restorer-john
Grand Contributor
I paid with paypal. What is their policy on such things?
Product was misrepresented, no question. Not as advertised.
I paid with paypal. What is their policy on such things?
I have one of these - got it a few weeks ago - and don't think these measurements are representative of what I have - I think the test unit could be defective. The only issue I found is when it was powered only by USB, using line out, I was getting clipping on very loud parts of the music when at 100% (it is a variable line out). Once I added a 12 V power source, I have not heard anything negative.
I usually just listen with speakers. So, I just tried with usual test songs with my headphones (beyerdynamic DT 770 - 250 Ohm) and at 3 o'clock (12 v powered), they were quite loud (too loud) with no audible distortion. I turned up to full (i.e up to 11) for just a bit (way too loud), and did not hear any distortion. I played some songs with prominent bass and was not able to get any audible low end distortion.
In subjective listening tests, I can't hear any real difference between the UDA38Pro and the Topping NX4 DSD. Also, the UDA38Pro doesn't use many of the additional features (e.g. filters) of the ES9038pro and if DSD (or DSD upsampling) is important to you, it is limited by its USB interface to DSD 128 (which the Topping NX4 DSD and D50 USB interfaces are capable to 512).
Purchased it beginning this year, been listening to it for about two weeks, wasn't totally overwhelmed with the sound and then when i got the Topping D50 never used it anymore.
These measurements clearly demonstrate why i preferred the Topping D50 over the UDA38pro. And i say preferred because the Topping died on me, halfway in a song it began to stutter and crackle and went dead. Currently using a Gustard X20pro (2 x ES9028pro) and this sounds 100 times better then the UDA9038pro.
As Amirm said, don't buy a product just because it has a top of the line dac chip, implemention is much more important.
This is the third dac Amirm tested with ES9038pro that goes south.
Is this particular ES chip so hard to implement properly?
You and me bothI'd be most curious to see how that Gustard performs on the bench...
I am hesitant to open it until I hear from them. Hate for them to blame this on me.Amirm, can you show us photos of the PCB?
Sounds like it is defective/damaged in shipping.It seems like its a DOA item. Likely the power regulators or opamp chips in the circuit are compromised.
That one doesn't have RCA outs. I wonder if that addition was an afterthought and the cause for problems I am seeing.I found also another one, but not much better:
I paid with paypal. What is their policy on such things?
Couldn't bring myself to press like on your post. I guess condolences are more appropriateDefinitely a record.... And at such high price....
Someone has been advertising an Audio-GD NFB-2 on craigslist near me for $200. It's got all the signs that it could contend for that same record. From the Audio-GD web page:Definitely a record.... And at such high price....
I disagree. I think it's great when amirm's testing reveals overpriced, underperforming junk, as well as when it highlights budget equipment that performs to the highest standards.hey, I've said clearly before, don't buy these toys, now you (pural) wasted Amirm's money
sinners, apologize to Amirm, and do more homewroks