good simple DAC kit?

[mlihl]

I assume the $90 DAC utilizes the PCM2704's built-in DAC functionality which is...ahem..."humble"

Regards,

Mike

 

[cowanrg]

probably.

i doubt its very high quality. i mean, its in a case for $90! and its metal, not paper

does anyone see anything wrong with the extreme dac kit?

 

[Spasticteapot]

I assume the $90 DAC utilizes the PCM2704's built-in DAC functionality which is...ahem..."humble"

Regards,

Mike

The non-tube DAC uses a Burr-Brown (TI?) PCM1716, which I'm presuming is the DAC.

 

[cowanrg]

even if it does have burr-brown dacs, that doesnt mean it sounds nice. but then again, it could be good. who knows.

ill probably go a safer route and get either of the three i mentioned. price is a consideration here though...

 

[lucpes]

Here's a nice one on for a good price:

http://www.audiokit.ro/dac_rd2.html

I have the RD2 one and it sounds very musical and detailed.

 

[cowanrg]

Here's a nice one on for a good price:

http://www.audiokit.ro/dac_rd2.html

I have the RD2 one and it sounds very musical and detailed.

yeah, that one was mentioned. its on the list of possibilities.

from what im reading, TDA1543's non-oversampled sound pretty darn good.

 

[Spasticteapot]

yeah, that one was mentioned. its on the list of possibilities.

from what im reading, TDA1543's non-oversampled sound pretty darn good.

What kind of input does a TDA1543 require? I'm wondering if I can hack one into a cheapie USB DAC.

 

[vt4c]

Check this out...

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue27/monica_dac.htm

 

[Spasticteapot]

Check this out...

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue27/monica_dac.htm

125$ for something without USB is waay too much.

 

[cowanrg]

125$ for something without USB is waay too much.

for the record, even though its getting used with a PC, i could care less about USB.

but you are right, it looks a bit privey for $125. the others i have been looking at are around $100 or less and seem to have better options.

 

[Daveis]

What opamps is the $125 Monica DAC using?

If they want to elevate it a couple of levels they'd add discrete outputs to it.

 

[Spasticteapot]

Well, I found an inexpensive TDA1543 DAC kit. It looks to be of good quality.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mini-TDA1543-DAC-DIY-Kit_W0QQitemZ160037074680QQihZ006QQcategoryZ14978QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[cowanrg]

Well, I found an inexpensive TDA1543 DAC kit. It looks to be of good quality.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mini-TDA1543-DAC-DIY-Kit_W0QQitemZ160037074680QQihZ006QQcategoryZ14978QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

yeah, we've talked about that one. my problem is that i DOUBT that will compete with my current dac. its just got a single TDA1543.

here is a nicer one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/24-96-CD-DAC-DI...ryZ14980QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Spasticteapot]

yeah, we've talked about that one. my problem is that i DOUBT that will compete with my current dac. its just got a single TDA1543.

here is a nicer one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/24-96-CD-DAC-DI...ryZ14980QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Eh. I don't play anything other than Mp3's anyway.

 

[cowanrg]

Eh. I don't play anything other than Mp3's anyway.

um, ok...

did you read what i posted in the beginning about what im looking for?

 

[Spasticteapot]

um, ok...

did you read what i posted in the beginning about what im looking for?

Yep.

I'm looking for a DAC, too!

 

[cowanrg]

Yep.

I'm looking for a DAC, too!

ah, i see. i think we are looking for entirely different things though.

 

[cowanrg]

so ive narrowed it down. im thinking about these three:

1.) the extreme TDA1543 dac kit. i like it because it uses multiple TDA1543's, has its own supply (just needs an xformer) and seems to be pretty inexpensive.

2.) the audiokitlabs rockna RD-2 or RD-3. a bit more pricey than all the others, but looks good. looks like good parts and good built quality.

3.) the DDDAC 1543 MK2. i really like this one. its relatively cheap, and has a lot going on. looks like inherent support for batteries (i have 10+ SLA 12v's sitting around, no need for power supplie), paralleled TDA1543's, and expansion options.

im probably going to go with the DDDAC if i can figure out what all i need for my setup. has anyone used this dac or had experience with it?

 

[lineup]

good simple dac kit

a little thinking only


when you read a topic:
good simple dac kit
by a long time member at www.diyAudio.com

dont go fooling yourself
what it really means, in translation:
latest technology advanced dac at almost no cost at all and a free sample pcb for me

isnt that right, dear cowanrg


Regards from another
very long time member
gromanswe - halojoy - lineup

 

[cowanrg]

Re: good simple dac kit

a little thinking only


when you read a topic:
good simple dac kit
by a long time member at www.diyAudio.com

dont go fooling yourself
what it really means, in translation:
latest technology advanced dac at almost no cost at all and a free sample pcb for me

isnt that right, dear cowanrg


Regards from another
very long time member
gromanswe - halojoy - lineup

nope, not at all. not only am i willing to pay for something, but im dont care if its cutting edge technology or not.

i just want something that sounds great and is reasonable. obviously, from this thread, there are plenty of kits out there that suit my needs, i just need to decide which will be the best value.

if you've seen any of my projects, you know im not all about keeping it cheap and simple