turbogti

I have a Z+(w voltikus) and RME HDSPe sound card. Tried both the USB and AES connection, and AES definitely sounds better.

Hi Chris,<br /> <br /> Sorry for picking up this old post. <br /> <br /> Can you list out the companies that uses ravenna chips/technology in their DACs? <br /> <br /> I'm very interested in the Ethernet connection for DACs, but seems limited choices are available in the market. <br /> <br /> Thanks!<br /> -Ray<br /> <br />

well, the only way to know for sure is to try it out yourself. consequently, i've ordered the Octave to compare with my Z+ w voltikus. Hopefully it will arrive before Christmas. However.. it will be connected directly to my RME hdspe-AES 32 sound card - looks like i will need an AES converter or a new cable, suggestions?

Thanks of the info Ted. My current linux setup is based on an asus e35m1-i deluxe, connected with a DIY linear power supply. interesting results... which mac are you using? I'm really tempted to give the voyage MPD a try.

Hi Ted! Have you tried Voyage with Zodiac+ yet? I have recently set up a Ubuntu 11.04 with the Z+, and im constantly encountering driver problems. Finally, the Z+ firmware had to be downgraded to the oldest firmware (1.5) to make it work. So far, it only works with Audacious, but the sound quality is definitely better than Amarra & Fidelia on my hackintosh. The ubuntu is running on a low latency patch btw. thanks! -Ray

Finally replaced the stock power supply with Voltikus for the Z+. the improvement is obvious & significant, that the Z+ sounds like a completely different DAC (at least in my setups). The most obvious improvement is the Bass. Everything else also sound so much deeper, cleaner, air-er, 3D-ish, and darker, without being slow. I highly recommend the Voltikus although the price is a bit high. I also own a W4S Dac2 which I listen to everyday at work; IMO, the Z+ is in a different league - after all, you pay what you get. Don't think the DAC2 can be a giant killer, it's more a bargain master

nvm, found it from the other forum - MSRP US $9800.

so... price range? and when is the production model coming out?

thanks for sharing. i like how they do it without making a fuzz. respect to apple.

Dietrick , I have install 2.1.1. but Amarra wont play my 24bit/192 music file, and freezes immediately adding one the to Amarra from either finder or itunes. Please see attachment. Any ideas? thanks. UPDATE: got the 192 problem fixed somehow, but there is a lot of clicking sound with the 192 musics with cache enabled. I'm running on both macbook air and hackintosh set up(i7 2.8ghz, 6gb ram etc), with Zodiac+ DAC.

I finally bought the Zodiac+ and very happy with the results. Personally, I think the Z+ matches my system extremely well, by producing a lot of micro-details and a very 3D-ish soundstage(is this the term to be used?). Anyways, I shall let it run in a few more weeks and see what kind of differences it make. thanks for all the comments and suggestions!

The W4S DAC2 has higher retailer price in HK than US, @~USD$1805, which I think a little bit of rip off. So yes, I might just get the Zodiac+ from my friend instead.

I shall give it a go then. Other than the volticus, where can find alternative power supply for the Zodiac?

thanks for all the suggestions and comments. The thing is, my friend is selling his Zodiac+ to me at the price of Dac2. So I'm not sure which one to go. I expect a much better power supply considering it has a higher retail price than the DAC2. I will not consider the Zodiac Gold due my limited budget. So should I wait for HRT? it sounds like they are keep delaying the DAC.

Hey guys, I'm planning for an upgrade for my DAC, and nailed to Zodiac+ or Dac2, which is a better choice if neither of the price is a concern? Here is my current set up: Hackintosh> iTunes with Amarra > Firewire to Apogee Duet > Threshold Fet 10/hl Preamp > Threshold SA10/e monoblocks x2 > Mark and Daniel mini plus with omni harmonier. It seems the Zodiac+ is a bit buggy? Thanks!