AckoDAC based on ES9038PRO

[lindamar]

The DAC Core has all separate x8 ultra-low noise regulators mounted - Can be easily removed for future upgrades or user preferred ones. Control lines to the DAC are completely isolated. Digital inputs are compatible with 8 channel sources like MiniDSP NanoSHARC, DIYINHK, Iancanada McFiFO and many others. Interface adapters for neat and quality connections available.

I happen to have multichannel DSD firmware for my DIYINHK (it works very well) does your board support native DSD as well ?

Best regards
Pepe

 

[acko]

Yes, it is capable of multichannel native DSD, up to DSD512 and up to 8 channels. There is also a free adapter board for direct connection to DIYINHK unit.

 

[akras]

What type of input connectors (I2S) does the 8-channel version have, and which side of the board (top/bottom) are they located? I do see some uFL connectors in the picture that you show, but their number doesn't match what I would expect for 8 channels (with 4 DATA inputs)...

Thank you.

 

[acko]

Not shown fully on the preview but the actual board has connectors for all the eight channels of I2S/DSD inputs. End-users get to see more details

 

[akras]

Not shown fully on the preview but the actual board has connectors for all the eight channels of I2S/DSD inputs.

I hoped they would . But are they uFL or something else, and which side of the board are they located (top/bottom)? If I'm getting this board, I have to integrate it into something that I've built already, so these little details are important to me...

 

[acko]

There are UFL coax and headers on the top side of board for all the 8ch inputs. Very flexible options and you will also get free adapter boards for neat connections to input devices of choice. What are you planning to use it with?

 

[akras]

It's an 8-channel DSP setup for 4-way active speakers. Everything but the DAC has been assembled and tested quite a while ago, but the 8-channel 9038-based TPA DAC that I was planning to use never materialized, so here I'm...

The signal goes from a bunch of boards (USB receiver, SPDIF receiver, etc), to a ASRC, then to a modified miniSHARC board running in slave mode, and, finally, to TPA's Cronus reclocker (which provides MCK to both ASRC and miniSHARC); the Cronus outputs are to be connected to the DAC.

Since Cronus sits right next to both the ASRC board and the miniSHARC board, there is not much room to connect DAC to Cronus neatly, hence my questions about the location of the DAC's I2S inputs. TPA's DACs have I2S inputs at the edge of the board, and that would work well, but the photos you show suggest inputs somewhere in the middle of the board, which would necessitate long I2S lines from Cronus to DAC, which concerns me a bit...

 

[acko]

Hi Akras,

All UFL coax for 8 CH I2S inputs on the final board are located on the board edge for easy connect with short lengths of cable. It will easily fit your setup. You can also run the DAC in full Sync with the external clocking if desired.

 

[akras]

All UFL coax for 8 CH I2S inputs on the final board are located on the board edge for easy connect with short lengths of cable.

Do you have a picture? Blacked-out/blurred parts of the image would be OK with me, I just what to see how it matches my specific geometry. The reason I ask is that I'm still confused: you say "board edge", but what about the regulators fanning out?

 

[acko]

Please PM me with your email contact for more details of the board

 

[akras]

PM sent. Thanks!

 

[acko]

AKX32- Front end Digital Audio Receiver

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

The AKD32/38 DACs can take digital audio inputs directly (I2S/DSD/Spdif). This new module AKX32 has advanced processing and routing that prepares signals with greater accuracy before going into the DAC for even better performance.

-Integrated USB, Coax, AES and I2S direct inputs. I2S/DSD outputs to DAC
-Up to DSD512 capability with USB
-Transformer coupled balanced drive input for AES and Spdif. Premium trafos from Scientific Conversion
-Integrated isolation and re-clocking.
-Precision master clock for synchronous or asynchronous drive of DAC
-Upsampling and conversion option of PCM 44.1k-192k to DSD256
-Dedicated RPI i2s port option with direct control of DAC functions e.g Volume
Control, filter selection. using Volumio or similar
-HDMI encoded audio decoding option.

 

[wealas]

Any chance you would make a Ravenna capable board with upsampling and convolution capabilities? So no USB or other inputs, just network.

 

[acko]

Ravenna integration or connection of 3rd party devices should be fairly straightforward. The on-board processing AKX32 will take it from there to provide clean/re-clocked outputs. Convolution and other advanced DSP function can be implemented as add-on later (stacked)

 

[acko]

Analog Input Module

For those who want top quality analog line input to the DAC...

The AKA102 stereo ADC module with hi-res 32bit/384k processing at 118 THD+N and 124DNR that matches the 9038Pro DAC. I2S or Spdif outputs from ADC connects directly to the AKD32 DAC. DAC controls the ADC unit in Async, Sync or Master mode

 

[wealas]

I need one of those for microphone input to do room and speaker measurements for room and speaker corrections but this looks like quite an overkill.
Any simpler and cheaper option?

 

[acko]

I need one of those for microphone input to do room and speaker measurements for room and speaker corrections but this looks like quite an overkill.
Any simpler and cheaper option?

Yes, the AKA102 is a no compromise studio grade design that was actually done for a commercial project. If you are happy to settle for 48k Fs, -90dB THD+N and 100dB DNR there are of course cheaper options. Stay tuned

 

[TNT]

What ADC are you using here?

//

 

[acko]

ESS 9102C chip

 

[lindamar]

Hi there,

is the AKD38 available ? Pro version would be great. I see this thread not active long ago.

cheers
Pepe