Continuing some system consolidations. This is a really great unit. Vinnie @ Red Wine Audio added his Level 2.5 mod to the RCA outputs to bring it up to an amazing level (Note: XLR outputs still work too). Vinnie isn't doing these mods any more, focusing on his LIO product range now. But there should be no issues with support in the unlikely event it's needed.The Level 2.5 mod was a later add by Vinnie, above the tube output stage (Level 1) and power supply updates (Level 2). Level 3 included the battery power option, something I didn't care for. Per Vinnie: -------------------- "This is a new modification package that I am offering for those who want to get as close as possible to the RWA-Z1ES-3 performance, but without
using battery power. It is the RWA-Z1ES-2 modification, but the following (taken from Level 3) are added: - New 3.3V and 5V “Super Regulator” boards installed on the audio board - feeding the L and R d/a converter chips
- New 3.3V “Super Regulator” board installed on the audio board – feeding the clock circuitry (used for ALL music file types) - The sections of the stock unit fed with the digital power supply board (DC-DC voltage regulated) are now powered via the heavily-modified analog power supply (not the stock digital supply) that uses new, low-noise inear voltage regulators. These now power: 1) System microprocessor
2) The FPGA and Audio DSP chips
3) Ethernet and USB ports
4) SDRAM
5) HDD (or SSD, if you wish to have one installed)
6) The front panel display COST: $2595 Based on my listening tests, I'd say with the RWA-Z1ES-2.5 you get 85% of the RWA-Z1ES-3 sound (The Level 3 gives you a little bit blacker background, a little bit more authority in the bass, and a little more natural sounding midrange), and you save $400. :wink: The RWA-Z1ES-2.5 is for those of you who don't ever want to 'mess' with battery power (in terms of the play time limitations of pure BATT operation, and the fact that at some point, the cells will need to to replaced) - but who want to get as close as possible to the RWA-Z1ES-3 performance." ------------------------------------ There is a bit of mechanical hum with the mods, but it has absolutely no effect on sound, I have it hooked up to a headphone amp and no hum or other noise comes through. Because I want the buyer to see/hear this, and also the size, weight, and custom mods, only offering this for local sale. Absolutely firm on not shipping, please don't ask. I am in NE Mass, near the NH border. Also will sweeten the deal for someone interested: I will include a pair of High Fidelity CT-1 interconnects for $400 extra (these list for around $1500, and often sell used for $750+). They are fantastic IC's, I have two other sets I use. Finally, there is a good amount of music (16/44 up through DSD) already on the drive that will stay. Thanks, Todd - necroscope
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