Dude, I’m new the audio world so of course I’m binging all sorts of reviews and whatnot. I absolutely love your reviews. I truly feel like I’m getting as close to objective findings as possible (considering the topic) and you’re so incredibly thorough. Thank you for what you do. E: just donated $25. Keep it up!
I've been running the J2S 4499 w/sparkos op amp with the Aune S17 Pro for over a year now. The DCA E3 are my go to headphones. I'm happy to say I have completed my audio journey. I am satisfied with everything.
Great in-depth review! I am waiting for my J2S after many years of using an ifi Micro DAC2. For the most time, it had been connected directly to my laptop's USB. Being battery powerded, the DAC's output was noise free. However, when I switched to my desktop copmputer, the DAC became very noisy (at low listening levels or idle state). This issue was fixed when I bought the Topping - HS02 USB isolator. I mentioned this because I hope that this info will be helpful for others also. Best regards and good luck with your work. We appreciate it!
I don't have any hum or hiss even when I put my amp at max volume, I guess I am pretty much safe then? Hopefully so, because I don't want to spend that additional funds to get a USB isolator.
I still own the original Jnog and love it. Still sounds great, no issues. Very well made unit. I asked for bit more flakes in the paint on mine and they delivered. Geshilli are great people to work with.
I really like my J2S! I went with the AKM4499 DAC and Burson op amp upgrades. I did not include USB on mine because I am using it in a stereo system that does not have a computer. I basically did mine in a blacked out version because the rest of my gear is black. I chose the black aluminum casing with the smoked acrylic front and back panels. It came out really nice!
If it were only available before I got mine. Using a d70s and an Aune x18 upgraded with a Sparkos and a LPS. Both are nice. The Aune decked out a bit more energetic, the D70s a little relaxed in comparison. Could live with either. Down the road, will consider Geshelli or Schiit as an alternative if not a preference to the overseas mainland offerings. Don't stream my music outside a few YT bands to check out, etc., and some movies. Have alot of physical media that sounds alright.
I found USB noise filters for $14-$59 on amazon. My BF2/64 needed it bad. It will remain in place for my J3. You have described a product that does indeed beat my former modius E across the board. True neutral FTW \0/ better PCM and DSD decoding FTW \o/
Got my Dayzee last week and upgraded to "8" Pro Discrete Op Amp SS2590 and burning this in. Also, upgraded the stock PS to Sbooster BOTW P&P ECO MKII Power Supply.
Thank you for the video. Maybe it's just me (new to the game but loving/listening to music for 30 something odd years) , I find so many variable in the chain including Singxer-SU-6 digital interface, Sonore Rendu, external power power supply, Geshelli new DAC, OP amp/new USB, etc....how much of each component affects the sound individually and compounding.
Another awesome review as always. Thank you. How would you compare this to a entry level R2R dac like maybe a Ares or Musician Draco or even the Fiio K11 ?
Fiber Optic USB is available now................. Stop PC noise to DAC? There's 10-gig Fiber Optic (not spdif toslink) USB connection & cables available now that uses SFP modules & LC to LC cable. Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
It is definitely a great upgrade. I'm in your exact use case. I had the modius dac, upgraded to the bifrost 2/64, then the gungnir 2, now I'm back on the geshelli j2s with v7v op amp upgrades because I didn't need anything the gungnir offered.
@@mitchy5994 This comment was from a little while ago. I ended up buying a J2S with the Burson V7 Classics and I'm going balanced XLR into an SMSL AO200 mk2 amp driving a pair of Kanto YU passives and a 6" Kanto sub. Overall I am very pleased with my desktop audio now. Cheers!
If something is galvanicly isolated no noise should get through. There is 3 possible ways sound would change, that I can think of off the top of my head. Probably more if I sat down and thought about it. 1. It's not truly isolated and some noise is getting through 2. The DAC the way it implements USB is different than Optical or other connections. 3. I doubt this is the case, but if it is getting clock timing from the source rather than using the internal clock But in theory, a high quality DAC will sound the same regardless of the connection and is properly isolated for noise and not using the clock timings from the source. It would not matter where you got the files. The same 1's and 0's are getting to the DAC. It's a matter of implementation to eliminate other external factors affecting sound. But obviously that's not the case with these more value based DAC's.
@@ltmund DACs in general to my knowledge do not request packets again as people prioritize low latency for audio-visual syncing. I've seen a few that use buffers to allow for error & timing correction but they get bashed in reviews for being a few frames behind for movies/games typically(and understandably if it's not toggleable.)
@@ResilientME From ASR: I think most of you know my opinion on this. But just in case, I believe USB to be a superior and more "correct" interface for audio. Problem with S/PDIF is that it makes the source the "master," forcing the DAC to chase its timing. This means that if the source S/PDIF signal is not very clean, it can impact target DAC performance. Fortunately over the years S/PDIF interface has been perfected a lot and even in low cost implementation it can be excellent. Still, there is no reason to have this antiquated architecture. Using asynchronous mode USB, the DAC can set the cadence using a high-performance clock and force the source, in this case a computer or streamer, to follow it. Yes, there is some risk of noise here as USB is a much more complicated interface than S/PDIF. Dedicated processors are used to implement it and if not isolated from the sensitive DAC analog circuit (including its clock), we can still get polluted output
@ltmund DAC's time the signal. It can use the one from the source. But even something like a Gesheli has a built in clock. Now it is a matter of figuring out how to make sure the DAC uses it's own clock, making sure the USB is galvanicly isolated. You can get one for cheap from IFI and other brands. Then you are getting just pure 1's and 0's with no noise from a PC and not relying on a flawed clock source. You will get uncolored and true DAC performance. If you don't, then you have multiple factors affecting the DAC's true performance potential.
I have the geshelli 4499 with sparkos 3602 and it is fantastic. I use it for my headphone stack. For my main system i use ares 15th. No comparison. Ares is totally different and more musical. Still love my geshelli though.
Cool I have enyo 15th with monitor audio speakers can't go back to d50 iii or wiim pro akm chip r2r just sounds way better. Good to hear other opinions
Sad to say, my number one impression from your video is that Adsense / Google ads have gotten WAY out of control. You could barely complete a thought in your video and another advertisement interrupted. Really distracted me from your presentation.
@@KXP70 yes they are I own it and aune 17 which has equal quality with balance and single ended and also makes a kick ass pre amp. I also hooked up my smsl sh9 to the suns 17 and results were amazing
@@crate718 well they aren't. Otherwise I could just keep turning up the volume on any music device and and magically have better quality from all of them 🤦🏻♂️ You may have the opinion that there isn't a quality disparity between the xlr and rca but it'll have next to nothing to do with the fact that the rca is louder. If you think it is directly related then you obviously don't volume match your comparisons which is a noob mistake.
@@KXP70 I plugged both options xlr and rca to the aune s17 and the rca is more noticeably louder. I also talked to passion for sound on UA-cam and he said he experienced the same thing. It depends how the device is build. If balanced is so much better chord Dave would have xlr and it cost $14,000.00. Don’t be ignorant most audio is single ended feature amp or power for having
@@crate718 I own the S17 and J2S as well and I'm well aware of the volume difference between the two outputs. But you can't claim that one is better simply because it is louder. It being louder won't necessarily correlate with it being better or worse than the quieter output. This is the point. You bringing up the DAVE shows that you don't understand that Wavetheory isn't claiming that XLR is always better. It completely depends on the implementation.
A Sparkos SS2590 pro op amp will fit in the single ended side of a this dac and really closes the gap between single and balanced. A huge improvement.
Dude, I’m new the audio world so of course I’m binging all sorts of reviews and whatnot. I absolutely love your reviews. I truly feel like I’m getting as close to objective findings as possible (considering the topic) and you’re so incredibly thorough. Thank you for what you do.
E: just donated $25. Keep it up!
Upgrading the power supply to an IFI X power 12v made a pretty big improvement in sound.
Could you expound on that?
@@yamato1420 iiWi Reviews talks about it on his review of the same dac.
I tried a well designed Chifi LPS from ebay ($120). It definitely sounds better vs the stock ps.
I just got last week my Dayzee and upgraded the PS to Sbooster BOTW P&P ECO MKII Power Supply.
That Sbooster linear PS is considered one of the best out there. Also does extremely well with Wiim pro and Pro plus…
Damn! Those partially clear chassis are pretty sweet!
I've been running the J2S 4499 w/sparkos op amp with the Aune S17 Pro for over a year now. The DCA E3 are my go to headphones. I'm happy to say I have completed my audio journey. I am satisfied with everything.
Wow, this is just great. I listen to this channel every day and I love it! keep it up Dr. Wave!!
Great in-depth review!
I am waiting for my J2S after many years of using an ifi Micro DAC2. For the most time, it had been connected directly to my laptop's USB. Being battery powerded, the DAC's output was noise free. However, when I switched to my desktop copmputer, the DAC became very noisy (at low listening levels or idle state). This issue was fixed when I bought the Topping - HS02 USB isolator. I mentioned this because I hope that this info will be helpful for others also.
Best regards and good luck with your work. We appreciate it!
I don't have any hum or hiss even when I put my amp at max volume, I guess I am pretty much safe then? Hopefully so, because I don't want to spend that additional funds to get a USB isolator.
@kato2395, then I would say you're pretty much safe. Enjoy your setup! :)
@@mariusdamian9605 thank you man!
Another nice thorough review, thanks.
I still own the original Jnog and love it. Still sounds great, no issues. Very well made unit. I asked for bit more flakes in the paint on mine and they delivered. Geshilli are great people to work with.
I really like my J2S! I went with the AKM4499 DAC and Burson op amp upgrades. I did not include USB on mine because I am using it in a stereo system that does not have a computer. I basically did mine in a blacked out version because the rest of my gear is black. I chose the black aluminum casing with the smoked acrylic front and back panels. It came out really nice!
If it were only available before I got mine. Using a d70s and an Aune x18 upgraded with a Sparkos and a LPS. Both are nice. The Aune decked out a bit more energetic, the D70s a little relaxed in comparison. Could live with either. Down the road, will consider Geshelli or Schiit as an alternative if not a preference to the overseas mainland offerings. Don't stream my music outside a few YT bands to check out, etc., and some movies. Have alot of physical media that sounds alright.
@@nc3419 Those still nice DACs tho!
Great choice on the look
@@BoRerunn Thanks! The rest of my gear is black so I thought wold match well..and it does!
@@TheFrugalAudiophile I went with silver aluminum and clear window and it looks ok
Awesome review ! Love Geshelli
Thanks for the in depth take here.
I found USB noise filters for $14-$59 on amazon. My BF2/64 needed it bad. It will remain in place for my J3. You have described a product that does indeed beat my former modius E across the board. True neutral FTW \0/ better PCM and DSD decoding FTW \o/
Got my Dayzee last week and upgraded to "8" Pro Discrete Op Amp SS2590 and burning this in. Also, upgraded the stock PS to Sbooster BOTW P&P ECO MKII Power Supply.
Thank you for the video. Maybe it's just me (new to the game but loving/listening to music for 30 something odd years) , I find so many variable in the chain including Singxer-SU-6 digital interface, Sonore Rendu, external power power supply, Geshelli new DAC, OP amp/new USB, etc....how much of each component affects the sound individually and compounding.
Hope you review the Schitt new Gungnir 2 soon.... I have the 2/64 and love it.
Another awesome review as always. Thank you. How would you compare this to a entry level R2R dac like maybe a Ares or Musician Draco or even the Fiio K11 ?
What do you recommend to eliminate that problem with the usb connection with a desktop PC, without using a streamer?
Fiber Optic USB is available now.................
Stop PC noise to DAC? There's 10-gig Fiber Optic (not spdif toslink) USB connection & cables available now that uses SFP modules & LC to LC cable.
Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
Interesting.
The Bifrost 2/64 is amazing...except... the highs are oddly rolled off in my system. It's pretty extreme. Aside from that it's phenomenal.
So basically it isn't phenomenal at all?
Seems like you described an epic fail, not amazing.
Hi, i plan to connect a wiim ultra to these. I am using q acoustic m20s as speakers. Which would you recommend more, the ak 4493 or the 4499?
Do you game on your PC? If so, maybe do a video on your recommendations?
Did you have a chance to test the Sparkos 2590, comparing it to the 3602?
@@JTB--It works w those bendable adapters, I did it
@@JTB--would love to hear your impressions of the V7s once you've done the comparison!
I have a Sparkos 2590 in my J2 4493, unbalanced output. It's fantastic!!
Did you buy the op amp direct from Geshelli when you ordered it? If so, how much was it for the rca output?@@BobbyTwoTimes
@@JTB--What have you noticed between the V7V and 2590's?
Would this be a good upgrade from a Schiit Modi Multibit? Would I notice a big difference? Mainly for gaming and a little music.
It is definitely a great upgrade. I'm in your exact use case. I had the modius dac, upgraded to the bifrost 2/64, then the gungnir 2, now I'm back on the geshelli j2s with v7v op amp upgrades because I didn't need anything the gungnir offered.
@@mitchy5994 This comment was from a little while ago. I ended up buying a J2S with the Burson V7 Classics and I'm going balanced XLR into an SMSL AO200 mk2 amp driving a pair of Kanto YU passives and a 6" Kanto sub. Overall I am very pleased with my desktop audio now. Cheers!
how bout using power banks to power the DAC? No idea if they make 12v banks tho
Raal Immanis review please 🙂
I have the usb from Geshelli and never got any noice what so ever. I have a gaming pc and i also utilize both balance and rca
If something is galvanicly isolated no noise should get through.
There is 3 possible ways sound would change, that I can think of off the top of my head. Probably more if I sat down and thought about it.
1.
It's not truly isolated and some noise is getting through
2.
The DAC the way it implements USB is different than Optical or other connections.
3.
I doubt this is the case, but if it is getting clock timing from the source rather than using the internal clock
But in theory, a high quality DAC will sound the same regardless of the connection and is properly isolated for noise and not using the clock timings from the source. It would not matter where you got the files. The same 1's and 0's are getting to the DAC. It's a matter of implementation to eliminate other external factors affecting sound.
But obviously that's not the case with these more value based DAC's.
It's my understanding that only usb uses the DACs clock. Optical and coax rely on the source clock.
Usb is 2 way (the dac can request a packet again)
@@ltmund DACs in general to my knowledge do not request packets again as people prioritize low latency for audio-visual syncing. I've seen a few that use buffers to allow for error & timing correction but they get bashed in reviews for being a few frames behind for movies/games typically(and understandably if it's not toggleable.)
@@ResilientME From ASR:
I think most of you know my opinion on this. But just in case, I believe USB to be a superior and more "correct" interface for audio. Problem with S/PDIF is that it makes the source the "master," forcing the DAC to chase its timing. This means that if the source S/PDIF signal is not very clean, it can impact target DAC performance. Fortunately over the years S/PDIF interface has been perfected a lot and even in low cost implementation it can be excellent.
Still, there is no reason to have this antiquated architecture. Using asynchronous mode USB, the DAC can set the cadence using a high-performance clock and force the source, in this case a computer or streamer, to follow it.
Yes, there is some risk of noise here as USB is a much more complicated interface than S/PDIF. Dedicated processors are used to implement it and if not isolated from the sensitive DAC analog circuit (including its clock), we can still get polluted output
@ltmund DAC's time the signal. It can use the one from the source. But even something like a Gesheli has a built in clock.
Now it is a matter of figuring out how to make sure the DAC uses it's own clock, making sure the USB is galvanicly isolated. You can get one for cheap from IFI and other brands. Then you are getting just pure 1's and 0's with no noise from a PC and not relying on a flawed clock source. You will get uncolored and true DAC performance.
If you don't, then you have multiple factors affecting the DAC's true performance potential.
Sfp plus technically 😊
I would like to know how you measure the resolution ,and the soundstage and the 3D holographic and the timbre????
Ears
That's precisely why measurements sucks. Topping is the best while it sounds like shit.
Test it against denafrips enyo 15th
I have the geshelli 4499 with sparkos 3602 and it is fantastic. I use it for my headphone stack. For my main system i use ares 15th. No comparison. Ares is totally different and more musical.
Still love my geshelli though.
Cool I have enyo 15th with monitor audio speakers can't go back to d50 iii or wiim pro akm chip r2r just sounds way better. Good to hear other opinions
Bifrost2 without comparing
Professor, thank you for another wonderful digital to analog converter review! 👌
Reverend Dr. Thomas,
✝️ The Vegan Vicar 🌱
👍🌟👍
👌👍
Sad to say, my number one impression from your video is that Adsense / Google ads have gotten WAY out of control. You could barely complete a thought in your video and another advertisement interrupted. Really distracted me from your presentation.
that is bull shit the rca on the Geshelli is loader then the xlr. I heard it also from other people lol
Volume and quality are not the same thing.
@@KXP70 yes they are I own it and aune 17 which has equal quality with balance and single ended and also makes a kick ass pre amp. I also hooked up my smsl sh9 to the suns 17 and results were amazing
@@crate718 well they aren't. Otherwise I could just keep turning up the volume on any music device and and magically have better quality from all of them 🤦🏻♂️
You may have the opinion that there isn't a quality disparity between the xlr and rca but it'll have next to nothing to do with the fact that the rca is louder.
If you think it is directly related then you obviously don't volume match your comparisons which is a noob mistake.
@@KXP70 I plugged both options xlr and rca to the aune s17 and the rca is more noticeably louder. I also talked to passion for sound on UA-cam and he said he experienced the same thing. It depends how the device is build. If balanced is so much better chord Dave would have xlr and it cost $14,000.00. Don’t be ignorant most audio is single ended feature amp or power for having
@@crate718 I own the S17 and J2S as well and I'm well aware of the volume difference between the two outputs. But you can't claim that one is better simply because it is louder. It being louder won't necessarily correlate with it being better or worse than the quieter output. This is the point.
You bringing up the DAVE shows that you don't understand that Wavetheory isn't claiming that XLR is always better. It completely depends on the implementation.
U should brought geshelli dayzee bra not this...ha4..Peace!
wut
FIRST!!!!!!
SECOND!!!!!
Yeah, yeah...just because he went and re-uploaded the video for the public release, lol.