Massdrop Grace Design SDAC Review

For the past 10 years, the DAC in portable audio system is become more popular. It is because the DAC gives the most impact to the overall sound quality in the audio system. That is why changing one DAC to another will also changes the characteristic of the sound.

For sure, each DAC will sound differently. It not just because of the type of DAC chip itself, but the digital receiver before the DAC is playing the same important role in sound quality. The digital receiver also determined the capability of the DAC to read variety music files format. More over the DAC chip right now are super efficient. It only required small amount of power to run it.

In this post, I will reviewing this Massdrop Grace design SDAC. It is a desktop DAC, means you need to connect it to the external amplifier. It has fixed line output and it doesn't required any external power supply. It shares and draw the power from the USB input source.

Let's take a look.

Revisiting 2 Way SB Acoustic Speakers System

Two years ago, I made 2 way speakers system using a local brand drivers. It is SB Acoustic SB16PFC25-08 for the woofer and SB19ST-C000-4 for the tweeter. The speakers finished and the sound is amazing. It become my reference speakers to listen the music in my audio system.

I wish you followed my blog about building this speakers in Part 1 Part 2 Part 4 and Final Part. I explain all steps when building this speakers.

Times passes very quick since that built until one day, on my daily listening session, I  think the cross-over point is all correct and I can start to glued it inside the speakers box.

So here I am today, visiting this speakers again.

Latest Apple Universal Dock Sound Better

I put the name 'Retro Tech' on this post headline is actually for a 15 year ago Apple product. Perhaps the name 'Retro' is suitable for every digital technology for more than 10 years old. Like this iPod portable music player, the lifetime was passes. I guess right now, no one use iPod for playing music anymore.

The Apple product with older 30 pin connector start to extinct as well. I am quite remember I got my first iPod, it is the 5th gen from my saving at my job in 2003. It is sound good and later on I was told that this model is the best sounding iPod so far because it is using the Wolfson DAC inside.

Today, so many portable digital media player around. They are more advance in reading many hi-res audio file and yet affordable. Sadly the iPod and all Apple product today still stick to its Apple Lossless format or WAV.

The iPod may be left behind right now, but for me, the user interface is the best among the others. You will agree with me for sure. I remember I had a dream in my early years using the iPod is having all their accessories. The one I really want is the Universal Dock connect to my home stereo system. It is very expensive at that time, but lucky today, I still can get the brand new for very affordable price. This newer version Apple Universal Dock is sound better compare to the previous model. So let's see it closer.

Bottlehead Crack Headphones Amplifier (Part 6) Output Film Capacitor Upgrade

Continue from the previous upgrade of the Bottlehead Crack amplifier using the Speedball kit, in my opinion, it is a worth upgrade from the standard version, especially if you really like the sound of this amplifier out of the box. Speedball upgrade doesn't change the sound signature, but it makes the background noise reduce.

Then, the further upgrade is of course by changing the output capacitor. The electrolytic type capacitor using in the original Bottlehead Crack package is well known for unstable and low tolerance in the value, yet high ESR that impact to the sound quality. Since this output capacitor is the vital components in this Bottlehead Crack amplifier, then changing with the better quality will improve the sound quality, I hope:)

Bottlehead Crack Headphones Amplifier (Part 5) Speedball Kit Upgrade

Since last month, I spent so much time listen to the music with this great sounding vacuum tube amplifier.

I got this unit in second hand condition so it is required for me to clean up when it comes to my desk. I also checked the internal circuit, which the previous owner make some changes for no particular reason compares to the original schematic.

More about this amplifier, it is released around 2013. It is very simple vacuum tube headphone amplifier schematic called the Bottlehead Crack headphone amplifier. This is actually a DIY project and comes with very clear step by step online instruction. So far I am very satisfied with the sound quality and I don't think there is no need for me to make any upgrade.

But for aiming the perfection, I guess spending a little bit cash for this additional kit is rewarding.

Let's see this Speedball Kit Upgrade:)

Beyerdynamic T1 Headphone Review

This Beyerdynamic headphone I got here is the first generation of T1 lineup.

It is in used but still in good condition. A little bit tear at the head band leather but I guess it quite common for every headphones that using leather material.

This T1 is top line series in the Beyerdynamic headphones line up. The difference with the latest version is only on the minor appearance update. As you maybe know that I also had a review about the others series of Beyerdynamic, is the DT880 here. The Beyerdynamic DT880 sound presentation for me is too flat and too much treble details that makes me dizzy.

Then, with this T1 on hands, I really curious on how it deliver the music.