Success Rolling Opamps in EE Minimax DAC

La45- Your point is well taken about smaller or "simple" parts. The speed and Efficiency of Capacitors in the Power Supply and elsewhere cannot be overstated. The impedance or ESR of these devices has a stranglehold over the sonic merits of any audio device. A slow response Cap yields a lethargic and unenthusiastic presentation with lack luster dynamics. However, it also screws with pitch accuracy and intonation. There is no doubt that each component imparts a sonic fingerprint on the signal, but none come close to the musically destructive affects of slow caps IMO.

The biggest problems is that electrolytic caps are constantly aging and losing performance as the electrolyte dries out inside, a process that is unavoidable due to heat cycling and use. Sure they will work for years but not a peak efficiency. They must be tested and changed routinely as surely as a vacuum tube. They are not unlike a rechargeable battery, where the chemistry inside begins to age and perform underpar. I plan on purchasing a ESR meter soon to test capacitors for performance. From what I've seen, it's a far more revealing tool than a capacitance meter.

Many thanks to Doug for all the info on OpAmp rolling.

Kijanki- All valid points that need to be considered in the big picture. My hope is to have a measurement record of the ESR when the equipment is new and monitor the capacitor health as time goes on.

If so, would you care to comment on the sound of it?

I assumed the power cord provided with the EE DAC I received about a week ago was included just so they could say; "We gave you one." I didn't bother trying it and immediately plugged in a Wire World Aurora Cord, which I have been satisfied with using on a Cambridge 840C CDP.

This afternoon, I was about to put away the EE DAC packing materials and the stock power cord for storage. I decided to give the supplied power cord a quick listen as I might not have an opportunity to do so again. To my surprise it sounded much better than the WW cord, despite its lack of markings or pedigree. There was no need to A/B the cords, as the stock cord was notably better, even with no break in time. I tried a couple of other power cords I had on hand (WireWorld Electra & the Kimber PK10 Palladian) and found the stock cord still sounded best. Maybe I'm deaf or have some problems elsewhere but I would encourage people to give the stock cord a try before casting it aside. It would be interesting to know if this is a fluke or intentional on the part of the manufacturer.

My other transmission was garbled. I was wondering if anyone had tried the OPA2134 and any opinions regarding it.

The EE DAC's stock power cord is not as open sounding as the others I have on hand but controls sibilance much better that the others.