes. Resistors were a generic metal film.

With the exception of replacing the stock output resistors with Vishays, I put the DacKit together with these parts and it sounded very nice. Then I read a thread about how the input caps on the digital interface can influence the sound. I had some .01uF MIT RTX caps lying around, so I replaced the small blue cubes with these, also replacing an associated 75ohm resistor with a Riken.

The sound did change - it became smoother, more involving, and slightly mellower. More listenable, but did this take a little away from the pacing? Hmmm.... I did get that impression on first listen.

This parts swap also had the effect of producing a "cushion of air" effect in the presentation of the acoustic environment. I imagine this is what people must mean when they say "a blacker background," but I'm not sure. It was almost like the performers were playing in a soft environment vs. a hard one.

So this is what I'm comparing the Sharp CD player to. Maybe these DacKit input caps need a little more burn-in - I know for sure the Sharp CD player needs more burn in. I'll report back if thing changes significantly.

All-in-all, though I'm very glad I have the Sharp. What an incredible deal!

Best,
KT

ooheadsoo · « **Reply #209 on:** 15 Mar 2005, 05:35 am »

I just got the sharp today. Due to time constraints and logistics, I haven't hooked it up to my main rig yet (computer) but I'm listening to the cd player. It doesn't sound bad. It's definitely better than my sony scd-ce775's redbook playback. Right now, the biggest issue is that the treble is much more shrill and metallic than my computer rig through my JVC RX-ES1SL. There also isn't much soundstage depth. I'm eager to hear what will happen when I connect it to my computer.

Someone please tell me that the shrill treble is the cdplayer and not the amp. Or that it will break in and get smoother? Develop a deeper soundstage?

dave_c · « **Reply #210 on:** 15 Mar 2005, 08:04 am »

ooheadsoo - what are you using in your computer rig?

J@ck · « **Reply #211 on:** 15 Mar 2005, 12:55 pm »

One little question, can the Sharp display the current time instead of different input modes? (AUX, CD...etc?)
I have checked the manual but didn't find it.
Thank you.

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #212 on:** 15 Mar 2005, 01:04 pm »

Quote from: J@ck

One little question, can the Sharp display the current time instead of different input modes? (AUX, CD...etc?)
I have checked the manual but didn't find it.
Thank you.

Jack,

I'm not sure about the time of day, but it can display the CD track time if you want

ooheadsoo · « **Reply #213 on:** 15 Mar 2005, 04:18 pm »

I'm running an emu 1212m on my computer. I'm expecting my new dac to come in about two weeks I guess. It's a NOS diy roots dac, costs around $1k fully modded.

dave_c · « **Reply #214 on:** 15 Mar 2005, 05:34 pm »

Not to get too off track, but I'm running a 1212 as well and I think it's sounding pretty good! Just made some custom VenHaus Pulsar's with 1/4" Neutriks and copper Bulletts. It was an easy build for some nice gains. I think the shielding really helps out in that environment.

nature boy · « **Reply #215 on:** 16 Mar 2005, 12:55 am »

Three more available on e-Bay for $105.86 + $12.70 for shipping as of 7:54PM EST tonight. The seller has a 99.6% positive feedback rating. I have no connection with seller just trying for find a few more for interested Audio Circle members.

Here's the link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14883&item=4358672474&rd=1&ssPageName=WD1V.

NB

justpoor · « **Reply #216 on:** 16 Mar 2005, 04:22 am »

And one more here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=5761039226&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

eric the red · « **Reply #217 on:** 16 Mar 2005, 04:33 am »

I just received another one from Overstock today factory sealed and double-boxed for shipping. Put your email address in the box on the web page and they will notify you if any more come in. 13370 hits and counting

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #218 on:** 16 Mar 2005, 04:42 am »

Quote from: eric the red

I just received another one from Overstock today factory sealed and double-boxed for shipping. Put your email address in the box on the web page and they will notify you if any more come in. Keep those cards and letters coming...

FWIW,

I have two brand new EX111's here that I would sell with mods. I bought these a few weeks ago...boy did they all sell fast!

It's all Eric's fault, GET HIM!

KT · « **Reply #219 on:** 16 Mar 2005, 04:46 am »

Ooheadsoo,

Play your amp for a while and things will smooth out. I'm not familiar with the EMU dac. Is it a good one?

Jack,

I was hoping the Sharp would display the time, too, but alas, it only shows the time for something like 10 seconds when you cycle throught the time commands. Then it reverts back to the source info.

It would have been nice to use it as a clock.

Best,
KT