[Jon L]

I bought this DAC for $300 including shipping to me before tariffs, and I wish I had bought five!  There are different versions with only two PCM1794, older AKM chip, with LED meters, etc, so one has to dig through the details.   

PCM1794 is a great-sounding chip, and this DAC uses FOUR of them, and in stock form, it sounds super smooth, rich, with nice bass foundation, essentially a favorite among those who abhor ESS Sabre DAC sound and want a more "analogue" sounding DAC.  One would be very happy to have this stock sound at this price and stop right here, but it is possible to turn it into a super-sounding DAC!

Step one.  Just ignore the fact there is a tube in here.  The 6N3P tube is just a buffer, tacked on at the end of all the internal components, also requiring the tube-buffered signal to go through the additional large Evox capacitors.  Sure, if your system sounds impossibly sterile, dry, etc, the tube harmonics may help, but sound loses resolution and neutrality.  This DAC already sounds smooth and analogue before the tube buffer, so just take the tube out and abolish the temptation to spend $$ to "upgrade" those large output capacitors to boutique parts.

Step two.  Because you will need the $$ you saved to buy what makes the largest difference, Sparkos SS2590 Pro discrete opamps.  I have tried virtually every opamp, discrete and even paralleled, and the Sparkos SS2590 Pro just supercharges this DAC to another level.  The bad news is that SS2590 is expensive and is a single opamp, so one will need four of them, two on adapters, to replace each of two stock OP2604AP dual opamps in the balanced XLR output stage.  Good news is, the third OP2604AP opamp used to convert balanced to RCA signal can simply be taken out of the socket because you will want to use the excellent XLR outputs. 

I have the tank-like Gustard X26 Pro DAC and Chord Qutest currently, and there is no option to change the output stage.  The Gustard has impressive build quality with all-discrete output stages already, but one cannot change the output sound.  For the XiangSheng, the SS2590 IS the output stage, and component quality here has a huge effect on sound character, a tweaker's dream!  One will need to use multiple opamp risers or extender to fit the SS2590 on the board.



Step three.  Great supporting cables such as "Dragon" XLR cables and Xangsane all-silver USB cable will just push the goodness higher.  With these steps, the resulting sound is breathtaking.  Some DAC's favor one range over others, such as powerful bass but less so in treble or midrange, or vice versa.  This DAC, with SS2590, features powerful and equal energy behind treble, midrange, and bass, so the sound is extremely detailed from top to bottom yet also superbly balanced and musical.  It feels like one can hear truly deep into the recording mix without getting ear fatigue from misbehaving peaks.  Micro and macro dynamics along with bass rhythm and punch are exemplary.  Most of all, the all-important male and female vocals are to die for, analogue, vibrant, colorful without coloration. 

SOTA digital these days tout the latest ESS, AKM chips, exclusive FPGA programming, or expensive R-2R resistor arrays, most costing $$$, but the old stalwart like Burr-Brown PCM1794 in quad-mono mode pushing signal through powerful output stage like Sparkos SS2590 Pro can and will embarrass some of them 

[mresseguie]

Cool write up, Jon!

$300 plus opamp upgrades sounds like a great deal.

[Stercom]

Amazing value for a quad PCM1794 DAC. I'm guessing the Chinese dual discrete OP8802 op amps would work well in this DAC. There are about $100 for a pair. Thats what I'm using in my Douk Audio stuff. Much cheaper than Sparkos.   

[Jon L]

Amazing value for a quad PCM1794 DAC. I'm guessing the Chinese dual discrete OP8802 op amps

What's OP8802 sound characteristics?   

I have received some inquiries, and before one tries to buy the XiangSheng DAC, make sure to:
1.  Confirm in writing (explicitly labeled in Ad or in messaging) that the version being ordered has Four PCM1794.  2x1794 version is cheaper. Buy the cheaper version without the front UV meters (why?) and cheaper bluetooth (I took the antenna off). 
2.  Take into account the current tariff situation.  Most of these vendors will state they are "not responsible for duties," so that might be another ~$50 in tariffs to pay once the package arrives in U.S.

[Stercom]

What's OP8802 sound characteristics?   

I have received some inquiries, and before one tries to buy the XiangSheng DAC, make sure to:
1.  Confirm in writing (explicitly labeled in Ad or in messaging) that the version being ordered has Four PCM1794.  2x1794 version is cheaper. Buy the cheaper version without the front UV meters (why?) and cheaper bluetooth (I took the antenna off). 
2.  Take into account the current tariff situation.  Most of these vendors will state they are "not responsible for duties," so that might be another ~$50 in tariffs to pay once the package arrives in U.S.

In my Douk Audio equipment the OP8802 are warmer with a much larger soundstage than the stock op amps. 

As to the tariffs, don't believe the statement in the Chinese ads that "import duties are included" or something to that effect. I've had to pay about 25% of the declared value. With DHL, for example, they gave me notice one day before the delivery date to pay the tariffs or the item would be "held" and if not paid eventually sent back to China. If you allow that to happen good luck trying to get a refund!

[Jon L]

In my Douk Audio equipment the OP8802 are warmer with a much larger soundstage than the stock op amps. 

As to the tariffs, don't believe the statement in the Chinese ads that "import duties are included" or something to that effect. I've had to pay about 25% of the declared value. With DHL, for example, they gave me notice one day before the delivery date to pay the tariffs or the item would be "held" and if not paid eventually sent back to China. If you allow that to happen good luck trying to get a refund!

Yeah, many of these class A discrete opamps will have that warmer sound.  I think I'm good with my other class A opamps already.

DHL seems to be the main one that emails you to pay duties a day before scheduled delivery.  This happened to me recently on some cables, so I paid the duties.  However, depending on the specific seller, it is sometimes possible to message the seller on Aliexpress that you want refund on the duties you paid DHL if the seller Ad page stated Price "includes import duties."  In my case, the seller actually paid me back the duties I paid DHL through Aliexpress dispute process    If your purchase is recent, you might try that.

[Stercom]

Yeah, many of these class A discrete opamps will have that warmer sound.  I think I'm good with my other class A opamps already.

DHL seems to be the main one that emails you to pay duties a day before scheduled delivery.  This happened to me recently on some cables, so I paid the duties.  However, depending on the specific seller, it is sometimes possible to message the seller on Aliexpress that you want refund on the duties you paid DHL if the seller Ad page stated Price "includes import duties."  In my case, the seller actually paid me back the duties I paid DHL through Aliexpress dispute process    If your purchase is recent, you might try that.

Good to know! Its been over a month since my last purchase so I'll leave it alone for now but may bring it up in the future if it happens again.

[JakeJ]

I have scoured any posts I can looking for the dimensions of the DAC.  Only the weight is listed.  Can you post a set of measurements of the unit itself?  Thx, Jake.

[ketchup]

I have scoured any posts I can looking for the dimensions of the DAC.  Only the weight is listed.  Can you post a set of measurements of the unit itself?  Thx, Jake.

Specs are listed here:
https://www.aliexpress.us/w/wholesale-XiangSheng-DAC05AII.html?spm=a2g0o.home.search.0

width 330mm, depth 220mm, height 70mm

[JakeJ]

Thanks.  Does have a smallish footprint.

[Stercom]

I just ordered one of these. The total was $257 since AliExpress has discount coupons running right now. The seller says to expect $48 in tariffs. So I'll be right at the $300 price point. I'll drop some OP8802 op amps in it and see how it sounds. Thanks again, Jon.

Here is the link: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808785758215.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.2679180252DN0g&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

[JakeJ]

Question: I have a quad of John Hardy 990C+ opamps from a failed Mivera Audio DAC attempt.  They are the pro style pinout.  However I plan to get a set of the Sparkos SS2590's also.

Can I use them in this DAC using this?  With a riser?





PDF on the 990C+: http://www.johnhardyco.com/pdf/990.pdf

[Jon L]

Can I use them in this DAC using this?  With a riser?

Only thing I see is 990C (single) seems much taller than Sparkos SS2290 (single), so you might have to do something to bridge the top and bottom boards together if the connectors don't shut all the way.  Or, it could work fine with the connecting pins not 100% closed.

[Jon L]

I just ordered one of these. The total was $257 since AliExpress has discount coupons running right now. The seller says to expect $48 in tariffs. So I'll be right at the $300 price point. I'll drop some OP8802 op amps in it and see how it sounds. Thanks again, Jon.

Oh, why not, I ordered another XiangSheng DAC since I do have another set of Sparkos SS2590 Pro's en route to me anyway. 

OP8802 probably sounds great but is often described as having a "relaxing" treble, which XiangSheng already has.  So if they don't synergize well, yeah the SS2590..