Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: AOS Electronics Co. Piccolo DAC Processors by machani

Model:	Piccolo
Category:	DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price:	$270
Description:	Portable DAC
Manufacturer URL:	AOS Electronics Co.
Model Picture:	View

Review by machani ( A ) on July 21, 2004 at 01:37:47
IP Address: 24.87.215.133

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FOLLOW UP REVIEW:
The main review was based on the AOS Piccolo DAC with the AD8620 operational amplifier installed. I just took delivery of an LM6172 opamp from AOS did an A/B comparison with the AD8620. As stated in the review, the opamp on the Piccolo is socketed, so it can be exchanged (a process called "omamp rolling" amongst the cognesenti).
The opamps operate on the analog domain, with different filtering characteristics - so they do sound different. The A/B comparison was easy, with the differences between the AD8620 and LM6172 being more than subtle.
The AD8620 sounded extremely smooth. So smooth that instruments like the piano, even drums, sounded "rounded". There was a lot of space between instruments and the soundstage was wide and deep. It was almost as if a level of refinement had been added to the sound. The detail was about the same in both opamps, although the extra soundstage in the AD8620 might give the impression of more detail due to the extra separation.
In contrast, the LM6172 sounded more upfront. It's soundstage was less deep and wide, but only slightly so. Imaging on the LM6172 was as precise as the AD8620, but the image positions were one to two feet in front. There was a little more body in the instruments in the LM6172, making the AD8620 sound a tad "thinner" in contrast. But the key difference is that the LM6172 is more neutral. For example, Dave Brubek's "Take Five" sounded so natural that the feeling I got was almost visceral. The resonance of the wood on the bass guitar, the timbre of the drums, and the tones on the cymbals sounded very real. The same experience was repeated in a number of tracks with various artists and genres.
In the end, I decided in favor of neutrality over added refinement and soundstage because it suited my equiment better. (My Cayin TA-30 tube amp already produced a pretty good soundstage and my JMLab Chorus 714S speakers benefited from the added body of the LM6172).
CONCLUSION:
If you do decide to get the Piccolo DAC, I strongly recommend ordering both the AD8620 and the LM6172 - which should give you an added level of control over your sound.

Product Weakness: None. It's just your preference.
Product Strengths: LM6172 opampt is more neutral. AD8620 produces more soundstage.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Cayin TA-30
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	JVC XV-S60 with AOS Piccolo DAC
Speakers:	JMLab Chorus 714S
Cables/Interconnects:	RadioShack
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Classical, Blues
Room Size (LxWxH):	14 x 18 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments:	High rise concrete building
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 month
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	None
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	None. It's just your preference.
Product Strengths:	LM6172 opampt is more neutral. AD8620 produces more soundstage.