I am spending some time today figuring out which of my interconnects are damaged from my rearrangement of gear last night. So far 1 XLR (this brand is a PIA). Since I have everything out, I can do a test of DAC direct to the CODA #8 amp. I am streaming from TIDAL|Qobuz. I use a Sonore OpticalRendu for the stream. I have 15-foot Benchmark XLR from preamp to amp or 005 to amp. I have "better" or the PIA XLR's from the 005 to the preamps (3 feet).
Today, I have tried out 3 combos with the 005.I have only been playing Michael Kiwanuka - KWIANUKA album. Just because I cannot get enough of this album, especially the song, This Kind of Love.
1) CODA 07x + 005 + #8 = beautiful rich engaging sound. I am really drawn into this combo. The sound is good at all volume levels. Though there is a slight bit of hiss when you get your ear close to the tweeter. The combo gave me goose bumps on my fav song.
2) Benchmark LA4 + 005 + #8 = crystal clear sound, not as engaging as the 07x but I like this sound in a different way. No hiss at all on the tweeters. Great sound at all volume levels. I tend to use the LA4 when I listen to hard rock.
3) 005 + #8 = No hiss at all on tweeter. Sounds a lot like the LA4, maybe the same at moderate volume. At lower volume the sound does not scale down as well as the 07x and LA4. The volume is a little dangerous to use because of the confusing buttons. I had the volume a little too high at one point and could not quickly turn it down, so I killed the ROON stream.
The 005 direct to amp sounds rather good and likely sufficient for someone without a preamp. I will never use it this way because I am not a fan of the interface and I listen at low volume sometimes.
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@fl_guy
And I liked the 004 with a Schiit preamp. But when I went to a much better preamp, I liked the 004 even better. Somewhere in an audio system, unless it is exquisitely matched, there will be the limiting component that will curtail the SQ. I don’t think it will be the 005.
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@sruffle got it. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
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Thanks @melm, that's a helpful reference point.
Yeah the Saga+ isn't currently in use. Had it for another reason, not getting much use these days.
I'm somewhat (superficially) familiar with the Rouge RP-7, so I have some idea. Definitely sounds like a nice step up, probably a better match and more representative. Although I did read the post from the user who seems quite happy with the Topping 90pre, and now a couple of people who like/d the DA005 with Schiit preamps, so it would seem that there is a range of options that could be at least acceptable.
Thanks again - cheers.
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I have not tried the 005 direct to amp but have done so with other DACs. The Tortuga helped them significantly so I just use it as my standard practice.
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Melm I have a question for you. Can you please email me b.miller1@live.com. Thanks
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@fl_guy
First, I’m not familiar at all with headphone gear but it looks impressive and some steps above the Saga+.
I thought the Freya+ was very good sounding and certainly punched above its price, though the manufacturing was very clearly to a price. And its operation was a PITA. The Rogue was a very clear step above, and instantly recognizable as such. It had been some years since I had used tubes at all and I was quite impressed. Used it cost about 4x the new Freya+, but I was/am very happy with it. Fortunately it’s easy to sell Schiit stuff. I liked it enough, especially after rolling in some Mullards, that I eventually went for a Rogue amp. It’s hard to describe these things. I can only say that while it was a very clear step up it was not anywhere near the step up that the 005 was over the 004. I had thought that the 004 was to be my permanent DAC. Again, these things are hard to qualify.
Good luck which ever way you go.
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As well as for your posts with impressions @sns.
Re "too austere, clinical for me" [direct] - yeah, that's been a common theme, and something of a concern for me, DA005 sound seems to be close to the analytical line. Sure wish I could hear it. It is what it is - thanks!
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Got it - thanks again for the info!
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I've never liked dac direct, between stripping bits, possible impedance issues, always too austere, clinical for me. Plenty of volume with Saga in my setup. I have Sylvania JAN-CHS-6sn7zw in saga.
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Interesting - thanks for the info @sns.
Just for completeness, is that an OG Saga, or Saga+?
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Well @fl_guy I can give you exact answer! I too have Saga as back up to my Coincident Statement active pre. I've used it a number of times in place of Statement, sound quality much better than expected from such relatively low priced component. Saga does add texture, color vs. 005 direct.
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Interesting, thanks for the info @sruffle.
I imagine that you probably tried the system & DAC005 with and without the preamp. Did you find that the Tortuga improves the SQ result significantly? or are you perhaps using the Tortuga for other reasons?
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For what it’s worth I am using a Tortuga passive preamp with my 005. I have not experimented with other preamps in the chain but can say that I am satisfied with the sound of the Tortuga and 005 together.
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Thanks @melm. That's kind of what I expected, but it was worth asking :-). Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. Out of curiosity, how would you compare the SQ result with the RP-7 vs the Freya+?
A new DAC at this time would already be an unplanned upgrade for me in the first place, so I'm trying to understand the likely actual cost (whether either initially or over time, its much the same for me).
The rest of the chain is a Chord Hugo 2, A&S Mogwai SE and Susvara.
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It's too bad someone from Shenzhen doesn't respond to the issues which were raised as other dealers have at times in the past when wrongfully accused of poor customer service or unethical practices. The Musetec DA-005 DAC is excellent and I have no relationship with Shenzhen Audio or Musetec except as a consumer. For those who have drawn some comparison, I personally am not, nor will I ever be, interested in Tekton.
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@fl_guy
Perhaps this can help. I have good news and bad news. When I had the 004 I bought a Freya+ and used it with 2 Sylvania chrome domes. I liked it a lot and it bested an excellent SS preamp. Different than the Saga+ I used it with the balanced ins. It worked well with any of the settings on the Freya+. The analog sections of the 004 and 005 are very similar in architecture, though quite different in parts selection. So I think there will be a similar result.
The bad news is that I gave up the Freya+ because I wanted more preamp flexibility and had to pay a lot for it. I went to a Rogue RP-7. Though I did it for the flexibility, the result in SQ was quite substantial--still with the 004. I was surprised. So I’m going to guess that while the 005 will work well with the Saga+, the Saga+ may prove to be quite a limitation on the SQ you will get. I don’t know what else you have in your chain. Gives you an excuse to spend more money on a preamp. I got mine used.
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And yeah, I realize that the Saga+ isn't strictly 'passive'...
I'm trying to get at whether changing the output impedance presented by the DAC and/or pre-amp to the amp provides most of the benefit, or whether additional gain is important for best SQ with the DA005.
Sorry for the multiple posts.
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@arafiq
You wrote, "Let’s not get into ethical dilemmas."
Why not? Taking advantage of return policies is a reasonable way to audition gear when you might actually buy the stuff. It’s not OK IMO when you just want to hear stuff that you have no intention of keeping. Especially when you’re talking about around the world shipping. What the motivation is for that, except building some sort of experience/expertise, is something you can ask those of who do it. If we abuse these relatively easy returns, they push prices up for everyone and will not continue on the same terms.
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Edit: The second para should read:
"This would of course only affect the output _impedance_ aspect presented at the interface to the amp, and would not provide any gain...."
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On the subject of improved SQ when a preamp is used with the DA005, has anyone tried with a passive preamp?
This would of course only affect the output aspect presented at the interface to the amp, and would not provide any gain. Does any one know whether gain specifically has a beneficial effect?
The reason that I ask is that I don’t (yet?) own a DA005, and happen to have a passive preamp (Saga+) not currently in use which I understand provides an output impedance of 180 ohms in the tube mode. I’m wondering whether that would be helpful, or whether a preamp with gain is needed to get the SQ benefits some have mentioned?
Please, I suggest that we don’t get (further :-) into the ’just buy it and try it’ discussion for now :-). Has anyone tried the DA005 with a passive preamp, or is familiar enough with the DA005 interface to know whether the the improvements come from impedance matching, signal level, or a combination of both?
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BTW, I just want to make sure that my criticism was not directed toward the DAC itself. There are a few people whose opinions and feedback matters to me greatly, and @yyzsantabarbara is certainly one of them. If he is going to put his stamp of approval on the dac, I have no doubt it is a very good component for the money. He is one of the few members who actually buys these components before giving his feedback.
My issue was with the way pt999 was treated. As far as I know, he was doing a service to other members by highlighting issues with Shenzen’s practices. He simply shared his feedback and stated his preference. I always get uneasy when fanboys tend to shoot the messenger. And I’m sorry, claiming that he was ’feigning expertise’ is a loaded statement and the insinuation is not hard to miss.
Ordering when a return is really contemplated is not ethical IMO.
Let’s not get into ethical dilemmas. With the demise of brick and mortar dealer stores, this is the only way for people to audition gear. Lots of companies offer no-hassle return policies, and everyone understands that the reason they exist is to let people try out the products before forking thousands of dollars on something that might not work for them. This is not about ethics. It is simply another attempt to tarnish someone’s (pt999 in this case) character by bringing their ethics into the equation.
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@arafiq
I have to agree. I was interested in this dac too. But not anymore. Certain things raised doubts in my mind.
Some folks are debating with others as if they own the Mustec firm OR have some sort of arrangement with them. And I observe the same - a handful of folks defending their territory that too so voraciously - on this and other forums. Next - if a person does not like Musetec's sound OR the return policy, so be it. Don't really have to be upset if your enthusiasm about the product did not meet someone's expectations.
And bingo on the Tekton thread.
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The cable has an RCA termination on one end that goes into the DAC. The other end is plugged into the wall. Assuming that you have the rack space, it is extremely easy to set up. My experience mirrored the reviews on it.
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@arafiq
I don't know anything about a Tekton thread. But please, no false analogies. At one point I wrote to you, "Which you prefer is a matter of taste, and no one can substitute their judgment on that for your own." Is that the sort of post on the Tekton thread?
Just a bit of context about this thread. It's kind of old, had a short spurt and then died in favor of the much more important one that is @dbb's comparison review with the Holo May. That one encouraged a couple of people to actually try the DAC and who chose to report that here, and this thread took off. As the OP it is my email that rings with each post. So I try to help when I can.
You write of how criticism of the brand is treated. Fact is, there has been no criticism of the brand. The worst thing said about it here is that a person prefers his broken-in Holo May to the not-yet-broken-in Musetec. And the response to that was exactly, "I respect the fact that pt999 might prefer the May over the Musetec and would be willing to pay the difference. One cannot argue taste."
Next you write about @metaldetektor, agreeing completely with his assessment. But there has been no assessment; he has only pontificated, BSd and insulted. He has not written here of experience in audio, only that he had multi kilobuck DACs at his place to evaluate. According to him he bought one DAC, but it was gone by the end of the month. Oh yes, he wrote, "I'm happy to write about your Musetec vs. the various 10k DACs I've owned/home-auditioned. Send it to me . . " Can you believe it? So which of his "assessments" do you agree with? I have not seen any.
Then you say, we have not addressed the "concerns (email) that pt999 raised." Did you not see the suggestions of contacting his bank and seeking a credit card charge-back and even reporting this to the FTC? I did express skepticism regarding his "purchase" for it seems odd. If we expect ethics on the part of merchants we should act ethically ourselves. Ordering when a return is really contemplated is not ethical IMO. He didn't even let the Musetec break-in. I remain skeptical; though that has nothing to do with DACs. BUT, he is still entitled to his refund.
Finally, no one here has taken Shenzhen's side so I don't understand your final rant on the issue. In a day or two I may have something to say about alternative sources.
In any event you say you are no longer interested in the Musetec (even if you remain interested in this thread). That's fine. I'm not on commission.😉
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Interesting. Can you explain more how it is attached at both ends.
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Still enjoying my 005. Last week I attached a Gutwire Ultimate grounding cable to the RCA input. That was quite a change as front to back soundstage and bass clarity jumped up a significant amount. I am still not used to hearing this type of 3 dimensional sound in my system. This change is profound enough that I am going to have to revisit my HQP settings and bass woofer settings.
I am sure the Gutwire will have a similar effect on other DACs but thought it was worth mentioning in this thread in case anyone was considering adding it to their system.
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Chime in as suspicion grows ;-)
I had bought what I thought was my keeper DAC, the mola mola tambaqui. Space, detail and tonal clarity like I’d not heard before. Then my business partner mentioned someone on here had mentioned the musetec out performing a another dac I love the holo may. Slightly incredulous, I agreed to getting one to try.
Long story short, a back to back demo made the mola mola
sound compressed and veiled, very much sound stage moved back between thet speakers. That was that and I know have an 005 and £5k in my pocket or back on my credit card ;-). The only downsides are you really need a pre amp to hear it at its best but apart from that I’m not sure how they’ve done this for such a low price.
I know it’s no simple feet but I can’t recommend more highly, getting a listen to one of these, it really is too good to be true.
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Here is the web URL that explains Shenzheaudio's return policy. Seems pretty clear here.
Guarantees & Return Policy – SHENZHENAUDIO
Here is the return policy for Apos Auidio the USA based seller of this DAC.
Apos Audio 45-day return policy | Apos Audio Help Center
Also, pretty clear about the policy.
What I find interesting is when people with very expensive gear feel that something much cheaper cannot be as good. There are 2 things to remember
- There is a personal preference aspect to gear.
- There is also a rip off aspect of gear.
It is clear to me that one place where one does NOT have to spend a fortune today for great sound is DACs. The 005 and Gustard X26 Pro are 2 perfect examples for my tastes.
BTW - if anyone of you gets STUCK with a 005 (in black) send me a DM and I can see about buying it.
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Hmmm... this thread is beginning to remind me of the Tekton threads from a few years ago. Same plot at work here .... a handful of fans singing praises of the brand, small sample size, anyone who dares to criticize the brand is ’dealt with’ appropriately, punching way above its price point, select anecdotes from people preferring the brand to other brands which are 3-5 times more expensive, etc. etc.
I just don’t see where @metaldetektor is trying to play the official policeman of audiogon. FWIW, I completely agree with his assessment, which I feel is fair and balanced. I can certainly relate to a lot of what he is saying.
And finally, instead of addressing the concerns (email) that pt999 raised, we are going after the messenger. So he is now an expert who borrows dacs to feign expertise? How else are you supposed to compare equipment in the absence of dealer stores? And who says that you cannot compare the 005 to May? If someone can claim that it beats the Mola Mola, I think it’s fair game if someone finds the May a better DAC compared to Musetec. Like most things in audio, it’s about personal preferences.
And finally, exchanging equipment in lieu of faulty equipment is not the same as returning something for a full refund. If the email reproduced by pt999 is indeed authentic, it is clear that Shenzen is not being upfront about their policies. If there is re-stocking fee than it must be stated clearly on their website. Otherwise, the company is being deceptive. Simple as that.
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I have also appreciated this thread and all of those who have taken the time contribute to it, for bringing my attention a lesser known piece of equipment that seems worthy of discussion at least and for some, for consideration. I have been considering purchasing one myself, so thanks to those with first hand experience sharing their impressions and comparisons where available, and I hope that will continue.
I will say that I find the fact that ShenzenAudio seems to have a different policy for returns in practice than stated on their web site a bit troubling, and certainly good to know - thanks @pt999 for making me and us aware of that. That’s particularly useful (imo) in this case of a (so far) lesser known and appreciated and therefore potentially not as easy to resell item.
All of the info in this thread is and has been good info and food for thought for me in considering this item and potential purchase.
For my $.50 (inflation adjusted value ;-) I hope that we can continue to hear and appreciate all of the different impressions and experiences with the product, similar and comparable products, and with sellers from whom we might purchase.
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Here is another breathless comment on the 005. I want to get a second one for my downstairs system. The Benchmark DAC3B on my bedroom system will survive the purge of DACs after getting the 005.
So, I hope to have two 005's and 1 DAC3B (for 3 systems) which I will breathlessly keep long term. The DAC3B is a good match with my KRELL K-300i..I am sure the 005 would be a good match with the KELL too but I also like the sightly brighter DAC3B
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I've done my part to elicit critiques and comparisons of 005. I never only read positive or negative reviews of any product I consider for purchase.
Anecdotal evidence is replete in audio, deductive logic not worth much in cases where there are so few with actual experience of said product. Products with long track records allow much more confidence in purchasing decisions. 005 is one of those higher risk purchases due to so few owners here, credibility of product undermined when less than stellar reviews not heard. This is not miracle audio device, I've tried to describe it as accurately as I can, assume others doing same.
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@metaldetektor
Audiogon is a moderated forum. But that’s not enough for you. Now you are officially its policeman, protecting the great unwashed from being bamboozled. If you can find one thing that I wrote here that is untrue or over the top I challenge you to put up or shut up. Fact is that interest in the Musetec here took off after a detailed comparative review from @dbb that is widely admired.
I sympathize with @pt999’s plight. But there is definitely a way to handle it. However his is the only return, or even disappointment, I’ve ever heard of and I approach it with some skepticism. No one here or elsewhere told him that the the Musetec is better than the May. I have no idea why he would order one, except to validate his choice of the May. I have no idea what "connects me with the music better" means except "I like it better." Furthermore, if he had read this thread and otherwise done his due diligence he would have known that one week of burn-in is insufficient for this DAC. He sounds like you, taking advantage of all sorts of deals to "borrow" DACs so as to feign expertise. My guess is that’s what you do. Do you even own a DAC? I kind of doubt it. In any event my interest is in Musetec, not in Shenzhen.
As for the cost of return, I have calculated $183.10 by Priority Mail International. There can be no duty returning a Chinese item to China. So just more of your BS. It would cost me about the same to return a Yggdrasil after only a 15 day trial.
I don’t have to validate anything. This is the second DAC I’ve bought from this maker. I’ve been doing this for a long time. My interest here is simply giving a fine product some exposure. Some here have appreciated that. Many fine products don’t get much exposure in the usual, commercial, places. I think of my Audio Technica Art-9 that never got a commercial review but was exposed right here. It is a great component. Similarly the Supratek pre. There are others.
Seems you’ve spent 30 lines telling us you’re done here. Thank you.
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I really enjoyed this thread as it is informing my plans on upgrading from my first ever DAC that being a BelCanto DAC2. I have it setup with an optical connection from my BLUESOUND Node 2i. On my consideration list are:
Benchmark DAC 3L, a new BelCanto DAC, Topping D90, Holo Audio Spring, Matrix Element X, and now the Musetec 005
I eventually would like to have both a chip and an resistor ladder DAC to enjoy At the minute I am saving up as they can be pricey
Agentwja
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@melm Life is too short for online arguments with strangers. If I was rude, I apologize. I gave you push-back in this thread because I think it can be misleading to newcomers. While it's well and good to be enthusiastic about gear that you own -- without that, sites like this wouldn't exist -- readers need to take DAC impressions with a heavy pinch of salt. My real reference is live music (ideally unamplified), but I've owned/borrowed a lot of expensive DACs in my quest to find the right fit for me. I'm not saying my opinion is more correct than anybody else's -- I'd say it's of equally middling value -- but my experience makes me very skeptical of over-the-moon DAC descriptions. I've loved and hated the same DAC, based on which system it was in.
I was pushing back in the hopes of minimizing situations like the one described by @pt999, by injecting some hopefully reasonable skepticism into this thread. Shenzhen Audio's actual return policy is quite different from their stated return policy, based on that report. Pretty shady stuff. But even if they honored their stated policy, it wouldn't be cheap to ship the Musetec back to China. It's significantly heavier than the DAC that @yyzsantabarbara sent back (near 30 lbs, if I remember Musetec's confirmation correctly) and presumably he's shipping from the West Coast. Quick calculation on UPS -- it would cost me $650 insured (from East Coast) + whatever the customs are. Plus whatever the restocking/use fees are. And there's not a liquid resale market for Musetec (not yet at least, but maybe if you keep posting about it...). I'm a little curious based on the breathless reviews of the thing, but my personal DAC review experience has taught me to be skeptical. There's a lot of good stuff out there that one can happily live with.
At the risk of philosophizing again, it's understandable to want to validate your hifi decision. There are comparatively not many Musetec owners out there, and you want to feel good about the purchase. Are you hearing what I'm hearing? How does it stack up against xyz? And so forth. I bought a DAC I immediately loved, but felt compelled to home demo it against other stuff to verify I wasn't crazy. I wasn't crazy. Ultimately, once all the buying research is done and you have a system you enjoy, best thing is to skip the forums and enjoy the fruits of your labor. I'm trying to follow my own advice.
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My issue was with the Gustard X26 Pro DAC which was having some occasional popping sound when run direct to amp. Now I always use a preamp which eliminated the problem, but I wanted this issue fixed in the event I sold the DAC. I think I contacted Shenzhenaudio after 30 days.
Shenzhenaudio told me to send in the DAC (at my cost) and they shipped out a replacement Gustard X26 Pro which I got in about 5 days. I sent the original Gustard back to China by USPS for $125; USPS did everything, including customs. So, I was happy with the outcome. I was not going to bother with arguing about return shipping cost. since I thought it was a negligible amount for a replacement DAC.
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@yyzsantabarbara
Earlier you wrote, "Shipping back to China with Shenzhenaudio is about $125 USPS. Which I did with another DAC."
In view of what has been written here about returns to Shenzhen, would you describe that experience please.
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Ric Shultz of VD fame is not the Ric Shultz of EVS fame. I spoke with EVS Ric, and he was the one who suggested the Musetec lineup of DACs to me. I then checked out this thread on A’gon and became a happy owner of the 005.
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@lordmelton
Earlier I wrote that I discovered the 004 as a result of Ric’s recommendation of the unmodified 004 on another forum He then began to do mods to the 004, However, I think because of its innate quality, his 004 modification was, by far, his cheapest mod. There was not much he could think to do to it. It was about $500, far less than any other in-person mod to a DAC that I know of.
A used 004 is about the best deal I can think of in this space.
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For what it's worth, the text of the 30 Day No Questions Return Policy as posted on the Shenzen Audio web page currently reads as follows.
"30 Days No Reason Return
If you are not satisfied with your purchase and the product is still in brand new condition, we can arrange a partial refund, which will cover the price of the item minus the shipping fees. You will be responsible for paying the return shipping fees.
Please contact us for Return Material Authorization within 30 days of the order being received.
Note: Items such as Eartips / Leather case / Cable are not covered by this guarantee due to hygiene considerations."
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I just came across this article regarding Rick Schultz modding the 004. If Rick was involved it must have got his respect. Rick was the CEO of Virtual Dynamics a company that made some fantastic cables. He made a one off XLR IC for me many years ago which I still use and haven't bettered. Does anyone know where Rick is now? Here's the article:
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I've never considered return policies from overseas sellers as most efficient way to audition equipment. Between shipping, possible custom fees, time constraints, restocking fees, always sold my audition equipment.
No surprising someone finds 005 dac not for them, no dac is for everyone. 005, assuming one's systerm capable of exposing it's resolving capabilities would never be less than engaging, however, its not a flavored component. Some will perceive that as analytical, not soul stirring. There are many recipes available in getting to soul stirring systems, 005 may not be right ingredient for all recipes.
pt99 experience is the one criticism I presumed would arise at some point. The recurring thought I have is the person considering tube dac or R2R dac for their reported flavorings will be those most likely to not like 005.
Some want digital to sound like vinyl, a futile effort in my opinion. I do accept digital can be more or less forgiving, but analog, no. I have pretty nice analog setup, and grew up listening exclusively to analog so I think I have pretty good idea of what analog sounds like. For me, digital doesn't have the TIMING of analog, analog has a sense of relaxation, ease I've never heard from digital. Highly resolving dacs only accentuate this difference in systems not optimized for digital. The same dac that sounds analog like in one system may sound harsh, analytical in another. 005 requires every single aspect of system to be optimized for digital in order to show it's full capabilities. One shouldn't expect it to sound just like vinyl, for some thats no go, reason they don't care for any digital. As for sense of actual performers in room, this is reachable for digital, and 005 in particular. For me vinyl is romantic, warm and fuzzy feelings, 005 digital totally engaging, exciting, both satisfying in own way.
From my perspective, 005 is nearly last piece to put in already digital optimized system. Streaming needs to have top notch network, usb renderers, cabling, etc. home AC cleaned up, no grounds issue, room treatments, and of course sympathetic amp, pre, speakers, top notch transport for cds. If 005 purchased prior to full system optimization very likely one will be working on rest of system to obtain full capabilities of 005 or selling unit.
In this, I don't think 005 different from any highly resolving piece, it will show the warts. One has to pay steep cost to get both highest resolution and soulful presentation, all the t's must be crossed, i's dotted.
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@pt999
@arafiq
I respect the fact that pt999 might prefer the May over the Musetec and would be willing to pay the difference. One cannot argue taste. In one of my recent posts I have said the same. By the way, IMO it needs more than a week of break-in due to some very special capacitors in the analog section.
However, about your purchase and return. Sorry to hear of your dilemma. To my knowledge this is the first reported return of a Musetec. I have never bought from Shenzhen. They seem to have been in business for a long time; they seem to do a lot of business. Up until now we have only heard positive things about them like honoring Black Friday prices beyond the sale dates and pretty reasonable shipping times.
Their "30 Days No Reason Return" policy reads as follows: "After returning the product to the address provided by our customer service team, we can send you a new item free of charge (we will reimburse you the return shipping cost), or you can choose to receive a full refund. Please contact us for Return Material Authorization within 30 days of the order being received." It is pretty simple and pretty clear.
If they don’t honor that policy TO THE LETTER, then that’s what credit card charge-backs are for. Communicate with your credit card bank. Just make sure that you have not already paid your credit card bill for that item until after you challenge the charge and deduct it from your payment. With a 30 day return period that should be easy to do.
All of this seem pretty straight forward and, personally, I would have no problem ordering from them. I have learned to deal very effectively with situations like that. But I can understand if others would avoid.
Finally I would say to pt999 that if Shenzhen persists in these charges you might want to report this to the FTC, and tell Shenzhen you plan to do so. The FTC takes reports like this on-line.
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Lots of haters..from Aurender to Musetec and beyond...lol.
Been waiting 10 days for mine already and it hasn't shipped yet so there must be quite a long queue.
After I've run my Musetec in for a month I'll give you my thoughts.
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Wow! Thank you for sharing the information @pt999 I was ready to pull the trigger on the 005. The plan was do compare it to my Luxman and return if it didn’t cut the mustard. Surprised no one else bothered to mention this important fact.
For me, connecting with the music is paramount and significantly more important than detail retrieval. This was my main issue with Topping D90 and Chord Qutest. If the 005 is cut from the same cloth, regardless of the quality of parts, it’s basically a no go for me. Too expensive to audition. Moving on.
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I don't post online much. I'm adding a data point for those considering the Musetec 005 DAC. I have been using a May Holo KTE DAC for 5 months and ordered the Musetec 005 DAC thru Shenzhen Audio based on the enthusiasm around. The unit arrived 12/6, was burned in continuously for a week and after 3 days evaluation, I decided to return it. It's a personal choice, and I know people will ask why? what's the difference? what I like and don't like, etc... I just feel like the May Holo connects me with the music better. I'm not good at dissecting what I hear in words, so I'll leave it at that. That's not the reason for my post.
When I emailed Shenzhen Audio to request for return authorization, this is the reply I received after 2 days:
"Yeah, you can return it back to us, friend.
You should know that
1. The returned shipping cost and duties(if have) should be covered by you
2. We might charge 10% restocking fee if the usage time beyond 7days, and 20% restocking fee if the usage time beyond 15days but less 30days!
3. Be sure it's in good condition with all the accessories included, no damage, no lost, or we might charge extra 50% damage fee, and the cost of accessories will be deducted if lost.
4. Shipping address:
Consignee: Cloris Guo
Telnumber: 0086-17512019171
Address: Longguang Jiuzuan 5A- 2608, Longteng Rd, Minzhi St., Longhua District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 518131
..."
The "10% restocking fee for 7 days of usage, and 20% after 15 days" is not expected, and Cloris confirmed multiple emails the 30 day no reason return policy on their website states "....we can arrange a partial refund...." means that.
I'm just passing on the data and will not post any more.
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