Zhaolu D3 24/192 Oversampling DAC
Bought this off the forum recently. Solidly and thoughtfully constructed, the power transformer and smoothing capacitors are each separately screened from the digital circuitry, while touches like the rhodium-plated silver RCA sockets on the rear panel are unexpected in a device at this low price point. Featuring four digital inputs (2xRCA, Toslink and TG-link) selected from the front panel, an unexplained facility for setting the default selection sequence (the manual is in Chinese) and a single pair of RCA analogue outputs, this is still very much a minimalist device. Its output is specified at 2V, the standard for Red Book CD replay.
I freely admit, the sheer physicality of this DAC was initially very impressive. Suffice to say, the honeymoon didnt last long. As the novelty wore off, its relentless drive and overtly hi-fi presentation became fatiguing, while its lack of musicality steadily came to the fore. Tonal hardness throughout the presence range and an overemphasis on the leading edge of sounds robbed acoustic instruments (violins, flutes and guitars especially) of their timbral signatures, superimposing a slightly hollow or nasal colouration. Where Id previously lauded its drive and dynamics, I began to suspect that these qualities were being underpinned by excessive output across a wide band of frequencies, from the upper-mid bass to the low treble. wherever in the music I focussed my attention, there was just too much of everything. Ultimately, it came down to this; despite excellent transparency and several qualities that were admirable in isolation, at no time did the Zhaolus sound provide a convincing illusion of a real music event.
This outcome was disappointing and surprising, in view of the widespread praise that the D3 has enjoyed in online forums and the evident care taken in its construction. I cannot identify any obvious reason why it should be so; the device has simply not worked well in the context of my system. Based on what I heard, others may find it to be the antidote to a dull system balance (though that is fairly rare in my experience), and it might also impress in lower-resolution systems, where the overt detail and dynamics could count for more than any issues with tonality. However, I must suspect that I have not heard the best the Zhaolu D3 can offer.
Bought this off the forum recently. Solidly and thoughtfully constructed, the power transformer and smoothing capacitors are each separately screened from the digital circuitry, while touches like the rhodium-plated silver RCA sockets on the rear panel are unexpected in a device at this low price point. Featuring four digital inputs (2xRCA, Toslink and TG-link) selected from the front panel, an unexplained facility for setting the default selection sequence (the manual is in Chinese) and a single pair of RCA analogue outputs, this is still very much a minimalist device. Its output is specified at 2V, the standard for Red Book CD replay.
I freely admit, the sheer physicality of this DAC was initially very impressive. Suffice to say, the honeymoon didnt last long. As the novelty wore off, its relentless drive and overtly hi-fi presentation became fatiguing, while its lack of musicality steadily came to the fore. Tonal hardness throughout the presence range and an overemphasis on the leading edge of sounds robbed acoustic instruments (violins, flutes and guitars especially) of their timbral signatures, superimposing a slightly hollow or nasal colouration. Where Id previously lauded its drive and dynamics, I began to suspect that these qualities were being underpinned by excessive output across a wide band of frequencies, from the upper-mid bass to the low treble. wherever in the music I focussed my attention, there was just too much of everything. Ultimately, it came down to this; despite excellent transparency and several qualities that were admirable in isolation, at no time did the Zhaolus sound provide a convincing illusion of a real music event.
This outcome was disappointing and surprising, in view of the widespread praise that the D3 has enjoyed in online forums and the evident care taken in its construction. I cannot identify any obvious reason why it should be so; the device has simply not worked well in the context of my system. Based on what I heard, others may find it to be the antidote to a dull system balance (though that is fairly rare in my experience), and it might also impress in lower-resolution systems, where the overt detail and dynamics could count for more than any issues with tonality. However, I must suspect that I have not heard the best the Zhaolu D3 can offer.
hyeah: 
