Welcome, Guest. Please Login or Register
Decware Audio Forums
03/28/24 at 17:14:39 




Pages: 1 2 
Send Topic Print
The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good! (Read 75407 times)
Steve Deckert
Administrator
*****


If the 1st watt
sucks why continue?

Posts: 6234
The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
04/19/15 at 19:33:17
 


After overwhelming positive response from all those who ordered one of these before it was official, it brings me great pleasure to finally have this killer box on the site and able to be ordered!

Web Page: https://www.decware.com/newsite/ZBIT.html

Enjoy!

Steve
Back to top
 
 
WWW   IP Logged
lLance
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 164
Re: The ZBIT XLR to RCA converter is now available
Reply #1 - 04/19/15 at 23:36:17
 
This is tempting but I have to wait to see what the new preamp will cost. If I can't afford the preamp the Zbit and my CSP3 will work.
Back to top
 
 

ZMA, ZTpre, VPI Scout 1.1 & Soundsmith Zepher Cart, Janszen zA2.1 Speakers, PS Audio DSD, Berkeley Audio Alpha USB, PS Audio P10, Win 8 & J River app, Morrow Cables Triode Wire Labs #7 & Lessloss PC, voodoo AES
  IP Logged
Rizlaw
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 117
Re: The ZBIT XLR to RCA converter is now available
Reply #2 - 05/14/15 at 16:26:59
 
Finally!  I stumbled on Steve's post here a month late. My Bad. I own it (originally had #002, but a small update changed it to #004). I gave it a short and very positive review elsewhere in the forums. I still love it and recommend it to all CSP2/3 owners.

A good technical explanation of why it works so well can be found on the Jensen Transformers website at: http://www.jensen-transformers.com/application-notes/

The file to download is "AN003". Jensen used to allow the download without registration as an "Insider"; that's no longer the case.
Back to top
 
 

Schiit Yggdrasil/ZBIT / Zen Switch Box / CSP3 / Taboo III UFO/ Omega SAMs
  IP Logged
riknbkr330
Verified Member
**




Posts: 31
Re: The ZBIT XLR to RCA converter is now available
Reply #3 - 07/15/15 at 03:42:49
 
So I purchased this in the classifieds from one of our members (great transaction, btw), and I'm amazed at what my Oppo BD105 has transformed (no pun intended) into.   The Zbit was definitely needed to get the full "high fidelity" into my Rachel.  

I'm currently listening to a FLAC copy of The Jam's "All Mod Cons/Sound Affects" MFSL two-fer.   Amazing...btw, this is the best CD pressing of these two titles.   Bruce Foxton's bass has that extension...it's like I can feel the roundwound strings against my fingers and hear the fullness of the bass...just amazing.
Back to top
 
 

Main System:
Decware Rachael; Omega Monitor 7; Omega deep8 sub; Oppo BD-105>Zbit; Rega P5; Dynavector 20X2L;Parks Budgie SUT; Decware ZP3.
Second System: Creek Classic 5350SE; Rega RS1; Dual 1264; Musical Surroundings Phonomena II
  IP Logged
Fireblade
Seasoned Member
****


Knowledge comes, but
wisdom lingers.
A.L.Tennyson

Posts: 1046
Re: The ZBIT XLR to RCA converter is now available
Reply #4 - 07/15/15 at 11:01:18
 
Glad you like it. Mine is on its way already, but I still need the Yggdrasil to get here early August to test the ZBit.
Back to top
 
 

Toshiba-Foobar2K-ASIO Direct-WD 2.0Tb HDD-Schiit USB cable-Schiit Yggdrasil DAC-Decware Silver Ref IC's-Decware Mini Torii SE-8PR Kimber Kable spkr cbls-Decware DM945's-Tekton Lore 2-Velodyne DLS 3500 SUB-BJC SUB Cbls-Tripp Lite 500 Isolation Trnsf-Jellyfish S
  IP Logged
Fireblade
Seasoned Member
****


Knowledge comes, but
wisdom lingers.
A.L.Tennyson

Posts: 1046
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #5 - 04/22/16 at 13:12:21
 
After my SET amp settled down, my ZBit is working just great with it. Now, I use it for acoustic Jazz and those selections which do not require heavy orchestration. For those, I replace the ZBit with my Preamp for more slam and oomph.

All in all, I like the ZBit and what it does for the sound in my rig. It may take a while before it settles, especially if the amp is also new, but once these two devices get to steady state, it is a very good addition to the gear.
Back to top
 
 

Toshiba-Foobar2K-ASIO Direct-WD 2.0Tb HDD-Schiit USB cable-Schiit Yggdrasil DAC-Decware Silver Ref IC's-Decware Mini Torii SE-8PR Kimber Kable spkr cbls-Decware DM945's-Tekton Lore 2-Velodyne DLS 3500 SUB-BJC SUB Cbls-Tripp Lite 500 Isolation Trnsf-Jellyfish S
  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #6 - 07/16/16 at 20:14:48
 
Okay. . . I ordered a ZBit with a single stepped attenuator. Want to see if it will make a difference with my DirectStream and/or Denon player. Now the wait begins.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
SonicSeeker
Seasoned Member
****


Listening to the
music not the
equipment

Posts: 417
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #7 - 08/06/16 at 17:50:26
 
Let me know what you think when you get this Lon.
Just received the TORII JR. last night and was considering one of these also.
Back to top
 
 



  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #8 - 08/06/16 at 17:55:16
 
Will do. Don't hold your breath. It's been only three weeks. . . probably eight more or so to go. Sigh.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
SonicSeeker
Seasoned Member
****


Listening to the
music not the
equipment

Posts: 417
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #9 - 08/06/16 at 20:03:54
 
I know the feeling.
Back to top
 
 



  IP Logged
Tommy Freefall
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 399
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #10 - 08/08/16 at 19:12:28
 
Sonic, I recently received my Torii Jr. And I've got a ZBIT on order.
Back to top
 
 

Torii MkIV w/ 25th ann mods
Rachael SE34I.5
Benchmark AHB2
ERRx
ZStage, ZRock2
Tascam CD-240
Border Patrol DAC
Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Bluesound Node
Zu Audio Mission speaker cables
Decware I/Cs
PI Audio MiniBUSS
Zenhead, Grado 325e
  IP Logged
SonicSeeker
Seasoned Member
****


Listening to the
music not the
equipment

Posts: 417
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #11 - 08/09/16 at 22:43:10
 
Tommy
Where are you at on the list?
Back to top
 
 



  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #12 - 08/10/16 at 00:37:23
 
I think Tom's will be shipping soon. I bet his is in "Quality Control Testing" right now and for a few days.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
SonicSeeker
Seasoned Member
****


Listening to the
music not the
equipment

Posts: 417
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #13 - 08/10/16 at 01:56:07
 
Excellent
Since he has the Jr like I do I will be very interested to here what he has to say.
Thanks Lon
Back to top
 
 



  IP Logged
Tommy Freefall
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 399
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #14 - 08/10/16 at 19:54:03
 
Lon, you are correct.
I'll likely receive it sometime next week.
Back to top
 
 

Torii MkIV w/ 25th ann mods
Rachael SE34I.5
Benchmark AHB2
ERRx
ZStage, ZRock2
Tascam CD-240
Border Patrol DAC
Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Bluesound Node
Zu Audio Mission speaker cables
Decware I/Cs
PI Audio MiniBUSS
Zenhead, Grado 325e
  IP Logged
SonicSeeker
Seasoned Member
****


Listening to the
music not the
equipment

Posts: 417
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #15 - 08/19/16 at 01:25:13
 
Did you receive it yet Tom
Back to top
 
 



  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #16 - 08/31/16 at 22:09:41
 
Mine has reached "parts pulled" status.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
hifitubes
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 296
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #17 - 09/05/16 at 07:43:19
 
I'm thinking about one of these for my Vega DAC, but it would be a custom unit with a fixed -6db for use with my Tortuga Audio LDR. I can't see myself spending 3K on the ones from Empirical Audio. I know someone who can make something nice with Finemet cores but it would be $1800 before wiring and plugs.

Seems like quite a wiat list?
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #18 - 09/05/16 at 12:12:00
 
Yes, I'm guessing it's about 8 weeks to wait after ordering. . . perhaps longer for a custom order? Calling Steve is your best bet for an estimate.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #19 - 09/07/16 at 00:29:25
 
My ZBIT shipped today, when it arrives on Thursday it will be almost exactly 8 weeks from order to receiving the component.

Looking forward to checking it out.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
Bottlehead
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 524
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #20 - 09/08/16 at 07:13:10
 
Hey Lon,
I have had a ZBit for a while now, and I found that it worked well in some situations, and added extra compilcation in others. Just recently, I bought a PS Audio Directstream dac thanks to reviews from you, LR, and others. Maybe it's because the Directstream provides such wonderful detail, but after a tip from forum member Dave, I switched to the balanced outs, into the ZBit, and into my 10W Pacific Creek 300B amp (RCA inputs only). What a difference the extra voltage made! SO much fuller sound - esp in the midrange. I believe that you are in for a treat, so enjoy, and thanks for sharing all your accumulated audio wisdom.
Randy
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #21 - 09/08/16 at 14:19:52
 
Randy, thanks for weighing in on the ZBIT and the DirectStream. I'll have mine tomorrow, and I've broken in a pair of XLR cables from Take Five Audio that I think will work well with my VooDoo Cable Stradivarius Cremona single-ended cables (similar PC-OCC wire and also cryo treated). So I'm ready to experiment. I just hope that there's not added "brightnes"--the comments about "sparkle" give me a bit of trepidation. I can always send it back. . . though I've never done that before (but should have with the cd player).

Appreciate your impressions and hope I'm equally pleased.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #22 - 09/09/16 at 20:39:53
 
Well, received the ZBIT this afternoon. Puzzlingly, I could only get one channel out of the DirectStream (after getting two channels out just before with other cables, XLR to RCA.) So after being very frustrated I got two channels out of my Denon universal player and I'm just leaving it there for now. If there's a difference it's subtle at the moment.

I guess it's possible that I managed to somehow short out one of the DirectStream's outputs in the process. Hope not. Works fine single-ended. I'll leave things as they are this weekend (I get very little time to mess with these things on the weekend) and see what's what next week.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #23 - 09/09/16 at 21:01:43
 
Okay I figured it out, there are areas on the volume control where only one channel is output. I am getting two channels out of the DirectStream now. Interesting sound with the ZBIT turned up nearly all the way. Now to start making dinner.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
Bottlehead
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 524
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #24 - 09/10/16 at 01:55:42
 
Glad you figured out the problem. That's where my ZBit lives, too - almost all the way up. 'Course with only 10W of 300B amplification into open baffle speakers, I need pretty much all it's got to give - even if the drivers are Steve's FRX2s. I may not have all the volume that I want at times, but I'm way pleased with the sound quality that I'm getting. I'll be interested to hear how you characterize the changes to the sound as your ZBit breaks in.
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #25 - 09/13/16 at 22:22:57
 
A few good days of listening to the ZBIT and I have a bit of an idea of what it can do. I ran it as much as I could the weekend and then a lot yesterday and today, I'd say I have about 40 plus hours on the unit now.

I seem to have a problem with the stepped attenuator, much below "all the way up" it is not functioning as it should, there is a big channel imbalance and in some positions one channel does not come through at all. My guess is that it is best used turned up so this may not be a problem really but I may send it back to the mothership to be looked at a later time.

There is a bit more treble and "sparkle" and a bit more of a forward stance than using the single-ended inputs of my DirectStream. When listening to the material recorded myself this isn't a tiny bit compressed and colored as when I use the DirectStream with the CSP2+ which is good and probably why I will be keeping it. I can handle the treble increase with the (cherished by me) treble cut circuit on the Torii Mk III amp. Overall there's certainly more volume to be had from the source (which is a boon for my DVR output) and there's a bit more dynamics (the system is so dynamic that though I think the increase is appropriate and accurate it sometimes seems TOO dynamic!). Every aspect of it is an improvement, though not as large scale as a component upgrade, etc. I like it. I'll keep it. I'm getting used to it, and taking it out of the system briefly I was surprised that I wanted it back in.

This was a larger expense for me as I am convinced that I needed to preserve the characteristics of my great interconnects and didn't want to compromise the single-ended VooDoo Cable Stradivarius Cremona by pairing them with the wrong XLR interconnect. I settled on a Take Five Deluxe XLR interconnect as I have been using one of their Deluxe coaxial digital cables and love it, and the wire types and structure and cryo treatment are very similar to the VooDoo Cable at a third of the VooDoo Cable list price. I broke this XLR cable in using it on my Denon universal player with a Reality cable that is XLR to RCA that I have on hand, and it does sound really good. I wonder however if part of the brightness and forwardness is this new cable adding these characteristics to the sound. . . but I can't know without using a VooDoo Cable Stradivarius Cremono XLR interconnect and I am not going to buy one. (Guess I could rent one from the Cable Company. . . hmmmm).

Anyway, I'm enjoying the change in sound and I think the improvement will deepen with more use. I do think though whether the total cost is worth the improvement if like me you are also buying an expensive cable to use with the unit. If you have great XLR cables on hand, definitely, this is a nice improvement for the (not tiny) cost. If you are spending additional hundreds on cables. . . perhaps there are other roads to travel.

Will keep on playing and will update this thread soon.

I know this would also improve the sound of my Denon universal player, but that sounds fantastic running single-ended through the CSP2+. I think I'd be better served in the future by trying the ZTPRE for these two sources and a single-ended input on that for the CS2+ in tandem with the ZP3. That's a lot more coin. . . and another cable and a power cable and. . . well that option is pie in the sky for me and it's not raining pie filling yet. And my next target is the new PS Audio Transport coming out at the end of the year. . . .

This is an expensive hobby! But a rewarding one.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
Bottlehead
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 524
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #26 - 09/16/16 at 03:24:58
 
Rewarding (and expensive), indeed. Most of the time I end up buying used, so that I can try more things.

I'm glad that you are liking the ZBit. It really filled out the sound in my system. Amazing what a little extra voltage can do!
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #27 - 09/16/16 at 11:34:14
 
I'm not sure it has made as big a difference in my system, especially when considering the added cable cost. It's improved a bit over the last few days. But the stepped attenuator is NOT working properly. . . it is only really giving proper channel balance at 7/8 to full up and I'd like to lower the volume control more and can't. I hate to send it back in but I'll have to at some point. Sigh.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
Bottlehead
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 524
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #28 - 09/17/16 at 05:28:34
 
Yeah, that sucks. Having to send stuff back is one of my least favorite things, too.

I'm thinking that the difference in impact of the ZBit on our systems might be due to the difference in wattage. You've got 25 watts, and I've got 10. So your headroom is much greater than mine. Probably accounts for at least some of the increased effect that I'm getting.

On another subject, my audio friends have been raving about the Audioquest Rocket 88 speaker cables. I've been pretty happy with my Mapleshade Double Helix Plus, but I noticed that when I got my Directstream dac, the highs got just a little more boost than I was expecting. Not fatiguing, but more than I was used to. I ran across a great deal on the Rocket 88s, so I went for it. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of changing two variables at the same time. Sucker play. I changed the crossover module in my Hsu Research sub amp from the stock 55Hz to 109Hz. Really filled in the mid-bass, but the sound is not quite as dynamic on the upper end as it was. So now I'm not sure whether the effect is totally b/c of the change in crossover freq., or a combination of both. Rookie. I'm going to get a little more acquainted with the sound before I put the Mapleshades back in to see where the sweet spot is. Learning experiences abound. Especially when you are not careful/systematic in your exploration.

Randy

P.S. Lon, I sent you a PM. Check it out.
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #29 - 09/17/16 at 12:45:05
 
Thanks for the PM Randy.

I agree that probably the difference with the ZBIT in our two systems may be that power differential and the headroom situations that presents. The ZBIT has broken in a little more and sounds nice, though it's now the weekend and a three day one for my birthday girl Lucy and I won't get much chance to do more than headphone listening, and the headphones are fed by my Denon universal player. . . so it will be Monday before I can set up the speakers into the room and give another critical listening.

Interesting component.

Like you I did notice a bit of a treble boost (but with real clarity) with the Mapleshade speakers. I tame this well with the treble cut circuit and with the the complement I've been running I'm really happy with the system sound with those cables, but will be very interested to hear how the AQ sound in comparison.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #30 - 09/28/16 at 21:26:05
 
Well, thanks to the excellent customer service of Decware I now have a fully-functioning ZBIT to replace the one I broke in that had a defective stepped attenuator.

I am finding a nice spot about three clicks lower in output than I could go before with the defective unit. Allows the delicacy of the music to be preserved while also adding just the right amount of weight.

I'm looking forward to this unit being broken in and integrated into the system completely. I am very impressed with the ZBIT after seasoning. This is an elegant solution to the problem of balanced output into single-ended input and Steve's ingenuity is once again proven and enjoyed. I also believe that it is exceptionally transparent. And therefore that cables matter both before and after the unit. Randy (tubenube!--no longer an apt name) has loaned me a cable similar to the single-ended VooDoo Cable I've been using and with two XLR cables to play with it has been interesting to note the differences in sound that result. Putting excellent cables fore and aft is definitely the way to go if you can.

Okay, part of me just relaxed that hadn't since I received the first ZBIT and found it was not fully functional. Kudos to Decware once again.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
Bottlehead
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 524
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #31 - 09/29/16 at 08:30:21
 
Hey Lon,
Really glad that you've got the unit back and fully functioning. As I stated before, I continue to be impressed by the way Steve does business. The ZBit has allowed me to take advantage of the increased voltage of the balanced outs of the Directstream DAC, and it really has made my system more enjoyable to listen to - much fuller and more involving sound. I had tried the ZBit before in a different configuration, and it didn't provide the effect that it does in my current system. I'm convinced now that it's a keeper, for sure.

I haven't had much time for listening sessions lately, but maybe I'll get back to it this weekend. I still don't have my Aurender music server broken in yet, but it has really taken my computer audio files to the next level. I know you're not a digital guy - I was wondering about it myself for a long time, since there was such a dropoff in SQ from my CDs. That has changed with the addition of the Aurender coupled with the Directstream DAC. And it's much more convenient having so much music at my fingertips - or maybe I've just gotten that much more lazy!

Anyway, I'm glad that you are enjoying the cables. You can take your time with them.

Randy

Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #32 - 09/29/16 at 11:08:19
 
Glad the Aurender is proving to be a great source! I just don't see myself moving to digital files, I have so many discs, don't want to waste months of my life ripping, and actually love to handle discs and go through the collection, etc.

The ZBIT cured the one nagging concern I had with the DirectStream: the lower voltage coming out of single-ended. It just needed a little more. And with the ZBIT I get a little more and then some. Works really well with my other source too, though the CSP2+ I am using with it helps a bit more in a way it doesn't for the DirectStream which has a great sound of its own and doesn't need the CSP2+ help. I'm hoping that in a few weeks I'll have "set it and forgotten it" and this recent phase of new component fitting is done and I'm back to just spinning and spinning and spinning!
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
Bottlehead
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 524
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #33 - 09/30/16 at 09:19:09
 
I know that "plateau" feeling that's possible to achieve from time to time, where the music is better than it's been before, and it's satisfying on a higher level. Those are the time when we "coast", and enjoy all the tinkering that we've done with our systems. I'm in one of those moments now, and I hope that I can sustain it for a while. I agree that all the ripping is a pain. I put all my cds onto my iMac, and then transferred them to my MacBook Pro for my music server several years ago, but was never satisfied with the sound quality. Then a screaming hot deal came up on the Aurender, so I'm back in ripping mode again. Sigh. It's a pain, but the results are far above the MacBook sound.

Thanks for the kind words regarding my user name. I have been in this hobby since 2008, when I heard my first tube amps - Cary Audio (AES) Six Pacs monoblocks - and promptly bought them. Not long after that I discovered Decware, and the rest (and my wallet) is history. I have considered changing my handle, but I'm not sure what's involved. I'm "Bottlehead" over on US Audio Mart, and I see that username is not taken here, so maybe I'll switch. Depends on the degree of difficulty, and the depth of my inertia.

Anyway, happy "plateauing".
Randy
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
Bottlehead
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 524
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #34 - 09/30/16 at 09:32:08
 
HOLEE CRAP! I guess it's just that easy - I changed my user name to Bottlehead by editing my profile with one click. I like it! I guess now I'm "The Artist Formerly Known As TubeNube". (Well, you know, except for the artist part). Anyway, thanks for the prod!
Randy
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #35 - 09/30/16 at 14:03:08
 
Alright Randy, good move! Good handle too!

So glad you are participating here. Smiley
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
Bottlehead
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 524
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #36 - 10/02/16 at 00:42:12
 
Thanks, Lon!
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #37 - 10/12/16 at 22:27:34
 
Alright a few weeks have gone by and. . . well. . . .

I am very happy with the ZBIT. I'm pretty sure it's broken in, I've been running signal nearly constantly through it. It has changed from day to day, but in good ways. Right now I'm getting excellent body and texture to the sound and a great tonal balance. Better than the system before its insertion. It responds very well to great cables on both sides (balanced in and single-ended out) and to my ears in my system it even responds to isolation components.

I'm glad I have one. As I have NO plans to replace the Torii in my system, ever, it makes sense to have one to have great choices in sources and their output. And this is a very elegant solution to the power of more voltage available from a balanced output and how to harness and control that. I think Steve could find a large market for this if he tried. It's a very good design and execution.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
DBC
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 423
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #38 - 10/29/16 at 16:11:19
 
HI Lon,

I have the Oppo BDP105 with balanced outputs and have been following this thread.

Just curious, once listening with the ZBIT for a while do you eventually find a sweet spot setting for the output voltage and just leave it ?  Or do you find yourself adjusting it regularly depending on type of music ? Where do you have the Voltage Output Control set most of the time (0%-100%) ???

I understand the Pro's described in this thread. In your opinion, are there any Con's to having another set of cables and another box (ZBIT) in the audio chain ???

Thanks
Back to top
 
 

Main System: Oppo BDP-105D, SE84UFO amp, Omega Super Alnico Monitors, Twin Custom SLAB 15's (Low Frequency Open Baffle).
Room #2: Oppo BDP-83SE, SE84CS amp, Omega Super 3i Monitors, Twin Custom SLAB 12's (Low Frequency Open Baffle).
DBC   IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #39 - 10/29/16 at 16:50:14
 
I'm going to start with the cons. And really there's just one: expense. It's not a cheap component, especially with the stepped attenuator and I always have preferred that in other Decware models. And . . . it's a very transparent component, window scrubbed clean. . .which in practice has meant for me that I can hear the differences in cabling before and after clearly, and I had to spend a few too many dollars to get an XLR that works really well with the single-ended cable I use to the amp. I tried three different ones (and thanks to bottlehead for lending me a VooDoo Cable XLR) and I like what I have settled on (Take Five Audio cryo'd ones) but they cost nearly as much as the ZBIT (the cabling coming out of the ZBIT cost even more, list). I even find that the ZBIT reacts favorably to isolation components, and luckily I have four different possible ones on hand to try and have found a really nice setup. In short, there's a lot of money added here, I bet my total cost to do this was as much as your Oppo, or more.

So as for level usage. . . I didn't do TOO much experimenting. The main reason that I went for this and the main benefit it provides for me is to give me just a bit more "oomph" from my DirectStream DAC. I got used to the higher output of it's predecessor, the PS Audio PerfectWave DAC. It had what subjectively seemed about a third or a bit more output. One of the sources that I run into the DirectStream, my DVR, at it's best sounding setting (Normal) was just a bit anemic via the DirectStream before the ZBIT. It was perfect for me, but my wife usually wanted it louder. . and it ran out of juice for her for many of her channels and moods. The ZBIT gives this lowest output plenty of headroom. So it fixed that problem for me without adding the heavy compression that putting the DVR in the Narrow mode does. My system is both audio and visual, and the TV gets a lot of use, so this was something I am happy to have fixed. So after some experimentation I can use the ZBIT in two different ways. I can use the DirectStream volume control to control the different volumes for the three sources it is fed (Perfectwave Transport --soon to be DirectStream Memory Player-- DVR and unversal player for Blu-ray and DVD sound). In that instance if I leave the ZBIT in the upper quarter of its range (clicks 15 to 20 or so) the system can be silly loud and I can regulate via the remote to the right volume for each source. But to be honest I like to get up and fiddle with things so what I generally do is control the volume with the ZBIT. So for Redbook the ZBIT is generally at about 12 to 14 clicks (depending on the loudness of the cd) and for DVR and universal player about 14 to 17 clicks. I think the difference is subtle, but I find a tiny bit better dynamics and clarity with the DirectStream and the Torii at max volume, and "riding the gain" with the ZBIT. It may just be my imagination though. Leaving the ZBIT wide open and controlling the volume on either other end or both is great sound too and when I do it this way I'm perfectly content with the minor differences I hear.

Hope that helps. I would not have gone this route if it weren't for the inclusion of the DVR in my system. It sounded kick-ass to me with the DirectStream straight in to the amp. It sounds different now, there is a more full-bodied sound and I've gotten used to it in comparison to the slightly more delicate and slightly more open-seeming sound without the ZBIT. But having the DVR be loud and dynamic and making Lucy happy is worth it for me. . . though I wish it weren't as high a cost as it turned out to be.

So to put it in "percentages" I'm using the ZBIT mostly betwen 60 and 90 percent and am adjusting it according to sources (and music, though that is more according to the loudness of the disc I think when using the Transport, or the loudness of the channel output from the DVR, it's wild how some are louder than others). And to address one last queston the only downside to having this one more component and cabling in the system is that it is so passive and transparent that you need to be very selective with cabling. At least you don't need to choose a power cord!

Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
DBC
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 423
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #40 - 10/29/16 at 17:33:22
 
Thank you Lon, That helps a lot.

DBC
Back to top
 
 

Main System: Oppo BDP-105D, SE84UFO amp, Omega Super Alnico Monitors, Twin Custom SLAB 15's (Low Frequency Open Baffle).
Room #2: Oppo BDP-83SE, SE84CS amp, Omega Super 3i Monitors, Twin Custom SLAB 12's (Low Frequency Open Baffle).
DBC   IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #41 - 10/29/16 at 17:52:23
 
You're welcome.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
Dave1210
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 959
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #42 - 11/08/16 at 01:33:32
 
If folks are interested in reasonably priced XLR cables, I recommend the Benchmark Audio StarQuad cables.  My DAC is relatively close to my amp, so I can't speak for long runs, but short runs of this cable sound great.

https://benchmarkmedia.com/

A 3ft pair of cables will cost you about $80.  



Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
Tommy Freefall
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 399
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #43 - 11/08/16 at 18:01:38
 
Other XLR cables worth consideration are the ones from Better Cables. Steve D. has recommended these in the past.
I use these with my ZBIT.

https://bettercables.com/collections/balanced-xlr-cables
Back to top
 
 

Torii MkIV w/ 25th ann mods
Rachael SE34I.5
Benchmark AHB2
ERRx
ZStage, ZRock2
Tascam CD-240
Border Patrol DAC
Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Bluesound Node
Zu Audio Mission speaker cables
Decware I/Cs
PI Audio MiniBUSS
Zenhead, Grado 325e
  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #44 - 03/22/17 at 21:26:09
 
Just want to pump the ZBIT discussion up a bit.

It's been five months or so since I've had a broken-in ZBIT in my system. Twice I've taken it out for grins just to see if "I need it." Boy, do I. Being able to use the balanced output of my DAC is a real blessing to the sound of the system. The ZBIT is both "not there" (as far as transparency and clarity go) and "so there" as far as allowing me to fine tune the right amount of body and weight to the music. It's effects in this regard are very similar to what a CSP3 can achieve. . . but without another power supply and at a much smaller cost considering power cords, rolling tubes etc. And in my experience it's "less there" than one of the CSP preamps no matter how I've configured them and adjusted them.

This is a very plain-looking black box that hides an ingenious and elegant solution to the one little bit of dissatisfaction I had with my system sound, that one source was a bit challenged in output. Not only is that problem now just a memory, but there's been an improvement across the board in the sound of my digital playback.

Kudos again to Steve for this product, and I'd encourage anyone who thinks that the ZBIT might bring a benefit to their system to give it a try. I wager that it DOES.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
Bottlehead
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 524
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #45 - 03/23/17 at 07:28:31
 
+1, Lon. I have only taken my ZBit out of my system once, and my immediate reaction was, "Well, I won't be doing THAT, again".
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #46 - 03/23/17 at 13:14:11
 
Yes, it's clearly helping both our systems out. It was your impressions that ultimately led me to a purchase, I thank you once again.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
Bottlehead
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 524
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #47 - 03/24/17 at 03:29:19
 
Glad I could help, Lon. I've gotten so much information from this forum over the years, it's great to be able to give a little back.
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
Ken Rafika
Senior Member
***




Posts: 53
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #48 - 08/02/17 at 19:49:02
 
Just something I'm trying to figure out in this thread...If I have a new CPS3, does the addition of the ZBIT to the DAC output add something beneficial?

Thanks, Ken
Back to top
 
 

Tekton Designs Electron spkrs; Tori MK IV and CSP-3 w/ 25th Ann Mods; OPPO 105D; Roon Quboz; ultraRendu; Teac UD503; Nordost Blue Heaven interconnects and Red Dawn spkr wire
If you want to find the truth in life, don't pass music bu -- Eric Burdon and the Animals
  IP Logged
Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: The ZBIT makes many DAC's sound twice as good!
Reply #49 - 08/02/17 at 20:11:43
 
I just tried this with my ZBIT and CSP2+ . . . I have to say. . . no, it really doesn't help things, I think the CSP2+ on its own gives the best sound.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
  IP Logged
Pages: 1 2 
Send Topic Print