Price:

With the D3, Zhaolu have stayed with independent modules for each section of the DAC. Not only does this lower noise and distortion figures, it also helps for upgradeability and repairs.

The front panel is populated with digital input selections, power switch and setting options. The rear panel now features high quality chassis mounted RCA sockets for input, and four digital inputs.

• 2x RCA Coaxil Input
• 1x Optical TOSLink
• 1x TG-Link

Digital SPDIF signals are intercepted by the Cirrus Logic CS8416 and are then transferred to the Cirrus Logic CS4398 D/A Converter. The low-level signal outputted by the CS4398 is then buffered with BurrBrown OPA627. To reduce noise and digital error, components in the digital circuit are surface-mount parts.

This DAC supports the TG-Link input for PC sound. When used with the computer soundcard shown below, the digital information is transmitted via this new interface. We will add more information as we become more familiar with this interface and device. However, it looks like it could be quite an upgrade from USB.

Following is some information culled from the manufacturer's website, please forgive us if the translation is a little spotty here and there...:

Zhaolu D3 stereo digital audio decoder is a new generation of high-standard decoder product. The Zhaolu D3 can accept (24bits-192khz) SPDIF digital audio signal format. Four digital inputs can completely meet user requirements. Inputs: SPDIF optical interface, two coaxial SPDIF input interface, and the high-speed buffer TG-link personal digital audio interface. Through the control panel, users can choose the necessary input to accept the desired digital audio signal. Users can assign a designated priority switched digital audio input, which will stay selected even when switched off and on again. In the pursuit of excellent performance, the Zhaolu D3 will be exzceptionally well shielded, use circuit boards and PCB design of the highest quality, and carefully selected high performance parts. The Zhaolu D3 test results exceeded the minimum resolution of the test equipment.

Following is a 24bit/96kHz some of the test results :

• -115dB -115dB (A-weighted)
• 113dB dynamic range (A-weighted)
• -100dB 0.001% Total Harmonic Distortion : "-100dB (" 0.001%)
• -111dB 1KhZ -111dB 1KhZ stereo separation :
• -108dB 300hZ -108dB (300hZ--40KhZ)

Zhaolu D3 uses Cirrus Logic CS4398 digital-analog conversion devices, and carefully match the peripheral circuits.

The vendor is also supplying two upgrades free of charge: Key power supply and analog audio stage capacitors will be changed to ELNA BP cap's to inprove the overall quality of sound. Replace 2 OPA-604 in audio stage with LT-1028 to obtain higher frequency extension and allow greater dynamic contrasts.