ECP Walnut X.3 impressions thread

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by Erroneous, Oct 13, 2021.

  1. Erroneous

    Erroneous Friend

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    I'm terribad at gear reviews so I won't attempt anything like a serious review.

    This thread is being created for the upcoming Walnut loaner tour so that participants will have a space to leave impressions, and hopefully to get a conversation going about this DAC I quite like, but that hardly anyone has heard.

    My brief thoughts on Walnut:
    I purchased a Walnut X.1 and liked it enough that I asked Tom (at Beezar, he builds these) to make me another one for another system. He mentioned he could put together one with amorphous transformers called X.3, and I happily paid him a deposit.

    Before Walnut I had never heard something I have come to call the Schiit Smear. I had a Gungnir Multibit A1 and a Bifrost 2 in house when Walnut X.1 arrived, and for the first time they both had a sort of smear to them. Once I'd heard it, I didn't like it. Unfortunately for me, this is the kind of thing I can't un-hear. The clarity Walnut offers is something I very much enjoy.

    When X.3 came in and I compared it to X.1, X.3 has richer colors. It's more vibrant, and it makes the X.1 sound like it's a little grey in comparison.
    Both are fast, punchy, fun, nimble, and just all around great performers that can hang with the big boys.

    Tom's excellent build thread on the small run of 5 DACs that produced this X.3 can be found here:
    https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/ecp-audio-beezar-walnut-x-3-dac.11019/
     
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  2. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    Sources Comparison: PI2AES Output Coax > Bifrost 2 or Mobi MB > Vali 2+ or IEMagni

    IEMs used: Campfire Audio Ara, Campfire Audio 2020 Andromedia, Gaudio Nair, JVC x Drop HA-FDX1 (Green Filters), JVC x Drop HA-FWX1, Moondrop Starfield

    This is the first time I heard of anything from ECP before. I enjoyed stuff with the WM8741 DAC chip in them ages ago, and I saw that both @Erroneous and @dasman66 were lending out their personal X.3 units. I have heard good things about the X.1 previously, so I’m like lets get some listening done so I know what people are talking about.


    Design and Software
    :

    I presume I got the X.3 in its original hardcase briefcase, since the hardcase will more/less survive bombings and other stuff that is started by Skynet. When you open up the hardcase, you will see the PSU and the X.3, simple as that (no USB cable). Unit has this classic 70s/early 80s Atari 2600/VCS vibe, but the wood is real and so is the installation that is being done by hand. Doesn’t look cheap at all and I dig the look. The ECP logo is being hit with a lower power purple LED light from the PCB signing upward, which is a nice touch. This is an Unbalanced Output only DAC, so if you want/need Balanced Output then you should look elsewhere.

    The loaner unit did came with a CD for the Amanero USB driver installation if you need it. On my Windows 10 Thinkpad X260 laptop, the driver was installed right away and ready to be used on any music program you want. This is an USB-only DAC, no coax or other inputs accepted just in case you are using something like a PI2AES. I did use one of my PI2AES boxes since it has the moOde OS in it to test USB from the Walnut under Linux...works just fine provided if you set it up correctly in moOde’s MPD section (super easy to do).


    Sound:

    Sounds just like the classic WM8741 DAC sound with more body and vibrantness to the sound. My interpretation of the WM8741 sound is like the stereotypical British Hi-Fi Sound: Not the most detailed/laying chops, PRaT off the chain, welcoming midrange, smoother highs, warmer tone/timbre, and fuller bass that is movable on the leaner side. X.3 to me has these traits down pretty damn well.

    Since I am on Team IEMs since I haven’t tested 100 IEMs to know what I am talking about, I can say that the staging of the X.3 is the right balance of having breathing room and being closer to stage. I guess I’m sitting on row 3 or 4 on almost any music that I throw at it. Almost anything I throw at it for the most part sounds good and musical like my experience of WM8741 DACs. If a recording sucks, the WM8741 does help reduce the pain. But if a recording is detailed, then at times some of the details might smear sometimes. The WM8741 sound focus on consistency without anything really sticking out in your face. This is important because PRaT is to me the biggest focus of the classic British Hi-Fi sound, which the X.3 does this just fine. If you are used to the Schiit Mutlibit DACs, well they slam harder, more darker tone/timbre, a little closer staging, and perhaps less fuzzy than the X.3. I prefer this type of sound than the newer ESS Sabre DAC chips, since it has the right balance of warmth and engagement for me. But be aware that the WM8741 is a Sigma Delta DAC chip and it doesn’t have the stereotypical hallmarks of R2R sound.

    I know I haven’t gone too much detailed on how it is on each recording that I know by heart, because the results where the same as I referenced to the general sound signature above. However, I do think one thing that is holding the X.3 back a bit (depending on situation) is the USB-only input. Don’t get me wrong, the USB-input provided by Amanero isn’t gimped at all. However, I did notice a minor veil to the sound. The veil gets worse on certain USB-inputs, like plugging it in my PI2AES box which has a Pi4 motherboard. Took me a few times to find the right USB-input on my laptop setup where the veil is cut down to a minimal. However, I still detect the veil to no end. Different music programs for me didn’t change the sound/veil that much at all . I think the X.3 is being hold back by its USB-input. If it had a Coax input, then I think it would take the X.3 to the next level where just using a PI2AES I bet would get rid of the last veil it has. Or perhaps getting the USBridge Signature Pi HAT setup from Allo would do the trick here and get rid of the veil. Either way, we are back to the 2000s/2010s when trying to decrap USB so the X.3 can sound it best….and I think it is super annoying if I gotta be honest. I also bet at least for us in SBAF the X.1 or X.3 could had been more popular if we had that Coax-input on top of the USB-Input. On that point everyone wins and boom multiple connections like most other DACs nowadays. Now I get why Doug wanted to keep his X DACs to a minimum look: Keep it stupid simple and most people are going to use USB-input as their main input anyway. However, I just feel that his X DACs can become even better if USB goes away...but that’s just me. Coax or BNC….just something to make this go to 11…..and since DSD is pretty dumb no one would care if we have to convert DSD to PCM if using Coax or BNC.


    Conclusion
    :

    If you can figure out how to make your USB-input sound super best with no veil, then the X.3 is something to consider provided if ECP is making more of these units in the future. If you are heavily into a PI2AES or a digital streamer setup, then it is hard to recommend the X.3 (or the X.1 in that matter) unless you confirmed your digital streamer has damn good USB-inputs that doesn’t suck so you can get rid of the veil.

    With that being said, it is nice that we have a WM8741 DAC device that sounds damn good, and I bet the better transformers that are with the X.3 units is also doing its job as well. It hits the right heartstrings for me, and the unit itself just looks damn nice along with my computer setup. If someone running this on an USB-input setup where it is done right, the X.3 will be like “dammnnn this is good.” I can see this as something you have to auction to if you are aiming for $1000ish DACs, provided if you prefer USB-inputs that doesn’t suck and don’t need Balanced Output.

    For me, the X.3 along with the X.1 is being hold back by its USB-only input a bit. A caution recommendation after you reviewing your setup goals.
     
    Last edited: Oct 24, 2021
  3. dasman66

    dasman66 Self proclaimed lazy ass - friend

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    yep

    ^^

    I use an Allo USBridge Sig running Ropiee with this dac. I haven't tried running it directly from a PC...
     
  4. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    I have a simple question for you: You didn't detect anything veil on the X.3 via USBridge?
     
  5. dasman66

    dasman66 Self proclaimed lazy ass - friend

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    no, I didn't... I've actually found this to be the most detailed of my dacs (but then, I don't have anything that would be considered a detail monster to compare to).
     
  6. sheldaze

    sheldaze Friend

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    I'll second the lack of veil - I have only been using Allo USBridge Sig running moOde and iFi Audio Zen Stream (it runs a custom version of Volumio). I have been 95% running the Zen Stream because it ticks the clarity back, just a hair, relative to the Allo. This DAC is a D/S, and at least to my ears that is noticeable - the Zen Stream makes this slightly more moderate. But it is certainly not veiled.

    I have not posted a review because I'm not 100% convinced the amorphous transformers have completed their initial change. I'm only familiar with the nickel, when I thought the transformation was complete in a 3F - took the amplifier to multiple meets, only later to hear the final change. However, if I have a little time, I will try out running USB from Pi2AES and direct connection from a laptop running Foobar2000 or a Mac laptop running Media Center.
     
  7. Phantaminum

    Phantaminum Friend

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    ECP Walnut X.3 Review
    Chain:
    PC USB Out --> ECP Walnut X.3 | Matrix X-Sabre Pro | Bifrost 2 --> Elekit TU-8600s (ACME 300Bs | EML 300Bs) | SW51+

    Headphones:

    ZMF Verite Open
    ZMF Auteur
    Focal Elex
    Sennheiser HD650

    Test playlist:
    https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0vtQt9YJS3NqxyXxwi4i13?si=e6156980c60b4142

    [​IMG]

    Build:
    I won't go into the build too much since it's ECP and all of their products are high quality and look gorgeous. What caught me off guard is how tiny the DAC is. Width wise it's about 3/4 of the Bifrost 2 and half the size of the Matrix X-Sabre Pro. Length wise it's equal to the Bifrost 2 while the Matrix X-Sabre Pro is the longest.

    Matrix X-Sabre Pro vs ECP Walnut X.3:
    When someone says that all DACs sound the same you can refer them to this. Listening how both presented music is akin to listening to the Philips SH9500 and then switching to a Sennheiser HD650. The Matrix X-Sabre has a sharper and more well defined image. The track by Brian Bromber - Elephant on Ice Skates is a good example of this. Saxaphones, trumpets, and guitars have more bite to them. Drums give you a nice thwack to them instead of a thud. It is a more lively presentation. Now where the ECP really flexes it's muscles are in other areas. When it comes to staging the Matrix X-Sabre has a very up front presentation. The ECP on the other hand gives you great depth stage (as much as you can for headphones). You can tell where the singer is in relation to the other instruments. Is the drummer in the back? You can pick him out. There's more air around instruments. The stage is pushed back but I think this is a more correct presentation of music. The Matrix X-Sabre Pro kinda throws a wall of sound at you which makes it hard to follow along. On the ECP it was much easier to single out instruments from beginning to the end of a song. If you listen to Zhao Cong - Moonlight on Spring it wasn't really apparent to me on the Matrix that there was a big drum hit on the right lower side of the stage. Because of how soft it was, it got lost in everything that being thrown at you from the Matrix. A strong aspect of this amp is its flow. As in the tempo feels natural, non-digitized, organic, it...just flows. If you ever heard other amps and then listened to the ECP 3F you understand what I mean. Finally when it comes to bass, even though the Walnut 3.X has more weight behind notes, the bass hits are pretty even.

    Bifrost 2 vs ECP Walnut X.3:
    It's been awhile since I've listened to the Bifrost 2 after our move. Really, even before the move it's been sitting there collecting for about 2 1/2 months. Had to plug it in and let it warm up for a couple of hours. When I started doing comparison I just found myself wanting to leave the Bifrost 2 connected on all of the tracks. I forgot how good it was. It basically takes what's good from the Matrix X-Sabre Pro and the ECP Walnut then mixes it together. The Bifrost 2's staging is towards the middle of the pack but leans more towards the Matrix instead of the ECP. Notes have better defined images and almost as sharp as the Matrix but with the weight of the ECP DAC. Bass hits much harder but this can be a drawback in some songs since it can be a bit too much depending on your chain. When it comes to resolving instrument details, I have to give it to the Bifrost 2. It could be the blacker background but I just found that you could hear more instrument grit, piano vibrations, and it comes across clearer. Now where the ECP does a better job is again with staging. From a width and length standpoint the stage is smaller on the Bifrost 2. Also the flow and tempo of music. It's really impressive at how easy it is to find yourself tapping your toes on the ECP. Timbre is similar to each other but both easily win out compared to the Matrix.

    Conclusion:
    So after gushing about the Bifrost 2 it feels like there's no need to buy the ECP DAC? No, that's not what I meant or hoped to portray. In my chain, the DACs with sharper imaging wins because of the 300B tube amp. Now where I think the ECP would probably gain any lost ground would be pairing it with solid state amps or bright chains. Where it'll shed off the brightness and really bring it into its own. Imagine a solid state amp paired with the Focal Utopia and Walnut 3.X. I think it would be a hell of a listen. The stage being pulled back, the weightier notes, and the slight roll off of treble would play to the Utopia and shore up any weaknesses. Or a solid state amp paired with a Hifiman HE-1000V2/SE. It really all comes down to synergy. :)

    I want to thank @Erroneous for giving us his personal DAC to listen to as it was a pleasure. Always great to have friends like you in the community.
     
  8. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    PI2AES does not have USB. USB is on the PI, thus making PI2AES unnecessary. I am confused! o_O
     
  9. dasman66

    dasman66 Self proclaimed lazy ass - friend

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    I think he's just trying to recreate YMO's condition without taking apart his Pi2AES (ie., YMO ran USB out of his laptop and out of his rPi)
     
  10. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    I rather liked the ECP Walnut X.3. Can't say it being USB only bothered me, though I would prefer it to have SPDIF instead or more digital inputs in general. I never found myself wanting when using it with my Surface Book. (The Surface products I've owned and used seem to have clean USB implementations.)

    I don't know why I thought it would be bigger than it is. It has a surprisingly small footprint, but the wall wart is sizable. I'd personally prefer a larger unit with the transformer inside, but it's not a big deal either way.

    The Walnut's output seemed below the usual 2V RMS spec. When comparing against other DACs, I did both a best effort attempt to match on my amp's potentiometer as well as used Roon's headroom DSP to drop the output on other DACs to match the Walnut's. I compared with a basic RCA A/B switcher.

    My first impression of the Walnut was that it reminded me of the DAC2541 in many ways, if memory of the DAC2541 relative to my other DACs serves me right. Slightly relaxed and laid-back, and with a nice hint of softness or sweetness to everything without cutting down on detail or clarity. It sounded composed and refined. Well rounded overall.

    But where it differed from the DAC2541 was in tone and dynamics. I found the DAC2541 to sound a tad mid-centric, and the Walnut seems to fill in the low end. The Walnut, while still being a somewhat laid-back sounding DAC, seemed to have stronger dynamics. That's probably the best summary I could give of the Walnut, and I have to say, it fits my preferences very nicely.

    What I didn't get to listen for were elements like staging (beyond the obvious, that it was maybe a step back due to being slightly relaxed sounding) and low-level detail retrieval. Just not enough time to really dig in. But I can say that I didn't hear any obvious deficiencies in A/B switching.

    I wish I had more time to spend with the DAC. I don't get much time for listening these days, whether critical listening or for personal enjoyment. But what listening I was able to do was very enjoyable.
     
  11. jaker782

    jaker782 Friend

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    Chain:

    Sony WM1A DAP USB out --> Walnut X.3 / Modi 3 / GOV2+ Infinity (DAC mode) --> Quicksilver / MJ1 amps

    Headphones:

    HD650 KISS / Gen G

    I have to be honest here and say it is hard enough for me to articulate what I am hearing when comparing headphones, and find that with DACs it is even more difficult, but I will do my best.

    The Ayes:

    I had zero issues getting this DAC working. As soon as I plugged in my source via USB, it immediately recognized the digital USB out and just worked. I love the aesthetics and small form factor as well! So, the overall tone of this DAC is quite musical and natural sound with a very agreeable rich tone. I imagine this is what a tube dac might sound like. I find the bass to be quite punchy, yet fast and articulate. While it can really slam when called upon, it isn’t so over the top that it bleeds into the mids or messes with the whole tonal balance. I thoroughly enjoy the portrayal of the midrange here as it provides some thick, weighty vocals that are quite full and organic sounding, especially male vocals. While I do feel the highs may be a bit overshadowed here by the warmth provided by the low end and midrange, treble is still well extended and in no way lacking in detail. Everything is there, just not in your face, attention grabbing, or fatiguing in any way. It is relatively laid back and perfect for long listening sessions, but never sleepy sounding due to strong dynamics and high engagement factor. This DAC is like sipping a smooth scotch while taking in the warmth of a campfire on a brisk fall evening… my kind of night!

    The Nays:

    Due to the inherent warmth and weightiness behind the notes, the staging does feel a bit on the intimate side, but the crazy thing is that it is much wider than what I am used to given the warm, meaty tone. I guess this isn’t really a negative, as I do find the staging to be rather impressive considering the overall warmish tone of this DAC.

    Now two negatives for me that are not related to sound quality… while I do not mind that this is USB only, I could not get it to successfully play any DSD files in my library, even when setting the source to DoP (DSD over PCM). The tracks play on my source, but I get no audio whatsoever when playing DSD encoded files. For comparison, both the Modi 3 and GOV2+ play DSD files just fine with my source set to DoP. The GOV2+ gives me static when set to native DSD even though it is supposed to decode these files, but works fine when set to DoP. Not sure why the Walnut gives me zero sound with DSD files set to DoP playback, but honestly did not mess with it too much or try to troubleshoot the issue. I just moved on to hi-rez FLAC files, which gave me no issues.

    The other negative I found with this DAC is the location of the power switch. It is located on the rear of the unit (which is a negative in itself but forgivable due to this being quite common), but the fact that it is also located directly below the power cord output really makes it difficult to give the unit the old reach-around to turn it on or off. I am sure there is a reason for this, but it is just not practical if you do not plan to leave the unit on when not in use. I mean it is literally directly below the power cord that sticks out of the rear of the unit so you have to fish around a bit to actually find and engage the switch. This is especially troublesome if you have the DAC on a shelf of something stacked on top of it. I can acknowledge this is picking nits, but I needed another negative to balance out this review, so here it is.

    Other DACs:

    Unfortunately, I only have budget DAC’s in my current arsenal and do not feel comfortable providing comparisons to DAC's I last heard months ago, so will only provide some brief comparisons to two cheapo DACS. I’ll keep this brief… the Walnut blows the Modi 3 and GOV2+ out of the water. Starting with the Modi, it is noticeable greyer with blurred transients, a much more two-dimensional sound, and haziness in direct comparison that I suppose is the “Schiit Smear” I hear mentioned a lot. While I can’t say I really noticed it before, now I do. The Walnut has a far blacker background hands down. And while I do prefer the GOV2+ overall as a pure DAC over the Modi 3 for it’s clearer, more neutral and dynamic presentation, the Walnut seems to take the clarity and dynamics of the GOV2+ and add a fuller, more 3D, layered sound with way more musicality and smoother tone. The Walnut has better instrument separation, is less sharp and fatiguing, and just overall a more enjoyable listen.

    Amp Pairings:

    While I do feel the overall tone of this amp can be enjoyed with most chains, I will say that if I had the choice of pairing between the Quicksilver and MJ1, I’d have to go with the latter. While perfectly agreeable, I do feel the already slightly warm QS with its elevated low end does get magnified somewhat when paired with the Walnut DAC. My first impressions was that the extra warmth and musicality was a good thing but after trying the MJ1, a variety of different music, jumping back to the QS, and rinsing/repeating, I have found that the forward, more incisive, and dynamic presentation of the MJ1 was just a beautiful pairing with the slightly laid back musical quality provided by the Walnut DAC. I definitely agree with the sentiment that this amp would make a fantastic pairing with a SS/neutral amp or bright leaning headphone for sure!

    Verdict.. The Ayes have it!

    This should be taken with a grain of salt considering my modest experience with higher tier DACs, but the Walnut is probably the best DAC I have had the pleasure of hearing. It honestly has me questioning my prior conclusion that the juice provided by big boy DACs is not worth the squeeze for the modest amount of sonic improvement it contributes to your chain when the price of admission is considered. This DAC just seems to inject an effortless quality that is just super cohesive, smooth, and musical into your audio chain that I have to admit, is actually noticeable to my untrained ears after considerable detailed listening sessions. If you can get past the ridiculous placement of the rear power toggle switch (which I think you should considering the sound quality) and do not require native DSD playback, this is a fantastic choice for a sub $1K DAC, especially if you are pairing it with a SS or bright leaning amp and/or headphone.

    I really appreciate @dasman66 and @Erroneous generosity in loaning out their personal gear to get more ears on this fantastic DAC. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it! Thanks guys!
     
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  12. Clemmaster

    Clemmaster Friend

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    Haven't finished my time with it yet, but what I heard when I first got it is quite opposite to the last 2 reviews: uncanny clarity, but also quite bright sounding!
    Mind you, it's actually very well done and doesn't give me the torturous "needle in my ears" or glassy/glary feel like the typical DS DACs (with similar presentation), but bright nonetheless.

    I only have the Wavelight to compare to and I must say listening to it right after the Walnut made it sound muddy... That's not an adjective I would ever use to describe the Rockna, but it speaks to the sense of clarity that the Walnut conveys!

    Maybe it's the headphones (LCD-R and EQ'd Utopia), but I would not pair this DAC with an aggressive/bright amp...

    The second adjective I would use to describe the Walnut is nimble. That thing is fast, tight and articulate. Sure, it doesn't pack the punch (and overall sense of scale) of the Wavelight, but I quite like the effort!


    Side note on the usability
    This DAC did not like my Stream Box 2 Ultra very much. The DAC would disconnect from it after just a couple songs. In fact, one song in particular made it drop at exactly the same time, twice.

    I switched to the iFi Zen Stream and haven't had any issue with it so far (outside of a short network drop, which I attribute to my AiMesh node).
     
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  13. Clemmaster

    Clemmaster Friend

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    Can someone shed some light on the X.1 and X.3?
    Are the transformers the only difference between the 2? (Nickel for X.1, Amorphous for X.3)
    Are these similar to what’s used in the DHSA-3F?
    I’m surprised there’s a price difference between the DACs and not the amps :confused:
     
  14. dasman66

    dasman66 Self proclaimed lazy ass - friend

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    According to @TomB build thread, their were pcb changes between the x.1 and x.3 that improved access to the RCAs and allowed the x.3 to have either transformer (with a pretty significant price difference - I think the nickel was 1k and the amorphous pushes 1400).

    More info here https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/ecp-audio-beezar-walnut-x-3-dac.11019/
     
  15. dsavitsk

    dsavitsk Friend

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    I don't say this to discount your response. It could just sound bright to you. But there are 2 things that can make the amorphous transformers lose bass - one is if the input Z of the next stage is very high. It's unlikely that it would be over 100K, and so should not be an issue, but very high could lead to loss of bass.

    The more likely is that there is some DC offset either from the DAC's output stage, or on the next next stage's input. Either one of those could send a little bit of DC through the coils which would reduce inductance and thus reduce bass. Checking that the DAC's output stage is working as expected is probably more than you want to do, but trying a different amp might be worth the comparison.


    The transformers are indeed the primary difference. However, the difference is not the same as nickel vs amorphous on the '3F. There the two options (LL1676 and LL7903) are commensurate in size, complexity, and price (the nickel actually costs more). The nickel OPT on the Walnut (LL1591) is small, unshielded, and one of the least expensive Lundahl transformers. The amorphous option (LL1684) is on a larger core (the same core as used on the 3F's 1676) and is a much more complicated part that consequently costs a lot more. It's probably overkill, but unfortunately there isn't a small, cheap, amorphous option.
     
  16. Clemmaster

    Clemmaster Friend

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    Thanks for the clarification on the transformers :).

    I found similar sound characteristic on both Schiit Lokius -> ECP T4 -> Utopia and Schiit Jot A -> LCD-R setups.
    In both cases, I use 12dB attenuators at the input of both amps (link).

    I moved the DAC to my Niagara 1200 power conditioner yesterday and was not bothered by the brightness anymore. Not sure if it actually made a (measurable) difference, or if I just got accustomed to the sound signature, but I had a great listening session last night!
     
    Last edited: Dec 29, 2022
  17. famish99

    famish99 Friend

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    This explains a lot about my impressions. I did find it bright in setup, but I run an AVC so the reflected load impedance would be sky high relative to most other users.
     
  18. TomB

    TomB MOT: Beezar

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    I'll take full responsibility for the power switch/power socket.

    Doug originally designed the Walnut to be as small as possible without resorting to SMD in the power supply. Things are cramped on the PCB. There is only the room on that right side of the backplate (as you face the backplate). The RCA jacks are on the left side of the backplate and while you may think there is enough room on the backplate, there is no room on the PCB, due to the traces and proximity of the output transformers. Of course, the Amanero USB space is taken up completely by the board in the middle. The switch and power socket could still be located in the middle or left side of the backplate, but that would've meant air-wiring it. I didn't want to do the wiring and run it across the transformers and over or under the USB board to get to the power supply input. Plus, it would've looked bad because you can see a lot through the vents on the top plate. So, we put the power socket and switch on the same side above each other. The switch is very tiny, which helps some, but not enough with a right-angle plug.

    It's unfortunate that the original walwart had that right-angle plug. There is another walwart I'm testing that has a straight barrel and may alleviate the issue a bit. We've had an issue with a couple of the walwarts failing anyway. I'm not saying it's an issue you should necessarily worry about. I've been using mine for close to 3 years now, without a hiccup, including on every Walnut I've built and sold.

    That said - IMHO, Triad makes the finest walwarts available. This one at DigiKey seems particularly robust:
    WAU12-1500 Triad Magnetics | Power Supplies - External/Internal (Off-Board) | DigiKey ($14.52)
    Basically, just remember: Triad WAU12-1500. I'll let you know soon if there's any issue with it at all.
     
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2021
  19. jaker782

    jaker782 Friend

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    No worries! It is a minor complaint and the fact that I had to dig for negatives is a testament to how good this DAC sounds!
     
  20. TomB

    TomB MOT: Beezar

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    Thanks, but I made the mistake of hitting reply before I was ready.

    As you can see above, I added quite a bit more detail. ;)
     

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