Paradisea DAC

tdangelo · « **Reply #260 on:** 14 Mar 2007, 01:58 pm »

Quote from: NewBuyer on 14 Mar 2007, 11:58 am

Just curious here: Does using a toroidal transformer make any sonic difference (vs the standard transformer)?

Also, tdangelo you mentioned the Paradisea has an output impedance of 800ohm. Are you sure of this figure? MHDT advised me the Constantine has an output impedance of 800ohm, and I had assumed the tube buffer on the Paradisea would result in an even lower output impedance. Is this reasoning correct?

Hi, I asked MHDT before I bought it and thats what he responded with

kbuzz3 · « **Reply #261 on:** 14 Mar 2007, 04:10 pm »

Quote from: kbuzz3 on 13 Mar 2007, 08:32 pm

New Owner. Just curious. Since i dont see an on off switch.

PS This thing is for real! Even with the stock tube

Please ignore my idiotic post, just saw the swtich...what was i thinking?
PS- mine is the new plus version

bpape · « **Reply #262 on:** 14 Mar 2007, 05:39 pm »

So what's different about the 'plus' version over the original?

Bryan

kbuzz3 · « **Reply #263 on:** 14 Mar 2007, 05:41 pm »

Quote from: bpape on 14 Mar 2007, 05:39 pm

So what's different about the 'plus' version over the original?

Bryan

I can confirm the usb port on the plus. Anything above that is beyone my limited technical knowlege

bpape · « **Reply #264 on:** 14 Mar 2007, 05:56 pm »

OK - thanks. Wasn't sure what all was different. I have a Paradesia myself and really like it. Haven't gotten up the guts to try some of the tweaks for it yet.

Bryan

Cacophonix · « **Reply #265 on:** 14 Mar 2007, 10:27 pm »

Quote

Just curious here: Does using a toroidal transformer make any sonic difference (vs the standard transformer)?

Same question in my mind as well ....

Jeff G · « **Reply #266 on:** 14 Mar 2007, 10:48 pm »

I emailed and asked what the changes are. Here is the response:
Paradisea+ has USB input (but w/o BNC).
Paradisea+ use LM4562 (w/ socket)
Paradisea+ use toroidal transformer.
Pics has posted
Hum issue has been solved
Caps now using Nichicon KZ series in most places
Jeff

legarem · « **Reply #267 on:** 16 Mar 2007, 05:01 pm »

WOW !!!

As I see Mr. Wu made my recommended modifications in the + version. I sended him all the informations and picts of my unit.

I would like to get rid of the hum. It doesn't really bother me but it's there when I raise the volume control.

Toroidal transformers vs EI core transformer (STD)

About my taste, the EI core transformer is better, Here is why. Toroidal transformers are wide bandwith transformers. This means that they can easily transfer garbage from the Ac line in your device. The sound seemed better each time i replaced toroidals for EI. I had great results with toroidals when I coiled the wires between transformer and diodes (choke)

As I see in the Paradisea+, there's now only one transformer instead of 2. I think that the main reason to place a toroidal transformer instead of two EI transformers is simply for cutting costs. Toroidals are easier to manufacture than Ei cores. I think that separate transformers for digital and analog section is great.

First Paradiseas had better parts quality than last ones. They really try to cut costs.

I would be glad if someone with a Paradisea+ could take high resolution pictures taken inside and under the board.

Legarem

Loftprojection · « **Reply #268 on:** 16 Mar 2007, 10:15 pm »

Hey Legarem, I was also surprised to see the toroid because I think I read comments from the designer that he had specifically selected EI because of the superior sound it could bring. Now he goes to toroid, maybe he changed something else as well to better match the new transformer! By the way I also have the first version and like it a lot. I don't have the same skills as you so mine is stock, I just upgraded to a Bendix 6385 tube

anthony a. · « **Reply #269 on:** 19 Mar 2007, 03:12 am »

i believe he changed to the toroid because many were complaining of the hum issue. perhaps he was getting more returned units and decided that it was a worthwhile "investment" to change the ps and eliminate the hum issue and sacrifice the sound quality just a bit. does anyone here actually own the new paradisea+? if so, they should try to hook up with someone in the area who has the original design and do a nice a/b of the 2. i would get the + version if it sounds the same and has eliminated the hum. the thread below is where all the complaints have been stated:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=34151.0

95bcwh · « **Reply #270 on:** 19 Mar 2007, 03:16 am »

Quote from: anthony a. on 19 Mar 2007, 03:12 am

i believe he changed to the toroid because many were complaining of the hum issue. perhaps he was getting more returned units and decided that it was a worthwhile "investment" to change the ps and eliminate the hum issue and sacrifice the sound quality just a bit.

I didn't realise that the vendor accepts return..!

By the way, there was a Paradisea+ on ebay I saw earlier today. But it's gone now! (within a few hours)

anthony a. · « **Reply #271 on:** 19 Mar 2007, 02:26 pm »

yeah, i saw that too. i think it was for $599 so price already went up 100 bucks. grrrrrr!!!

95bcwh · « **Reply #272 on:** 19 Mar 2007, 02:47 pm »

Quote from: anthony a. on 19 Mar 2007, 02:26 pm

yeah, i saw that too. i think it was for $599 so price already went up 100 bucks. grrrrrr!!!

The price went up because of the new transformer he's using.

F-100 · « **Reply #273 on:** 20 Mar 2007, 05:27 am »

Here is a picture of the Paradisea+ from manufacturer website. Quite of few changes from previous version, not to mention an extra $100 price increased too. aa

anthony a. · « **Reply #274 on:** 24 Mar 2007, 12:55 am »

someone here must of just bought one of the new ones as the auction on ebay ended quite rapidly and 2 of them are no longer available. hopefully someone can comment, im looking to get the "new" one if it sounds exactly like the "old" one but has resolved the hum issue.

bpape · « **Reply #275 on:** 24 Mar 2007, 02:04 am »

Dunno - I have one of the old ones and NO hum issues in the least. I'm not sure it's the unit as much as associated equipment, grounding, cabling, etc.

Bryan

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #276 on:** 24 Mar 2007, 03:38 am »

Quote from: bpape on 24 Mar 2007, 02:04 am

Dunno - I have one of the old ones and NO hum issues in the least. I'm not sure it's the unit as much as associated equipment, grounding, cabling, etc.

Bryan

No hum here either....with my equipment or out and about in other systems.

tdangelo · « **Reply #277 on:** 24 Mar 2007, 03:57 am »

no hum with mine either aa

anthony a. · « **Reply #278 on:** 24 Mar 2007, 12:15 pm »

you're all right, the ones with issues seem to associate it with their equipment as a whole. as always, gear tends to act differently in different setups. hopefully it will be quiet in my setup as well. makes me remember my aesthetix calypso tube preamp. mine was silent (in my setup), but many other users complained that it was very noisy in their setup. i guess the old saying still applies: try before you buy!!!!

topround · « **Reply #279 on:** 24 Mar 2007, 03:12 pm »

I have never heard a hum ever from my unit.
Even with all the mods it has always been dead quiet.