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Fresh Catch, The Parasound DAC 1000

Sometimes we bought the vintage audio equipment's not because only for the built quality, or the sound signature, or the price. I bought this Parasound DAC 1000 because it looks just like new.

Parasound is the big name in 90's which at that time, I am just can saw it on the borrowed Stereophile magazine. So, when I saw this DAC today and sold to me for under $300, who can resist?!


This unit is almost perfect for functionality and cosmetically.

No flaw.

But for me, I will take a look inside, clean it and make few critical components replacement that mat be broken for more longer period of use.

But before doing that, let's see the internal components first.




I see all the components inside are beefy, over-engineering and lots of massive filter capacitors.

But the main components of this DAC 1000 is only YM3623, SM5813 and PCM63, excluding the various audio-grade op-amps that eat one-third of total space inside.

I study this Parasound DAC 1000 schematic carefully and find that this DAC will always ON once the power cord is plug to the wall socket. The power switch is only to activate the digital input selector, digital section in the PCM63 and the front panel indicator. Other than that, it is always in operating status.




Good for the electrolytic capacitor inside are all over-spec. With lots of Nichicon Great Supply capacitor and Rubycon Black Gate, I don't want to replace them.

My concern is only the ceramic film capacitor in the AC input power that easy to break for more than 10 years of usage. So, I change it.


Next, the 5 piece IC regulator power supply will also replace with, in my opinion, better specification. The original components using Motorola 7805, then I replace with NS 340T 7805. This regulator is better in the ripple rejection specification. Others than that for 7905, 7818 and 7918, I replace them with newer Matsushita IC regulator.







With all components cleaned, this Parasound DAC 1000 ready to service for longer time of great music experience.







Disclaimer: Any statement and photos in this article are not allowed to copy or publish without written permission from the writer. Any injury or loss from following tips in this article is not under writer responsibility.

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