I have a stock, unmodified DI/O with the upgraded Stancor power supply. I am using aftermarket line attenuators to reduce its output to 2 volts so I have been able to use my MIT and Harmonic Tech interconnects with it.
I have found that it emits RFI and the static/grainy sound that you mention does show up on certain recordings with certain digital cables. I listen primarily in "X2" mode and have not been able get the "external sync" mode to work with any transport (3) that I have been able to try.
I have found that if you leave the tube installed and use either an Apogee or Canare digital cable that the problem seems to go away. Your mileage may vary here. I am well aware that the tube is supposed to have nothing to do with the D/A conversion but my DI/O sounds slightly better with the tube installed as opposed to removed. I have also installed 75ohm shorting plugs on the analogue inputs and digital output, which has helped a little with the RFI (but it still emits some).
As for its sonic performance (stock), it is worth every nickel of its street price, but alas, I am afraid it is not a giant killer. I do prefer it to the MSB and Audio Alchemy dacs that I have heard in that the DI/O is a little smoother and has decent bass response for a budget piece. It is a lot of fun to play around with. I have been experimenting with the a/d/d/a converison at various tube warmth settings. However for serious listening, my 1996 Micromega DUO BS2 will beat it in almost every sonic parameter. My stock DI/O is a bit rough sounding in the upper midrange and it does not image very well. Some violins sound a bit "steely" and some voices do not sound as natural compared to the Micromega. If the modifications that are being offered address these weaknesses, then this could be a tremendous bargain.
I have found that it emits RFI and the static/grainy sound that you mention does show up on certain recordings with certain digital cables. I listen primarily in "X2" mode and have not been able get the "external sync" mode to work with any transport (3) that I have been able to try.
I have found that if you leave the tube installed and use either an Apogee or Canare digital cable that the problem seems to go away. Your mileage may vary here. I am well aware that the tube is supposed to have nothing to do with the D/A conversion but my DI/O sounds slightly better with the tube installed as opposed to removed. I have also installed 75ohm shorting plugs on the analogue inputs and digital output, which has helped a little with the RFI (but it still emits some).
As for its sonic performance (stock), it is worth every nickel of its street price, but alas, I am afraid it is not a giant killer. I do prefer it to the MSB and Audio Alchemy dacs that I have heard in that the DI/O is a little smoother and has decent bass response for a budget piece. It is a lot of fun to play around with. I have been experimenting with the a/d/d/a converison at various tube warmth settings. However for serious listening, my 1996 Micromega DUO BS2 will beat it in almost every sonic parameter. My stock DI/O is a bit rough sounding in the upper midrange and it does not image very well. Some violins sound a bit "steely" and some voices do not sound as natural compared to the Micromega. If the modifications that are being offered address these weaknesses, then this could be a tremendous bargain.