Experience with this DIY DAC ?

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Joined 2007
It seems that I have managed to get a pair of UTC A-20's. Would some kind soul please advise me on pin connections and recommended loads for the primary and secondary terminals. Or point me to the relevant post in the thread.

Thanks
Does it already have two pins connected on each side?

Damn, I had notes here on the A-20's but can't find them, if all else fails Bill Fuss will be able to help on those.
 
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Joined 2007
I think Bill recommended resistors in line with each of the primary legs of between 250ohms and 1k.

I found this by Bill, but I don't know if it is referring to the A-20's

Originally Posted by Bill Fuss View Post
I started with 270s on the primaries then tried 500 and 1k, I liked 500 the best, with a 500pf cap across the primaries. Secondaries straight to the output with a 1Kohm/.001uf RC filter across the jacks. Works for me, YMMV
 
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Joined 2007
Also found this
"First off, on the a20s do you have 3 connected to 4, and 9 connected to 10. You won't get anything if you don't.
Is your chassis properly grounded.
Whats the switch for, and are you sure it is wired correctly.
The RCAs should be isolated from everything but the a20s and not wired together, possible ground loop. "

I wish we had that guide up already ;)

Try reading the thread from this point.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-line-level/137976-experience-diy-dac-131.html
 
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Thanks for the plot.

The values below 40Hz seems to be due to the lower frequency limit of this tranny.

And upwards 10kHz: it is the perfect curve for my 54 years old ears, it does compensate my ears roll off...

This must be some ringing. Did you check a 1kHz square wave?

Franz
 
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I have been playing with a more complete framework for a wiki. This is attached as text file (as I did not want to hog the thread pages for those who ain't interested).

I have no idea how or where to set this kind of thing up, but am keen to help and to contribute content as I have had so much help from some of you lot.

Hi,

I've a little experience with these things :D. I've put together a basic structure based on your note, here;

DIY DAC - Your phrase here..

Hope this makes a good start!

Cheers

Chas
 
I havn't done this myself but will help if required.

Rich

I wish you luck as I am all but totally illiterate regarding any form of setting up of computer stuff!!

RichLund - thanks.

brianco - me too when it comes to web apps!


I have created an account, it does look a tad daunting. I will investigate this weekend. No promises!
 
Trafos for current out chips are around 18-20/1 ratio, like MC phono trafos. I haven't tried it yet but many have. It's quite a different procedure from what we have been doing with the voltage out chips. They also are generally pretty expensive but what the hell.

The step up transformers have around 50k at the output: what do you suggest for matching? Or is there something I missed?
 
Wiki

Huh?

Chas has set-up a page already...


Oops - sorry, I missed Chas' post. Big Boss Man was hovering at the time, I had snuck in to post a quickie.

THANK YOU Chas, that saves a whole lotta learning curve. Having that set up and being able to have a play makes it much easier to get to grips with.

Think I'll make a start on Computer Source this weekend.


Cheers

Oli
 
The step up transformers have around 50k at the output: what do you suggest for matching? Or is there something I missed?

Actually, it's more confusing than just looking at the trafo impedance rating. The resistor used as a load for the I/V conversion will determine the output impedance, and to make it more confusing, you can load either primary or secondary with appropriately sized resistors and get different sonic results. The load determines the actual output impedance. The load should be chosen by what the dac chip wants to see, and that will be reflected through the trafo at whatever ratio the trafo has.
 
Just connected the Jensen and had a listen.
Although my ears are suffering from an small infection(?) its easy to hear the difference with the monacors.
The mids/highs sound less bright/hard and give more 'microdetails'. The bass sounds more integrated with the rest of the music and the acoustics/space are more clear with stability and depth.
Now back to listening and enjoying!
(No resistors and caps yet)