Drop O2 + SDAC DAC/Amp Discussions | Drop

Free Standard Shipping in the US on orders over $99

Showing 1 of 461 conversations about:

Drop O2 + SDAC DAC/Amp

Audiophile

FULL DISCUSSION

zcmckenna

Nov 2, 2020

Fixing the September Orders with Swapped L/R Channels Since Drop hasn’t uploaded the video showing how to fix the amps that were shipped in September with the left and right channels switched, I decided that I would do a writeup to demonstrate fixing them if you have a soldering iron. Should take 15-45 minutes depending on your experience with soldering. Tools Needed:

Torx T10 and T6 screwdriver for opening the case
Philips screwdriver for removing two internal screws
Soldering Iron and small amount of solder

Before you start: Disclaimer: you could damage or kill your DAC/amp when opening it. Use care when performing this fix and make sure discharge any static electricity on your body on a light switch or another grounded point before you start. Also, make sure to check that you L/R channels are incorrect before you attempt the fix, there are many ways to check this (Many OS have a built in way to test this in sound settings). Fixing the Amp: Step 1: Using the Torx T10 screwdriver remove larger screw (in blue) above the RCA ports and using the T6 screwdriver remove the 4 screws (in red) on the rear of the case.

Step 2: Remove the rear panel and set it aside with the screws so that they do not get lost.

Step 3: remove the 4 T6 screws (in red) on the front of the case.

Step 4: Set aside the front screws and carefully pull the PCB and front panel forward out of the case. Make sure to keep track of which side is the front and which side is the back of the case.

Step 5: Carefully remove the 2 Philips screws and nuts from the DAC PCB.

Don’t lose the two plastic spacers that sit in between the two PCBs.

Step 6: Carefully pull up on the DAC PCB to reveal the 3 wires that connect the Grace DAC to the DROP O2 amplifier.

The two red wires labelled ‘L’ and ‘R’ are the two wires that need to be swapped. You can desolder and swap them on either PCB, but it is much easier to swap them on the amp PCB.

Step 7: Using the soldering iron, carefully desolder the L and R wires from the amp.

The wires in their incorrect state crossed over each other, but in their correct orientation they do not. Here is what they look like in the correct orientation:

Step 8: Using the soldering iron, resolder the wires in the correct orientation using a little bit of solder. Make sure the joints aren't connected by any excess solder to prevent a short circuit.

Step 9: Carefully put the DAC PCB back in place making sure the USB port is facing the back. Step 10: Put the two Philips screws back in place remembering to put the two plastic spacers back in between the PCBs. Step 11: Reverse steps 1-4 to reassemble the DAC/amp. Done! Make sure to check that the L/R are now correct to ensure the process was done correctly.

Nov 2, 2020

CTB1

Nov 2, 2020

zcmckennaMuch thanks for posting! Also, for those who may not have the desire or tools to open up the unit: - Cut & then splice a short headphone cable (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DK4LZ5F/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ) in the middle reversing L&R - Reverse RCA outputs as you plug cables L&R for output I know this is obvious and not as aesthetic, but it’s simple, so thought I’d mention it.

(Edited)

Nov 2, 2020

View Full Discussion