Digital Drive: REVIEW: Taylor Kim Mod. Art DI/O DAC Processors by zorpman

Model:	Mod. Art DI/O
Category:	DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price:	$275.00
Description:	Custom modified Art DI/O
Manufacturer URL:	Taylor Kim
Manufacturer URL:	Taylor Kim

Review by zorpman ( A ) on April 14, 2002 at 20:04:14
IP Address: 24.163.108.107

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for the Mod. Art DI/O

I have praised the ART DI/O in this forum previous to this review. I stated that the ART had the best price-per-improvement ratio of any product that I had tried in 30 years of audio. I stand by that statement, and am ready to add another. The modded ART DI/O that I purchaed from Taylor Kim a month ago is another leap upward.
I have been following the many mods suggested to the DI/O in this forum for the past year. I had already pulled the tube and added a good quality power brick to my ART. I was very pleased with the sound but was curious as to what the hub-bud was about with the modded DI/O units. Although I have built the odd Dynaco unit in my time, a look at the inside of the ART convinced me that the limited space, the difficulty in purchasing numerous small quantities of electronic components, and my limited patience precluded me from undertaking the task. I saw a classified ad on Audiogon from Taylor Kim selling a modded ART DI/O unit for $275.00 + S&H. I purchased the unit and opened it up when it arrived several days after purchase.
THE MODS
My unit was modded as follows:
(1) Replaced the 11 largest PS capacitors with Panasonic ones
(2) 75 ohm Holco digital out termination
(3) 75 ohm Holco digital input load
(4) Removed the A/D op-amp and replaced the D/A op-amp with LT1362 in a socket
(5) Installed Schottky rectifiers
(6) Replaced the op-amp output resistors (12 in all) with Holco and reduced the analog output to app. 2.3V
(7) Installed a Canare 75 ohm BNC (or RCA) digital input jack
(8) Installed a pair of Cardas CTFA female RCA jacks
(9) Removed the I/O board and hardwired a pair of 22 uF Black Gate caps and 221 ohm Holco resistors in series to the analog RCA jacks
(10) Bypassed the op-amp V+ with a 0.1uF Black Gate NX cap
The workmanship was extraordinary with both the components and the build quality of the highest caliber; parts aligned, solder joints shiny and tight. I had asked for RCA plugs insted of BNC connectors for the input to utilize my current digital cables. This was added at no cost.
THE TEST PROTOCOL
I burned the unit in for several days, then gave it a hard listen. I could not be more pleased. I A-B'd the modded DI/O on a Marantz 67SE with a standard DI/O on a Marantz 6000ose. Identical digital cables were used for both test units. Each evening a switched the DI/O's from CDP to CDP. I had earlier found that there was not a substantial difference in my system between the 67SE and the 6000ose when played through the standard ART DI/O. This turned out to be the case with the modded unit. The improved sound moved with the unit, regardless of the CDP used.
THE SOUND
My tube system tends to be tight and full, but not flabby. A good drawing fireplace of sound rather than the analytical glare of a halogen bulb. The modded unit removed any trace of dryness from the standard ART. Female voices were light, resting on the note, full, and true. Rock showed more slam and controlled bass than the standard unit. I have found the soundstage precise and revealing. I have been listening to the 6000ose and Taylor Kim modded unit for several hours every night. This is the most music I've listened to in years.
CONCLUSION
I could not be more pleased. Great musical music at a reasonable price from a person that is not a prima donna to deal with [such a relief in the audio game].
CAVEATs
I am a trial attorney and amature [very amature] musician (singer). I do not own or aspire to own Valhalla cables. I do not care to spend 20k on a CDP and DAC flavor of the month. The Taylor Kim modded ART DI/O unit allows me to be closer to the music than I have ever been without the *&^$%# of my turntable.

Product Weakness: It doesn't cost 10k?
Product Strengths: Great music; reasonable price; good service; great workmanship.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	ASL AQ1008DT; T-S 6sn7GTBs; 6550EH 105wpc
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	SFL-1; CBS 7728
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Marantz 67SE and 6000ose
Speakers:	Norh 6.9 sm
Cables/Interconnects:	mid-level Audioquest
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	31 x 16 x 8.5
Time Period/Length of Audition:	30 days
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	mid-level PCs; monster cable 3600 Power Cond.
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	It doesn't cost 10k?
Product Strengths:	Great music; reasonable price; good service; great workmanship.