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• This product has a special 30 day money back guarantee, plus one year warranty. We will ship this
product back to you for free if needs repair during the warranty period.
• View this product's repair record.
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Lite DAC 83 Modified
Headlines
This is Lite's premier flagship DAC that Pacific Valve modifies. See below for a list of modifications
The DAC 83 has four inputs (coax, optical, AES and I2S), balnaced and RCA outputs
The Lite DAC 83 uses 4 PCM1704UK chips
The Lite DAC 83's I2S port is companion to the Lite CD 21 transport for a stunning life-like sound.
The outboard power supply dramatically decreases EMI and adds dynamics and vinyl-like midrange
The latest flagship product from Lite, the DAC-83, is a sleek and powerfully faithful DAC, reinforced by four of the superior Burr Brown PCM1704UK DA chips and a truly balanced Class A design. Packaged with an external power supply unit to isolate from interference, the Lite DAC-83 accepts four input types, including optical, I2S, coaxial and AES/EBU balanced digital input; and has twoAfter cleaning up the input audio signal and producing a higher resolution of detail, the DAC-83 employs a fully balanced circuit design that gives great attention to retrieving that detail and accuracy of tone. The PCM1704UK DA chips are highly reputed in achieving a neutral output sound, and the output stage is fully discrete without op-amps, ensuring no negative feedback. The Lite DAC-83 is designed to be capable of an extremely dynamic range up to 133dB, and a vast frequency response range of between 10Hz-30KHz.
Notable to the Lite DAC-83 is the twin-box presentation, where the power supply is housed in a separate box that is connected ‘umbilically’ to the main operational DAC unit but it is entirely detachable. By isolating the PSU, it prevents a source of noise and EMI coloring the signal conversion and sound reproduction. Nonetheless, it is more of a practical solution to help produce purity in sound than any inconvenience of having a small second box. Both boxes have stunningly sleek aesthetics and build quality, with black-brushed solid Aluminum casing and sophisticated internal arrangement. It may weigh in at 15kg, but has a relatively compact size of dimensions. It makes the Lite DAC-83 robust and striking, yet uncompromising on quality - with high performance components and circuitry, and neutral, high fidelity sound.
Notable to the Lite DAC-83 is the twin-box presentation, where the power supply is housed in a separate box that is connected ‘umbilically’ to the main operational DAC unit but it is entirely detachable. By isolating the PSU, it prevents a source of noise and EMI coloring the signal conversion and sound reproduction. Nonetheless, it is more of a practical solution to help produce purity in sound than any inconvenience of having a small second box. Both boxes have stunningly sleek aesthetics and build quality, with black-brushed solid Aluminum casing and sophisticated internal arrangement. It may weigh in at 15kg, but has a relatively compact size of dimensions. It makes the Lite DAC-83 robust and striking, yet uncompromising on quality - with high performance components and circuitry, and neutral, high fidelity sound.
DAC 83 Mods
The mods in the DAC 83 are extensive – we changed the boards in the main unit and power supply. But, first we have to discuss a bad mod - and that is the mod performed on the gray Hong Kong and Chinese markets, which are not authorized by Lite Audio. Lite Audio only sells the true 120v unit to Pacific Valve. The gray market changes the voltage on 220v models by jerry-rigging the transformers to 110v. This eventually burns out the ICs in the display panel and causes the unit to stop functioning. Needless to say, we do not repair these units.
Anyway, these true 120v units have the correct transformers. Per our instructions, Lite Audio installed mods in the power supply and main board.
In the power supply we installed Vishay BC136 capacitors and MKP1837 1% resistors for better filtering. We also installed a super fast 70 amp MUR760 recovery rectifier. The MUR70 required some circuit re-wiring changes. The MUR760 has high surge capability and maintains even voltage even if you are living in Florida during the summer and have the air conditioner going at full tilt. The results to you are a much more detailed sound stage.
We also replaced the power supply standard PN junction diodes with ultra fast low voltage drop soft recovery Schottky diodes. This resulted in cleaner DC being fed to the main circuit board. A variety of Panansonic and Vishay BC caps were selected based on their sonic attributes and their ability to properly filter DC.
On the main board, better filtering of DC before the signal makes into your preamp was at hand. We used BlackGate for the post conversion audio path, Nichicon HD for the digital pre-filter path and finally a Rubycon ZA for filtering. Not only did this increase resolution, but increased the dynamics quite a bit – opening the soundstage.
Any lastly, a 0.3ppm TCXO was installed above the original 1ppm. This opened up the midrange quite a bit and took away some “sting” we heard on the highs. This resulted in a smooth sounding DAC that works well in tube system and warm solid state systems.
Anyway, these true 120v units have the correct transformers. Per our instructions, Lite Audio installed mods in the power supply and main board.
In the power supply we installed Vishay BC136 capacitors and MKP1837 1% resistors for better filtering. We also installed a super fast 70 amp MUR760 recovery rectifier. The MUR70 required some circuit re-wiring changes. The MUR760 has high surge capability and maintains even voltage even if you are living in Florida during the summer and have the air conditioner going at full tilt. The results to you are a much more detailed sound stage.
We also replaced the power supply standard PN junction diodes with ultra fast low voltage drop soft recovery Schottky diodes. This resulted in cleaner DC being fed to the main circuit board. A variety of Panansonic and Vishay BC caps were selected based on their sonic attributes and their ability to properly filter DC.
On the main board, better filtering of DC before the signal makes into your preamp was at hand. We used BlackGate for the post conversion audio path, Nichicon HD for the digital pre-filter path and finally a Rubycon ZA for filtering. Not only did this increase resolution, but increased the dynamics quite a bit – opening the soundstage.
Any lastly, a 0.3ppm TCXO was installed above the original 1ppm. This opened up the midrange quite a bit and took away some “sting” we heard on the highs. This resulted in a smooth sounding DAC that works well in tube system and warm solid state systems.
Bass: Bass clean to lower registers. The bass is a little lean in the lower mid range
Mids: Right on the money midrange is transparent, highly neutral and slightly warm.
Highs: Highs extend - without digital hash and hardness in the upper mids and lower highs. Outstanding in the 12K -17K range.
Body and Weight: Exceptional - does not over-emphasize or under emphasize the sound stage
Warm/Cold: Slightly warm so as the DAC does not sound sterile, thin or un-involving.
Imaging / Sound Stage: Above average as this is one of the few DACs to throw instruments on the vertical and well as horizontal plane.
Resolution / Detail: Outstanding - reveals the ambiance of the recording room or orchestra hall with ease.
Value: Certainly a high end DAC with incredible detail, resolution and a sense of musical "rightness". Spectacular.
Mids: Right on the money midrange is transparent, highly neutral and slightly warm.
Highs: Highs extend - without digital hash and hardness in the upper mids and lower highs. Outstanding in the 12K -17K range.
Body and Weight: Exceptional - does not over-emphasize or under emphasize the sound stage
Warm/Cold: Slightly warm so as the DAC does not sound sterile, thin or un-involving.
Imaging / Sound Stage: Above average as this is one of the few DACs to throw instruments on the vertical and well as horizontal plane.
Resolution / Detail: Outstanding - reveals the ambiance of the recording room or orchestra hall with ease.
Value: Certainly a high end DAC with incredible detail, resolution and a sense of musical "rightness". Spectacular.
Frequency Response: 10HZ-30KHZ (-2dB)
SNR: 110 dB (A weighted)
Dynamic range: 133 dB
Harmonic distortion: less than 0.0005%
Channel Separation: 108 dB
Output level: 2.0V (balance)
SNR: 110 dB (A weighted)
Dynamic range: 133 dB
Harmonic distortion: less than 0.0005%
Channel Separation: 108 dB
Output level: 2.0V (balance)
The Lite DAC 83 was evaluated using CyberS erver, Audio gd CD 7 transport, Ming Da D 75 Genalex, Ming Da MC 3008-A, Ming Da MD 845-A, Doge 8 preamp, Ming Da MC 2A3C preamp, YS Audio A2SE preamp balanced, Bada Purer 3.3, B&W Matrix 801 speakers, Magnepan MG 1.6, Vandersteen 2C, Proac Response 2, Lowthers, Horn Shop Horns with powered sub.
The Lite DAC 83 joins the higher ended Audio gd DACs (as of March, 2011 they are the NFB 7, and the REF 71.) and the Brigatta as being is a league where resolution and solid imaging is as easy as apple pie and as certain as tax increases. Its not that these DACs image, they image effortlessly, without hesitation and create, to your liking, an exact replica of the original intended soundstage.
The Lite DAC 83, likes doing this so much, it adds the reverb in the room along with the music, to a spooky rendition of what took place when it was recorded. For example, you can hear the reverb in the studio when listening to older Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra. You can also, if you have been there, correctly point out your seat in an orchestra hall. For this, the Lite DAC 83 gets high marks. As you can guess from this description, that the Lite DAC 83 does not want to be romantic like the Audio gd DACs, or lushly romantic and slightly drunk like the Brigatta. So if you like those sounds, then don’t look here.
It’s not to say that the Lite DAC 83 is sterile or cold. Just the opposite, it wants to engage you on a different plane than the other DACs and it does. It’s the place where holographic imaging and correct tonal balance meet. For example, highs extended, but not to etch, no midrange glare, no mid bass hump.Where the Lite DAC 83 could use some work is the lower bass registers, where it can be slightly lean and lack some visceral impact. If it did this, it would probably be in a class in and of itself. For now, it gives adequate bass, and a pleasant, holographic and slightly earthy rendering of the lower register soundstage.
We have not heard the I2S to I2S connection between the Lite CD 21 transport and the Lite DAC 83. When we do, we will report back.
The Lite DAC 83 joins the higher ended Audio gd DACs (as of March, 2011 they are the NFB 7, and the REF 71.) and the Brigatta as being is a league where resolution and solid imaging is as easy as apple pie and as certain as tax increases. Its not that these DACs image, they image effortlessly, without hesitation and create, to your liking, an exact replica of the original intended soundstage.
The Lite DAC 83, likes doing this so much, it adds the reverb in the room along with the music, to a spooky rendition of what took place when it was recorded. For example, you can hear the reverb in the studio when listening to older Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra. You can also, if you have been there, correctly point out your seat in an orchestra hall. For this, the Lite DAC 83 gets high marks. As you can guess from this description, that the Lite DAC 83 does not want to be romantic like the Audio gd DACs, or lushly romantic and slightly drunk like the Brigatta. So if you like those sounds, then don’t look here.
It’s not to say that the Lite DAC 83 is sterile or cold. Just the opposite, it wants to engage you on a different plane than the other DACs and it does. It’s the place where holographic imaging and correct tonal balance meet. For example, highs extended, but not to etch, no midrange glare, no mid bass hump.Where the Lite DAC 83 could use some work is the lower bass registers, where it can be slightly lean and lack some visceral impact. If it did this, it would probably be in a class in and of itself. For now, it gives adequate bass, and a pleasant, holographic and slightly earthy rendering of the lower register soundstage.
We have not heard the I2S to I2S connection between the Lite CD 21 transport and the Lite DAC 83. When we do, we will report back.
Heard around the water cooler:
$1575
$1499
