Intro
Contents
Just a slightly different review than usual. This test tends more toward a little research than a test of a product. What we are going to do is put a Geshelli J3 Pro d/a-converter in standard form next to a version with Sparkos ‘opamps’ and Sbooster power supply. Both measurably and aurally!
We have to thank Sbooster for making this test possible. Because it is Wiebren Draaier who sent these products. He was charmed by the Geshelli J3 Pro d/a-converter. As a project he also bought a Sparkos discrete op-amp for the RCA-output. Of course, he himself plays with a Sbooster BOTW 12-volt power supply on the dac.
The Geshelli J3 Pro
At the heart of the Geshelli J3 Pro is an AKM4499/AKM4191 dac-chipset. Those are nice chips! By default, the Geshelli works with TI OPA1656 opamps. Certainly not bad! In short: an interesting comparison with the Sparkos solution.
The construction of the Geshelli is simple and effective. The cabinet can have an aluminum or wood finish (various colors). The front and back remain transparent. We think it’s kind of cool. But we can imagine that not everyone needs to see the inside. Oh well: you are tech-nerd or not!
Powering the Geshelli is done via dc. That offers possibilities for an upgrade! No shortage of inputs either: coax and optical at the front, coax and optical at the back and also USB at the back. Enough for practically everyone.
The test…
We included the Geshelli J3 Pro in our reference system, which by now is well known among readers. We outline the system in the next section. Before we sit down to listen, we let the dac warm up for a few days. That way we can be sure that everything is optimal.
We sampled one track especially for you (Patreon members have access). These samples were recorded directly from the dac and sampled in 24/96. That should give you a good idea of the differences we heard in the listening room.
Hoi Jaap, ik lees dat je de originele TI OPA1656 dual op-amp hebt vergeleken met de SparkoS SS3602 dual op-amp. Heb je ook nog andere OPA’s geprobeerd? Bijvoorbeeld de 1612 of 1642. De 1642 heeft een JFET ingang en klinkt erg lekker, een beetje Nelson Pass sound. Ik gebruik zelf de Staccato en Weiss opa’s in mijn Purifi mono’s en die klinken ook erg goed/prettig, maar dit is uiteraard erg persoonlijk …
Nee, ik heb alleen deze twee vergeleken. Er zijn talloze opties natuurlijk. En ja veel is smaak! :-).
Very interesting review. Thanks to you and your Wiebren Draaier. Here in the states, this dac is treated like the next best thing since sliced bread. The hype is over the top. And I’ve been waiting for someone to bring in some reality. Well done.
Welcome!