Thanks. I found a couple comments here, but would love to get a better idea of where it stacks up with some other points of reference. Like, DAC is same performance tier as X, but different sonic goal, and same for headphone output. As an all in one, it’s very interesting, especially if it’s capable of pushing Sus satisfactorily, at least at the level of like a Vio 590 or other AIO in that $1.5-$2.5k range. I’ve almost caved on a Corda Soul, but this seems it could have higher potential.
Not even aware of the product until you just mentioned it. Based on the images though it’s a DAC only but it has 3X the amount of “stuff” in it the 502 has, Also seems to be a cut above from an implementation standpoint with some serious clocks on board.
DAC501-4ch UPGRADE - finally received and first hours burned in…
Upgrade costs: CHF 1.820 + your country-import-tax (Germany: + €400) - valid for Oct 2022 Upgrade duration: 1-2 days Modifications: replacing pcb with new DAC Chip ESS9038 PRO
Nothing obvious if you open it, because output/dsp section is covered and I don’t wanna scratch something, but serial number of the WPCB board changed
Output level I use with Rotel Michi X5: 0 dB
Output: Cardas XLR AES/EBU
Input/Source: Lumin Mini U2 + Ferrum Hypsos, Cardas SPDIF, Qobuz
Reference song (before/after upgrade):
Fink, Trouble’s what you’re in Live (Wheels Turn Beneath My Feet)
JFDR, Gravity + My Work (New Dreams)
Ane Brun, Words (It all starts with one)
WOW - I didn’t expect too much audible difference in the beginning!
It is so damn, neutral & clarity!
Fink’s guitar clapping: like you sit next to him
JFDR voice: filling up room, wide soundstage, guitar strings even closer as before
Ane: like sitting in a live concert
Overall impression: no doubts it will even improve over next weeks!
Also see how filter (de-esser & vinyl) have improved as well…
Worthwhile upgrading - comparing price and what you get?
for me it was more to have the latest Sigma-Delta for the next 5+ years
Getting that much out of it?
Not sure, it’s an individual decision & of course how much impact it has in your chain
So does the four channel version use two channels of the DAC chip per side (left/right)? I assumed it was a ‘pro gear’ option, and not meant as an upgraded stereo option.
I allows for all four of the analog outputs to have a series of programed output of four channels two being used for one thing and the other two for another. So L+R plus L+R for subs, L+R plus C+S, L+R plus L+R with different EQ settings. It’s a lot of configuration possibilities for multi channel set ups.
Stereo option + various new options for upcoming 3d sound (multi-channel, mix with headphones etc).
As well moving to the latest ESS9038 chip. Therefore there is improvement in sonics again…love it already
Not sure how they will handle parallel use of AES + RCA output for 4ch setup (special amp? Using certain receicer inputs?). Will ask Daniel and Joschka.
It’s not implemented, firmware release notes shows that they have introduced hw support in Oct 21 and in Sep 22 minor dhcp lease fix. I assume there will be new features coming soon…
From their Blog:
What 4 channel applications are planned?
Here is a list of 4 – channel features we have in mind. There is no guarantee that we will implement all of them, though. We would be pleased to get information from you about what 4 channel features you would like to see.
The audio sources for the setups mentioned below can be two or more channels. The input channels are automatically rendered such that they fit the format of the four outputs.
2 channel front speakers, 2 channel rear speakers for surround playback.
This setup adds another pair of speakers at the back for an enveloping sound.
2 channel front speakers, 2 channel front speakers at a different angle.
A very interesting setup for a more enveloping sound. Based on a design by the Swiss audio company “Pawel Acoustics”.
2 channel front speakers, 1 channel front center speaker, 1 channel subwoofer.
In early stereo times there have been made 3 channel recordings with left, right and center channels. The center channel is of great use for a realistic reproduction. The fourth channel can be configured to feed a subwoofer speaker.
2 channel front speakers, 2 channel subwoofers.
For a decent full range system, based on satellites and subwoofers, the use of a stereo instead of a mono subwoofer is advantageous.
2 channel front speakers with crosstalk cancellation, 2 channel rear speakers with crosstalk cancellation.
Crosstalk Cancellation (XTC) means that a pair of speakers becomes kind of a headphone in that the left speaker only reaches the left ear and the right speaker only reaches the right ear – similar to a headphone. This has the effect of generating a huge soundstage in front of the listener with a very life-like reproduction of a life recording. By adding a second pair of XTC speakers at the back an enveloping life-like scenery can be achieved.
2 channel headphones type A, 2 channel headphones type B for two persons listening simultaneously with two different headphone models.
Allows two persons to listen to the same music program each with his/her own set of headphones and signal processing.
It will be interesting how the 3d “next-stage-of-sound” will look like. Weiss is coming more from an sound studio prospective, therefore they play around since a while for new sound experience - like their LIVEBOX – Music Playback System. Sure Joschka Weiss will focus on this new activities
I personally have to say: I don’t care too much, I even have issues using headphones (ohh…boy, saying that out loud in this forum ). Also setuped twice some multi-channel TV setup and got rid completely, because hate this separation, left/right/center/behind…so unnatural for my ears & brain
Using DeEsser or Vinyl filter on certain genres (live concerts, non-hires Jazz) is with my speakers still worthless (ELAC Concentro S 507 are doing very, very well for all kind of music + longterm listening)
So i’m very exited to see Abbas tube DAC comparison and hopefully my PD-93 gets finally back from repair after 2 months
This has been my experience and to be honest, when I’m critically listening, I’m listening to quality recordings to begin with. The rest of the time I’m just listening to music and those things are not important to me.
Their other DSP functions are more usable in the real world though, the different profiles for different outputs and the EQ is very powerful. The loudness and dynamics are specifically useful for late night listening sessions.
If anyone owning it and not having the mk2 upgrade and you wanna stop chasing for a better Sigma Delta, go for this 1.9k upgrade! Will never get rid of it and already disappeared in my listening sessions… no other sigma delta for me anymore…
The 50X has become one popular DAC indeed. You couldn’t swing a dead cat without hitting one at the Capital Audio Fest show last weekend.
Sadly I bid adieu to my 502 today, packed up and shipped out. I thoroughly enjoyed it but it simply didn’t make sense to keep it, not using the DSP nor the streaming functionality.
). Also setuped twice some multi-channel TV setup and got rid completely, because hate this separation, left/right/center/behind…so unnatural for my ears & brain 
