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In Reply to: RE: Ares II posted by Mick Wolfe on May 14, 2024 at 09:39:04
You're right about a fully loaded J2S but my needs make the cost about $550, not including tax and shipping. So the price difference is greater with what I would get.
The consensus seems to be that the 4499 chip totally transforms the J2 into the J2/S. From what I've heard, I wouldn't consider just the plain J2.
I'll have to keep an eye out for the original Ares. The version II seems well regarded but not much of a bargain compared to a number of DACs at a much lower price, including the BitFrost and the J2/S.
Thanks for the information.
Follow Ups:
My recommendation is to go with the J2S/4499 w/aluminum case and standard opamps ($430).
When funds allow, purchase the Sparkos 2590 Pro opamp & adapter direct from Sparkos ($126) ($107 w/15% disc).The J2S/4499 version significantly improves imaging and dimensionality.
The Sparkos 2590 Pro further expands its performance in virtually every sonic and musical criteria and well worth consideration.
fwiw, I own a J2/4493 w/50 w linear psu and the J2S/4499 w/50 R-core linear psu and have used and tested it in all 3 opamp configurations (OPA1656, Sparkos 3602, & Sparkos 2590Pro)
Edits: 05/17/24 05/17/24
Thanks for the advice. It looks like a choice at this point between the Geshelli J2S 4499 w/Sparkos and the SMSL D300, which attracts me because so many people have remarked on its natural sound. I never thought I'd seriously consider SMSL gear for my system, but good sound is good sound, should that prove to be the case.
of all the online reviews I've seen, these two, taken together, best describe the qualities of the J2S/4499 when coupled with the Sparkos 3602 opamp. The Sparkos Pro ups the ante further to a small but significant degree, esp in harmonic timbre, stage size, solidity and depth.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGWUe8lwgxQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z37gqd-vGsA
Edits: 05/17/24 05/17/24
I'll take a look at the reviews. Thanks.
The Sparkos Pro isn't listed as an option when ordering the J2S, or is that another name for the Sparkos SS3602? Burson has the V7 Vivid Pro, which is an option.
I only need to upgrade on the RCAs, since I won't use the balanced output.
The Sparkos Pro is not listed as an option at Gishelli for the J2S.It can be
purchased direct from Sparkos Labs.
It is a premium device intended for professional use (mixing boards,etc) and is physically much larger than the 3602. Its size will only allow it to fit in the RCA/single ended output of the J2 and a tight fit ideally used with a socket riser.Here's what you'd need:
1ea)"Pro to dual dip 8 adapter"@ $126.00
($107.oo if you opt into his mailing list)
1ea)"Dip socket riser"@ $2.oo
Edits: 05/22/24 05/22/24 05/22/24
Thanks for the pictures and the links, though I still have a couple of questions.Your recommendation for adding the SS2590 is intriguing, and may push the Geshelli past the SMSL D300 regarding which one to try first. At the Sparkos website, however, the option is for two SS2590 with the adapter, not just one. The RCA option for the J2S only requires one op amp. What am I missing?
Even with the added cost of the SS2590, given that no upgrade on the balanced op amps is needed, the J2S would be only about $550, definitely a bargain in my book in view of the praise it's garnered.
Someone compared the V7 with the SS2590 and said it was a toss-up. Have you seen that? https://www.head-fi.org/threads/review-geshelli-j2s-with-burson-v7-vivid-op-amps.972739/
The V7s would increase the cost to about $600, and most have preferred the Sparkos op amps anyway.
Thanks again for the excellent reply.
Edits: 05/22/24
The basic 2590 pro is a mono/single channel device. The adapter stacks two 2590's, one atop the other and links them into the appropriate 8 pin socket configuration for the Gishelli's coax output.I've read the thread you linked, however I've yet to hear the Burson V7's myself so can't comment from experience but it appears to be a viable option/alternative, being musical preference and system dependant.
Edits: 05/23/24
You're welcome. When cutting corners, I could see eliminating a few items, but don't overlook the Sparkos op amps unless they're already included in your estimate. An upgraded outboard power supply should also be on your wish list. These two items will definitely give you an uptick in performance.
The Sparkos are a requirement and part of the price. Since balanced isn't needed, that saves almost $200.
The website says that if a linear power supply is used, the warranty is void. Is there an outboard supply that won't void the warranty?
The website says that if a linear power supply is used, the warranty is void.
The manual does, however, state a generalized caution about potential damage from not providing proper voltage given the common connector used.
I just use the $70 iFi wall wart.(Amazon) I've used a pricier Swagman LPS in the past, but haven't used it in awhile. However, your best bet is call Sherri at Geshelli. At one time she had a list of power supplies they recommended. I don't remember LPS's being off limits, but maybe something has changed.
A great resource is a thread by jjss49
on Agon. He has had and used DACS across a broad price range.
Title of thread is
Dacs that I have had in my system - a listing
on the Digital forum. Sorry not sure how to add a link.
Yes, it's a good read. If nothing else you have to admire the guy for responding to virtually everyone who asked a follow up question. No worries, easily found with Google search typing in "jjss49 DAC's I've used across a broad price range."
Yes, jjss49 has always been very good sharing his vast audiophile knowledge.
Guess Im old school. Didnt know Moniker names could be web searched. Ive always had trouble trying to refind topics on forums, lol.
Thanks for the tip.
You're welcome. Yes, type in the subject matter along with jjss49 as I've noted.
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