Zanden DAC noise problem

Ramy, I hear you regarding you not wanting to send the unit to Japan. The cost of round trip shipping alone would cost $800 ( even at Zanden's cost) and yes it takes long time to fix too, as Zanden is a small operation company and I hear most repairs are done by Mr Yamada himself. they are busy building their core equipment and are always developing new ones. They invest very long time to develop a new product and it takes years to roll out a new product.

I sent my transport to Japan last Nov to get the drive and clock replaced and the cost was of course equal to buying say a brand new AMR DAC or equal.

Have you ever talked with Fred Nadal of Pureaudio.net? He is pretty good at diagnosing most issues or it least he may help trouble shoot further. Have you tried to write to Eric Pheils?

Hi Nilthepill,
I had similar experience in 2008 I sent that same DAC to Japan,they did an excellent job at an exorbitant cost.I did contact Eric he is always willing to assist,but his recommendation was change tubes or send to Japan.I had a different suggestion from another audiogoner who has experienced the same problem that it may be a defective choke.I just wish that we could have access to experienced audio electronic technician that had the skills to do minor repairs of overseas manufactured products with no US service and even more important the ability to repair classic electronic components of now defunct companies such as Cello.

Hi Nilthepill,

Great to hear from you. I am glad to hear you still are using your Zanden. You gave me good advice about Zanden...i still have my DAC but have yet to get the Transport.

I have heard there are upgrades available to DAC...have you ever upgraded yours? Was curious what you may know about these upgrades...from vintage 2007. Thanks for any advice!

Have you heard the STahl-Tek Vekian Opus digital?

Ramy,

It sure would be great to have authorized Zanden service centers here in US. It would be highly cost effective. Before I sent my transport to Japan, I did try to contact Brooks Berden here in LA area and they said they could fix my Transport problem and that they have repaired Zanden products in the past. You may want to talk to Brian Berden to check if they could fix your problem. (Unless it is already fixed). If you do pl post the findings and how it was repaired.

Hi Lloyd,
I think last time you or one of my audiogn friend from Netherlands asked me the same question reg DAC upgrade and i checked with my dealer Fred Nadal and he said mine was the latest and greatest. However, I am meeting with h today and ask him again. I am going to audition the new Zanden Integrated amp and audition the Zanden Power cables. I am on my way to install all my cabling from Zanden. I have , so far, installed all i/cs, waiting for speaker cables to be rolled out. I think they are really excellent cables at surprising 'reasonable' pricing. You both should look in to it.

No I have not heard STahl-Tek Vekian digital. Have you? How does it compare with the Zanden Signature DAC?