Nick
I think Michael just bought one to take to Taiwan.
Jack is correct. My Sabaj D5 is still burning in, but it's got over a hundred hours on it now. I haven't sat down for a serious listening session yet (and won't be able to for another 4 or 5 days minimum), but it sounds pretty darned nice. I don't have either of my NOS DACs here for comparison purposes, so I won't be able to make comparisons. I do expect to visit at least two local audiophiles in January who love to compare components, and I will keep you abreast of their findings.
[I have not listened critically at this point, and my listening room is a largely untreated concrete box, so take this into account.]
Acoustic instruments sound correct; both male and female voices sound how I like them to sound. There was some glare and brightness in the first 24 hours, but that seems to have disappeared. I'll play some poorly recorded material (70s/80s rock) that sounds horrible on my main system in Oregon in order to satisfy my more masochistic tendencies.
My system in Taiwan consists of MacBook Pro streaming Tidal or the CDs I burned onto the HD => Sabaj D5 => IceEdge 1200as2 => Fritz LS/5-R with an all TWL loom. My USB cord is an inexpensive cord that came with the Sabaj D5. All components are plugged into Dave's DigiBUSS. I have a Super Duper MiniBUSS that Dave sold to me, which is in another room. I'll eventually plug it into this system. The Sabaj D5 is connected to the amp via Pete's XLR cables.
Anyway, so far so good. Considering it cost me just $429 delivered(!) this is one impressive sounding DAC. It renders my aging Gustard X20u ESS 9018 DAC useless. Who would be silly enough to buy it from me with the D5 as competition? Perhaps, I can one day reuse the case for a DIY project.
Michael
How did you find out about the Sabaj, Michael? Nothing like getting a bargain like Doug. I’ve been looking into the newer version of my nos Border Patrol SE. But it’s up in the air because Jensen is discontinuing making capacitors.
Nick
Howdy, Nick.
Wushuliu is an amazing resource. He keeps abreast of what's new and interesting; often buys what appear to be the choicest components, and sometimes mods them once he's used them for a spell. I first learned of the D5 from his posts. Perhaps, he can be persuaded to start posting over here?
This is the second time I've read a post about Jensen caps' coming demise. Do you mean the Border Patrol guy may stop selling the DAC because Jensen will cease production, or do you mean your upgrade may not go forward because you only want Jensen caps, but cannot because production has ceased? To my <not always correct> imagination, Jensen's demise means it's simply time to find another manufacturer such as Miflex, Jupiter, Danny Richie's new Cu caps, etc.
I really need to get off my ass and learn how to make quality solder connections (as opposed to the crappy ones I've mangled in the recent past). I want to play with different caps and I want to try my hand at customizable DIY gear.